By Ken Andrew
kennyandrewmuganda@gmail.com
2022 has been an epic year for the UFC especially in terms of upsets. Leon Edwards, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka were some of the biggest winners in title fights, each earning their title in the final moments of the fifth round. The UFC also held events outside of the United States and Fight Island in Saudi Arabia for the first time since the pandemic started. This year, fans were treated to shows in Singapore, The United Kingdom, and for the first time ever, France.
2023 looks to be a good year for fans of the UFC as the already announced events and rumoured fights are looking tasty.
Three of the first four Pay Per View events will be outside the United States. The company will open their Pay Per View calender with UFC 283 in Brazil. It is a much anticipated fight card with two title fights, both with Brazilian fighters contesting for the gold. Perth will then host UFC 284, featuring Australian Alex Volkanovski. He will be looking to earn his second belt as he takes on Islam Makhachev for the Lightweight belt.
UFC 285 will take place on March 4th in Las Vegas. Finally, UFC 286 will take place at the O2 Arena in London. This will be the UFC’s third visit to London in a year but only the second ever numbered event in the UK. The reviews of the past events in London have been amazing and UFC London is a fan favourite event.
The UFC 286 fight card is unfinished and there are hopes that Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett will participate. Paddy and ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann have been the biggest stars in the UFC London events. Hopefully, they recover from their recent fights and are ready on March 18th.