2022 was an fascinating yr for Bellator MMA. Two World Grand Prix tournaments dominated the headlines, titles modified arms and younger stars continued to rise.
Now, with 2023 looming, it is time to look forward at what might be a fantastic yr for the promotion. From the Bantamweight World Grand Prix finals, to a light-weight title showdown between a former featherweight champion and the brand new 155-pound king, to a possible showdown of MMA legends, let’s check out 5 fights we’re hoping to see within the Bellator cage within the coming yr.
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Usman Nurmagomedov vs. AJ McKee
After conquering featherweight together with his beautiful run by means of the Grand Prix match that was capped off with a stunning title win over Patricio Pitbull, McKee fell within the rematch by slender unanimous determination. A soar to light-weight was a sensible transfer by McKee, placing much less stress on his physique with weight cuts as he hit his late 20s. In his 155-pound debut, McKee confirmed a wilder, extra wide-open model in decisioning Spike Carlyle.
One month after McKee made his light-weight debut, Nurmagomedov took the division’s crown by beating Patricky Pitbull. Now 16-0 with 5 wins within the Bellator cage, Nurmagomedov has totally delivered on the promise he held as a blue-chip prospect — simply as McKee did throughout his run by means of 145.
McKee is a particular expertise, particular sufficient that there is not any actual want for a protracted, drawn-out strategy of proving himself worthy of a title shot in his new weight class. A battle of two younger, gifted fighters with completely contrasting types is about nearly as good of a battle because the promotion might probably make, and the winner would have a powerful case to maneuver up the pound-for-pound ranks.
Raufeon Stots (ic) vs. Patchy Mix
It could also be dishonest to incorporate a battle that mainly must be made given it is the finals of the Bantamweight World Grand Prix, however nothing is a assure on this sport till the fighters are within the cage on battle evening.
Mix has made clear changes and enhancements since failing in his first shot on the bantamweight title, displaying improved cardio and higher pacing in his assault. He now enters the match finals in opposition to Stots and one other likelihood to have a belt wrapped round his waist. Given his harmful grappling sport and enhancements within the hanging sport, Mix is ready to cling with anybody on the Bellator roster.
Hanging with Stots is a giant ask, nonetheless. Stots can make use of a wide range of efficient assaults and blend up his hanging and wrestling to maintain opponents off stability. Throughout the match, Stots has proven a capability to organize for any type of problem, doing notably effectively at navigating an advanced battle in opposition to Danny Sabatello within the semifinals. Assuming the 2 males discover their method into the cage as deliberate, followers are in for an intriguing battle with the winner taking the interim championship into a probable late 2023 bout with champion Sergio Pettis.
Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico
This battle appeared as if it was a lock to occur in 2023 when Pico was as soon as once more struck with a bout of unhealthy luck. Pico dislocated his shoulder within the first spherical of an October bout with Jeremy Kennedy, leading to a TKO loss. The loss snapped a six-fight profitable streak that confirmed Pico had begun to determine issues out after an unexpectedly rocky begin to his profession.
Pitbull wants recent challengers for his featherweight title and a battle with Pico guarantees fireworks. Of course, all of that hinges on Pico getting wholesome and probably even needing to select up a win to have “earned” a title shot given the newest battle on his resume is technically a loss.
Still, the items would appear to be in place for Pitbull and Pico to share the cage within the second half of 2023 and battle followers ought to really be hoping it occurs.
Cris Cyborg vs. Kayla Harrison
There are some apparent hurdles to clear in making this battle, not the least of which is getting Bellator and PFL on the identical web page in placing their prime feminine stars within the cage. Harrison is coming off a stunning loss in her most up-to-date battle, however that solely put a small dent within the quantity of curiosity there can be for Cyborg vs. Harrison.
Both promotions have appeared prepared to make the battle previously and it makes quite a lot of sense for Bellator as, to be sincere, there aren’t many nice choices for opponents to face Cyborg. She’s such a dominant champion that she has already almost cleared out the division.
Harrison has by no means been one to shrink back from a problem. While she doubtless goes to be centered on regaining her PFL title, she’s additionally conscious {that a} win over Cyborg can be an even bigger battle for her legacy than a rubber match with Larissa Pacheco.
Anderson Silva vs. Fedor Emelianenko
Yes, Emelianenko is about for a “retirement battle” with Ryan Bader in February. But what number of occasions have we heard that music earlier than?
Emelianenko is among the best fighters in MMA historical past and if he will get the itch for an additional battle after the bout with Bader — a battle by which he is already a substantial underdog within the early odds — why not put collectively the type of ridiculous battle that will get battle fan imaginations going?
Silva and Emelianenko each deserve the chance to shine one final time and the battle can be fascinating stylistically. Why not have just a little enjoyable?
