After an incredible year, 41 events were shown by the Ultimate Fig0hting Championship. Coronavirus was responsible for only five events being canceled during the calendar year. Check Top 10 Best Fighters Of UFC In 2022
With 2020’s success, 2021 is only going to get better. We are already 6 weeks into the new year, and we have already had four incredible fight cards.
Top 10 Best Fighters Of UFC In 2022
These are the Top 10 Best Fighters of UFC in 2022
1. Dustin Poirier
Dustin “The Diamond,” Poirier keeps reminding us why he’s one of the most respected fighters in history. Poirier’s journey has been one that demonstrates consistency, perseverance, and a path built with grit, determination, as well as a lot of self-belief.
Conor McGregor is a former UFC champ and double-champion that the Diamond has defeated twice this year. McGregor won the interim title, and Poirier settled the score in a trio bout six months later.
2. Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Uman, Welterweight Champion is making a case to be the #1 Pound for Pound fighter in the entire world. If you tried convincing me last summer that Kamaru Usman would KO Gilbert Burns, Jorge Masvidal, and back-to-back in this fight, think you are the one fighting head-to-head. Now Usman is being referred to as one of the greatest welterweights ever in MMA history.
3. Ciryl Gane
Ciryl Gane, only 5 fights into her UFC career, is already ranked #3 for the heavyweight division. Gane will challenge for the interim heavyweight title when he makes his next appearance. Gane has dominated the division in less than a decade, winning over Junior Dos Santos (Jarzinho Rozenstruik) and Alexander Volkov (interim heavyweight).
4. Islam Makhachev
The torch has been passed. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s long-time friend and training partner has re-entered lightweight conversation with two consecutive wins, already in 2021. After a yearlong hiatus, Makhachev has won two submission wins against Drew Dober (ranked) and Thiago Moises (ranked).
5. Brandon Moreno
Brandon Moreno, a long-time friend of mine, made this promise many years ago to anyone who would listen. This goal was reached last month. Moreno, 27, is the first Mexican-born UFC Champion. It has not been a simple excursion.
Brandon Moreno has been able to make his way in life by perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. Brandon Moreno has clawed its way to the top in the flyweight division; from being last on The Ultimate Fighter to being cut off by the UFC to fighting for his place back in.
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6. Rose Namajunas
Rose Namajunas “Thug”, as she is known, has made the most of her one fight this year. Namajunas was the first woman fighter to regain the UFC championship title. Rose delivered a stunning head kick to Zhang Weili, the former champion. Rose, a betting underdog felt that she was fighting an insurmountable Weili. Still, Thug Rose made her dominant stoppage win seems effortless.
Rose is still 29 years old, making her a two-time UFC champion. She could also continue to build her legacy if she chooses. Rose could be the best version yet, given all that she has done.
Oliveira, who is 31 years old, has been fighting in UFC since 2001. Charles has had a difficult climb to the top. It was a long, winding road. But, most of the Brazilian’s defeats occurred earlier in his career at 145 pounds. Oliveira, who is now at 155 pounds, has lost once and is on a nine-fight winning streak. Oliveira could finally be entering his prime as the stars are aligning for him.
7. Beniel Dariush
For anyone curious, the 155-pound division continues to be a deep pool of talent. Beniel Dariush seemed to be swimming in the second half of the lightweight rankings for quite some time. Dariush is finally in the top 5 at 3, after he has had one of the longest active winning streaks in this division.
8. Movsar Evloev
One dark horse in the featherweight category may have emerged from the shadows. Movsar Evloev from Russia, undefeated (15-0 MMA 5-0 UFC), has enjoyed an active start to the new year, with wins over Nik Lenz (MMA) and Hakeem Danodu (UFC).
9. Terrance McKinney
Terrance McKinney may be a surprise to many. He is the only person on this list who has been recognized. While I’m not going to be discussing title contention and upper rankings, I will mention inspiration.
McKinney fought already four times this year. He also made his UFC debut at UFC 263. McKinney, a UFC rookie, was chosen as a replacement and agreed to the bout against rising prospect Matt Frevola. McKinney, a formidable underdog, knocked out Frevola in 7 seconds.
10. Charles Oliveira
This year’s story has been one of the underdogs. Add Charlie Olives to the list for new, inspiring champions in 2021. Charles “Do Bronx,” Oliveira, and Brandon Moreno join Rose Namajunas. Rose Namajunas as world champions in the first fight of 2019. Oliveira was victorious over Michael Chandler in the lightweight final at UFC 262. Oliveira defeated Chandler via TKO less than 20 seconds after Chandler was nearly eliminated in round 1.