Dec 29, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Junior Dos Santos leaves the ring after being defeated by Cain Velasquez during UFC 155 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos vs. K-1 World Grand Prix champion Mark Hunt.

This fight has been over a year in the making. After obstacles such as travel issues and misunderstandings between bosses, the match between these world champions will finally happen at UFC 160 and not only are both men looking to score a vicious knockout, but also, they are hoping to move one more step closer to No. 1 contender status.

Although dos Santos is coming off of a loss in his rematch against current title holder Cain Velasquez, the fighter known to fans as “Cigano,” has the hands to send anyone to the canvas, including Hunt. Other than the lone KO loss to Melvin Manhoef on his record, the “Super Samoan” had gone up against the best strikers in MMA, and managed to make it out of the fight due to his solid chin.

Hunt has also shown improvement in his ground game since his loss to Sean McCorkle, but dos Santos has grappling skills that could send anyone to the canvas. If the former UFC champion wants to get the quick win, he should take Hunt down in the opening frames of the fight.

Dos Santos faces the same challenge as several former champions when they returned to action after losing their title.

In his last fight against Velasquez, he had said he was facing some personal problems – something we all face. Obstacles, no matter how big or small, physical or emotional, can sometimes sneak up on his and keep us from our full potential.  The loss aside, Cigano seems more focused on getting his fighting career on track. Even if he loses the match to Hunt, the former champion

For dos Santos, winning this fight means he is one step closer to getting back his UFC title, but for Hunt there seems to be more at stake for him in this fight.

The Super Samoan came into the UFC with a 5-7 record. After his loss to McCorkle, some have speculated that his career, at least in the UFC, was over.

Even I had my doubts that Hunt would return to the octagon. But then came the KO over Chris Tuchscherer and then decision victory over Ben Rothwell at UFC 144. Hunt quickly added Chieck Kongo and Stefan Struve to his list of wins. The victory over Struve earned Hunt his first “Knockout of the Night” bonus.

Hunt, who had made a name for himself competing in Japan, was gaining success in the UFC, which has been difficult for some fighters who have come from Japanese organizations like Pride, Dream and Hero’s. Even if he loses to dos Santos, Hunt has gained enough of a winning streak and fan following to warrant him another fight in the octagon.

Putting the future aside, I’ll just come out and say it. For fans of the stand up game – myself included – this fight will be a treat. Both dos Santos and Hunt are known for their powerful hands and, between the two of them,  have a who’s who of names that have fallen after tasting their fists.

I’ll also come forward and say that I do not care who comes out the winner. I am a fan of both fighters and I will be happy no matter who gets their hands raised.

Who do you think will emerge victorious in this clash of strikers? Answer with a comment below or send a tweet to @alstover

May 18, 2013; Jaragua do Sul, BRAZIL; Luke Rockhold (blue shorts) fights against Vitor Belfort (red shorts) during UFC on FX 8 at ARena Jaragua. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Strikeforce Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold was ready to make a statement when he stepped into the octagon against Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort.

Rockhold was ready to mow over the UFC legend and make a claim for a future title shot against Anderson “The Spider” Silva. Sadly for the Strikeforce champion, Belfort – who has played spoiler in the past – would land a spinning heel kick that sent Rockhold to the canvas. After a barrage of punches, the referee would stop the fight and Belfort would earn another win inside of the octagon.

Belfort, who is 36 years old and has gone 8-2 in his last 10 fights, continues to build upon his legacy. Although he has come under fire for his TRT usage, Belfort seems to have silenced some of his critics – that is as long his he tests clean in the post-fight drug tests.

While I don’t think that The Phenom will capture championship gold in the near future, he has certainly kept his legacy alive with his latest victory.

With his latest win under his belt, we have to ask what is next for The Phenom. His previous opponent Michael Bisping, who would have gotten a crack at the middleweight title if he hadn’t lost to Belfort, has voiced his desire to face Belfort.

Another past opponent is Wanderlei Silva, who Belfort beat in 44 seconds, back in 1998.

There is always Chael Sonnen, who Belfort has called out in the past. Time and time again, Sonnen has accepted Belfort’s challenge.

Who would you like to see Belfort fight next? Answer with a comment below or send a tweet to @alstover.

At the last UFC on Fox event, Strikeforce tournament champion Daniel Cormier earned a decision victory over former UFC champion Frank Mir, while former Strikeforce Lightweight champion, Josh Thomson, who hadn’t fought in the UFC since 2004, scored an impressive TKO victory over Ultimate Fighter winner Nate Diaz.

Even Gilbert Melendez, the last Strikeforce 155-pound champion, made an impressive octagon debut against UFC champion Benson Henderson, losing by split-decision.

Although most of the imported roster has already stepped foot inside of the octagon, there are a few fighters waiting in the wings. One of them is Luke Rockhold, the final Strikeforce Middleweight champion. Rockhold is set to face former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort, at UFC on FX 8, May 18.

July 14, 2012; Portland, OR, USA; Luke Rockhold celebrates his win over Tim Kennedy in the middleweight championship fight at MMA Strikeforce at the Rose Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Making his professional MMA debut in 2007, Rockhold has racked up an impressive 16-1 record, with wins over named like Keith Jardine, Ronaldo Souza and Tim Kennedy. Still, the UFC is a different ballgame and Belfort is in a class all of his own.

Belfort is no stranger to facing big-name opponents in the middleweight division. Included in his resume are wins over Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping and Yoshiro Aykiama. In terms of records, this is a classic up-and-comer vs. veteran match-up. Rockhold has an impressive winning streak and has fought the best in Strikeforce’s 185-pound division, but Belfort has fought some of the biggest names in MMA, throughout his career.

September 22, 2012; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Jon Jones (left) fights Vitor Belfort in the light heavyweight championship during UFC 152 at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

As for the match itself, it is easy to call this a classic “wrestler vs. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” match. Rockhold may want to take Belfort to the ground, The Phenom could work some defense from his back.

In terms of striking, the advantage goes to Belfort. For a black belt in jiu-jitsu, Belfort has amazing hands. His knockout power could flatten Rockhold. However, the Strikeforce champion trains at American Kickboxing Academy with the likes of Cormier and UFC Heavyweight champion Cain Velazquez. For all we know, he could have worked on his striking for this match.

Prior to his debut, Rockhold – like every other middleweight in MMA – voiced his desire to challenge UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva. If he can get past Belfort, he just might get the opportunity.

How do you think Rockhold will do in his UFC debut? Answer with a comment below or send a tweet to @alstover