10 UFC Fights That Need to Take Place on FOX in 2012

The Ultimate Fighting Championship aired its first live televised event on the FOX Network on November 12th, 2011 in what would go down as one of the biggest nights in the history of the sport and organization.

The UFC will look to continue growing as a dominant force when it airs its next event on January 28th, 2012.

As the UFC continues to grow, so will its expectations.

UFC fans across the globe will soon begin demanding to see specific fights with the most entertainment and thrill possible.

UFC on FOX events will have expectations through the roof, as they have already displayed one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history in Junior dos Santos' victory over Cain Velasquez in the heavyweight title clash.

The following slides display 10 fights we need to see on FOX in 2012.

Let's take a look.

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen II

Despite Dana White confirming that Anderson Silva likely won't return until at least June 2012, it's very likely that Silva will still have to square off with Chael Sonnen.

If Sonnen can defeat Mark Munoz at UFC on FOX II, he'll be more than ready to take on the man he greatly despises.

If UFC fans around the world enjoy the show Sonnen puts on in January at Fox's second event, pending an announcement by UFC president Dana White, it's likely they'll want him back for a second go-around.

Only this time with a lot more at stake.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

After one of the greatest comebacks in the history of mixed martial arts, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua came up just short in a decision defeat to Dan Henderson at UFC 139.

Also coming off a recent loss is highly dangerous striker Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.

With Jackson no longer a possibility for UFC's fight card in Japan, it's likely he could be squaring off with Rua at some point in 2012.

Why not live on FOX?

Dominick Cruz vs. Urijah Faber III

It was Urijah Faber who snuck out the victory the first time he met Dominick Cruz at WEC 26, submitting his opponent before two minutes even ticked off the clock.

However, Cruz avenged his loss when he was declared victorious over Faber via unanimous decision at UFC 132 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Still, Faber proved he was back in championship form after an electrifying victory over Brian Bowles at UFC 139.

Faber vs. Cruz for a third time?

Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua II

At UFC 139 in San Jose, California, Dan Henderson met Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the main event of the evening.

In what would go down as one of the greatest fights in mixed martial arts history, Henderson was declared victorious via unanimous decision.

After a historic performance from the two, it's likely UFC fans across the globe will be demanding a rematch at some point in the future.

Why not live on the FOX Network in 2012?

Junior dos Santos vs. Brock Lesnar/Alistair Overeem Winner

Junior dos Santos was declared the new UFC heavyweight champion on national television after a spectacular knockout victory over Cain Velasquez at the UFC on FOX debut.

What better for dos Santos than to return to FOX to take on the winner of the highly anticipated bout between Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem at UFC 141?

Lesnar and Overeem are two of the most popular fighters not only in the UFC, but the entire heavyweight division.

Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans

There are a few things that need to fall into place in order for Jon Jones to meet Rashad Evans at some point in 2012.

First, Jones will have to successfully defend his UFC light heavyweight title against Lyoto Machida at UFC 140.

Second, Evans will have to be completely healthy and receive the No. 1 contender spot over Dan Henderson.

Regardless, this bout would be a huge hit if it were to air on the FOX Network in 2012.

Josh Koscheck vs. Jake Ellenberger

While Josh Koscheck may be one of the most hated fighters in all of mixed martial arts, it's hard to deny just how good he is.

Not too far behind him is up-and-coming welterweight Jake Ellenberger.

Ellenberger has lost just one fight since entering the UFC and is considered by many the hardest hitter in the entire 170-pound weight division.

Koscheck vs. Ellenberger is bound to happen in 2012.

Why not on FOX?

Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson II

Anderson Silva is arguably the greatest mixed martial artist in UFC history, as he's never been defeated inside the Octagon.

Though Silva reigned supreme in their first matchup, Dan Henderson was one of his toughest opponents to date.

Depending on how things turn out with timing and injuries, there's a chance we could see Henderson drop back down to the middleweight division to take on Silva for an electrifying matchup.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gilbert Melendez

There are a few things that would need to occur in order for Frankie Edgar and Gilbert Melendez to meet inside the Octagon.

Edgar would have to get by No. 1 contender Ben Henderson when they square off in a lightweight championship bout in early 2012.

Of course, Melendez would have to make the transition to the UFC.

However, could you imagine the hype if this were to air on a FOX event in 2012?

Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson

One thing's for sure: Dan Henderson deserves some type of title fight when 2012 rolls around.

If Henderson doesn't square off with Anderson Silva, there's a chance he could be fighting for the light heavyweight title instead.

Henderson could very well be the biggest threat to Jon Jones, as he brings a well-rounded threat to the table.

Bones vs. Hendo?