1. Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones Cormier, 33, has amassed a solid 10-0 record fighting mostly for Strikeforce, defeating Antonio Silva and Josh Barnett recently. At a stocky 5'11" and 240lbs., many have expressed interest in seeing him compete at light heavyweight. A 13" reach disadvantage aside, Cormier's combination of explosive punching power and stellar wrestling pedigree could prove the best test yet for Jones, who is on a fast track to becoming the GOAT. A potentially upcoming match between Jones and Dan Henderson could provide a clue as to how this fantasy match-up might play out. 2. Ronda Rousey vs. Cristiane Santos or Gina Carano Even if there isn't enough talent at 135-lbs. to create a full-time women's division in the UFC, there is still plenty of interest in seeing champion Ronda Rousey fight. Doubly so if somehow the UFC can arrange to have her face disgraced champion Cris Cyborg Santos or, better yet, movie star Gina Carano (though the former fight would be more competitive). 3. Gilbert Melendez vs. Benson Henderson Widely regarded as a top-3 lightweight but anchored to a Strikeforce deal that prevents him from joining the UFC, Gilbert Melendez might be the most exciting addition to the UFC roster in the event of a Strikeforce implosion. Melendez is on a seven-fight winning streak and possesses the combination of skills required to be a contender in the UFC's lightweight division. What he gives up to Henderson in agility and athleticism he makes up for in brutal ground and pound and knockout punching power. Henderson faces Melendez's teammate Nate Diaz next, potentially throwing a wrench into this idea. 4. Gegard Mousasi vs. Lyoto Machida Forgotten middleweight and light heavyweight star Gegard Mousasi hasn't fought in 2012. Mousasi has one loss on his record since 2006, to steroid cheat Mo Lawal, with stoppage wins over the likes of Melvin Manhoef, Jacare Souza, Mark Hunt, Babablu Sobral, and OSP. The Dutch-trained Iranian-Armenian has an array of techniques that would match up well with Brazilian Shōtōkan Lyoto Machida. Mousasi seemingly lacks the wrestling acumen to challenge champion Jones and says he prefers that weight class rather than middleweight. Machida faces Dan Henderson next at a date TBD. 5. Roger Gracie vs. Rousimar Palhares With Demian Maia competing at welterweight, the default dream MMA BJJ match-up becomes Roger Gracie, one of the most decorated competitors of all time, and Toquinho, the most feared submission artist in the UFC. Gracie would have an 8.5-inch height and reach advantage but let's be honest--these guys aren't going to strike. One embarrassing KO loss aside, Gracie has shown progression as a professional in the sport so far. Toquinho is fighting Hector Lombard in December.
