10 of the best upcoming fights in the UFC

2015 has already been a crazy year. We’ve seen Rafael Dos Anjos, Fabricio Werdum and Holly Holm win UFC gold against all the odds and we’ve seen Daniel Cormier have his dreams of becoming a UFC Champion crushed and then later become a reality when Jon Jones was stripped of his title. We’ve also seen new breakout stars emerge like Paige VanZant, Sage Northcutt and Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Conor McGregor backed up all his talk by winning a UFC title.

With just a few weeks left before the end of the year, there are still so many great fights for us to look forward to. Here are some of the best…

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10. Edson Barboza vs Tony Ferguson at the TUF 22 Finale

The winner of the fight between Edson Barboza and Tony Ferguson at the TUF 22 Finale will take one step closer to a title shot. This should be a great fight because both guys are tough and both guys are well rounded. Barboza is 10-3 in the UFC, while Ferguson is 9-1 and currently riding a 6 fight winning streak. Barboza and Ferguson have a long history of being involved in exciting fights. I can’t wait for this one!!!

9. Paige VanZant vs Rose Namajunas at UFC Fight Night 80

Two of the hottest prospects in the Women’s Strawweight division collide as Paige VanZant takes on Rose Namajunas in the main event of UFC Fight Night 80. Paige was able to build a name for herself in the UFC, whilst Rose climbed to the top of the division after running through all of her opponents on Season 20 of the Ultimate Fighter. Both these girls are scheduled to have a bright future in the sport, but who will come out on top in this pivotal matchup?

8. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs Yoel Romero at UFC 194

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza takes on Yoel Romero at UFC 194 in a number one contender bout for the next shot at the Middleweight title. This is the 3rd time that this fight has been scheduled, after being cancelled twice due to injuries. Hopefully on December 12th we will finally get to see these two fighters compete. Both of these guys have looked amazing since they signed for the UFC. Jacare has won 5 straight, with 4 of them being impressive finishes. Romero has been just as impressive winning all 6 of his fights in the promotion. I expect fireworks when these two finally get to fight in the Octagon. Could one of these fighters be the next UFC Middleweight Champion?

7. Donald Cerrone vs Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 17

Donald Cerrone has finally earned a title shot against Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 17. Cerrone has won his last 8 fights in impressive fashion and has a 15-3 record since his first fight in the UFC nearly 5 years ago. Rafael Dos Anjos improves so much from fight to fight and it will be interesting to see if he can dominate Cerrone like he has recently dominated Benson Henderson, Nate Diaz and Anthony Pettis. Donald Cerrone is never involved in a boring fight. I can’t wait for this one!

6. Carlos Condit vs Robbie Lawler at UFC 195

Robbie Lawler has looked like a completely different fighter since returning to the UFC. He has great cardio, powerful striking and great takedown defense. Condit is as game as they come, tough as nails, has an iron chin and is very difficult to stop. There’s no way that this fight could be boring. We are almost guaranteed extreme action in this one. This fight is sure to be one of the best of the year.

5. Michael Johnson vs Nate Diaz at UFC on FOX 17

Michael Johnson is coming off a controversial split decision loss to Beneil Dariush, whilst Nate Diaz is returning to action after a one sided beat down at the hands of Rafael Dos Anjos. Neither of these guys take a backwards step, they both like to stand and strike and they both have a point to prove at UFC on FOX 17. I am expecting fireworks when these two meet. This should be a great fight!

4. Chad Mendes vs Frankie Edgar at the TUF 22 Finale

Chad Mendes takes on Frankie Edgar at the TUF 22 Finale in a number one contender fight for the UFC Featherweight title. These two will fight the night before the Featherweight title is scheduled to be contested at the MGM Grand between Conor McGregor and Jose Aldo. This should be a great fight, but I can’t help but feel that the UFC scheduled this matchup just incase “Jose doesn’t show up”. I’m looking forward to seeing which one of these guys emerges as the next challenger for the Featherweight crown.

3. Dominick Cruz vs TJ Dillawshaw at UFC on FOX 18

TJ Dillashaw has looked incredible as the UFC Bantamweight Champion since beating Renan Barao. Now he has to take on Dominick Cruz who was the first ever UFC Bantamweight Champion before being stripped of his title due to injury. This is a classic matchup between the old school and the new school and I can’t wait to see how things play out. Both these guys are super talented, super exciting to watch and they both have cardio for days. This should be an action packed fight. I can’t wait.

2. Chris Weidman vs Luke Rockhold at UFC 194

Chris Weidman will defend his UFC Middleweight title against Luke Rockhold in the co-main event of UFC 194. Weidman is an incredible athlete who won the title after beating Anderson Silva who was 16-0 in the UFC back in 2013. He then went on to defend his title 3 times against Vitor Belfort, Lyoto Machida and in a rematch with Anderson Silva. Luke Rockhold is the former Strikeforce Middlweight Champion and has a ton of impressive wins under his belt. Rockhold and Weidman are so well matched that this is almost guaranteed to be a great fight.

1. Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo at UFC 194

Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in UFC history. Aldo has been one of the most dominant champions ever, whilst McGregor is one of the most popular fighters of all time. This will be Jose Aldo’s 10th title defense and McGregor will undoubtedly be his toughest test to date. McGregor has taken the UFC by storm since his debut back in 2013, but both these guys have the ability to end a fight at any time. I don’t see any way that this fight could disappoint. Christmas is going to come early when these two meet on December the 12th.