Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem and the UFC's 5 Most Exciting Upcoming Bouts

As the Ultimate Fighting Championship continues to establish itself as one of the world's fastest growing organizations, so too will its expectations grow.

Over the past several years, the UFC has provided fans with some of the best entertainment known to mankind.

Fans across the globe have witnessed some of the greatest fights, knockouts and submissions of all time.

Chances are they will continue to receive this entertainment, as the UFC shows no signs of slowing down.

The following slides display the five most exciting upcoming bouts in the UFC.

Let's take a look.

5. Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson

While many fans failed to recognize Frankie Edgar as the best fighter in the lightweight division, he shot down all doubts in his spectacular performance against Gray Maynard at UFC 136.

However, it was Ben Henderson who caught many eyes recently as he was declared victorious over Clay Guida in one of the most exciting fights of the year.

Fans across the globe were amazed by how strong Henderson was, as Guida simply couldn't take him down.

But for Henderson to prove he is worthy of UFC gold, he'll have to go through arguably the toughest fighter in the UFC.

4. Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida

For many UFC fans, Jon Jones has been hit-or-miss. Some recognize him as one of the greatest light heavyweights of all time, while others regard him as unworthy of the hype.

Jones will get to prove his critics wrong when he enters the Octagon to take on highly dangerous Lyoto Machida at UFC 140.

Jones has never lost a legitimate fight in his mixed martial arts career if you turn a blind eye to his disqualification against Matt Hamill in 2009.

However, Jones will receive the toughest test of his career, as Machida brings a style that the young champion isn't familiar with.

3. Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz

After one of the most impressive performances in Nick Diaz's mixed martial arts careers in his victory over BJ Penn at UFC 137, fans across the globe began discussing the possibility of seeing Diaz and Georges St-Pierre square off in a title fight.

Well, that's exactly what will happen. UFC president Dana White stated he would scratch Carlos Condit off the next title shot and fill the void with none other than Diaz.

While the fighting styles are certainly an attraction for many viewers, it's the trash talking that went on following Diaz's win at UFC 137 that has caused this bout to be one of the most anticipated of all time.

2. Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem

Brock Lesnar will look to return to his normal form when he squares off with UFC newcomer Alistair Overeem in one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC history at UFC 141.

There are many uncertainties heading into this heavyweight showdown, as Lesnar has been off for more than a full year and Overeem has yet to fight at the highest stage in mixed martial arts.

Regardless, two of the UFC's heaviest hitters promise to send fireworks off on December 30th in front of a sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena.

To make matters even better, UFC president Dana White has already announced the winner will move on to face Junior dos Santos for a shot at the heavyweight title.

1. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen

After dominating action for four-and-a-half rounds, Chael Sonnen found himself just two minutes away from being declared the new UFC middleweight champion.

But Anderson Silva proved once again why he is the best in the world, as he submitted Sonnen in the fifth and final round.

Following their historic bout, Sonnen and about every UFC fan across the globe have demanded a rematch.

That is exactly what they'll be getting.

Silva vs. Sonnen II in 2012.