Predicting Every UFC Champion by the End of 2012

The year 2011 belonged to Jon Jones and Junior Dos Santos.

Both UFC fighters climbed to the top of their respective divisions to capture a world title. The year 2012 represents a fresh start for champions and would-be challengers.

With only two bouts in 2011, Dos Santos fought like the champion he would later prove to be in his heavyweight championship bout with Cain Velasquez in November.

Velasquez was being hailed as the surefire heavyweight kingpin for years to come, but one right hand from Dos Santos proved that there is never a sure thing in MMA.

Meanwhile, Jones put in work like a man on an assembly line.

The 24-year-old stud not only defeated Mauricio "Shogun" Rua to capture the UFC light heavyweight title, but he also managed to defend the title two consecutive times against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Lyoto Machida.

All of this doesn't even include his submission win over then-top contender Ryan Bader in February.

Statistically, there is a high probability that every UFC champ won't be left standing by the end of 2012.

Who will reign over each division by the end of the year?

And Still Heavyweight Champion: Junior Dos Santos

After dethroning Cain Velasquez at UFC on Fox 1, Junior Dos Santos was forced to undergo knee surgery, which could postpone his upcoming bout with Alistair Overeem until early Summer.

The winner could face the winner of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix finale between Josh Barnett and Daniel Cormier.

While Dos Santos may not be the best all-around striker in the heavyweight division, he is certainly the best boxer with the most reliable chin.

Stylistically, Velasquez is still Dos Santos' toughest matchup.

If this prediction holds true, the two young heavyweights will likely see each other again in early 2013.

And Still Light Heavyweight Champion: Jon Jones

The light heavyweight division is one of the toughest in the sport, but it's hard to envision anyone defeating Jon Jones in the near future.

Potential bouts against Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson are on deck, but after those, who's left to challenge the young star?

Jones is quickly becoming the memory eraser that's making everyone forget how competitive the light heavyweight division used to be.

A…New Middleweight Champion: Chael Sonnen

By this time next year, Uncle Chael will be brandishing a UFC strap.

Chael Sonnen has sought a rematch with Anderson Silva since being submitted by the pound-for-pound kingpin in August 2010, but Silva has ignored virtually every challenge and verbal jab thrown his way.

If Sonnen gets past Mark Munoz at UFC on Fox 2, UFC President Dana White is already talking about putting together the blockbuster rematch between Sonnen and Silva, which could take place in a soccer stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Undisputed Welterweight Champion: Georges St-Pierre

With Georges St-Pierre out with a torn ACL, the UFC has opted to put on an interim championship bout between Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit.

Depending on the French Canadian's recovery process, the winner could face St-Pierre immediately after in an undisputed title bout.

With that said, St-Pierre should have a distinct advantage over Diaz or Condit, and it would be shocking if he isn't ready to compete by late fall or early winter.

A…New Lightweight Champion: Ben Henderson

UFC lightweight contender Ben Henderson continues to fight for respect in his post-WEC days.

In 2011, he made his UFC presence known by crushing incredibly stout opposition in Jim Miller, Clay Guida and Mark Bocek.

Can he keep the ball rolling in his upcoming championship bout against Frankie Edgar?

It's definitely a tough bout to call, but this journalist is banking on Henderson utilizing his superior size and world-class wrestling to ride out time on the ground and in the clinch.

A…New Featherweight Champion: Chad Mendes

At UFC 142, Jose Aldo will face the biggest test of his MMA career against Chad "Money" Mendes.

Unlike previous world-class wrestlers Aldo has dispatched of, Mendes won't deviate from his game plan and test his luck on the feet.

He is going the pressure Aldo with constant takedown attempts and suffocating top control.

We have yet to see how Aldo reacts to being planted on his back.

If you're a betting man, you should definitely throw down some change on Mendes.

And Still Bantamweight Champion: Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz could be the safest champion on this list.

Outside of a rubber match with Urijah Faber, there aren't too many big-time fights left for Cruz at 135 pounds.

Like Jon Jones and Anderson Silva in their respective weight classes, Cruz's prolonged dominance over upper-echelon opposition has turned the bantamweight division into a wasteland.

With Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez dropping to flyweight, it's tough to ponder what's next for Cruz if he gets past Faber.

A…New Flyweight Champion: Demetrious Johnson

The UFC has decided to put on a four-man tournament to decide the inaugural champion of the 125-pound division.

Demetrious Johnson and Joseph Benavidez stand out as early favorites.

Look for the two former bantamweight title contenders to roll into the finals and battle it out in a bout that should undoubtedly draw in votes as an early candidate for fight of the year.

In the end, "Mighty Mouse" will leave his mark on history by getting his hand raised and becoming the first ever UFC flyweight champion.