The 2023 MMA season has come to an end, and several athletes stood out on the scene during the past year. To select the top 5, the SUPER LUTAS team got together and chose the fighters who most excited fans and excelled in the world's most famous octagon. Check out the list.
See too
1- Sean Strickland
Middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) Sean Strickland began 2023 as the 'gatekeeper' of the division and ended with the belt fastened. In the first months of the year, 'Tarzan' beat two prospects in the division, Nassourdine Imavov and Abus Magomedov , and showed that he deserved more respect from fans and the specialized press. In September, at UFC 293 , Strickland shocked the world by dominating Israel Adesanya for five rounds and beating the Nigerian by unanimous decision, winning the belt of the world's largest MMA organization.
2 – Islam Makhachev
Lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) Islam Makhachev only fought twice in 2023 but cemented his name among the greats in the division's history. In February, Khabib Nurmagomedov 's protégé delivered a monumental performance against featherweight champion (up to 65,7kg) Alexander Volkanovski and emerged victorious by unanimous decision.
In October, Volkanovski accepted the rematch a few days in advance and confirmed the long-awaited rematch. However, inside the octagon, the reunion was less balanced. Makhachev surprised in the first round by landing an incredible high kick and brutally knocked out the Australian, defending his lightweight belt for the second time.
3 – Alexandre Pantoja
Alexandre Pantoja is the current UFC flyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
With an incredible story of life and overcoming adversity, Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja crowned his journey and finished the 2023 season in possession of the flyweight title (up to 56,7kg). At UFC 290 , which took place last July, the fighter from Arraial do Cabo had an impeccable performance and beat Mexican Brandon Moreno by split decision.
At the final event of the year, UFC 296 , Pantoja consolidated his reign, making short work of American Brandon Royval and winning by unanimous decision.
4 – Leon Edwards
L. Edwards celebrates winning the UFC belt (Photo: Instagram/@ufc)
After shocking the world in August 2022 by knocking out Nigerian Kamaru Usman , Leon Edwards entered 2023 looking to consolidate his reign. At UFC 286 , which took place in March, Edwards proved that his first victory was no fluke and dominated the former champion, winning by majority decision.
In December, at UFC 296 , Edwards faced the controversial Colby Covington and had no difficulty beating the American by unanimous decision, defending his belt for the second time.
5 – Jon Jones
Even with only one fight in 2023, Jon Jones proved why his name is always in discussions about the 'best athlete of all time'. At UFC 285 , held in March, 'Bones' made short work of Frenchman Ciryl Gane , finishing the former interim champion in just over two minutes and joining the select group of athletes who have won two belts in two different weight classes, taking the heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg).
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.