Rankings give us the perfect assessment of a fighter’s form at any specific point in time. If we look at them over a period of a few months, we can also identify those who are in the ascendancy, along with the ones who might want to consider calling time on their careers.
The start of any New Year also gives us a perfect opportunity to make predictions. Who will be rising through the ranks in 2023 as they enjoy a stellar 12 months of MMA competition?
Paddy Pimblett
Fans of Mixed Martial Arts already know all about Paddy Pimblett. Paddy the Baddy has enjoyed a productive start in the UFC lightweight division and he will end the year with an overall MMA record of 20 wins and three defeats.
The English fighter was most recently in action at UFC 2022 in December when he came through via a decision over Jared Gordon. It wasn’t entirely appreciated by the crowd in Nevada but Pimblett just keeps on winning.
In the lightweight division, he’s won UFC Performance of the Night on three separate occasions, and 2023 will surely bring a shot at a championship title.
Jamahal Hill
One man with a confirmed engagement in the New Year is the American light heavyweight Jamahal Hill. At 31, he has plenty of fighting experience in his locker, but he’s only competed in 13 MMA bouts so far.
Hill is ranked number 7 in the UFC rankings for the division, but a win at UFC 283 against Glover Teixeira should see a rise up the table. It’s a shot for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, and early indications are good with Hill listed as clear favorite.
Betting markets are sourced by ArabianBetting.com whose extensive panel of sportsbooks have come down on the side of Jamahal Hill. His progress, and that of any fighters on this list, can be monitored via the many MMA bookmakers that link here.
In the run up to UFC 283 on January 21st, those markets are subject to change and any updates will be published on the ArabianBetting website. Breaking news and opinion articles will appear along with comprehensive sportsbook reviews.
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It’s a one-stop shop for all MMA betting, but Jamahal Hill isn’t the only fighter under the spotlight in 2023.
Ilia Topuria
Born in Germany but competing for Georgia, Ilia Topuria is a versatile fighter who has competed in both the lightweight and flyweight divisions of UFC. He will also close 2022 with an unbeaten record and that’s a rare boast in a highly competitive era.
Topuria has won all 13 of his fights to date and four of those wins have come by knockout. The man known as El Matador is a dangerous opponent and he’ll want to maintain that unbeaten run in the New Year.
Casey O’Neill
Who will be the standout female fighter in 2023? Australia’s Casey O’Neill could be the one to watch. After a steady rise through the rankings, she is set to finish the year as the 11th best fighter in the UFC women’s flyweight division.
O’Neill remains unbeaten after nine fights and, while there may be tougher challenges in prospect, that return suggests a productive 12 months for the 25-year-old.
Magomed Ankalaev
Light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev hasn’t got too far to go until he reaches the top. He’s already ranked number three in the UFC charts for that division and he came close to securing the vacant championship belt at UFC 282.
A draw against Jan Blachowicz left Ankalaev with 17 wins, one defeat and that solitary drawn bout from 19 MMA fights. He is one of the form men in UFC and, while he’s already close to the top, Magomed Ankalaev has the quality to finish next year as the world number one.