In a year brimming with MMA action, the UFC’s 2023 schedule is concluding with a bang, featuring a slide of enticing matchups and championship battles. With five title fights and several exciting non-title happenstances on the horizon, fans and experts alike are abuzz with enthusiasm. The burning question on everyone’s mind: What’s the must-watch event of the year’s final quarter?
MMA Fighting assembled a roundtable of experts, including Shaun Al-Shatti, Steven Marrocco, Alexander K. Lee, and Jed Meshew, to dissect the UFC’s action-packed slate and uncover the event that promises the most excitement, intrigue, and unforgettable moments.
Meshew makes a strong case for UFC 296 as the event that demands our attention. With a stacked card featuring the likes of Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington, Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval, Tony Ferguson vs. Paddy Pimblett, Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque vs. Ian Machado Garry, UFC 296 seems poised to deliver fireworks. While some matchups might raise eyebrows for their seemingly uneven nature, the prospect of witnessing these talented fighters clash is too enticing to permit up.
Al-Shatti, on the other hand, believes that UFC 295 is the crown jewel of the year-end schedule. With Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic headlining and the tantalizing co-main event featuring Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira, this event promises to be an unforgettable night of action. Al-Shatti reminds us that age and inactivity don’t necessarily dictate the outcome, especially when it comes to Jon Jones’ heavyweight debut. The intrigue surrounding this historic clash makes it a must-watch.
Marrocco takes a different perspective, highlighting UFC 296 as a balanced and intriguing card. While some might view Pimblett vs. Ferguson as a guilty pleasure, it’s a fight that captures the imagination, leaving fans eager to see if the MMA Gods have a surprise in store. Marrocco also points out that this event showcases the old guard facing the new generation, creating a blend of excitement and nostalgia.
Lee adds a touch of personal connection to the mix by acknowledging his previous prediction of the Pimblett vs. Ferguson matchup. His enthusiasm for this quirky fight is palpable, and he stresses the importance of seeing it through. Lee also highlights the significance of Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 294, a rematch that promises to be different from the first encounter.
The experts agree that the UFC’s 2023 schedule offers an excess of enticing matchups, making it a challenge to choose just one can’t-miss event. Whether it is the star-studded UFC 296, the historic heavyweight debut at UFC 295, or the intriguing Pimblett vs. Ferguson showdown, MMA fans are in for a treat as the year comes to a close.
In a year filled with MMA action, the UFC’s 2023 schedule is leaving fans spoiled for choice. Whether it is the star-studded UFC 296, the historic debut of Jon Jones at UFC 295, or the intriguing Pimblett vs. Ferguson showdown, there is something for every fight enthusiast. As we await these thrilling events, one thing is certain: the final quarter of 2023 promises to be a memorable period for MMA fans, with matchups that will keep us on the edge of our seats and debates that will rage long after the final bell rings. Don’t miss out on these epic showdowns as we close the chapter on another unforgettable year in the world of mixed martial arts.
