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#4. UFC welterweight Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards has won 9 of his last 10 UFC fights (an NC against Belal Muhammad is the one blemish on this streak). He hasn’t eaten defeat since his December 2015 unanimous decision loss to Kamaru Usman.
In the years since, Edwards has drastically improved his grappling abilities whilst maintaining his top quality kickboxing. Most recently, Edwards picked up a unanimous decision victory over the returning Nate Diaz. Edwards dominated much of the fight, only coming slightly undone in the closing stretch thanks to Diaz’s superior cardio.
Regardless of the fifth round, it was another impressive display from ‘Rocky’ as he continues to move up the rankings. Now at number three, it’s plausible that just one more win might be enough to net Edwards his long-awaited title shot.
Assuming he continues his winning ways, he could be looking at a 2022 clash with the winner of Usman vs. Covington II at UFC 268. ‘Rocky’ is a different level of fighter now to 2015 should he face Usman again.
This time, with his improved wrestling ability, his takedown defense against the scarily strong Usman should be more consistent. The same goes for a clash with Colby Covington, who is a wrestling machine in his own right.
Regardless of who he faces, Edwards’ chances of becoming UFC’s welterweight kingpin are solid. 2022 could very well be the year of ‘Rocky’.
#3. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones
It appears Jon Jones’ interminable bulking season may finally come to an end in 2022. After a decade of dominance as a light heavyweight, ‘Bones’ is moving up a weight class.
The controversial yet seemingly unbeatable MMA legend announced his decision to go heavyweight in August last year. It came six months after his last fight, a debatable unanimous decision victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.
Interestingly, Jones’ title defense prior to this was one of his most difficult bouts yet. Thiago Santos just missed out on securing light heavyweight gold in a grueling split decision loss to Jones at UFC 239.
Some have speculated that Jones, now 34, may be slowing down and moving past his athletic prime. Owing to financial disputes with Dana White and difficulty in packing on the pounds, ‘Bones’ has kept delaying a return to the octagon.
While none of this sounds promising, it’s impossible to count out one of the sport's most dangerous and efficient fighters. Jones has proven to be near perfect in all areas of combat over the years. He also has a long reach and is an exceptional defensive wrestler.
Assuming his speed and mobility aren’t hindered by his weight gain, the increased strength will make his strikes even deadlier. Jackson Wink’s finest student could be a nightmare for the likes of Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane in 2022. If he secures heavyweight gold, his argument as the UFC’s GOAT will be even stronger.
