Top 5 Anticipated UFC Fights to Watch Out For in 2023
2023-03-07
2023 has been anticipated as a great year for UFC fans with some exciting fights already announced, and potential clashes still on the horizon. In this article, we'll highlight five UFC fights that we are hoping to see in 2023.
Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones. Ngannou
Firstly, a bout that fans have been clamoring for, Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones. Ngannou, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, is one of the most devastating knockout punchers in MMA history, while Jones, the former light heavyweight champion, is widely regarded as the greatest fighter ever. This clash of titans has blockbuster potential and would undoubtedly attract viewers beyond the hardcore MMA fandom. However, contract disputes have stalled negotiations for this fight, and fans are hopeful that the promotion can iron out the issues so that it can take place soon.
Alentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili.
Next, a potential matchup between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili. Both women are current champions in their respective divisions, with Shevchenko holding the flyweight belt, and Zhang the strawweight belt. A clash between these two fighters promises to be a thrilling, competitive affair, and the winner could lay claim to being the best fighter in women's MMA. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of this fight, and it would be a disappointment if it doesn't happen in 2023.
Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman
The third fight we're hoping to see is a rematch between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman. Edwards caused one of the biggest upsets in MMA history when he knocked out Usman with a head kick to win the welterweight title at UFC 278 in 2022. Usman, who had been undefeated for 19 fights, is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and a rematch between these two top welterweights would be a must-see event.
Hamzat Chimaev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Another fight that we hope to see is Khamzat Chimaev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov. Both men are undefeated in the welterweight division and are ranked in the top 15. They are also finishers, making this fight a potential barnburner. While a matchup between them is not likely to happen soon, given their respective positions in the division, fans are excited about the prospect of seeing these two go head-to-head in the future.
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Lastly, Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler. McGregor, despite suffering two consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier, remains one of the biggest stars in MMA history. Chandler, a former Bellator champion, is a knockout artist who has been struggling to get results in the Octagon. A fight between these two could be explosive, with both men possessing the skills to finish the fight on their feet. Chandler is also known for his verbal skills, making this fight an intriguing one both in and out of the Octagon.
In conclusion, while there are sure to be many exciting fights that we don't yet know about, these are the five UFC fights we're hoping to see in 2023. Whether they happen or not remains to be seen, but fans will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating their announcement.
