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Is one of these 'Fight Of The Year' for 2012?
1.) Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson/UFC 142 - For those of you that love a good striking matchup, this one shouldn't disappoint. Anthony Johnson will be trying for his third consecutive win after going through Dan Hardy and Charles Breenenan. Vitor Belfort looks to get back in the win column after losing to Anderson Silva at UFC 126. Before that, "The Phenom" hadn't lost since 2006. Belfort's cage experience in addition to the number of "big" fights he's had makes this on an easy pick for me. Belfort by KO in the second round.
2.) Jose Aldo vs. Chad Mendes/UFC 142 - Aldo continues to steamroll the competition as he enters the cage looking for his 14 consecutive win. After seeing what he was able to do against Hominick and Florian, I don't give but the smallest chance to Mendes. Mendes is currently undefeated although he has faced lesser quality opponents along the way. That said, you can only fight who they put in front of you. Watch for Aldo to pick apart Mendes on their feet. If it goes to the mat, Aldo will be able to work back to his feet each time ultimately making the difference. Aldo by unanimous judges decision.
3.) Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson/UFC 144 - With the Gray Maynard trilogy wrapped up, it's time for Edgar to focus on the always tough Benson Henderson. Henderson is riding a 3 fight win streak after a huge win over Clay Guida as part of the UFC's debut on Fox. What stands out most in this matchup is the length of Henderson compared to the more compact frame of Edgar. Will Edgar be able to get inside on Henderson? Will Henderson be able to ride out the initial surge of the Jersey native? Edgar by unanimous judges decision.
4.) Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz/UFC On Fox 2 - With two Division I All-American wrestlers facing off, this should be a great display of take downs and transitions. Munoz is vying for his 5th win in a row after huge wins over the likes of Chris Leben and Demian Maia. Sonnen is trying to get back in contention, distancing himself from all of his legal troubles he faced over the last couple of years including real estate fraud and steroid allegations. Munoz is not quite as sharp in the striking game which will make the difference in this one.
5.) Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz/UFC 143 - Two years ago more fans would have gone with Condit to take the interim welterweight strap than now. As much as Diaz has seemingly improved over this time, it looks like GSP might be the only one to possibly finish him. As elite a fighter as Condit has become since I first saw him at a Ring Of Fire, I see Diaz having the clear advantage both on the feet and ground. One thing you can't take away from "The Natural Born Killer" is his heart, which will make this one of the best of 2012. Diaz by TKO in the 3rd.
**Honorable Mention / Duane Ludwig vs. Josh Neer / UFC On FX 1** - We couldn't leave Colorado's "Bang" Ludwig off this list as he looks to dispatch Neer and get back in contention in 2012. Neer's style matches up perfectly with Ludwig. Someone that constantly moves forward throwing big punches. This will let "Bang" work his top level counter-striking to get the win. Ludwig by KO in the 1st round.
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See you at the fights!
