2022 was an enormous yr for the MMA world, and 2023 is shaping as much as be even larger. There are positive to be some big fights, main upsets, and new names that take a step towards changing into a famous person within the sport.

However what are some issues particularly that you need to count on from the game? Whereas predicting the long run is unattainable, some issues have a very good likelihood of occurring.

With none additional ado, let’s go over some issues to count on from the numerous MMA fights that can happen in 2023.

Extra Fighters Coming Out of Retirement

Supply: freepik.com

Within the battle recreation, there are at all times fighters laying down their gloves and retiring. Whereas a few of these fighters keep retired for good and trip off into the sundown, others return for a battle or a few rows. Some could need to do it for the cash, whereas others merely miss the world of combating.

Many legends of the game retired this final yr, together with Jose Aldo, TJ Dillashaw, Zabit Magomedsharipov, and others.

We’d not be shocked to see a few of these recently-retired fighters step again into the cage and present that they nonetheless belong.

It’s arduous to know when they’ll come again, or who they’ll battle, however count on some previously-retired fighters to come back again to the game this yr.

The Return of Jon Jones

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Should you ask individuals who the perfect MMA fighter of all time is, you’ll typically hear names like Georges St. Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Anderson Silva.

One other identify that can typically be talked about is Jon Jones. He is likely one of the greatest fighters ever to make use of his attain and is unbelievable irrespective of the place the battle goes.

He’s unbeaten for effectively over a decade and his solely loss in his MMA profession is because of a disqualification.

Nonetheless, we haven’t seen Jon Jones in a battle since 2020, and his final two fights have been lower than spectacular, as many individuals thought he misplaced each of them.

He has gone by means of many authorized points and failed a number of drug assessments, however many imagine that 2023 is lastly when he’ll make his return.

Not solely that, however many imagine he’ll go to the heavyweight division for the primary time in his UFC profession. This will likely be fascinating as he could not have the dimensions benefit anymore however may be capable of use his pace and agility greater than normal.

Does Jon Jones nonetheless have it? Or will the time without work and his age maintain him again from performing like he used to?

These are only a few questions many MMA followers have about his eventual return.

One other factor value fascinated by is that Jon Jones hasn’t been a betting underdog since again in early 2009. Will this transformation going ahead?

If you’re into MMA betting, it is going to be fascinating to see if Jones is the betting favourite in his subsequent battle, regardless of his current performances and lengthy hiatus.

Along with Jones, don’t be shocked to see different fighters like Conor McGregor additionally make a return this yr.

The Debut of Jake Paul

Supply: hypebeast.com

Jake Paul has been making waves within the boxing world for years now and is likely one of the hottest and marketable fighters on the planet. He has at all times teased doubtlessly combating in MMA, however now it looks as if it’s going to really occur.

In early January of 2023, it was introduced that Jake Paul had joined PFL (Skilled Fighters League) and all indicators level to him combating an MMA battle in 2023.

It hasn’t been stated who he’ll battle but, however whoever it’s, count on the battle to generate a ton of press and be watched by many within the MMA world.

He has confirmed himself to be a stable boxer, however many marvel if he may do it within the cage. After all, this will all be some form of stunt or ruse, and Jake by no means really fights in MMA.

Nonetheless, signing with a serious promotion may signify that the boxer is able to step into the world of MMA.

Fighters Will Change Promotions

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Whereas the UFC is way and away the most well-liked MMA group, it’s removed from the one one. There are Bellator, PFL, One Championship, Rizin, and lots of others. They exist worldwide, and loads of them get a ton of fanfare.

All through 2023, don’t be shocked to see many fighters change from one promotion to a different as they try and get the perfect contracts and battle the perfect of the perfect.

Each group has one thing to supply, and fighters have gotten extra prepared to modify and go the place they really feel wished.

Whereas many of those switches will likely be fighters making an attempt to get into the UFC, there are numerous examples of UFC-quality fighters heading to different promotions to get a greater deal.

Don’t be shocked if some massive names head to comparatively smaller promotions, as a result of they’re supplied more cash or extra favorable phrases of their contract.

Extra Championship Shakeups

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The objective of each MMA fighter is to finally grow to be a champion. The yr 2022 noticed many new champions topped on the high of their respective divisions. In 2023, count on extra of the identical.

Whether or not it’s a younger up-and-comer lastly getting their shot, or an previous rival successful their title again, this yr will certainly have loads of unbelievable title bouts to observe.

Whereas not as many titles could change fingers, there’ll absolutely be a number of new champions topped after spectacular performances in 2023.

There are numerous fascinating storylines surrounding title fights, similar to who will take the vacant mild heavyweight championship.

Will Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya reclaim their belts? And who (if anybody) can take the flyweight belt away from Valentina Shevchenko.

Shavkat Rakhmonov Ascends to Superstardom

Supply: sportskeeda.com

Whereas loads of up-and-coming fighters within the sport will rise to new heights in 2023, many imagine that none will rise quicker than Shavkat Rakhmonov. He’s a 28-year-old Kazakh fighter with an expert file of 16-0.

Since making his debut within the UFC again in late 2020, he has gone 4-0 within the promotion, successful all fights by both knockout or submission.

He’s a improbable grappler, has a robust putting, and an unbelievable battle IQ. It’s arduous to discover a weak point in his recreation, and lots of nonetheless really feel that he hasn’t even reached his potential but.

He has but to face a real top-level fighter contained in the UFC (outdoors of Neil Magny), however has all of the makings of somebody who can dangle with the perfect of the perfect.

Don’t be shocked to see him battle for a title in 2023 or quickly after. A pair extra wins towards massive names ought to put him proper on the doorstep of a title shot and being talked about with the perfect in his division.

Different up-and-comers to be careful for embody Bo Nickal, Michael Morales, and Ilia Topuria. After all, there are positive to be some fully unknown fighters that rise to new heights in 2023, as effectively.

In conclusion, these are among the issues you need to count on from MMA fights in 2023.