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With his head seemingly back in the game, 2016 could likely feature Jon Jones’ return to the OctagonOne of the most captivating things about the fight game is that once a rivalry is sparked off, it usually finds a way to hone in on culmination by itself. In comparison to the WWE, where the fate of each feud is entirely dependent on the whims of the higher ups, MMA fights usually end up writing their own scripts.When Daniel Cormier captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Title that Jon Jones had been stripped off, everyone knew right off the bat that a repeat encounter between the two nemeses was inevitable when Jones returned.When Holly Holm headkicked Ronda Rousey into oblivion, despite the torrents of suppressed hate that was unleashed on Rousey, everyone knew that a rematch was always on the cards.With the seeds of these potential barn-burners and more laid during the course of 2015, this year promises to provide the backdrop for them all to come full circle.Here then, is a preview of 5 rollicking UFC fights that the fans can look forward to in 2016.
#1 Dominick Cruz vs TJ Dillashaw
With less than 2 weeks left to usher in UFC Fight Night 81, Dominick Cruz versus TJ Dillashaw – a Superfight in its own right – has predominantly flown under the radar perhaps due to the UFC’s misplaced reluctance to promote the lower weight-classes.
However as any fight fan worth his salt would attest, the fight itself bears every stylistic possibility of being considered as one of the Fights of the Year, before it even comes to pass.
If the explosion of a fight between Andrei Arlovski and Travis Browne can be likened to fast-food home delivery, then Dominick Cruz vs TJ Dillashaw can be rightfully compared with a finely spread buffet, replete with variety.
Coupled with the consummate trash talking from the challenger that has left the Champion flustered and clutching at straws in the lead-up, this fight is a must watch for every MMA fan and indeed, for every person that wants to become one.
#2 Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier II
In a sport that is given to, and sometimes thrives off, the beef developed between two of its competitors, the fact that the angst between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier hardly simmered down even after their first fight was poignant to say the least.
While it would have pricked and rankled Jon Jones to no end that his arch-rival wound up with his vacated Title strap, albeit deservedly so, the unfolding of events during his subsequent lay-off has set the tone for another storybook clash between the two fighters upon his return.
It reflects a intriguing study of human psychology and how we percieve greatness, that Jon Jones evokes a wide-ranging spectrum of emotions in fans and fighters alike.
But whether it be outright hate, begrudging respect or even reverential glorification, Jon Jones version 2.0’s homecoming during the course of the year, to try and redeem his title from Daniel Cormier, promises the recommencement of a career that could likely settle the G.O.A.T argument once and for all before its culmination.
#3 Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm II
Once their aura of invincibility has been punctured, even dominant champions recede into a pale shadow of their once unconquerable image; much like Anderson Silva, Renan Barao, or the latest addition to the list, Jose Aldo.
Similarly, Ronda Rousey is teetering on a knife’s edge – a slim benefit of the doubt away from the same plight – unless she can traverse a gulf in technique between her and Holly Holm before their purported rematch at UFC 200.
As easily as her hype had been bloated beyond the stratosphere by effusive praise from all quarters, Ronda Rousey found her world crashing down upon her having approached the fight in a woefully slipshod manner from a technical standpoint.
Will the Rowdy One get her head back in the game and make the necessary tweaks to her repertoire? Or will her rematch with Holly Holm only serve to consign her to the shadows, never to be champion again?
Only time will tell.
#4 Conor McGregor vs Rafael Dos Anjos
Assuming the Notorious One follows through on his promise, as he has repeatedly proven capable of, his next destination may well be the “stuck in the mud”, or the Lightweight division.
After capturing the Featherweight Title from Jose Aldo in a manner that has dismantled the Brazilian’s decade long legacy, at least in the eye of the casual fan, Conor McGregor may well find himself crossing swords with yet another Brazilian champion in Rafael Dos Anjos next.
Coming off a smash and grab victory himself against Donald Cerrone, there is a prevalent school of thought in MMA circles that Dos Anjos could yet be McGregor’s worst stylistic match-up thus far.
Himself a southpaw, would the Brazilian’s ability to seamlessly weave together facets of his striking and grappling while pressuring his opponent, finally prove to be McGregor’s undoing?
Or will the patented Irish left cross of Conor McGregor manifest itself in its full potency in a higher weightclass as well, laying to rest another Brazilian?
By the looks of it, we may not even avail a chance to find out if Nate Diaz gets ahold of a microphone in the meantime.
#5 CM Punk vs ?
While much of the hype surrounding CM Punk’s crossover from pro-wrestling into MMA might have petered out like a trail gone cold, it has been somewhat reinvigorated off late by the UFC originating a new series, “Dana White : Looking for a Fight”, in an attempt to find him credible, yet viable opposition.
All of 37 years old though, the kind of age where the thought of retirement would be a realistic proposition for most MMA fighters, CM Punk is still in the process of being trained sufficiently in order to survive a professional bout inside of the Octagon.
However this UFC experiment may end for CM Punk, abominably or on a surprising note, it is likely to garner tremendous mainstream attention given his pro-wrestling fanbase.
Although expecting him to challenge for the Welterweight Title at any point would be ludicrous, we can at least concur that CM Punk’s debut inside of an Octagon still ranks up there as a marquee moment to look forward to in 2016.
