5 bold predictions for the UFC in 2022

#2. Jon Jones will become the UFC heavyweight champion

Arguably the greatest fighter in UFC history, Jon Jones, looks set to finally return to the octagon sometime in 2022. The former light-heavyweight champion is undoubtedly one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Following his final title defense at 205 lbs against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247, Jones opted to vacate the belt and subsequently set his sights on the heavyweight division. Ever since then, 'Bones' has been packing on quite a bit of size and muscle as he prepares to make the move up.

Speaking to ESPN MMA, Jon Jones shared that he intends to be as big as the current heavyweights in the division. He said:

“I’m 255 [pounds] right now. I’d like to get to 270 and cut down to 265. I just don’t want to feel smaller than any of the other guys [in the heavyweight division]. I want to be more conditioned, more skilled and just as strong, if not the strongest guy.”

Watch Jon Jones’ interview with ESPN MMA below:

With Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane set to lock horns in a title-unification bout at UFC 270 in January, Jones will be eyeing the winner as he looks to make his much-anticipated return to the cage.

Jones has always spoken his mind and shared his views on Twitter. He recently gave his take on the emergence and rise of Ciryl Gane, giving props to the undefeated Frenchman for being ‘pretty unique’. He has even traded barbs with Ngannou online.

Irrespective of who he goes up against, Jon Jones has the skillset to beat anybody as he has proved year after year in the 205 lbs division. Our bold prediction is that ‘Bones’ will come out on top and become a two-division champion in 2022, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time.

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#1. Henry Cejudo will become the UFC’s first triple-champion

Henry Cejudo owns one of the best resumes in combat sports history. Cejudo became the youngest American Olympic gold medallist in wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics at just 21. He transitioned to MMA in 2013 and has since emerged as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world after becoming a two-division champion in the UFC.

Cejudo became the UFC flyweight champion following a sensational fight against the greatest flyweight of all time, Demetrious Johnson, and subsequently defended his belt against then-bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw.

Dillashaw tested positive for PEDs after the bout and was stripped of his bantamweight belt after getting a 2-year suspension. Cejudo moved up in weight and competed for the vacant bantamweight title, beating Marlon Moraes to become a two-division champion.

‘Triple C’ retired from the sport and vacated his belt following a successful title defense at UFC 249 against the greatest bantamweight of all time, Dominick Cruz. He has since made it clear that he would only return for a bigger paycheck, or an opportunity to compete for the featherweight title.

Cejudo has been clamoring for a fight against the reigning UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. Speaking to ESPN MMA, the former two-division champion had this to say:

“I still think about winning that third belt. I really think its attainable. I think anybody is crazy to count me out. Yeah, hate the persona, hate the cringe! But dude, facts are facts, man. I’m an accomplished athlete. If you can name someone who has accomplished more than me in combat sports, I will bend the knee. But there isn’t. He’s right here. I believe that I am entitled to skip the whole damn line and fight Volkanovski. You know? I deserve it.”

Watch Cejudo's interview with ESPN MMA Below:

It’s safe to say that Henry Cejudo has a real chance of beating Volkanovski. Cejudo has always found a way to win a fight despite being undersized. His high-level wrestling pedigree, coupled with his crisp striking and meticulous approach to preparation, will give Volkanovski a lot to think about if the two do square off inside the octagon.

Our biggest bold prediction for 2022 is that the UFC will crown their first-ever three-division champion – Henry Cejudo.