The year 2023 in MMA has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. From unexpected title changes to surprising retirements, the sport has seen its fair share of shocks and twists. As we approach the end of the year, it’s safe to assume that the chaos is far from over. Let’s take a closer look at the unpredictable events of this year and the bold predictions for the remaining months.
One of the biggest surprises of the year was the rise of Jamahal Hill, who became the first-ever “Dana White’s Contender Series” winner to capture a UFC title. This unexpected feat set the tone for the rest of the year. Shortly after, Sean O’Malley followed Hill’s footsteps by dethroning bantamweight great Aljamain Sterling.
In addition to the emergence of new champions, the year also witnessed the return of MMA legends Jon Jones and Henry Cejudo. However, the biggest retirement announcement came from women’s MMA GOAT Amanda Nunes, who decided to call it quits after a win at UFC 289 in June. These unexpected retirements and comebacks have added another layer of unpredictability to the sport.
Speculation looms over Jon Jones’s future in the sport, with retirement rumors swirling around. Despite still being at the top of his game and signing a lucrative eight-fight contract, Jones has hinted at the possibility of retirement. Some believe that he might bid farewell after his bout against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in New York. It would be a fitting end to beat the heavyweight GOAT in his first appearance in the big apple. However, many fans hope to see Jones continue his career and take on formidable opponents like Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall.
This year has marked a changing of the guard in MMA. Long-term, dominant champions have fallen by the wayside, and pound-for-pound ranked stars have either lost or retired. The sport is cyclical, and with each passing year, new faces emerge, replacing the old guard. As we head into the fall, it’s almost certain that we will witness another UFC title change before the end of the year. The upcoming events featuring Islam Makhachev defending his UFC lightweight title against Charles Oliveira and Jones putting his heavyweight title on the line against Miocic hold great potential for title changes.
In recent times, UFC titles have become akin to hot potatoes. Alexander Volkanovski is the only active champion to have held his belt for more than 13 months, highlighting the volatility of the sport. Throughout 2023, there have been eight title changes or vacancies, and this trend is expected to continue. While the focus might be on the upcoming Jones vs. Miocic title fight, reports suggest that Sergei Pavlovich could serve as a backup, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the event. It wouldn’t be surprising if the unexpected occurs once again.
In a bold move, the newly merged organization TKO, comprising WWE and UFC, has opened its doors to the public. This development has sparked speculation about potential crossovers between fighters and wrestlers. MMA stars like Israel Adesanya and Brandon Moreno have already made cameo appearances in wrestling events, while Conor McGregor constantly teases a move to WWE on social media. This new partnership opens up opportunities for midcard fighters to explore a potential transition to UFC or for WWE wrestlers to try their hand at MMA. The possibilities are endless, and the sport may see a new wave of talents like CM Punk did in his transition from WWE to UFC.
As we conclude the tumultuous year of 2023 in MMA, one thing is certain – the sport is far from predictable. With retirements, unexpected title changes, and potential crossovers between MMA and WWE, fans can expect more surprises in the remaining months. The chaotic and ever-evolving nature of the sport keeps fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will unfold in the next chapter of MMA.
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