Sherdog’s Top 10: Fights We Want to See in 2016

1. Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier 2

Barring any unforeseen setbacks, this fight is going to happen. The dislike that exists between Jones and Cormier has been well-documented, and their first encounter at UFC 182 a year ago -- won by Jones -- did nothing to cool the heat.

Jones took it to “DC” when they fought the first time, walking away with a unanimous decision. In the weeks and months that followed, “Bones” went off the deep end. A series of out-of-competition issues -- including a hit-and-run accident that injured a pregnant woman in New Mexico -- resulted in a suspension and led to Jones being stripped of the UFC light heavyweight championship. He has begun the process of rebuilding his name and rescuing his career.

Cormier, meanwhile, capitalized on Jones’ fall from grace and captured the vacant 205-pound championship by throttling Anthony Johnson at UFC 187. He then defended the title with a five-round decision over Alexander Gustafsson, setting up a potential rematch with Jones. “Bones” has been reinstated by the UFC, and all signs point to an imminent return. Jones and Cormier will be at the top of their games when they meet again, likely in the first half of 2016.