2022 was a year full of action-packed UFC fights as new champions were crowned, new contenders emerged, superstar status solidified and new stars ascended inside the Octagon. These thrilling storylines also became an avenue for online sports betting through UFC odds, giving fans an additional opportunity.
But a new year marks a new opportunity for fighters to showcase their skills and talents under the leading MMA organization in the world. Today, I listed the top five UFC fighters to watch this 2023 based on how they performed this 2022. Additionally, there are forecasts on each fighter’s fate in the coming 12 months.
Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev was already a star in 2021, but he was able to claim superstar status this 2022 after staying undefeated and picking up two impressive victories against top-level contenders. First, he got tested by Gilbert Burns, who pushed him to the limit in their three-round welterweight showdown in April 2022. The Brazilian’s effort fell short as the Swedish won the unanimous victory.
Due to this massive win over Burns, Chimaev earned his first main event headliner in September 2022 for UFC 279 against Nate Diaz, but because of him missing weight and the chaos backstage during the weigh-ins, “Borz” was forced out of the match and instead fought Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout. Chimaev made quick work of Holland by submitting him in the opening round via D’Arce choke.