2021 was quite the year for the sport of MMA. The Covid-19 pandemic slightly delayed the success and growth of the sport in 2020, but it bounced back well welcoming back crowds to major events a year later. The sport saw some great moments from Conor McGregor’s return to Kamaru Usman’s dominance. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look forward to next year.
MMA is a sport that sees a lot of changes and different possibilities. Every fight that took place over the year 2021 is going to have some sort of implication for the new year. Champions have changed, contenders have risen, and many will look to improve their status in the rankings in 2022. Although fights aren’t announced too far in advance of the event taking place, fans can be guaranteed some great fights at the start of 2022. Although not too many have been announced, the few that have are definitely ones to watch. Here is a list of some of the best MMA fights to look forward to in 2022. If you are finding it difficult to wait around for these fights, there are ways you can entertain yourself. For example, www.spinpalace.com/ca/ can offer you enough entertainment to bring you all the way to fight night.
Ciryl Gane vs Francis Ngannou
The year is going to kick off with a heavyweight headliner as the unification of the belts will take place. August saw French rising contender Ciryl Gane top off a great year finishing Derrick Lewis to attain the interim heavyweight belt. However, as all MMA fans will know, an interim belt is only one piece of the puzzle. There is still a long way to go before they can fully call themselves champions. However, Gane will get the chance to do that when he faces former teammate Francis Ngannou at UFC 270. The fight will be a true battle of power against technique and will be a must watch for every MMA fan across the world.
Robert Whittaker vs Israel Adesanya
A rematch that has had people talking for years now takes place in the middleweight division. Israel Adesanya’s rapid rise to stardom was capped off when he disposed of middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. The impressive performance proved that Adesanya was the one to beat in the division with Whittaker never really getting going in the bout. However, wins over Jared Cannonier, Darren Till, and Kelvin Gastelum prove that there is a new and improved Robert Whittaker ready to challenge for his old title.
Jan Blachowicz vs Alexander Rakic
There was a time in 2020 when Rakic vs Blachowicz looked like it was going to be a title bout. However, following his submission loss to Glover Texiera, Blachowicz is no longer the division’s champion. He will now have to face fellow European Rakic if he wants to once again challenge for the division’s belt. The fight will still be five rounds and will have major implications on the division.
