10 UFC Fights all MMA Fans are Hoping for in 2022
With the new year brings one question every MMA fan thinks, what fights do they want in 2022. There have been many lists about top 10 fights people want in 2022, but I am going to explain why others and I would like the following fights to happen.
10. Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk 2
After losing her belt to Women’s Strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas, many people thought that the rematch was the right way to go for Zhang Weili. Frankly, I agree with this statement. Even though Weili did not retain her belt, it was a pretty good fight for her. Joanna Jedrzejczyk has not fought since her last bout which occurred on March 7th, 2020. This fight was with Zhang Weili. After 5 rounds of straight violence, Weili won via decision. Afterwards, fans thought that Joanna Jedrzejczyk looked like an alien due to the swelling on her head. Though Jedrzejczyk has been removed from UFC rankings, this is still a remarkable rematch that I would love to see in 2022.
9. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 3
Many people think that Max Holloway should fight Conor McGregor for a second time this year. Max Holloway deserves a title shot. They last fought at UFC 251 which took place July 12th, 2020, but both fighters have fought since then. Volkanovski beat Max Hollway due to a controversial decision win. So many people think this is next for both fighters, and I completely agree with that.
8. Belal Muhammed vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev is clearly a rising title contender if he isn’t already. Both Muhammad and Chimaev need to prove themselves before getting a title shot. If Chimaev can beet Muhammad, then he is, in my opinion, an automatic title contender. The only issue is whether Belal Muhammad would agree to this fight.
7. Dustin Porier vs. Beneil Dariush
Dustin Porier just lost to Charles Oliveira via rear naked choke. Now Beniel and Dustin are ranked right next to each other in the lightweight rankings. So, this is just one of those fights that just makes sense based upon where they are in rankings, even though Beniel currently has a fight booked.
6. Aljaman Sterling vs. Petr Yan 2
I do not think I need to explain this one very much. Obviously, Yan is interim champ and Sterling is champ. Sterling got kneed with an illegal knee in their last fight and got the belt, so they need to do this rematch.
5. Francis Ngannou/ Cyril Gane vs. Stipe Miocic
Francis Ngannou currently has a fight with Cyril Gane. Stipe Miocic does not have fight booked currently. Stipe should get a fight with whoever wins the current champion’s upcoming fight. Most champions get a chance to redeem their belt after losing it so this seems absolutely, or super, necessary to happen.
4. Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal
This fight just has so much “beef” that there is no way that it can’t happen at some point. There are theories that these two fighters are going to coach on TUF, a contender series where two fighters coach and usually fight each other afterwards. Either way I am pleased with however this fight happens.
3. Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka
Jiri Prochazka is most likely to get a title shot next. He is a fan favorite and has a fascinating fight style. I think this fight will be one of the most interesting Light Heavyweight fights that we have seen in a long time.
2. Juliana Peña vs. Amanda Nunes 2
Juliana Peña shocked the world after making Amanda Nunes tap at UFC 269. It will probably go down as biggest upset in UFC history. Since Amanda Nunes has defeated many people, I think it is only right that she gets a rematch to retain her belt.
1. Leon Edwards vs. Jorge Masvidal
This fight was booked to happen at UFC 269, but about a month before the bout, Jorge Masvidal pulled out due to an undisclosed injury, though Colby Covington has said that he pulled out due to a broken rib. Many people think Leon Edwards deserves a title fight, but I think he still needs to prove himself to somebody who has fought UFC Welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, and I think that this is the ultimate fight to make in 2022.
I really could go on forever on fights that I need to see this year, but these 10 were really the ones that stook out to me. Whether or not these fights happen, I think there are still going to be some fantastic fights in 2022.
