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

Modified Dec 03, 2021 19:15 GMT

Islam Makhachev [Image via Getty: UFC 242 Khabib v Poirier]

#9. UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion: Amanda Nunes

While the UFC's women's bantamweight division is more competitive than the women's featherweight division, it is still impossible to pick anyone but Amanda Nunes to be champion come the end of 2022.

The only way we might see a new champion is if 'The Lioness' makes the decision to retire from MMA. If that happens, it may be that Holly Holm finally recaptures her title.

#10. UFC Flyweight Champion: Askar Askarov

Flyweight is another interesting weight class that has a number of talented fighters at the very top of the division. Brandon Moreno is the current champion and is set to face former title holder Deiveson Figueiredo for a third time at UFC 270.

However, the undefeated Askar Askarov will soon be back from injury, bringing with him the necessary skills to test anyone in the 125lb division. Askarov has previously fought Brandon Moreno to a draw, but 2022 could well be the year he puts a definitive end to that rivalry.

#11. UFC Women's Flyweight Champion: Valentina Shevchenko

UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko appears to be a level above the rest of the division. She has already defeated four of the top five, and while Taila Santos does appear to be a solid prospect, she does not bring anything threatening to the table.

If Tatiana Suarez is able to keep her fitness up, she might be able to give 'Bullet' a run for her money. But even so, until someone is able to defeat Shevchenko at 135lbs, you simply can't pick against her.

UFC 266: Valentina Shevchenko after beating Lauren Murphy

#12. UFC Women's Strawweight Champion: Rose Namajunas

Strawweight has a number of talented fighters in its ranks, with Carla Esparza, Marina Rodriguez and Joanna Jędrzejczyk all capable of capturing the title.

However, Rose Namajunas and Weili Zhang appear to be the two most complete fighters in the division, both having held the belt at one point of time or another in 2021. But with Namajunas getting the better of Zhang in back-to-back fights, you have to go with 'Thug' Rose to keep hold of her title through 2022.