Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz and the Top 10 Most Anticipated Bouts in 2012

With 2011 quickly coming to an end, we look back and reflect on some of the greatest fights and moments in UFC history.

And, while there are still many fights to be fought and reputations to be established, it's hard not to take a look into what 2012 might bring.

As the new year approaches, we begin to look at the historical fights that await us.

We'll see UFC champions like George St-Pierre put their title up for grabs against No. 1 contenders like Nick Diaz, and much more.

So, the following slides display the 10 most anticipated bouts in 2012.

Let's take a look.

Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz

George St-Pierre was set to square off with Carlos Condit in early 2012 following the return of his knee injury.

But, it was Nick Diaz who stole the show at UFC 137 by defeating B.J. Penn and ultimately replacing Condit in the championship bout.

After Diaz called out St-Pierre and stated he believed his injury to be fake, it was St-Pierre who begged UFC President Dana White for the chance to fight Diaz.

St-Pierre's wish was granted, as UFC fans across the globe can hardly wait for these two to square off.

Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans

It's no secret that Jon Jones and Rashad Evans is a bromance gone bad as the former friends are now enemies.

It was Evans who stormed the Octagon after a Jones victory not once, but twice to challenge the current light-heavyweight champ to a future title fight.

Unfortunately for Evans, an injury kept him from meeting Jones in the Octagon in 2011, so UFC fans will have to wait to see the two meet in 2012.

Frankie Edgar vs. Jose Aldo

Prior to Frankie Edgar's fight with Gray Maynard at UFC 136, fans felt Edgar may need to make the transition to the featherweight division if he were to lose his title.

But, it was Edgar who shocked a lot of fans by knocking out Maynard and remaining the lightweight champion.

Even so, with both Edgar's and Jose Aldo's dominance in their respected weight classes, a clash is bound to happen at some point in the new year.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard IV

Despite being knocked out by Frankie Edgar in his much desired lightweight title fight, Maynard more than likely remains the No. 2 155-pound fighter in the UFC.

And, even with a loss, Maynard and Edgar's rivalry sits at 1-1-1.

While Maynard may have to wait a fight or two until he is once again worthy of a title shot, it's possible to see these two fight for the fourth time in 2012.

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II

Chael Sonnen not only shocked Silva, but the rest of the world when he dominated the current middleweight champion for four-and-a-half rounds before being submitted with two minutes remaining in the fight.

Following his defeat, Sonnen made it a point to call out Silva for a rematch nearly every time he was in front of a microphone.

Not only does Sonnen want another shot at arguably the world's greatest fighter, but so do the fans.

Silva vs. Sonnen II may very well be the most anticipated rematch in UFC history.

Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem

Depending on how things go in Junior dos Santos' title fight against Cain Velasquez, we could see him squaring off with UFC newcomer Alistair Overeem in 2012.

Both dos Santos and Overeem are two of the hardest hitters—not only in the heavyweight division, but the entire UFC.

If things go according to planned for dos Santos, this bout could very easily be a championship fight.

Jon Jones vs. Mauricio Rua/Dan Henderson

With things still up in the air regarding Rashad Evans' return in 2012, if Jon Jones defeats Lyoto Machida at UFC 140, we could see him putting his title up for grabs against the winner of Mauricio Rua and Dan Henderson in 2012.

While things would certainly have to match up for this to occur, the chances of Rua and Henderson receiving the next title shot are improving greatly.

Despite being beaten by Jones once already, Rua wasn't at full health and Henderson may be the biggest threat to Jones' title.

George St-Pierre vs. Carlos Condit

George St-Pierre was set to meet Carlos Condit in a highly anticipated fight at UFC 137 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

However, those plans went to waste when St-Pierre went down with an injury and Condit was later removed from their fight in early 2012 by UFC President Dana White.

Fortunately for Condit, he will more than likely still receive his shot at St-Pierre at some point during the new year.

Cain Velasquez vs. Brock Lesnar II

Things didn't go as planned for Brock Lesnar the first time he met Cain Velasquez at UFC 121, when he was knocked out and stripped of his heavyweight title in the very first round of action.

Fortunately for Lesnar, he has the opportunity to erase his defeat if things were to fall into place for him in 2012.

While Velasquez is arguably the best heavyweight in the UFC today, he's yet to defend his title and will be fully tested when he enters the Octagon against Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 1.

Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones

The whole concept of a "superfight" significantly changed when Anderson Silva announced that he will remain in the UFC for seven more years.

With St-Pierre entertaining the option of dropping to the lightweight division at some point in the future, the chances of seeing Silva and current lightweight champion Jon Jones square off have greatly increased.

If Silva continues to dominate his middleweight opponents, he'll have no choice but to fight his close friend in Jones at some point in 2012.