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Event of the Year – LowKick MMA 2022 Awards

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 […]

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 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 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

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, […]

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

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?

Juan Archuleta on Bellator vs. Rizin crossover fight vs. Soo Chul Kim: “I plan on taking this guy’s soul.”

Juan Archuleta (26-4) will go toe-to-toe with Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on December 31st. Bellator vs. Rizin will be one of the most exciting MMA events of the year, as Bellator contenders go head-to-head with those of Rizin FF. Juan Archuleta took time to speak with LowKick MMA’s […]

Juan Archuleta (26-4) will go toe-to-toe with Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on December 31^st. Bellator vs. Rizin will be one of the most exciting MMA events of the year, as Bellator contenders go head-to-head with those of Rizin FF.

Juan Archuleta took time to speak with LowKick MMA’s Alex Lerman to discuss what this opportunity means to him, preview his Bantamweight Feature Bout on the card with Kim, and offer up his insight on recent MMA judging controversies.

On competing at such a unique event like Bellator vs. Rizin, Archuleta said:

“I’m super honored, super grateful man. Not only are we making history in MMA, but I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do which is fight in Japan. So, I’m super excited, stoked and blessed all at the same time.”

Before getting into the fight, Archuleta spoke on some of his hobbies and how he spends his time outside the gym:

“When I’m not training, I’m training, when I’m not in camp, I’m training and I’m coaching. But no, I like to spend time with my family, I like farming; I actually have my own farm in Northern California in Humboldt. We grow cannabis, heirloom vegetables, and I like to hunt, fish, dive, and vacation, and you know, just being an extremist.”

Archuleta certainly takes on an interesting lifestyle outside of fighting to go with his impressive career inside the cage.

Juan Archuleta on matchup with Soo Chul Kim

Going into this fight, Juan Archuleta looks to improve his win streak to two after defeating Enrique Barzola in October via Unanimous Decision. When asked about what to expect from his opponent Kim this time around, Archuleta stated:

“(Kim is) very similar to my last opponent where Barzola was well rounded, we put on a high pace fight, and I’m looking forward to be doing that this fight as well In Japan, where they really appreciate martial arts… To have a worthy enough opponent that’s gonna put his offense together as well as mine, I’m super excited.”

Archuleta continued and offered an interesting perspective on how he wanted to win this fight. On this subject, Archuleta continues:

“I want to spend as much time in that ring as I can because I don’t know if I’ll ever be back there again, so I plan on taking this guy’s soul. I want to go out there and either make him quit or just show 15 minutes of dominance… just being in that ring as long as I can showing pure dominance.”

As opposed to many fighters, Archuleta isn’t specifically looking for a finish but added that if the opportunity presented itself, he wouldn’t say no. Archuleta also had comments to add about fighters that do specifically look for finishes:

“Well, that’s insecurities right, that’s guys who aren’t sure about themselves, guys who don’t love the sport that are just doing it for fame and fortune. This is what I do, this is what I’m passionate about… To go out there an compete, that’s where I’m the most happy and most calm at… going inside of the cage and spending as much time as I can in there.”

Archuleta on Recent MMA Judging Controversies

Making headlines across MMA media, recent judges’ decisions have been the center of controversy. In the fight between Danny Sabatello and Raufeon Stots, one judge scored it 50-45 for Sabatello despite overwhelming consensus that Stots clearly won the fight. Soon after, at UFC 282, Paddy Pimblett was awarded a Unanimous Decision victory over Jared Gordon which sparked controversy as well.

Archuleta had many thoughts to offer on the recent state of MMA judging:

“You can’t be pissed off at the judges when they give their opinion on who wins a fight, they’re judges, like that’s what they’re supposed to do… I don’t know why people get so offended or butthurt… If you’re a martial artist, you got to do your homework on who’s judging you. You can’t just say this judging is so inconsistent, well yeah so is martial arts… Different judges have different interpretations on who wins a fight, and you can’t take that away from them.”

This interview with Archuleta was extremely interesting, unique, and refreshing to hear a perspective that differs from the majority of fighters and fans. MMA fans around the world, tune in and watch Bellator vs. Rizin to see Juan Archuleta take on Soo Chul Kim in the Bantamweight Feature bout on New Year’s Eve.

Watch the entire interview below for the entirety of Archuleta’s comments:

How do you think Juan Archuleta will fare on NYE!?

Ali Kadyrov, son of Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov set for MMA debut at ACA 150 in Russia

Ali Kadyrov, the son of Republic of Chechnya leader and sanctioned head of state, Ramzan Kadyrov, will make his professional mixed martial arts debut this weekend under the ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat) 150 in Russia – receiving backing from UFC duo and AllStars MMA teammates, Khamzat Chimaev, and Darren Till. Set to make his first […]

Set to make his first venture into professional mixed martial arts, Ali Kadyrov, the son of Ramzan Kadyrov – who is alleged to have led systemic purges of the LGBTQ+ community in the Republic of Chechnya amongst a slew of other human rights violations and sanctioning extrajudicial murders, is set to fight at the lightweight limit.

Competing against Islam Akbarov, Grozny native, Kadyrov will feature at ACA 150 is scheduled to feature as the fifth fight of the night in Moscow, Russia at the CSKA Arena – as part of a 12 fight card headlined by Andrey Koshkin, and Artem Reznikov.

Ali Kadyrov has spent time training at AllStars MMA with Cody Garbrandt

Recently travelling to Sweden to train with the above-mentioned, Chimaev at AllStars MMA in Hagagatan, Kadyrov as pictured alongside the undefeated welterweight challenger, as well as former undisputed UFC bantamweight champion, Cody Garbrandt in Dubai – before training and sparring with the latter in Stockholm.

Sharing a promotional video ahead of Kadyrov’s fight with Akbarov, UFC contender, Chimaev shared footage of the former training ahead of his scheduled fight at ACA 150 – tagging Ali Kadyrov in the post.

In the comments section of the same post, one-time welterweight title challenger, Darren Till commented with a heart emoji, while former light heavyweight championship challenger and AllStars MMA staple, Alexander Gustafsson liked the promotional video.

UFC bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley also revealed recently how he had rejected a proposal to travel to Chechyna alongside former UFC championship holder trio, Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo on the behest of Ramzan Kadyrov, labelling the sanctioned dictator a “murderer”.