The Best MMA Fighters to Look Out for in 2022
One of the most exciting year-round sports is definitely mixed martial arts. The UFC has exploded in worldwide popularity. Fans love the heart-pumping, non-stop thrilling action. Every year, more and more fans become converts. Part of what makes MMA so exciting is the quality of fighters. When two people step in the ring, you know that you’re going to get a great and exciting bout.
Now that the year has kicked off, it’s time to take a peek into the crystal ball and see what’s going to shake out on the mat. Which fighters are going to continue their dominance? Which fighters are going to break through and beat the established players? This article will break down some of the best UFC fighters right now so you can enter 2022 with the ultimate knowledge and confidence.
Best MMA Fighters Starting Off 2022
There are so many amazing fighters duking it out in the UFC. And while the list can go on forever, you’re here to narrow that list down, so you know the essential fighters you need to look out for. These are the best MMA fighters right now who always bring the heat and are part of what makes watching MMA so fun. They’re poised for huge performances in 2022.
Deiveson Figueiredo
The ferocious Brazilian will headline UFC 270, one of the first mega-events of the new year. UFC 270, taking place in Anaheim, California, will feature the 34-year-old looking to get back his crown against current champ Brandon Moreno. Figueiredo has a pretty good chance. In 2020, he crushed Joseph Benavidez in a particularly vicious performance, one that UFC head honcho Dana White called “pure violence”.
Though Deiveson Figueiredo lost to Moreno at UFC 263 in the third round, there’s reason to believe the result could change this time around. The 2020 Fighter of the Year will be looking to reclaim his title, and that motivation could see Figueiredo unleashed.
Jan Blachowicz
Jan Blachowicz will turn 39 in late February of 2022. A few weeks later, he’ll look to reclaim his crown in a UFC Fight Night bout against Aleksandar Rakic. Though Blachowicz lost his 205-pound crown to Glover Teixeira at UFC 257, he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Before losing in UFC 257, the Polish fighter had won five fights in a row.
Blachowicz showed off his formidable prowess when he dominated top fighter Israel Adesanya. He’s always beaten the best of the best. Even as he gets older, that trend won’t change.
Francis Ngannou
When you think of mighty fighters, you think of Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian heavyweight has always pummeled his competition. He’s beaten some of the best in the game, including Curtis Blaydes, Alistair Overeem, and Cain Velasquez. He challenged and won the UFC Heavyweight crown by dominating Stipe Miocic.
Now, the biggest fight of 2022 will see Ngannou teamed up against Cyril Gane. Gane, the current interim UFC Heavyweight champ, will be a worthy competitor. But he hasn’t faced anyone like Ngannou. He will be in for a rude awakening.
Dustin Poirier
When Dustin Porier beat Conor McGregor twice in seven months – including one time in just 5 minutes – he placed himself at the forefront of the sporting world. The lightweight, 32-year-old American fighter has always impressed, including breaking Max Holloway’s 13 fight win streak in 2019 and dominating Dan Hooker in 2020. With his unique combination of jiu-jitsu and boxing dominance, he’s won eight of his last ten matches, including six fight-of-the-night awards.
When the pressure’s on, Poirier always steps up. In 2022, that will be no different.
How to Bet on MMA in Vegas
Now that you know the best MMA fighters making waves in the Octagon in the new year, you’re ready to start wagering. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for MMA betting. Stop by Circa Resort the D, The Pass, or Tuscany in Las Vegas to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa | Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket and bet wherever you are in Vegas.
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