25 Bold Predictions for MMA in 2012

As we quickly approach the end of 2011, we begin to look back on one of the greatest years in mixed martial arts.

Over the past year, fans and viewers across the globe had the opportunity to witness some of the greatest fights, submissions and knockouts of all time.

As we continue into the new year, mixed martial arts fans' expectations will continue to grow along with the sport's popularity.

As expected, 2012 has potential to be the biggest year of all time for mixed martial arts, as organizations like the UFC are rapidly approaching the mainstream.

Like any year, many fighters will establish themselves as legitimate contenders, others will wear UFC gold for the first time and, of course, some fighters will fall off the map as their careers begin to fade away.

The following slides display 25 bold predictions for MMA in 2012.

Let's take a look.

Flyweight Division Established

As we've seen, the Ultimate Fighting Championship recently added two weight classes when it joined forces with the WEC.

As we move forward into the new year, there's the possibility we could see yet another weight division become part of the UFC:

The flyweight division.

Phil Davis Gets a Title Shot

Phil Davis is set to square off with arguably the toughest opponent of his mixed martial arts career when he meets Rashad Evans at UFC on FOX II.

However, Davis has quickly established himself as one of the best wrestlers in the 205-pound weight division, as he's never been taken down in his career.

There's a chance we could see Davis earn himself a title shot when 2012 rolls around.

Chael Sonnen Becomes Middleweight Champion

Every UFC fan across the globe knows the rivalry that's been present ever since Chael Sonnen was submitted by Anderson Silva in the fifth and final round at UFC 117.

While Sonnen will have to defeat Mark Munoz before meeting Silva for a second time, it's likely we'll see the sequel in 2012.

Unfortunately for Silva, if it's anything like the last go-around, he could be dethroned by Sonnen.

Chad Mendes Dethrones Jose Aldo

Chad Mendes recently joined forces with the UFC and was declared worthy of a featherweight title fight against Jose Aldo at UFC 142.

While Aldo has certainly declared himself as one of the best 145-pound fighters of all time, he's yet to fight someone with the wrestling skills of Mendes.

"Money" Mendes could be the new titleholder following his January bout.

UFC and Strikeforce Merge

Many fans are still surprised the organization of Strikeforce is still above water, as the UFC has become the elite stage for all fighters across the globe.

At some point during the new year, fans will see the joining of the UFC and Strikeforce.

Jon Jones Doesn't Lose

While Jon Jones has clearly become the best young fighter in all of mixed martial arts, he is just that—young.

But Jones is the exception to inexperience, as he's also been proclaimed one of the most dominating light heavyweights of all time at just 24 years young.

"Bones" Jones will certainly face elite competition in 2012 but will come out remaining the champion.

Cain Velasquez Regains His Title

Cain Velasquez entered UFC on FOX as the UFC heavyweight champion only to lose it 64 seconds later.

But Velasquez will certainly get his revenge against Junior dos Santos at some point during 2012 and will be much better prepared this time around.

Fans shouldn't be surprised if Velasquez recaptures his much-desired UFC title.

Ben Henderson Wears UFC Gold

Ben Henderson not only proved he was a better fighter than Clay Guida in their lightweight showdown at UFC on FOX but that he's a legitimate title contender as well.

Henderson will get his chance to be declared the new UFC lightweight champion when he takes on Frankie Edgar at UFC 144.

"Bendo" could be the next 155-pound champion, as he is one of the strongest lighter-weight fighters in the UFC.

Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua Rematch

Dan Henderson and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua met at UFC 139 for what would be considered by many the greatest fight of all time.

After five brutal and punishing rounds, Henderson's hand was raised by way of unanimous decision.

A rematch is a must at some point in the new year.

Jon Fitch Gets a Title Shot

Since entering the sport of mixed martial arts, all Jon Fitch has done is win, win and win some more.

However, simply winning was never enough for UFC president Dana White, as Fitch was believed to be on the back burner of the UFC welterweight division.

If Fitch can capture a win at UFC 141 and possibly another one in early 2012, he'll have done enough to earn himself a title fight.

Fedor Signs with the UFC

At one point in his career, Fedor Emelianenko was considered the most dangerous fighter on the planet, as he went nearly 10 years without a defeat.

However, Fedor has fallen from his throne, as he's won just one fight in his last four outings.

It's better late than never for Fedor.

GSP Finishes Nick Diaz

When UFC fans think of Georges St-Pierre, they think of one of the greatest welterweights to have ever stepped inside the Octagon.

However, they also think of a man who often struggles to finish his fights.

In arguably the biggest fight of his life against Nick Diaz at UFC 143, St-Pierre will finish off his opponent before the final bell rings.

Renan Barao Earns a Title Shot

Not many fans knew who Renan Barao was prior to his bout with Brad Pickett at UFC 138 in Birmingham, England.

However, Barao opened many eyes in an impressive first-round submission victory, which was also his 28th consecutive fight without a defeat.

If Barao continues to dominate his opponents, he could find himself fighting for a title near the end of 2012.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller Gets Cut

Jason "Mayhem" Miller entered the Octagon at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale with expectations of reliving his early career of dominance.

Unfortunately for Miller and his fans, that never happened.

In a one-sided affair against Michael Bisping, Miller was declared the loser via technical knockout in the third round.

Another disappointing performance could be the end of the road for Miller.

Wanderlei Silva Will Win Again

As Wanderlei Silva approached his bout with Cung Le at UFC 139, many fans believed it could be the last fight of his historical career.

That wasn't the case, as not only did Silva knock out Le, but he also shared Fight of the Night honors with Dan Henderson and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua.

Silva will win at least once more before his career comes to an end.

Anthony Johnson Becomes Middleweight Contender

Following his spectacular knockout victory over Charlie Brenneman at UFC on Versus, Anthony Johnson announced that he would be moving to the middleweight division.

In his first fight, Johnson will be taking on none other than mixed martial arts legend Vitor Belfort.

A win over Belfort could be only the beginning of a dominating career, as Johnson is just 27 years old.

Tito Ortiz Retires

At one point in his career, Tito Ortiz was considered one of the best light heavyweight fighters in the world.

However, things have quickly changed for Ortiz, as he's won just one fight in his last seven appearances.

Ortiz is set to take on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 140 on December 10th, which means a loss could be all she wrote for the Huntington Beach Bad Boy.

Melvin Guillard Falls off the Map

Melvin Guillard entered UFC 136 to take on Joe Lauzon in what could have solidified his shot at a lightweight championship.

Just under a minute into Round 1, Lauzon submitted Guillard via rear-naked choke in one of the biggest upsets of the year.

Guillard will lose in 2012 and begin to disappear from the UFC.

Brock Lesnar Retires

Brock Lesnar is currently set to take on Alistair Overeem on December 30th at UFC 141 with the winner to move on for a heavyweight title fight.

However, if Lesnar falls short against the UFC newcomer Overeem, he'll have lost two consecutive fights with no signs of recapturing his much-desired heavyweight championship.

With everything that's come to play in Lesnar's life over the past year, fans shouldn't be surprised to see Lesnar step away from mixed martial arts in 2012.

Donald Cerrone Goes Unbeaten

Donald Cerrone has rapidly become one of the best up-and-coming fighters in the UFC, as he's won six consecutive fights.

Not only is Cerrone making a run towards the top of the lightweight division, but he's done it in impressive fashion.

"The Cowboy" won't lose in 2012.

Nick Diaz Is Silent

It's hard to imagine the personality of Nick Diaz being anything other than what it has been over the past several years.

However, Diaz will face the toughest opponent of his career when he meets Georges St-Pierre at UFC 143 in 2012.

Diaz may very well get a taste of reality, causing him to become speechless.

Silent Nick? Could it be?

Chris Leben Announces Retirement

Following his bout with Mark Munoz at UFC 138 in Birmingham, England, Chris Leben failed a mandatory drug test given by the UFC.

Leben would later be suspended for a full year by UFC president Dana White.

Over the course of his career, Leben has always been referred to as the "gatekeeper" of the middleweight division, and with the lengthy time off, UFC 138 could have been the last time we saw "The Crippler."

Rampage Jackson Doesn't Win

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is coming off the biggest fight of his life, where he was defeated by Jon Jones at UFC 135 and fell short of becoming the new 205-pound champion.

Jackson is now set to meet Ryan Bader in Japan at UFC 144.

However, "Rampage" is no longer the fighter he once was, as he hasn't knocked out an opponent since Wanderlei Silva in 2008.

Jackson won't win in 2012, not even against Bader.

Alistair Overeem Wins Just One Fight

In one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, Alistair Overeem will meet Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 for the last fight card of 2011.

While Overeem may defeat Lesnar in his UFC debut, that could be all "The Reem" does heading into the new year.

Overeem will then be set to square off with an opponent with striking just as good as his own, if not better, in Junior dos Santos.

Overeem could win just one fight in 2012.

Carlos Condit Never Gets Title Shot

Carlos Condit was originally set to take on Georges St-Pierre at some point in 2012 for a shot at becoming the new welterweight champion.

But that was scratched when UFC president Dana White announced he would be replaced by none other than Nick Diaz.

Condit is set to take on Josh Koscheck at UFC 143, and a loss would eliminate him from title contention.

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