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One of the things that separates the UFC from its competitors is the breadth of stars at the promotion's disposal. The fighters who compete under Dana White's banner are globally-renowned athletes. Thus, in the world of mixed martial arts, they are superstars without comparison.
Unfortunately, many of the promotion's biggest stars were absent from its run in 2022. While other fighters have stepped up to the plate, with the likes of Sean O'Malley elevating their status, the promotion's greatest successes have always come from its main PPV draws. With the start of 2023, the UFC is hopeful.
However, for this year to eclipse the previous one, MMA's biggest stars will have to turn up. Some, however, need to fight more than ever before. This list details five UFC stars that must fight this year for the promotion to have as much success as possible.
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#5. Khamzat Chimaev, UFC welterweight/middleweight
Undefeated fighters are not rare in combat sports. However, undefeated fighters who manage to keep their records spotless once they encounter high-level opponents are gems. Khamzat Chimaev is one such diamond that the UFC treasures.
Unfortunately, 'Borz' did not have a stellar campaign inside the octagon last year. The Chechen phenom fought twice in 2022, first against Gilbert Burns and later against Kevin Holland. His bout with 'Durinho' was controversial. While 'Borz' emerged victorious, it was such a close fight that many thought he lost it.
It didn't resemble his typical dominance at all. He was rocked and even dropped despite disguising it as a failed takedown attempt. His subsequent bout was originally scheduled against Nate Diaz. Unfortunately, 'Borz' missed weight by seven and a half pounds, forcing the UFC to rebook his main event spot.
He instead faced Kevin Holland. While he submitted his foe in the first round, his previous weigh-in failure and relegation to the co-main event spot made 2022 a year for him to forget. To bounce back and finally earn a title fight, Khamzat Chimaev will have to fight in 2023 to defeat a top-level foe in an impressive fashion.
#4. Israel Adesanya, UFC middleweight
While Israel Adesanya lost his undefeated status in 2021 due to a loss to Jan Błachowicz, he remained unbeaten at middleweight. In 2022, his performances left a lot to be desired. He faced Robert Whittaker in a highly anticipated rematch. While he won, it was controversial with many believing 'The Reaper' won.
His subsequent bout was a clash with former heavyweight power-puncher Jared Cannonier. Alas, the Nigerian's performance was widely panned as boring and low-volume. Thus, 'The Last Stylebender' hoped to cap off 2022 by crushing his longtime rival's hopes of wrestling away his middleweight crown.
Unfortunately, Alex Pereira defeated him for a third time, dethroning the middleweight kingpin. How the Nigerian striker will bounce back from being TKO'd by a man to whom he has now lost thrice remains to be seen. In 2023, he intends to face 'Poatan' in a rematch.
If he hopes to recapture his position as a leading star in the promotion, he'll need to not only fight but win. The UFC can't do without the quadrilogy bout between Adesanya and Pereira this year. So the Nigerian dynamo must fight. He's the marquee middleweight star.
#3. Jorge Masvidal, UFC welterweight
Back in 2019, Jorge Masvidal had the MMA world in the palm of his hand. The veteran of 51 fights arose from relative obscurity to become a superstar in the sport. 'Gamebred' embarked on a three-fight win streak punctuated by him claiming the fastest knockout in UFC history and the 'BMF' title.
Unfortunately, he failed to capture true championship gold from Kamaru Usman in both of his title fights. His last fight, which remains his only bout in 2022, was a grudge match that he lost to former best friend Colby Covington. He has since been linked to various fights.
There were rumblings of 'Gamebred' fighting Gilbert Burns and even pursuing an undeserved title fight with Leon Edwards. Unfortunately, the 'BMF' champion is known for being difficult to negotiate with. This has only worsened after his surge of legal issues after he assaulted Colby Covington.
Having only fought once every year since 2020 and being on a three-fight losing streak, Masvidal needs to fight in 2023. His refusal to face fellow contenders has soured his reputation among fans. If he wants to erase the memory of his losing streak, he must return to the octagon with an emphatic win in 2023.
#2. Jon Jones, UFC light heavyweight/heavyweight
Within a few weeks, it'll be three years since MMA fans last saw Jon Jones step inside the octagon. After an underwhelming stretch of three decision wins, 'Bones' vacated his 205 lbs title and announced his intentions to challenge for the heavyweight throne.
A fight with Francis Ngannou became the topic of discussion. Unfortunately, the UFC failed to agree on terms with either fighter and the bout never materialized. Talk of an eventual Jon Jones return made the rounds, with rumors of him potentially facing Curtis Blaydes or Stipe Miocic running rampant.
However, an official agreement was finally reached and 'Bones' is set to return against Ciryl Gane on the fourth of March at UFC 285. Unfortunately, when it comes to 'Bones', there is never any certainty when it comes to him. While a fight has been announced, there is still far too much time for something to derail it.
Whether what derails the scheduled bout is a failed drug test or a legal issue of some sort, it is difficult to believe Jones is truly back until he's inside the octagon. By the time that he hopefully steps into the cage, it'll be three years since his last fight. After such a long absence, Jones absolutely needs to return this year.
#1. Conor McGregor, UFC lightweight
Conor McGregor is a once-in-a-lifetime fighter. The first two-division champion in UFC history has not fought since 2021. Instead, he's been recovering from a devastating leg break he suffered against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout. Since then, 'The Notorious' has teased his potential return.
At times, talks of a quadrilogy with 'The Diamond' were frequent. However, after Charles Oliveira ascended to the lightweight throne, the Irishman advised 'do Bronx' to await his return. It was a bout that the BJJ specialist showed great interest in pursuing.
Unfortunately, now that he doesn't have the 155 lbs title, a matchup between the two is likely to be of little interest to 'The Notorious'. In more recent months, a bout with Michael Chandler has become the main talking point surrounding his return. Regardless of who he faces on his return, the Irishman must fight in 2023.
It's been a long wait and McGregor's return to the octagon will undoubtedly be the biggest moment of the year.
