By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

I’m not big on fantasy matches, or leaping ahead of natural progression and, for that matter fate. However, I felt highly compelled to compile a speculative piece. Sometimes, it’s just plain fun, and today’s been one hell of a day, I could use a little light hearted fun.

It’s time to take a look into the future, and try, for all it’s worth to make some logical guesses as to precisely who will hold UFC titles in the not-so-distant future. Don’t expect significant shifts in top tier rankings, as I’m not convinced much will change inside the next, oh say, 365 days. However I do feel we’ll see some adjustments in regards to who does and who doesn’t own the right to boast of their ownership of a shiny belt, come 2013.

Flyweight

Ian McCall: After competing at higher weights for some time, McCall finally found a comfortable home at 125 pounds. McCall mowed down the Tachi Palace Fights roster, and quickly earned a boatload of respect and a call from the UFC. Now acknowledged as a definitive top 3 flyweight, McCall will continue his run at the UFC’s first flyweight title. I, for one believe he will see his way to the finals, where he’ll subsequently exit the UFC’s first 125 pound champion.

Bantamweight

Dominick Cruz: I’m sorry, but I’m a big fan of Cruz. This guy brings an insanely diverse offense into the cage, and at times it’s baffling. His two punch, kick, ankle pick combo is something to behold (I’ve still never seen another fighter execute it successfully), and his mobility is absolutely brilliant. He’s never immobile, he’s never, not firing, and his head movement is absolutely top notch. Urijah Faber (and a few other bantamweights for that matter, namely Renan Barao) may be a phenomenal fighter, but I see this division belonging to Cruz for a few more years.

Featherweight

Frankie Edgar: I think Frankie’s days at lightweight are numbered, and I feel this way for two reasons. First, I don’t expect him to be successful in his rematch with Benson Henderson. I believe “Smooth” is the superior fighter and I believe, he’ll retain upon rematch. Second, I believe Jose Aldo will be moving up a weight class. It’s obvious the weight cut has become a strain on his body, and he’s already a big enough man to make the transition smoothly. With Aldo out of the picture, the door is wide open for “The Answer” to put the stamp on a whole new division, much better suited for him.

Lightweight

Jose Aldo: It feels all but inevitable that this Brazilian killer makes his move to the 155 pound division. He’s had some weight issues recently, and he’s clearly head and shoulders above the rest of the 145 pound heap. It’s time for new challenges, and he’s going to find just that at lightweight. I have a feeling Henderson is going to still hold that belt by the time 2012 closes, but I’m far from convinced he’ll relinquish UFC gold by 2013; He’ll have Aldo to contend with, and that’s just not a favorable match for “Smooth”.

Welterweight

Honestly, the only way I see the upper echelon of the 170 pound division shifting much, is if Georges St. Pierre doesn’t return the same mobile fighter after his ACL injury. Carlos Condit is a fabulous fighter who possesses a fight IQ rivaled by very few, but I see GSP’s skill set being just a bit too well rounded for the Jackson’s MMA product. Outside of Condit, Jake Ellenberger and Nick Diaz are the only two current welterweights who could potentially propose problems for the champion; although, with some time and a few more big fights, Johny Hendicks could well align himself for a shot at gold.