5 UFC Fights that absolutely have to happen in 2013
2013 is just around the corner, promising many great Mixed Martial Arts battles. This might be the year we finally see Georges St. Pierre vs. Anderson Silva, and Jon Jones’ final bouts at 205 before moving to Heavyweight. This could also be a championship breakthrough year for many young UFC stars, such as Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson.
So which fight absolutely has to happen in 2013? Hereby are five good reasons for Mayan Doomsday Predictions to go wrong. As always, make sure to share your list of five fights you want to see next year in the comments section below.
Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre
So what there’s left to say about this fight? Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre would be the biggest fight in MMA history, other than Silva vs. Jon Jones. The fans want it, MMA needs it. Georges St. Pierre is currently undecided about his future inside the Octagon, but one thing is true, fighting Silva is his only chance to get past the eternal #2 spot on the Pound-for-Pound rankings. Some individuals would put GSP at #1 in first place (myself included, maybe), but the truth is still out there – this fight is the legacy statement Georges St. Pierre is always talking about.
Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem
This heavyweight blockbuster was originally scheduled to take place earlier this year. However, Overeem failed a surprise drug test, and the rest is history. Yet, Overeem is widely regarded as one of the best fighters on the planet, and a serious threat to Junior dos Santos’ reign as the UFC Heavyweight champion. Both fighters are well-known for their KO power, promising a thunderous encounter inside the Octagon when (or if) this match-up finally becomes a reality. It’s power vs. speed, and the most intriguing Heavyweight bout since Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar at UFC 100.
It took no less than three years to convince Frankie Edgar that he should be fighting at Featherweight. It’s always great to see Frankie Edgar facing a new opponent, especially after having three consecutive rematches at Lightweight. While Aldo threatens to send “The Answer” back to 155, he should definitely consider Edgar as his toughest test to date. This would also be an important fight for Frankie Edgar’s Pound-for-Pound ranking. Like it or not, but many fighters are still talking about “The Answer” as one of the top three fighters on the planet. Jose Aldo will put this claim to a heavy-duty test. After getting postponed over and over again, this fight is now expected to take place at UFC 156, on February 2nd in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Jon Jones
Yes, both fighters have a very tough match-ups ahead. But still, I think many of you, dear LowKick’ers, would agree that Alexander Gustafsson is currently the most challenging opponent for Jon Jones in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. Despite his quiet and peaceful demeanor, Gustafsson is often mentioned as one of the most intimidating fighters inside the training room. Jon Jones is well aware of the fact that there’s a young and hungry Sweden climbing up the ladder. He knows that after fighting Chael Sonnen in April, Alexander Gustafsson could well be the next in line for a shot at the title. Too bad Rua and Sonnen have plans of their own.
Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
This is the only non-title fight on this list. Cerrone and Pettis are both fierce competitors, with sights on earning their first title shot in the UFC Lightweight division. There’s also a long history of trash talk between the two, with Cerrone famously calling Pettis “a b*tch” for “hiding behind injuries”. This is a great clash of styles and personalities, which has Fight of the Year written all over it. Cerrone and Pettis are currently lined-up to hit each other in the face on January 26th. Interestingly enough, Pettis is currently battling a serious Staph Infection. However, Showtime promised he will be 100% fight-fit for his late January date with the Cowboy. Let’s hope for the best.
