As the rollercoaster of 2023 continues in the world of MMA, it’s clear that the remainder of the year will be just as chaotic and unpredictable. With unexpected winners, surprising retirements, and long-awaited returns, the sport is going through a period of transition and change. Let’s delve into the bold predictions for the rest of the year.
One of the most anticipated events would be Jon Jones’ retirement at UFC 295 in New York. Although speculation has arisen about his retirement, it’s not the most likely scenario. With a new eight-fight contract and a chance to earn the most money of his career, Jones is still at the top of his game. However, there’s a possibility that he may choose to retire after defeating the heavyweight GOAT, Stipe Miocic, in New York. While it would be disappointing to see Jones leave the sport, there’s a chance he might return in the years to come, as he has done before.
2023 has been marked by a changing of the guard in MMA. Long-term dominant champions have either fallen or retired, making way for new faces. This trend is likely to continue in the fall, with at least one more UFC title change before the year’s end. The spotlight will be on Islam Makhachev as he defends his UFC lightweight title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. Following that, the highly anticipated fight between Jones and Miocic for the heavyweight title will take place. While no other title fights are scheduled for 2023, potential clashes include a flyweight championship bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval, a bantamweight title fight between Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera, and a welterweight title showdown between champion Leon Edwards and challenger Colby Covington.
In recent times, the UFC titles have been like hot potatoes, changing hands frequently. Out of all the active champions, Alexander Volkanovski, at featherweight, is the only one to have held his belt for more than 13 months. This trend of title changes is expected to continue, with the very real possibility of more new champions emerging by year-end. While the Jones vs. Miocic fight is on the books for November 11, reports suggest that Sergei Pavlovich might serve as a backup for the event. Considering the history of alternate fighters being called upon, it wouldn’t be surprising if Pavlovich’s opportunity arrived earlier than expected.
Although both Jones and Miocic are highly acclaimed fighters, their paths have been fraught with challenges. Jones, despite his unmatched accolades, has faced numerous controversies, including failed drug tests and legal issues. Miocic, on the other hand, has been relatively free from controversy but has been out of the Octagon for nearly three years and is now 41 years old. The fight between them could potentially mark the end of Miocic’s career, given his commitment to his full-time job as a firefighter and paramedic. However, considering the history of their fights being delayed or canceled, it’s uncertain if both fighters will make it to the Octagon on the scheduled date.
In a surprising turn of events, the newly merged organization comprising WWE and UFC, known as TKO, has recently opened its doors to the public. This joint union has sparked curiosity among fans and fighters alike, raising the possibility of crossovers between MMA and professional wrestling. While some fighters have already expressed interest, such as Israel Adesanya and Brandon Moreno, it wouldn’t be surprising if midcard fighters also explore the potential of transitioning to another sport. This cross-pollination could bring about exciting new storylines and possibilities for both MMA and professional wrestling.
The remainder of 2023 promises to be as turbulent as the year has been so far. With potential retirements, title changes, and the intersection of MMA and professional wrestling, the MMA landscape is undergoing significant transformations. While some predictions may lean towards bold and unexpected outcomes, only time will tell which scenarios will manifest and how they will shape the future of the sport.
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