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Prospect of the Year – LowKickMMA 2022 Awards

As 2023 comes to an end, it is time to look back on what was an extremely exciting year for combat sports in general. Whilst surging stars such as Jack Della Maddalena and Muhammad Mokaev have entered the UFC in search of gold, there are also a number of rising prospects who are on the […]

As 2023 comes to an end, it is time to look back on what was an extremely exciting year for combat sports in general.

Whilst surging stars such as Jack Della Maddalena and Muhammad Mokaev have entered the UFC in search of gold, there are also a number of rising prospects who are on the cusp of greatness. These fighters may not be on every fight fans radar just yet, but they all possess the potential to become something truly great in the near future – starting in 2022.

2022 has been an incredible year for European MMA, and that is highlighted in the LowKickMMA Prospect of the Year pick.

Prospect of the Year: Paul Hughes – Cage Warriors 145lb Champion (4 votes)

Another year, another Irish prospect on the rise.

2021 saw the emergence of Ian Garry, as ‘The Future’ captured the Cage Warriors welterweight title and signed with the UFC. In 2022, Paul Hughes has been the Irish fighter to watch, capturing the CW featherweight title, and all but guaranteeing a call-up to the UFC in 2023.

Hughes may have only fought once in 2022, but that one bout may well have been the most talked about regional fight of the year. In 2020, Hughes had lost an extremely close decision to Jordan Vucenic, who went on to capture the CW 145lb title. Hughes bounced back, with back-to-back wins in 2021, defeating both James Hendin and Morgan Charriere – names that those familiar with the European MMA scene will be very familiar with – and capturing the interim title in the process.

Vucenic also picked up several wins in this time, and anticipation quickly grew as rumors of a rematch became increasingly concrete. Eventually, to the delight of many an Irish and English fight fan, the fight would be booked to headline Cage Warriors 145. Both Hughes and Vucenic’s walkout to that fight were some of the most spine-tingling moments of the year.

However, the fight itself was a masterclass from Hughes. The young Irishman showed just how much he had improved over the past 2 years, dominating Vucenic from pillar to post. Hughes now appears to have reached such a level that he is more than equipped to be competing against the very best in the world.

A UFC debut in March seems very likely.

Honorable Mentions

George Hardwick (3 votes)

Just coming short by 1 vote of Paul Hughes is Cage Warriors lightweight champion, George Hardwick.

Hardwick had a sensational 2022, picking up three wins and the CW 155lb title along the way. The 26-year-old striker from Middlesbrough started his year with a bang, running through ?ukasz Kopera in emphatic fashion. This victory was enough to secure him a title shot.

Four months later, Hardwick would square off against American fighter Kyle Driscoll for the vacant CW 145lb strap. In a relentless back-and-forth war, Hardwick would land one of his signature body shots to crumple Driscoll to the canvas in round 4 – capturing the belt in the process.

Unfortunately, due to the injuries sustained in this fight, Hardwick was forced to turn down a short-notice contract with the UFC to fight in Paris. Instead, he opted to defend his belt later in the year, taking on Scottish fan favorite Chris Bungard. This may well have been Hardwick’s most impressive win to date, piecing Bungard up and finishing him in the second with yet another body shot.

Khasan Magomedsharipov (1 vote)

The younger brother of Zabit Magomedsharipov, Khasan is currently plying his trade in Bellator MMA. The young Dagestani holds a record of 7-0, with two wins in Bellator already.

Considering just how much potential and star power his older brother had, Khasan really has an incredible future ahead of him, if he is able to remain active. In 2022, he only fought once, in an extremely dominant three-round fight vs. Jose Sanchez at Bellator 275.

Khasan won via unanimous decision, showing off his impressively diverse skillset that blends the dominant Dagestani wrestling often associated with Khabib Nurmagomedov and the flashy striking his brother repeatedly showed off in the UFC.

Akbar Abdullaev (1 vote)

Another fighter to keep an eye on in 2023 is Kyrgyzstan’s Akbar Abdullaev.

The young featherweight is 8-0, with each win coming inside the distance. It is worth noting that his past three fights all took place on the same night, as he annihilated the opposition at WEF Selection 42.

Abdullaev appears to have huge potential, and 2023 may well be the year he makes the step up to the big leagues, as rumors circulate about a supposed contract with One Championship. Watch this space.

Full List Of 2022 Prospect Of The Year Votes

Frank Bonada: George Hardwick

Ross Markey: Paul Hughes

Murdo Todd: Paul Hughes

Patrick Post: Paul Hughes

Ian Shutts: George Hardwick

Tim Wheaton: Akbar Abdullaev

Ollie Brockett: George Hardwick

Keelin McNamara: Paul Hughes

Marc Ray: Khasan Magomedsharipov

Who was your top prospect of 2022?

George Hardwick interested in a UFC debut matchup vs. Michal Figlak: “That would be a good fight.”

George Hardwick is open to facing long-time rival Michal Figlak in a potential promotional debut for the UFC in March. Hardwick currently holds the Cage Warriors lightweight belt, having defeated Chris Bungard in his first title defense in November. The fight was one of his most impressive to date, winning a decisive first round before […]

George Hardwick is open to facing long-time rival Michal Figlak in a potential promotional debut for the UFC in March.

Hardwick currently holds the Cage Warriors lightweight belt, having defeated Chris Bungard in his first title defense in November. The fight was one of his most impressive to date, winning a decisive first round before finishing the fight with a body shot in round two.

In a recent LowKickMMA Exclusive Interview with Frank Bonada, George Hardwick revealed that he is hoping to return to action in early 2023, stating:

“In terms of competitive schedule, I’m thinking about March. I’m thinking about March, April, seeing what’s gonna come up then.”

Fans of the sport will no doubt be aware that the UFC is once again holding an event in England in March. Considering the blistering form Goerge Hardwick is on, and Cage Warriors’ close relationship with the UFC, it would be no surprise to see Hardwick getting the call-up for that card. When asked about a potential UFC debut in March, Hardwick had the following to say:

“That’s the goal. That would be ideal. But that’s stuff I’ve got no control over. That’s what my manager deals with. I’m just gonna train to be the most effective martial artist I can be. Enjoying the extra calories for a bit. Cage Warriors events pick up in March, so if there’s no UFC call-up then, (I’ll) just defend the belt again.”

George Hardwick vs. Michal Figlak?

George Hardwick has been offered a UFC contract in the past, but was forced to turn it down.

When the UFC made its maiden trip to France, Hardwick was offered a short-notice fight with Firas Ziam on the preliminary card. However, he had not fully recovered from injuries sustained in his previous fight. Instead, the UFC turned to Michal Figlak, the man whom Hardwick had appeared set to face off against next.

Now with a UFC debut on the horizon, Hardwick is still very much open to a matchup vs. ‘Mad Dog.’ Speaking in the interview, he discussed the circumstances surrounding the UFC Paris call-up, as well as a fight with Figlak.

“Yeah, I would love to fight that. It’s kinda weird, I was primed for a possible fight with him for the Cage Warriors belt. Obviously had that stare-down that lasted ten minutes. And then he stepped up, on that week’s notice to fight in Paris. But you know, even his fight with Sadari, he took a few big knees, you’ve got to be careful back to back. That’s one of the reasons why I knocked it back because my hands were still busted up. I tried to rush back into training and it didn’t help them. My nose was still a bit busted up and it was just really bad timing, to jump in on an opportunity like that on a week’s notice.”

“But you know, that would be a good fight. He likes to come forward. I do, but I do it a bit better. It would be a shame that it wouldn’t be five rounds but yeah, it’d still be great.”

During a photoshoot for CW 141 Unlocked, George Hardwick and Michal Figlak can be seen squaring off in a particularly tense moment, check out the clip below:

Would you like to see George Hardwick vs. Michal Figlak?

George Hardwick lands signature body shot to TKO Chris Bungard in CW title defense – Cage Warriors 147

In the main event of Cage Warriors 147, CW lightweight champion George Hardwick defended his title against UK veteran and pro wrestler Chris Bungard. Having turned down a short-notice fight for UFC Paris, George Hardwick wanted to ensure the premium promotion would still be looking to sign him in the near future. He made more […]

In the main event of Cage Warriors 147, CW lightweight champion George Hardwick defended his title against UK veteran and pro wrestler Chris Bungard.

Having turned down a short-notice fight for UFC Paris, George Hardwick wanted to ensure the premium promotion would still be looking to sign him in the near future. He made more than sure that the UFC would still be interested, putting on one of his most impressive performances to date.

Hardwick utilized a low kick heavy approach early on, tenderizing Bungard’s lead leg to the point where he was forced to switch stances. The Scotsman did have success with his jab, but Hardwick’s volume saw him win round one in a definite manner.

Round two was more of the same. Hardwick upped the pressure, mixing up strikes to the leg, body and head. Eventually, a body hook, reminiscent of the finishing strike he landed on Dean Trueman, landed on Bungard, sending the Scot falling to the canvas. A flurry of follow-up strikes saw the referee step in.

George Hardwick now seems destined for the UFC, with Paddy Pimblett on commentary stating that he should make his debut on the promotion’s return to London in March.

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