The 2022 UFC season was action-packed and thrilling, with some exciting lineups and wonderful finishes. Like the previous years, we got to witness some of the best mixed martial art fighters compete for the chance to dominate their division. Some won their first titles, some fighters successfully defended theirs, while some lost theirs. 

2023 is expected to be just as action-packed, with some captivating lineups already confirmed. However, there are just some spectacular fights that worth looking forward to. 

Francis Ngannou’s return fight is one that a lot of people are looking forward to. The UFC Heavyweight champion only fought once this year, and that was in January. Since then, he has had a knee injury he has been recovering from. There is no confirmation on when Ngannou would be back in the octagon, but it is expected that he would have to fight in 2023 if he plans to defend his title.  

Another fight that would be top of the menu is the Edwards vs. Usman trilogy match. Leon Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman in August to claim the welterweight title. That fight marked the second meeting between the two fighters, as Usman won the first. Now, there have been talks of a trilogy match in 2023, with Edwards insisting it takes place in the UK. Usman has also made it known that he is ready to fight Edwards to regain the welterweight title. 

UFC 283 is the second UFC event of 2023, but the lineup is quite interesting, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures of 2023. Gilbert Burns would be up against Neil Magny in the welterweight division while Glover Teixeira takes on Jamahal Hill for the vacant light heavyweight title. It is also on that card that Deiveson Figueiredo would defend his flyweight title against Brandon Moreno. 

For now, we can only wait to see what the season has in store for us, but it is expected to be nothing short of exciting.

Leon Osamor