Tag: Global MMA

Fight of the Year – LowKickMMA 2022 Awards

Fight2022 delivered another fantastic year of fights for combat sports fans across the globe. New champions were crowned, upsets galore, and some simply beautiful displays of violence. Whether it was Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev’s brutal battle to get this year underway or Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira’s all-out war in the summer, there was […]

Fight

2022 delivered another fantastic year of fights for combat sports fans across the globe. New champions were crowned, upsets galore, and some simply beautiful displays of violence.

Whether it was Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev’s brutal battle to get this year underway or Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira’s all-out war in the summer, there was plenty of excitement to be had for fight fans in 2022.

Given that there was so much excitement to choose from, let us help narrow down some contenders on what the ‘Fight of the Year’ was as the staff here at LowKickMMA submitted their picks on what was 2022’s best contest.

Fight of the Year: Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka (6 Votes)

Glover Teixeira vs Jiri Prochazka was not only selected as the best fight of the year, but I would even go as far as to say it is one of the best fights I have seen of all time. A back-and-forth brawl that saw both men have their moments during the 25-minute affair.

A large portion of fans believed the aging Brazilian had a slim chance of retaining his title but that was far from the case during the matchup. Teixeira was leading on the scorecards heading into the fifth and final round until the Czech native, Jiri Prochazka, snatched a hail-mary submission to secure himself the light-heavyweight championship.

Arguably one of the best title fights of all time, and with some hope, we may see the two men run it back in the future provided Glover Teixeira can regain the light heavyweight strap at UFC 283.

Honorable Mentions for Fight of the Year

Gilbert Burns vs Khamzat Chimaev (4 Votes)

A close call for second place was taken by Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev. Opening betting odds would have had you believe that Chimaev was going to run through the former title challenger, and had you seen his previous performances since signing with the UFC the hype was understandable.

Both Burns and Chimaev left it all in the octagon, fifteen minutes of absolute carnage which saw the two men go blow for blow, both being hurt on numerous occasions, kept fans in attendance and those out home out of their seats the entire duration of the fight.

Ultimately it was Chimaev who had his hand raised come to the end of the contest but given just how talented both of these men truly are, do not be surprised if their paths cross once again in the future.

Calvin Kattar vs Giga Chikadze (1 Vote)

Giga Chikadze had begun an impressive run prior to facing Calvin Kattar, a seven-fight winning streak that included finishes over Cub Swanson and Edson Barboza made it somewhat understandable that on recent form, Chikadze opened as the favorite.

However, Kattar took this opportunity to remind the community exactly who he was after his last octagon appearance saw him being simply outclassed by Max Holloway. This time, Kattar did the outclassing. His illustrious movement and technical boxing were put to good use as he laid on the pressure against Chikadze over five rounds in a bout that could have been stopped the further it went. At that moment Kattar killed the hype that surrounded Chikadze and re-instated himself as a serious contender in the featherweight division.

Do you agree with our ‘Fight of the Year’ selections? Let us know in the comments below about any matchups we may have missed.

Opinion | 10 Fights That Have To Be Made in 2023

Fights to MakeThe UFC has shut up shop for 2022 with UFC Vegas 66 drawing a close of the promotion’s events for the year. Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum will kick-start 2023 for the UFC with the pair scheduled to meet at a UFC Fight Night on January 14th. A month hiatus from the promotion and with […]

Fights to Make

The UFC has shut up shop for 2022 with UFC Vegas 66 drawing a close of the promotion’s events for the year. Nassourdine Imavov and Kelvin Gastelum will kick-start 2023 for the UFC with the pair scheduled to meet at a UFC Fight Night on January 14th.

A month hiatus from the promotion and with a majority of MMA stopping during the festive period, gives us fight fans plenty of time to speculate on what we would like to see in 2023.

Top 10 UFC Fights To Make In 2023

Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou

This matchup comes as a no-brainer really. Jon Jones’ hiatus from the sport has seen the former light-heavyweight champion out of action since his narrow victory over Dominic Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020.

Meanwhile, his potential opponent, current UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou has also been side-lined after undergoing surgery to repair an issue with his knee following his victory over former teammate, Ciryl Gane, at UFC 270.

Considered by many the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, Jones could cement that crown should he make a successful entry to the heavyweight division. What better way to do that than by taking on one of the hardest hitters the sport has ever seen and the current division champion?

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili

Valentina Shevchenko has long reigned as the queen in the women’s flyweight division, overcoming any challenger who has been thrown her way. Given the UFC seems reluctant to book a matchup including her and Amanda Nunes once again, why can’t Zhang Weili be considered a worthy new opponent?

Zhang was successful in reclaiming her strawweight championship title following her victory over Carla Esparza and given the 33-year-old has already expressed interest in this matchup why not allow these two elite mixed martial artists to share the octagon together for the first time?

Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3

Kamaru Usman reigned supreme at the top of the welterweight division after he dethroned Tyron Woodley back at UFC 235. Five consecutive title defenses followed for the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ following his acquisition and he was on route to secure a sixth until Leon Edwards landed what many considered the knockout of the year, stopping Usman dead in his tracks.

It seems only fitting for both men that they should share the octagon for a third time, for Edwards a chance to remove any doubt from those who still may that he is the real deal. For Usman, it is a chance to reclaim the welterweight title which he successfully defended for so long.

Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor

Action-packed. That is what you can expect should Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler meet inside the octagon. Whilst speculation still surrounds whether the Irishman will ever return inside the octagon, it has been made explicitly clear by Michael Chandler that he would be honored to be the man to welcome him back.

Chito Vera vs. Sean O’Malley 2

The only man to defeat Sean O’Malley, Chito Vera has recently been scheduled to fight fellow bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen in February in what can only be considered a title eliminator.

This works perfectly in my plan. In an ideal world, Vera defeats Sandhagen whilst Sean O’Malley gets the call to face current division champion, Aljamain Sterling. O’Malley gets the job done and then towards the end of 2023, we get to see this feud ignited once again in a battle for the 125-pound championship.

Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2

Technically the second fight of the two inside mixed martial arts but as I am sure you all know this would be the fourth time the two men compete against each other. Pereira seems to be the kryptonite of the ‘Last Stylebender’ having dethroned the former middleweight champion in the final rounds of their main event matchup at UFC 281.

For Pereira, what better first defense to make than to beat the man who has long reigned at the top of the division? In Adesanya’s case, it is only right that he has a chance to reclaim his previously held title having been just minutes away from retaining it in the pair’s UFC 281 meeting.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov

Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov are two of the most highly regarded fighters currently on the UFC roster. Chimaev made an explosive entry to the promotion and has since coined himself as a title challenger at 170 pounds. For Rakhmonov, his ascension in the UFC has been somewhat quieter however that may change after his January 14th matchup against Geoff Neal. 16 fights resulting in all finishes against a man who has only seen the judges’ scorecards once in his career, both destined for the pinnacle of the welterweight division, sign me up.

Arnold Allen vs. Max Holloway

This may come from a British bias as I just want to see Arnold Allen get a shot at the featherweight title. Now, what better way for him to do that than by taking on former title holder, Max Holloway, to earn himself the chance? Allen has been on fire since signing for the promotion winning all of his matchups whilst Holloway had defeated all potential contenders during his reign as the featherweight champion before being taken off of the perch of the division by widely considered pound-for-pound number one, Alexander Volkanovski.

A chance for Holloway to get back into the winning column following his tough stint and for Allen a win over a legend like Max almost certainly guarantees you competing for the gold in your next matchup.

Tom Aspinall vs. Stipe Miocic

Tom Aspinall similarly to Allen has been on fire since joining the promotion until he, unfortunately, suffered a severe injury in his headline clash with Curtis Blaydes at UFC London. Still, considered by many as one of the better prospects in the heavyweight division why not let him return (once he is ready) and compete against the former champion, Stipe Miocic, who hasn’t been seen inside an octagon since his defeat to Francis Ngannou?

Jiri Prochazka vs. Glover Teixeira 2

One of the greatest fights to take place this year I would not turn down the chance to see these two men compete against each other one final time. Whilst Teixeira is coming toward the end of his career that was not evident in his back-and-forth war with Prochazka back in the summer. All could play out perfectly provided the Brazilian can secure the title in his home country when he faces Jamahal Hill for the vacant belt.

Provided Jiri Prochazka can return from his shoulder injury in a timely manner, win or lose, would there be a more fitting way for Teixeira to call a day on his career than by competing against the man not only who took his title from him, but was also so close to beating.

Are there any fights I have missed off of my ‘fights to make’ list that you would like to see? If so, leave them in the comments below.

Event of the Year – LowKick MMA 2022 Awards

Event of the YearThe UFC has drawn the curtain on what has been another scintillating year for the promotion. Numerous pay-per-view events and fight night cards took to our screens nearly every single week of the year it’s hard to narrow down our ‘Event of the Year’. With so many events to choose from we got our team […]

Event of the Year

The UFC has drawn the curtain on what has been another scintillating year for the promotion. Numerous pay-per-view events and fight night cards took to our screens nearly every single week of the year it’s hard to narrow down our ‘Event of the Year’.

With so many events to choose from we got our team of writers here at LowKickMMA to vote on what was their event of the year in 2022. Let us take a look at how the results broke down.

Event of the Year: UFC London: Volkov vs. Aspinall (5 Votes)

Taking the crown as our Event of the Year for 2022 was none other than UFC London in March. Despite not being of the promotions pay-per-view events of the year the atmosphere inside the arena gave off exactly that. IMMAF champion and now flyweight contender, Muhammad Mokaev introduced himself to the UFC with his sub-minute submission victory over Cody Durden. The pride of Wales, Jack Shore extended his undefeated run to 16-0 with a calculated decision victory over Timur Valiev.

Ju-Jitsu ace Paul Craig implemented his truly unique fighting style onto Nikita Krylov with supreme effect, submitting the Ukrainian in the first round. Scouse supremacy reigned in London as Molly McCann delivered her iconic spinning elbow knockout and Paddy Pimblett secured his second finish in the promotion against Rodrigo Vargas.

Arnold Allen took down a veteran of the sport and continued his impressive run inside the promotion after defeating Dan Hooker via TKO. Saving the best till last, Tom Aspinall announced himself as a real threat to the heavyweight division with a flawless performance against longstanding UFC veteran Alexander Volkov, submitting him in the opening minutes of the first round.

Honorable Mentions

UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira (4 Votes)

Coming in at a close second was UFC 281 with 4 votes. When a card only requires the use of the ringside judges on three occasions you can be sure that it delivered, and this is exactly the case for UFC 281. Carlos Ulberg kicked off the action with a brutal knockout of Nicolae Negumereanu. Matt Frevola put an end to highly touted prospect Ottman Azaitar’s undefeated streak, knocking out the previously 13-0 lightweight in the first round. Erin Blanchfield unveiled her true potential after providing an absolutely dominant performance submitting Molly McCann.

Chris Gutierrez gave Frankie Edgar a sour ending to his career inside the octagon after he caught the 35-fight veteran with a brutal flying knee knockout. Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler turned in what many fans considered ‘fight of the year’ resulting in ‘The Diamond’ submitting the fellow former title challenger in the final round. Weili Zhang reclaimed her UFC strawweight championship after she submitted Carla Esparza.

Saving the best till last once again, Alex Pereira put a stop to arguably one the greatest middleweights of all time’s reign at the top of the division when he secured a TKO and his third victory over then champion, Israel Adesanya. Had UFC London not delivered on all aspects, it is almost certain UFC 281 would have been crowned Event of the Year.

UFC 275: Teixeira vs. Prochazka (2 Votes)

Taking the third and final sport in our Event of the Year competition is UFC 275 with 2 votes. Silvana Gomez Juarez acquired the first finish of the evening when she secured a technical knockout over Na Liang. Brendan Allen would then shortly follow up extending his good form in 2022 with a unanimous decision victory over Jacob Malkoun. Jack Della Maddalena overcame his toughest test to date since signing for the promotion and put his exquisite boxing ability to good use to see off Ramazan Emeev in the very first round.

Following on from Maddalena, Jake Matthews turned in his best performance to date after he brutally knocked out Andre Fialho in the second round. Weili Zhang secured herself another shot at her previously held UFC strawweight title when she dispatched former title holder Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a spinning back fist, sending the former champion into retirement.

Valentina Shevchenko overcame her toughest title challenger to date (or did not in some people’s eyes) when she edged out a split decision over Brazil’s Talia Santos.

In the main event, Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira delivered arguably one of the best fights of the year in their back-and-forth war for the UFC light heavyweight championship. Just seconds remained in the matchup and had the bout gone to the judges’ scorecard, Glover Teixeira would have secured his first successful title defense at the pinnacle of the 205-pound division. However, this was not to be as Jiri Prochazka submitted the Brazilian in the dying moments to crown himself as the new UFC light heavyweight champion of the world.

Full List Of 2022 Prospect Of The Year Votes

Frank Bonada: UFC London

Ross Markey: UFC 275

Murdo Todd: UFC 281

Patrick Post: UFC London

Ian Shutts: UFC London

Tim Wheaton: UFC London

Ollie Brockett: UFC 281

Keelin McNamara: UFC London

Marc Ray: UFC 275

Arshan Dhillon: UFC 281

Alex Lerman: UFC 281

UFC London claimed victory in our Event of the Year Awards 2022. Let us know in the comments below whether you agree with our decision.

Following the announcement of the promotion returning to the UK in March with UFC 286, do you believe it could deliver the same level of excitement as before?

Magomed Ankalaev discloses UFC 282 struggles: “I had the worst training camp of my life.”

Magomed AnkalaevMagomed Ankalaev has revealed that he had one of the most difficult training camps of his pro career in the buildup to UFC 282. Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz got the call that they would be competing for the vacant light-heavyweight title as Jiri Prochazka was unable to compete after suffering a serious injury to […]

Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev has revealed that he had one of the most difficult training camps of his pro career in the buildup to UFC 282.

Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz got the call that they would be competing for the vacant light-heavyweight title as Jiri Prochazka was unable to compete after suffering a serious injury to his shoulder.

Despite overcoming his issues and making the walk to the cage, it still would not be enough to see Ankalaev claim the UFC light heavyweight title as his bout against Jan Blachowicz would end in a split draw in the headline bout. Something that Ankalaev revealed he disagreed with once hearing Bruce Buffer announce the scorecard.

“We did everything we could, the fight turned out the way it did. Not too noteworthy. We earned the victory, but the judges decided not to give it to us and made it a draw.

“I feel like I did everything to get the victory, but the judges made their decision and there’s nothing you can do,” Ankalaev said.

Magomed Ankalaev Motivated As Ever Following UFC 282 Disappointment

Although the Russian did not achieve the result he wanted, he remains as determined as ever to achieve his lifelong goal and will use UFC 282 as fuel to the fire as he re-embarks on his title charge.

“I’m more motivated to prove myself now, soon we’ll take that belt. I’ll take a couple weeks for myself; I have some minor injuries. I’ll take care of that then it’s go time.” Ankalaev stated. (Transcribed by BloodyElbow)

Unfortunately for Magomed Ankalaev, he may have to face another challenger or wait until later on in 2023 to compete for the title once again. Jiri Prochazka has also been guaranteed a shot at the title after he vacated it due to his injury, however, his return date is still unknown.

Immediately after the disappointing ending in the main event of UFC 282, UFC president Dana White revealed former title holder Glover Teixeira will once again compete for gold at UFC 283 held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Tasked with defeating the Brazilian is rising prospect Jamahal Hill who will be challenging for the 205-pound title for the first time.

Who did you believe will be the new light heavyweight champion following UFC 283?

Khamzat Chimaev corners Ali Kadyrov, son of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov in MMA debut TKO win

Ali KadyrovMaking his professional mixed martial arts debut at an ACA 150 event in Moscow, Russia this Friday afternoon, Ali Kadyrov, the son of Republic of Chechnya dictator, Ramzan Kadyrov – turned in a one-sided first round ground strikes TKO win over opponent, Islam Akbarov – cornered by undefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev.  Ali Kadyrov, […]

Ali Kadyrov

Making his professional mixed martial arts debut at an ACA 150 event in Moscow, Russia this Friday afternoon, Ali Kadyrov, the son of Republic of Chechnya dictator, Ramzan Kadyrov – turned in a one-sided first round ground strikes TKO win over opponent, Islam Akbarov – cornered by undefeated UFC welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev. 

Ali Kadyrov, the son of sanctioned Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, made his professional mixed martial arts debut on an ACA 150 card at the CSKA Arena in the Russian capital at the lightweight limit against the aforenoted, Akbarov. Turning in a one-sided first round win, Kadyrov eventually forced the finish with a flurry of opening frame ground strikes.

Ali Kadyrov trained alongside Khamzat Chimaev at AllStars MMA ahead of ACA 150

Cornered by the #3 ranked UFC welterweight contender, Chimaev, Ali Kadyrov spent time training with the Chechen-born challenger at AllStars MMA in Stockholm, Sweden – with footage emerging last week of Kadyrov and Chimaev, pictured with former undisputed UFC bantamweight champion, Cody Garbrandt. 

Ramzan Kadyrov, an ostracised dictator of the Republic of Chechnya, has been accused of allegedly sanctioning targeting purging of the LGBTQ+ community in the region, as well as sanctioning extrajudicial murders, kidnappings, abductions, tortures, and assassinations. Kadyrov is also a notable close friend of Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this month, reports detailed how Dominance MMA trio and Ali Abdelaziz clients, former UFC champions, Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo had travelled to a military training complex in Chechnya where they fired multiple firearms at a firing range, at the behest and invitation of Kaydrov. 

UFC bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley also revealed in recent weeks how he had received a similar invitation from an unnamed party to attend the same trip, however, declined the offer, describing the 46-year-old, Kadyrov as a ‘murderer”. In the time since, O’Malley has received widespread support for declining the invitation, and speaking out against Kadyrov. 

Prospect of the Year – LowKickMMA 2022 Awards

ProspectAs 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 […]

Prospect

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?