With their network television deal with FOX firmly in tow, UFC president Dana White has promised an unforgettable upcoming year of mixed martial arts awesomeness. If the first five weeks of 2012 is any indication of what’s in store, fanboys will truly be in for a treat.
The UFC will close out 2011 in style with a December 30th blockbuster between Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem. They will then take the following weekend off to recoup, but after that the action picks up at a fast and furious pace for four straight weekends.
A pair of championship affairs will bookend the company’s torrid run, which is capped off by the biggest welterweight title fight in MMA history when Georges St-Pierre (Pictured) defends his throne against Nick Diaz at UFC 143.
The Octagon’s return to Brazil, the organization’s debut on FX, as well as their follow-up show on FOX will also come within the first 35 days of 2012.
Here’s the early agenda for the upcoming year:
UFC 142 (January 14th):
Ednaldo Oliveira vs. TBD
Felipe Arantes vs. Antonio Carvalho
Stanislav Nedkov vs. Fabio Maldonado
Mike Massenzio vs. Rousimar Palhares
Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Erick Silva
Sam Stout vs. Thiago Tavares
Terry Etim vs. Edson Barboza
Vitor Belfort vs. Anthony Johnson
Chad Mendes vs. Jose Aldo (UFC Featherweight Champion)
UFC on FX (January 20th):
Pat Barry vs. Christian Morecraft
Josh Neer vs. Duane Ludwig
Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard (Three-Round Fight)
UFC on FOX (January 28th):
Four live fights during a two-hour broadcast.
UFC 143: St-Pierre vs. Diaz (February 4th):
Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres vs. Edwin Figueroa
Erik Koch vs. Dustin Poirer
Carlos Condit vs. Josh Koscheck
Nick Diaz vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC Welterweight Champion)