The year started with a bang when the 155-pounders, Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, fought a potential fight-of-the-year championship bout that ended in a draw. With that kind of start, Mixed Martial Arts fans can be excited for the year ahead. With already a few weeks into 2011, it's time to make some early MMA predictions.

1. The Last Emperor will Rise Again

Last year, we saw the fall of one of the most feared fighters in MMA, Fedor Emelianenko, when he lost to Fabricio Werdum. Even though the loss affected his invincible persona, look for The Last Emperor to bounce back and show his dominance once again. With a Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix and Antonio Silva as the first opponent scheduled, Fedor will likely regain his lost throne as one of the most dominant fighters in the world.

2. Disappearance of the Big Three

When Dana White and Zuffa acquired the Ultimate Fighting Championship; there were only three big money-makers at the time: Randy Couture, Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. Now, that Chuck has officially retired and Couture losing interest in fighting (but still having a fight scheduled against Machida), Ortiz is the only one left. With tensions simmering behind the scenes, Ortiz will most like be released during 2011. The three have done a lot for the UFC and the sport of MMA. Because of them, we are able to see the likes of Anderson Silva, Georges St. Pierre, and many more superstars. After carrying the sport for so many years, their time will finally end this year.

3. St. Pierre will remain undefeated

Georges St. Pierre has not lost a round since his first fight with Josh Koscheck and it does not look that his streak will end anytime soon. In his upcoming match with Jake Shields, expect GSP to keep it a stand-up battle where he will dominate every round or even finish it with his striking. After Jake Shields, there are no interesting contenders left for the Canadian. That's why I'm confident to say that "Rush" will continue his reign in 2011 and raise his claim to the title of the Greatest of All-Time.

4. Exponential Growth

Like every year, the growth of the UFC and Mixed Martial Arts will continue. Especially with the UFC's expansion to other nations such as Brazil and Australia, the future for the sport seems very bright. Look for the UFC to grow in ratings internationally and in Pay-Per-View buys.

5. Tangle in the Spider's Web

Anderson Silva will lose his title in 2011. Next month, Anderson Silva will face Vitor Belfort for the Middleweight title. I'm going to put my neck out and say that Belfort will probably win the fight by TKO. Watch February and see the start of the reign of the Phenom.