2022 was been a hell of a yr from MMA. We introduced our end-of-year awards on the newest MMASucka podcast, so you should definitely examine that out, nevertheless, we haven’t appeared on the yr as an entire as of but. That is the place we’ll try this. We are going to take it month by month, trying on the highlights and lowlights, give honourable mentions for every month, and overview the yr as an entire. Strap it, it may get emotional.
MMA in 2022
January
Spotlight – UFC 270
Lowlight – 20 cancelled/modified UFC bouts throughout simply two occasions
Honourable Point out – Calvin Kattar placing on a clinic
UFC 270 was definitely the spotlight throughout January. Francis Ngannou shocked many by out-wrestling, Ciryl Gane to regain his heavyweight title. The occasion total was an excellent one, with loads of strong performances all through the cardboard. The co-main occasion between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno was the stand-out struggle on the cardboard, offering loads of speaking factors and organising the fourth struggle between the 2 males early in 2023.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon (high) tackles Ciryl Gane of France of their heavyweight title struggle throughout the UFC 270 occasion at Honda Heart on January 22, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Picture by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Photos)
The low level of January was definitely having solely two UFC occasions, particularly when there have been a mixed 20 cancelled fights throughout each playing cards. It’s disappointing as a result of it performs havoc with the playing cards themselves and likewise impacts fighter performances in the event that they’re filling in on late discover, nevertheless.
Calvin Kattar’s major occasion efficiency can also be value a point out. He bounced again from a devastating, dominant loss to Max Holloway to placed on the same efficiency in opposition to Giga Chikadze. Beating Chikadze from pillar to submit, Kattar received himself again within the win column.
February
Spotlight – Jamahal Hill’s headline knockout
Lowlight – William Knight’s Weight Miss
Honourable Point out – Gegard Mousasi blowing away Austin Vanderford
February was a slower month for MMA with none large speaking factors. Israel Adesanya but once more beat Robert Whittaker, nevertheless, the struggle by no means caught fireplace and merely ticked over for 25 minutes. There have been 4 UFC occasions, two ONE championship playing cards and two Bellator occasions. The spotlight was Jamahal Hill‘s knockout of Johnny Walker. It was a shocking knockout which earned him a efficiency of the night time bonus and helped him on his option to a title shot at UFC 283.
The lowlight was undoubtedly William Knight‘s weight miss. He weighed in at 218lbs for a scheduled 205lbs bout, breaking the report for the largest weight miss in UFC historical past. It wasn’t an excellent search for the game in any respect.
Honourable point out has to go to Gegard Mousasi. Mousasi took on the undefeated Austin Vanderford in Dublin and lots of believed Mousasi was the underdog going into the bout. It didn’t play out that means, nevertheless, as he blew away the American in a bit beneath a minute and a half.
Dublin , Eire – 25 February 2022; Gegard Mousasi, left, in motion in opposition to Austin Vanderford throughout their Middleweight world title bout at Bellator 275 on the 3Arena in Dublin. (Picture By David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile by way of Getty Photos)
March
Highlights – UFC London and ONE Championship X
Lowlights – Covington vs. Masvidal & Cain Velasquez’s arrest
Honourable Mentions – ONE Championship: Lights Out
Indisputably, UFC London in March was the most effective playing cards of the complete yr. The cardboard consisted of 9 finishes throughout 12 fights, noticed the breakout performances of Molly McCann, Paddy Pimblett, Arnold Allen and Tom Aspinall. ONE Championship X was additionally a standout occasion. The three-part card featured a headline of two key bouts the place Demetrious Johnson defeated Rodtang in a combined guidelines bout earlier than Angela Lee placed on an amazing efficiency in opposition to Stamp Fairtex, defending her atomweight strap.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: (R-L) Tom Aspinall of England punches Alexander Volkov of Russia in a heavyweight struggle throughout the UFC Struggle Evening occasion at O2 Area on March 19, 2022 in London, England. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The UFC 272 major occasion between bitter rivals was a little bit of a letdown. Jorge Masvidal was largely outclassed by his former good friend turned foe, Colby Covington. Masvidal was dominated and managed for a complete of 16:14 of the bout. At no level did it really feel as if Masvidal may beat Covington and consequently, the struggle was a disappointment.
Former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez was additionally arrested for tried homicide after taking pictures at a person who allegedly molested a member of the family of Velasquez’s.
ONE Championship: Lights Out was an amazing occasion and the 2 major fights on the cardboard produced two nice finishes. John Lineker received within the co-main occasion by way of knockout and Thanh Le brutally knocked out Gary Tonan in the primary occasion.
April
Highlights – Loads of large fights
Lowlight – The best variety of UFC pullouts/cancellations of the yr
Honourable Point out – Jessica Andrade’s submission
UFC 273, UFC 274, Bellator 277, Bellator 278, Bellator 279 and the start of the PFL playoffs all occurred throughout April. UFC 273 gave us an outstanding efficiency from Alexander Volkanovski, Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan 2 and a struggle of the yr contender in Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns. Bellator had three occasions, the place we noticed AJ McKee undergo his first defeat and Liz Carmouche lastly seize gold in a significant organisation and the beginning of the bantamweight Grand Prix. The PFL common additionally started with two occasions.
One disappointment for April is that we noticed 27 alterations throughout 4 occasions. Large alterations to playing cards meant that generally, we didn’t get the very best playing cards attainable.
Jessica Andrade additionally pulled off the primary standing arm-triangle submission in UFC historical past which is unquestionably value a notice.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 23: (L-R) Jessica Andrade of Brazil secures a choke submission in opposition to Amanda Lemos of Brazil in a strawweight struggle throughout the UFC Struggle Evening occasion at UFC APEX on April 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Might
Highlights – UFC 274
Lowlights – Namajunas vs. Esparza 2
Honourable Mentions – Paul Daley retires off the again of an enormous knockout
UFC 274 offered us with an amazing struggle in the primary occasion between Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira in addition to Michael Chandler‘s knockout of the yr contender in opposition to Tony Ferguson.
The largest disappointment throughout Might was when Rose Namajunas took on Carla Esparza in a rematch for the strawweight belt. It’s little question one of many worst UFC title fights of all time with each ladies being extraordinarily timid, reluctant to have interaction and throwing simply 68 complete strikes between them throughout 25 minutes.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 07: (L-R) Opponents Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza face off previous to their UFC strawweight championship struggle throughout the UFC 274 occasion at Footprint Heart on Might 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Now we have to pay homage to one of many veterans of the sport, Paul Daley. Semtex went out in conventional trend, in his dwelling nation with a large knockout.
June
Spotlight – Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeria
Lowlight – Mousasi getting previous in a single day and Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s retirement
Honourable Mentions – UFC Austin
Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeria is arguably the very best struggle of the yr. The 2 males went forwards and backwards for nearly 25 full minutes till Prochazka pulled off a last-ditch submission to seize the belt away from the Brazillian.
The lowlight of June has to both be Gegard Mousasi’s age seemingly catching up with him as he was dominated by Johnny Eblen and misplaced his belt or after we noticed the retirement of one other legend in Joanna Jedrzejczyk as the previous strawweight queen hung up her gloves for the ultimate time.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JUNE 12: Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland proclaims her retirement after her TKO loss to Zhang Weili of China in a flyweight struggle throughout the UFC 275 occasion at Singapore Indoor Stadium on June 12, 2022 in Singapore. (Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
An honourable point out has to go to the complete UFC Austin card and will very a lot have been seen because the spotlight of the month. A 13 struggle card which noticed 9 finishes and 11 post-fight bonuses awarded. A very spectacular card.
July
Spotlight – The beginning of the PFL play-offs
Lowlight – Juliana Pena’s lacklustre efficiency & UFC London
Honourable Point out – Brandon Moreno’s knockout
July was definitely a slower month for MMA as an entire. The spotlight needs to be the beginning of the PFL play-offs. Stay from the Hulu Theatre at Madison Sq. Backyard, Stevie Ray, Omari Akhmedov, Olivier Aubin Mercier and Rob Wilkinson all picked up wins on the night time.
The lowlights included Juliana Pena‘s lacklustre defence of her bantamweight title. Going into the bout, everybody puzzled if she would transform Amanda Nunes‘ cyrptonite. What performed out, nevertheless, was the other. Nunes dominated Pena, knocked her down a number of instances and didn’t give the defending champion an opportunity. The UFC returned to London, nevertheless, it didn’t catch fireplace just like the earlier London occasion and it was disappointing.
An honourable point out has to go to Brandon Moreno’s brutal end of Kai-Kara France. A lovely liver kick to break down the Australian was all it took.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JULY 30: (R-L) Brandon Moreno of Mexico lands a kick to the physique of Kai Kara-France of New Zealand within the interim UFC flyweight championship struggle throughout the UFC 277 occasion at American Airways Heart on July 30, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Picture by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)
August
Highlights – British MMA
Lowlight – No damaged information
Honourable Mentions – Marlon Vera and Jamahal Hill and ONE on Prime Video 1
British MMA took over in August. The PFL made their UK debut in each Cardiff and London and in-particular Brendan Loughnane stood out as an excellent patreon of the game and a British standout. On the identical night time, Leon Edwards introduced the welterweight title again to his dwelling of Birmingham following an emphatic knockout of long-time champion, Kamaru Usman.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – AUGUST 20: Leon Edwards of Jamaica celebrates after defeating Kamaru Usman of Nigeria within the UFC welterweight championship struggle throughout the UFC 278 occasion at Vivint Area on August 20, 2022 in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. (Picture by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)
Following Edwards’ knockout of Usman meant that Usman didn’t tie the report of most consecutive wins in UFC historical past. Though this wasn’t the top of the world, August was a fairly good month and this gave the impression to be the one ‘lowlight’ of the month.
Marlon Vera and Jamahal Hill scored massive knockouts over Dominick Cruz and Thiago Santos respectively. Each knockouts had been surprising, deserved and devastating in nature, which means that they needed to be talked about. ONE on Prime Video 1 noticed Demetrious Johnson recapture the ONE flyweight belt in the identical method that he misplaced the belt, by way of flying knee.
September
Highlights – The UFC’s debut in Paris
Lowlights – Khamzat Chimaev’s weight miss
Honourable Mentions – Nate Diaz performed out his UFC contract with a win
The UFC lastly made their French debut on September third after the game of MMA was legalised in France in 2020. In the primary occasion, Frenchman, Ciryl Gane went to conflict with Tai Tuivasa straight away basic. Within the co-main occasion, Robert Whittaker dominated Marvin Vettori to cement himself as the most effective middleweight contenders.
At UFC 279, Khamzat Chimaev butchered struggle week after he began a struggle with Kevin Holland backstage and went on to disrespect the game and lose his major occasion slot all due to an enormous weight miss. Scheduled for a welterweight bout, Chimaev weighed in 7.5lbs over and consequently, the entire card suffered a shake-up.
An honourable point out has to exit the Nate Diaz, nevertheless. He stored his UFC 279 major occasion slot, confronted Tony Ferguson and bowed out of his UFC contract with a victory.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 10: Nate Diaz reacts after his submission victory over Tony Ferguson in a welterweight struggle throughout the UFC 279 occasion at T-Cell Area on September 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
October
Highlights – Islam Makhachev’s UFC 280 efficiency
Lowlights – TJ Dillashaw coming into a championship struggle with an harm
Honourable Mentions – The entire UFC 280 major card
The primary speaking level throughout October surrounded Islam Makhachev‘s dominant efficiency to seize the light-weight title. From minute one Makhachev took the struggle to the champion, Charles Oliveira. He dictated the place the struggle befell, dominated the BJJ phenom on the bottom, dropped him and consequently submitted him to grow to be the champion.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 22: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his victory over Charles Oliveira of Brazil of their UFC light-weight championship struggle throughout the UFC 280 occasion at Etihad Area on October 22, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The let-down noticed TJ Dillashaw enter his championship bout with a shoulder harm which result in a lacklustre efficiency. The champion, Sterling, didn’t get the popularity he deserved for the win and we consequently noticed Dillashaw retire from the game.
A shout-out has to go to everybody who competed on the UFC 280 major card. We’ve already touched on the primary and co-main occasions, however Beneil Dariush and Manon Fiorot placed on thrilling performances and Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan placed on a three-round fight-of-the-year contender.
November
Highlights – PFL Finals and UFC 281
Lowlights – James Krause, Darrick Minner and the betting scandal
Honourable Mentions – Chandler vs. Poirier
November was an thrilling month for MMA. We had the PFL finals the place six millionaires and champions had been topped. The largest story to return out of this occasion was the undefeated poster woman of the PFL, Kayla Harrison struggling her first skilled defeat by the hands of Larissa Pacheco. UFC 281 additionally offered us with loads of headlines because the dominant Israel Adesanya fell by the hands of his long-time fight sports activities rival, Alex Pereira. Pereira rallied within the remaining spherical to complete The final Stylebender and seize the 185lbs title.
The low-point of November and arguably of 2022 as an entire was the James Krause and Darrick Minner betting scandal. It’s alleged that Minner entered a UFC bout with an harm and Krause knowledgeable his Discord of this information, inflicting an enormous change within the betting strains in favour of Minner opponent to win by way of first-round knockout. As of but, nothing concrete has been established, nevertheless, Minner has been launched by the UFC and Krause and anybody from his gymnasium is banned from UFC occasions.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 11: Coach James Krause supplies instruction to Darrick Minner within the nook between rounds of his featherweight bout throughout UFC 269 on December 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
An honourable point out has to go to the violence dished out between Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. The three-round light-weight bout solely lasted seven minutes, nevertheless, it was all motion. Forwards and backwards, blood, each males battered and a end is what compelled us to say this epic bout.
December
Highlights – Thompson vs. Holland
Lowlights – MMA Judging
Honourable Mentions – Pimblett vs. Helwani
Rounding out the yr we had a lacklustre UFC PPV with UFC 282, a BellatorXRizin card to see out the yr and an entertaining ONE Championship card from Manila. The spotlight got here when Stephen Thompson confronted Kevin Holland in an thrilling conflict of strikers in a Struggle Evening major occasion. The 2 males went to conflict, respectfully, and had been in a position to placed on an amazing present for the followers. Thompson received his hand raised after Holland broke his hand and was unable to proceed. An incredible showcase for the game.
From an amazing showcase for the game to an actual darkish cloud over the game. On back-to-back nights, decide, Doug Crosby submitted extraordinarily questionable playing cards, leading to huge questions being requested. He submitted a 50-45 card for the dropping fighter within the Bellator 289 major occasion earlier than submitting a questionable 30-27 in favour of Paddy Pimblett wherein was a a lot nearer struggle than the scorecard steered.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 10: (L-R) Paddy Pimblett of England reacts after defeating Jared Gordon in a light-weight struggle throughout the UFC 282 occasion at T-Cell Area on December 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
A point out additionally has to go to Pimblett for his unusual fight-week beef with Ariel Helwani. Speaking to Dana White on his podcast, Pimblett launched an assault on Helwani stating that he requested Pimblett for cost for an interview and went on the decision Helwani names. It was all very unusual and didn’t go down effectively throughout the group.
It’s been a particularly unusual yr for MMA. Bellator by no means fairly received going, the PFL did effectively, received extra eyes than ever earlier than and importantly set themselves up for an enormous 2023. The UFC continues to be the flagship organisation with, predictably ONE Championship dominating the Asian market. 2023 must be an thrilling yr with loads of prospects making their means by and even greater and higher fights predicted!
