Predicting the UFC champion of each division at the end of 2022

#5. UFC Lightweight Champion: Islam Makhachev

Such is the depth of talent in the UFC's lightweight division that there could be multiple new champions in 2022. However, we are picking Islam Makhachev to ultimately come out on top at the end of the year.

The Dagestani's wrestling has drawn numerous comparisons to his undefeated and now-retired teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, Makhachev has a striking game that is much more multi-faceted than what 'The Eagle' possessed.

Makhachev already has a fight booked with fellow top contender Beneil Dariush in early 2022. If Makhachev is victorious, then a title shot will surely follow.

#6. UFC Featherweight Champion: Max Holloway

Featherweight is an incredibly hard one to pick, but there are ultimately only two true options; those two fighters are, of course, Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. They have already fought twice, with the Australian winning both times, although their second fight was incredibly close, with many giving it to Holloway.

In 2021, Max Holloway has remained active, picking up dominant wins over top contenders Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez. It seems inevitable that he will face Volkanovski for a third time in 2022, and this time, we believe it will be 'Blessed' who will have his arm raised at the end.

#7. UFC Women's Featherweight Champion: Amanda Nunes

Not much needs to be said about women's featherweight. The division does not even have an official set of rankings, and it is inconceivable to imagine Amanda Nunes losing at 145lbs.

#8. UFC Bantamweight Champion: Petr Yan

The UFC's bantamweight division is another weight class stacked from top to bottom with an exorbitant amount of talent. However, the one man that truly stands out from the pack is the current interim champion, Petr Yan.

Yan has wins over some of the division's finest, including Cory Sandhagen and Jose Aldo. He was also on his way to comfortably defeating the current champion, Aljamain Sterling, before a moment of recklessness saw him disqualified for landing an illegal knee.

In 2022, look for Yan to reclaim his title and begin a new reign of dominance at 135lbs.