UFC: 7 Future Matchups Fans Want To See

Every mixed martial arts fan across the globe loves to discuss the possibility of seeing Anderson Silva square off with George St-Pierre or even against Jon Jones.

However, despite our wants and needs, it's likely that some of these fights will never happen as the complexity of the UFC is stronger than ever.

With that being said, there remain many other fights that UFC fans would love to see.

These fights are more realistic and have a greater possibility of happening as the new year quickly approaches.

So, the following slides display seven awesome matchups that UFC fans want to see.

Let's take a look.

Dominick Cruz vs. Renan Barao

A few short months ago, the chances of seeing Dominick Cruz square off with Renan Barao were slim to none.

However, that all changed when Barao caught the eyes of fans and viewers across the globe in his spectacular submission victory over Brad Pickett at UFC 138.

And while Barao still has a few notches to climb on the bantamweight ladder, he's rapidly moving closer to a title shot with the current champion in Cruz.

Jose Aldo vs. Hatsu Hioki

Despite a subpar performance in his UFC debut at UFC 137 against George Roop, Hatsu Hioki remains a top contender in the featherweight division.

It'd be interesting to see this potential matchup occur since both Jose Aldo and Hioki have completely different fighting styles.

It's likely Aldo would look for the knockout blow early while Hioki would wait for a chance to work his well-established submission skills.

Frankie Edgar vs. Gilbert Melendez

Frankie Edgar may very well face his toughest opponent to date when he enters the Octagon to take on Ben Henderson at UFC 144 in Japan.

And, while Edgar is certainly not looking past Henderson, fans have been talking about the possibility of seeing Edgar and Gilbert Melendez square off in a lightweight showdown.

However, Melendez would have to join forces with the UFC in order for this fight to occur.

George St-Pierre vs. Jake Ellenberger

Similar to Frankie Edgar, current UFC welterweight champion George St-Pierre will have his focus on his up-and-coming opponent which consists of Nick Diaz in early 2012.

But it's not too early to envision the possible clash between St-Pierre and heavy-hitting Jake Ellenberger.

Ellenberger is quickly climbing up the 170-pound ladder and is set to take on Diego Sanchez in February of 2012.

Could Ellenberger knockout St-Pierre with his vicious striking?

Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping

To say Anderson Silva versus a middleweight opponent other than Chael Sonnen would be competitive would be a lie.

However, since his devastating defeat to Silva at UFC 117, Sonnen hasn't simply called out just Silva but many other fighters in the UFC.

One of these fighters is Michael Bisping.

If things fall into place, we potentially could see two of the most outspoken men meet in the Octagon at some point in 2012.

Jon Jones vs. Phil Davis

Many UFC fans across the globe will immediately shy away from the possibility of seeing Phil Davis in the Octagon fighting for the UFC light heavyweight championship.

However, it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility, since a win over Rashad Evans at UFC on FOX II could solidify his shot.

Davis is arguably the best wrestler in the 205-pound weight class and has never even been taken down in his mixed martial arts career.

Junior Dos Santos vs. Brock Lesnar

After the biggest win of his career over Cain Velasquez at UFC on FOX I, Junior Dos Santos was declared the new UFC heavyweight champion.

Dos Santos will now await the winner of Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem which will take place at UFC 141 on December 30th, 2011.

If Lesnar were to escape with a victory, he could pose a huge threat to Dos Santos due to his unproven wrestling skills.