10 UFC Fighters and the Athletes We'd Love to See Them Fight

Over the past several years, mixed martial arts has developed into the fastest growing sport on the planet.

The UFC, specifically, has become the highest stage for all fighters across the globe.

And, while the UFC continues to grow, so does its fan base. We've seen many professional athletes and celebrities at several pay-per-view events showing their support for mixed martial arts.

While many of these athletes are avid fans of the UFC, it doesn't mean we wouldn't like to see them squaring off inside the Octagon.

So, the following slides display 10 UFC fighters and the athletes we'd love to see them fight.

Let's take a look.

Clay Guida vs. Troy Polamalu

Since entering the UFC in October 2006, Clay Guida has established himself as arguably the wildest fighter in the sport of mixed martial arts.

Guida uses his speed and takedown skills to overwhelm his opponent inside the Octagon.

Guida is very similar to that of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

A match up between Guida and Polamalu would be one the fans would love to see.

Demetrious Johnson vs. Rey Mysterio

Every fan loves their sport's "little guy."

And, in the UFC, that little guy is Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson.

Johnson can be compared to the WWE's Rey Mysterio, one of the smallest pro wrestlers.

Seeing Johnson and Mysterio square off would be comical and entertaining.

Anderson Silva vs. Chad Ochocinco

While many of the other fights listed throughout this article are for entertainment purposes, this one may be a little more on the literal side.

In fact, Chad Ochocinco made it a point to call out current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and challenged him to a fight.

UFC President Dana White challenged Ochocinco to back his words up.

We've seen Ochocinco catch a football, kick a soccer ball and even ride a bull.

Could his Octagon debut against Anderson Silva be next?

Jon Jones vs. LeBron James

Let's be honest, what's a list without the all-too-famous LeBron James?

It's very unlikely James would ever enter the Octagon, but, it would be an absolute "hit" if he were to, as he would attract fans from across the globe.

And, despite the weight difference, what better fight for James than current UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones?

Stefan Struve vs. Shaquille O'Neal

If Shaquille O'Neal were ever actually to enter the Octagon, it would have the possibility of being the biggest pay-per-view event in the history of the UFC.

While Shaq certainly couldn't shed down to 265 lbs., I'm sure the UFC wouldn't mind making an exception for the living legend.

And, if Shaq were to square off, it would have to be against a man his own size.

So, 6'11'' Stefan Struve is as close as we can get.

Dan Hardy vs. Chris "Birdman" Andersen

Dan Hardy may very well be the weirdest and craziest fighter in the entire sport of mixed martial arts today.

And, luckily for Hardy, we've found a match.

The NBA is filled with some less than ordinary guys and one of them is Chris "Birdman" Andersen.

Just take a look at him and you'll understand why this is a match made in heaven.

Roy Nelson vs. C.C. Sabathia

While Roy Nelson may have lost a few pounds heading into UFC 137 with Mirko Cro Cop, he's still a pretty big guy.

Nelson reminds us a lot of current MLB pitcher C.C. Sabathia, as he has similar stature.

Could you imagine the hype for this bout as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history squares off with one of the most well-liked fighters in UFC history?

Rampage Jackson vs. Ray Lewis

When a fan thinks of the word "mean" in the NFL, they more than likely think of Ray Lewis.

And, the same could be said for Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as he comes off as one of the meanest fighters in the UFC today.

Rampage Jackson vs. Ray Lewis could be one of the most exciting fights we see.

BJ Penn vs. Shane Victorino

Over the past several years, BJ Penn has established himself as one of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.

Both Penn and Victorino stand 5'9'' and Penn would have no problem gaining a few pounds to take on the Philadelphia Phillies' outfielder.

This bout could take place in Hawaii as both fighters were born there.

Brock Lesnar vs. James Harrison

Brock Lesnar very well might be the meanest and one of the toughest fighters in the sport of mixed martial arts today.

But, so is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

Could you imagine the stare down between these two?

Better yet, imagine these two squaring off inside the Octagon.