Chael Sonnen explains why 2022 was a "refreshing" year for the UFC

Former UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen believes that 2022 was a truly refreshing year for the world's premier MMA organization.

Speaking on an edition of Beyond the Fight on his YouTube channel, 'The Bad Guy' highlighted the numerous title changes that took place this year. He further delved into the opportunities given to fighters to compete for the titles.

Here's what Chael Sonnen said:

"An article came out today and it was talking about how many times a championship changed hands in the UFC in 2022 and it was nine. It was the third most of all time if I'm recalling the article right... I've never seen a year like this and I'm completely fascinated by it."

Sonnen added:

"It was a very different way of doing things and I got to tell you, as a viewer, it was refreshing. I loved '22. I loved the people that were given opportunities to fight for belts. I love that the champs came and put straps up as many times as they did."

Catch the full episode of Beyond the Fight with Chael Sonnen below:

2022 was truly an exciting year for the UFC. Fans saw a series of new rivalries begin, with new challengers emerging for championships and numerous titles changing hands. Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, and Charles Oliveira are among the most notable names who have lost their titles this year.

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Chael Sonnen on motivations behind Conor McGregor and Jon Jones' UFC return in 2023

UFC fans are eagerly awaiting the octagon return of Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, both of whom are expected to make their comebacks next year.

During an interview with Mike Bohn at the 14th annual World MMA Awards, Chael Sonnen weighed in on each fighter's situation and who he thinks will be the first to return to the promotion. Here's what 'The American Gangster' said:

"They're in very different spots, right? Jon Jones is a prize fighter, he hasn't fought in a long time. He needs the prize. He needs to fight. Conor McGregor wants to fight. I think that that's a meaningful difference. I would go, though, with Jon Jones (returning first)."

Watch Chael Sonnen discuss Conor McGregor and Jon Jones below:

Jones hasn’t competed inside the octagon since his unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in early 2020. 'Bones' relinquished the 205-pound title following that victory and looks determined to capture the heavyweight crown in his octagon return.

Online reports suggest that 'Bones' will make his heavyweight debut against reigning divisional champion Francis Ngannou at UFC 285 in March next year.

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has been on the sidelines since breaking his leg in a TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July last year. The Irishman has previously stated that he wants to fight again in early 2023; however, there's no official confirmation on when he will return.