5 rematches we need to see in the UFC in 2022

#2. Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards 2 – UFC welterweight division

2021 saw Kamaru Usman, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, emerge as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Usman defended his title twice in the first half of last year, securing KO/TKO victories over top contenders Gilbert Burns and Jorge Masvidal.

With two successful title defenses in three months, nobody would’ve batted an eyelid if Usman opted to take some time away from the sport and return in 2022. This wasn’t the case, as he squared off against bitter rival Colby Covington in a rematch in New York City at UFC 268 in November, where he came out on top to cap off an incredible year.

Kamaru Usman is seemingly lapping the rest of the fighters in the UFC welterweight division. Having beaten both Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington twice each, Usman is running out of legitimate contenders at 170 lbs.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has one more fighter to lap – Leon Edwards. The duo squared off for the first time back in 2015 at UFC on Fox 17, when they were both making their way up the rankings. Usman secured a unanimous decision victory on the night.

Edwards, back then, was nowhere near the fighter he is today. The Brit had barely trained in wrestling at the time and struggled against the former NCAA Division II national champion. Additionally, he revealed that he went into the fight with the wrong gameplan and mindset. He said:

"I fought with a defensive mindset. I wasn't thinking about what I needed to do, it was more just about what he's going to do and do I let him do it. That's not a good way to look at life or fighting."

Since his loss to Kamaru Usman seven years ago, Leon Edwards has compiled an incredible 10-fight unbeaten streak to put himself in contention for the title.

The key to victory for Edwards against Usman is stopping the inevitable takedown. While Usman’s striking has significantly improved, Edwards is undoubtedly the more polished striker. The Englishman claims the reigning champion will avoid exchanging blows with him and will resort to shooting for takedowns out of desperation.

It’ll be interesting to see how a second fight between the two will play out.

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#1. Julianna Pena vs. Amanda Nunes 2 – UFC women's bantamweight division

Julianna Pena was just another fighter in the UFC women’s bantamweight division before UFC 269. She won The Ultimate Fighter in 2013 and put together a 6-2 run before finally getting a crack at bantamweight gold.

Pena was booked to take on the GOAT of women’s MMA, Amanda Nunes, in December 2021. Most were of the opinion that Nunes would make light work of Pena and the betting odds reflected the same. Nunes was a -1100 favorite going into the bout.

Julianna Pena produced one of the greatest upsets in combat sports history as she choked out Amanda Nunes in the second round.

She took the fight to ‘The Lioness’ unlike anyone had done previously, repeatedly catching the long-reigning champion with her jab. With Nunes noticeably fatigued, Pena dragged her to the ground and locked in a rear-naked choke to complete one of the biggest upsets of all time.

Pena's win over Nunes left MMA fans around the world in shock. What made the victory even sweeter was the fact that she predicted how the bout would play out and executed her gameplan perfectly.

Amanda Nunes took to social media a few days after the historic upset, revealing that she is looking to redeem herself in a potential rematch. She will undoubtedly be eager to return with a vengeance.

Will 'The Lioness' draw level in her rivalry with Julianna Pena, or does 'The Venezuelan Vixen' have her number? Time will tell.