5 inactive UFC fighters who could make a return in 2022

#2. Luke Rockhold - Former UFC middleweight champion

Rockhold's last fight was on July 6 2019 at UFC 239

Luke Rockhold has not fought since July 2019 when his attempt to move up to light heavyweight was ended by a knockout loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC 239. He was scheduled to return in November of 2021 but was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout with Sean Strickland due to herniated discs in his back.

The injury Rockhold is dealing with is undoubtedly serious but it should not keep him out of action for all of 2022.

The fact he was just a month away from getting back in the cage should give fans some hope that when he gets back to full health we will see him back in the octagon.

The former middleweight champion could return to the octagon sometime next year. With a resume as decorated as Rockhold's, you would imagine he will face a ranked contender right away.

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#1. Joanna Jedrzejczyk - Former UFC strawweight champion

Jedrzejczyk's last fight was March 7 2020 at UFC 248

Joanna Jedrzejczyk's last bout in the UFC was heralded as the greatest fight in the history of women's MMA. However, following that fight in March 2020 Jedrzejczyk did not return to the octagon in 2021.

Jedrzejczyk may have been removed from the UFC rankings but remains very much in the picture as one of the world's best strawweights. She has stated her desire to return to the octagon in early 2022 and should immediately be in the title picture.

If not a title fight, potential clashes for her could include rematches with any of Zhang Weili, Carla Esparza or even Jessica Andrade. With no current obstacles preventing a Jedrzejczyk return, look for the former champ to be back fighting in 2022.