We’re already halfway by means of the second month of 2022, and struggle followers have solely extra to stay up for. Whereas we’ve loved the likes of Deveison Figueiredo and Israel Adesanya reclaiming and defending their belts, there are a number of not-so-hidden gems that may hold the struggle sport contemporary for struggle followers throughout the board.
Right here’s are 5 most promising fighters throughout promotions which are certain to shake issues up in 2022. Will any of them present up on the current UFC rankings in 2022?
Muhammad Mokaev
Not solely is he a multiple-time IMMAF champ, however Muhammad Mokaev has additionally represented his adopted nation of Nice Britain as an Olympic wrestler. Together with his extremely anticipated UFC debut developing scorching, “The Punisher” brings a clear 5-0 document (27-0 together with his novice run) into his homeland bout in opposition to Cody Durden on March nineteenth. The 21-year previous undoubtedly brings his Dagestani background to his struggle sport, however don’t sleep on his heavy fists.
If his run at BRAVE is something to go by, the UFC Flyweight division could have a harmful competitor to look out for in Mokaev.
Stamp Fairtex
Stamp most not too long ago claimed the ONE Championship Atomweight Grand Prix belt, and her journey isn’t going to cease any time quickly. The previous two-sport champion determined to strive her hand at blended martial arts in 2019 and has been a dominant determine within the ONE Atomweight division ever since. Regardless of coming from a Muay Thai background, Stamp has genuinely develop into an all-around MMA fighter, showcasing her unbelievable floor sport through the Grand Prix finals in opposition to Ritu Phogat, who comes from a household of Olympic wrestlers.
The Thai fighter faces her greatest problem in her upcoming bout in opposition to ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee on March twenty sixth.
Terrance McKinney
Here’s a fighter with a robust, inspiring story. Terrance McKinney is a recovering addict with not solely a powerful wrestling background but in addition energy in his fingers. Throughout his UFC debut in opposition to Matt Frevola, “T.Wrecks” earned himself presumably the perfect debuts in UFC historical past by knocking his opponent out in simply 7-seconds with a clear one-two. At simply 27 years previous, McKinney has already develop into tied 4th for the quickest knockouts within the UFC.
Driving on a 4-win streak, “T.Wrecks” may single-handedly shake up the UFC Light-weight division.
Erin Blanchfield
Final December, Erin Blanchfield dominated in opposition to Miranda Maverick for quarter-hour straight, incomes her a unanimous resolution. On high of that, the 22-year previous broke the UFC Women’s Flyweight record for many takedowns landed in a single bout with eight profitable takedowns.
Blanchfield had an unbelievable 2021, and her 2022 seems to be to see her climbing into the Ladies’s Flyweight rankings very quickly.
Lance Gibson Jr.
Presumably one of the thrilling fighters to come back into the Bellator Light-weight division to this point, Lance Gibson Jr has been smashing by means of opponents since his novice days. The Seattle-native is at the moment driving a clear 8-win streak, together with these from his novice profession, the latest of his wins being his TKO in opposition to Raymond Pina in Bellator 268.
Gibson Jr could discover his method into the Prime 10 Light-weight rankings if he manages to maintain up together with his superb momentum.
Honorable mentions
It wasn’t simple to slim the checklist all the way down to solely 5 fighters. Listed here are another fighters to consider betting on. So, right here’s a listing of honorable mentions with extra promising fighters that you simply must also hold your eye on:
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Paddy Pimblett
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Usman Nurmagomedov
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Casey O’Neill
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Itsuki Hirata
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Saygid Izagahmayev
