A number of UFC fighters produced impressive 2022 campaigns to elevate themselves to contender status.
From heavyweights Sergei Pavlovich and Jairzinho Rozenstruik to middleweights Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier, there has been a solid mix of new fighters making rapid ascents up the ladder as well as contenders who have been around to fight the best holding onto their position.
In 2023, will we see one of these fighters break through to earn a shot at the title? What are the chances that someone like lightweight Arman Tsarukyan will get another crack at current champ Islam Makhachev? Can Ilia Topuria keep the momentum of his impressive stoppage of Bryce Mitchell going to fight for the title?
