From Conor McGregor to Jon Jones: Top 5 UFC fighters to look forward to in 2022
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When the whole world was stuck up in the pandemic, there was one company that did not fail to disappoint its audience. UFC had one of its biggest years in 2021 and we can best believe they’d come packing with fights that the fans want to see.
In 2021 we saw some fighters absolutely burst through the scene while some veterans had a very interesting year. The fans however were not left hanging with no super fights. We got to see the biggest star of the sport Conor McGregor fight twice in a single year while the GWOAT Amanda Nunes faced one of the biggest upsets in MMA history. In this read let’s take a look at 5 UFC fighters that might have an astounding 2022 inside the octagon.
#5 Jiri Prochazka: Chance to rule UFC’s light heavyweight division
UFC’s light heavyweight division has a new champion after MMA veteran Glover Teixeira became the newly crowned champ beating the former champ Jan Blachowicz. The Brazilian champ will now face Jiri Prochazka in a title bout. Prochazka has burst onto the scene in the Ultimate Fighting Championship since his debut in a very short time. Prochazka did not take much time to reach the top of the mountain and is now looking to take over the entire division in 2022.
The former Rizin fighter made his debut with the biggest promotion in MMA in the year 2020. His first fight was against Volkan Oezdemir and Prochazka impressed everyone with his KO win. His second fight was against Dominick Reyes and Jiri Prochazka ended his opponent with a stunning spinning elbow impressing both the fans and the president of UFC Dana White to secure him a title shot in the year 2022.
#4 Islam Makhachev: Much anticipated lightweight title shot
Islam Makhachev, the protege of one of the greatest UFC fighters of all-time Khabib Nurmagomedov has been proving himself for the past few years and his win over Thiago Moises and Dan Hooker has got him to a position where he is amidst the handful of fighters who are now eyeing for the lightweight title. Islam has the second-longest winning streak in his division only second to the champion, Charles Oliveira himself.
After 11 fights in the promotion, Islam Makhachev will finally be facing a top-five ranked opponent in Beneil Dariush in the year 2022 which could potentially be a fight for the next title shot. Islam is looking to replicate, if not exceed the kind of dominance his teammate Khabib had in the lightweight division in his reign as the top fighter. Despite not having a lot of fans who prefer Islam’s style of fighting, the fighter from Dagestan is favorite to be the next champion. Fans are excited about the idea of a fight between Islam and Charles.
#3 Jon Jones: UFC heavyweight debut
Jon Jones probably has the greatest resume for an MMA fighter. The former light heavyweight champion went through all of the best fighters in his reign as the champion and was ruling the pound-for-pound fighter list for a very long time. In 2020, Jones decided to vacate the light heavyweight division and dream bigger, quite literally.
The fighter is now jacked and is now set to take part in the heavyweight division where some interesting matchups await him in the year 2022. Jones’s debut has been much-awaited as the fighter has gone through a lot of drama in the entire 2021. From fighting with the boss over fighter’s pay to getting into trouble with the law, Jones has crossed quite the hurdle.
#2 Amanda Nunes: Avenge her loss to Julianna Pena
One of MMA’s best fighters of all time faced one of the biggest upsets in the history of sport against a massive underdog Julianna Pena. In 2021, Nunes returned to defend her bantamweight title after two years and was faced with a massive blow. Pena, who was eagerly waiting to take on the GWOAT at UFC 269 defeated Nunes via submission in the second round to become the bantamweight champion.
Nunes, who is considered to be one of the most dominant fighters of all time, will no doubt look to return to capture her second belt. Dana White has already given the okay for the Brazilian to avenge her loss. The UFC boss has also stated that this will rank among the biggest rematches of all time. Amanda also has another great fighter in Kayla Harrison, who is yet to be signed to the promotion waiting for the “Lioness” in a potential super fight.
#1 Conor McGregor: Return from his devastating injury
Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest star of the sport and the stars are all lined for The Notorious One’s return after his devastating injury in UFC 264 against his bitter rival Dustin Poirier. Conor has some great fights lined up for him in the year 2022. It is still uncertain on which weight division McGregor will be fighting given he has packed a huge amount of muscle in his time at recovery.
Justin Gaethje, the number one title contender is likely to fight the champion Charles Oliveira in 2022 but the tale got a new twist as “Do Bronx” eyes a money fight against Conor. The Brazilian has stated his interest in fighting McGregor in Brazil and defending his belt. That fight could prove to be a massive shocker and the UFC fans are here for it.
Conor also has the option of fighting another trilogy and settling things once and for all against another huge UFC superstar, Nate Diaz. The Stockton fighter has only one fight left in his UFC contract and what better way to sign off than a fight against Conor in a series that is tied 1-1.
So, stay strapped to your seats as a huge year awaits UFC fans in 2022. A stunning list of fights in the making and more violence and drama.
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Prateek Athanur
(2958 Articles Published)