5 UFC titles that could change hands in 2022

In 2021, we have witnessed five undisputed UFC titles change hands so far. We've also seen a new champion crowned in the lightweight division and two fighters win interim gold.

The first title change of the year was a bizarre one when Aljamain Sterling won bantamweight gold from Petr Yan via DQ. We then saw three big knockouts from Francis Ngannou, Rose Namajunas and Charles Oliveira see each fighter claim gold.

At UFC 263, Brandon Moreno became the youngest champion in the UFC when he submitted Deiveson Figueiredo. After that, both Ciryl Gane and Petr Yan were able to win interim gold in their respective divisions.

Lastly, we were able to see Glover Teixeira finally win the light heavyweight championship at the age of 42. 2022 promises more of these moments, but admittedly some titles are more likely to change hands than others.

Here are five titles that might change hands next year:

---

#5. UFC Welterweight Championship

Usman has successfully defended his belt 5 times

At first glance this may seem like an odd choice given how dominant Kamaru Usman has been as champion. However, looking ahead to 2022, there are a number of big challenges for him to face.

First up will likely be Leon Edwards, whose striking ability could prove a problem should Usman look to trade. However, given Usman defeated Edwards earlier in their UFC careers, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' would likely be the favorite in a rematch.

Following that, Usman could be matched up with the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, who has yet to display any weaknesses thus far. That fight has the potential to be Usman's toughest challenge to date.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' has destroyed the top level talent at 170 pounds. It will be interesting to see if the next generation of contenders are able to contend with the UFC welterweight champion.

#4. UFC Featherweight Championship

Volkanovski proved his grit and heart at UFC 266

The lay of the land in the UFC featherweight division is a little different. At face value, champion Alexander Volkanovski appears to have distanced himself from the rest of the field given his lengthy unbeaten run at the top of the division.

However, there is one man who appears to be a very real threat to Volkanovski's title reign even if the champion does have two wins over him already. Max Holloway has looked exceptional recently and many felt he got the better of Volkanovski in the pair's very close rematch.

With the two seemingly on a collision course, it will no doubt be an enormous challenge for Volkanovski to halt 'The Blessed Express' for a third time.

---

#3. UFC Lightweight Championship

Oliveira finally winning UFC gold was one of the feel-good moments of 2021

It remains to be seen who will enter 2022 as the UFC lightweight champion as Charles Oliveira will defend the belt against Dustin Poirier on December 11th at UFC 269.

Whoever comes out on top in that one will undoubtedly face a number of very serious challenges to hold the belt for the duration of 2022. It appears as if the first opponent the winner will face will be Justin Gaethje.

Following that could be either Islam Makhachev or Beneil Dariush. When you add in the loser of the Oliveira and Poirier fight and maybe even Conor McGregor, securing a winning streak at the top of the UFC lightweight division will be very difficult.

#2. UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

Teixeira is the oldest champion in the UFC at 42

It should be noted that this is no knock on the recently crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, who has absolutely earned the status of champion.

However, the fact Glover is now 42 years old cannot be overlooked and it does seem like it could be a tough task for him to continue his reign through his 43rd birthday. Surely, at some point, time will catch up to this ageless warrior.

Additionally, there are is no lack of tough challengers for the new champion with the likes of Jiri Prochazka and Aleksander Rakic being on impressive win streaks. The UFC light heavyweight division is experiencing a new surge of talent. Whether Teixeira can stop the young invaders remains to be seen.

---

#1. UFC Bantamweight Championship

Sterling won UFC gold via DQ in March

The bantamweight division currently stands in a bit of an odd position after some surprising events in 2021. Aljamain Sterling is the current champion after his DQ win over the current interim champion Petr Yan.

Given Yan was winning his fight with Sterling prior to being disqualified and the fact that Sterling is now having to come back from a serious injury, it could be a tough task for the 'Funk Master' to hold on to his belt for the duration of 2022.

Yan has looked dominant throughout his UFC run and will likely be the favorite to win the belt next year. On top of that, the former champion T.J. Dillashaw has made a successful return to the octagon and will be looking to reclaim his belt in 2022.