4 fights we want to see in 2023
2022 had some incredible matchups, but 2023 promises a few fights in the boxing and mixed martial arts world that we can't wait to watch.
Photo credit: Sye Williams, Getty Images
It was quite a fantastic year for any sports fan in 2022. With an incredible World Cup, crazy MLB postseason, and wild comebacks in the NBA, we saw historical moments. The combat world is dry right now, with no big cards happening until next year. So combat fans like us are rewatching old fights or coming up with dream scenarios in our heads.
With 2023 around the corner, there are many fights to make in boxing and MMA, and it can be quite an eventful year. Here’s the wishlist.
Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou
Let’s be honest: Inside the octagon, Jon Jones is the GOAT. No one has defeated him, and the man has been fighting in championship fights for a decade. Jones wants to get paid, and he rightfully deserves to be one of the best. Francis Ngannou, the UFC Heavyweight Champion, hasn’t defended his belt in a year, and they both have stated their desire to get more pay.
4 years ago today 🐐
Jon Jones beat Alexander Gustafsson for a 2nd time
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) December 29, 2022
After dominating and beating everyone at light heavyweight, Jones is finally moving up to heavyweight. Ngannou has the punching power equivalent to getting hit by a Chevy truck, and the two biggest worst dudes stepping in the octagon could set PPV records. Please, Dana!
Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis
It’s slated to happen, but who knows if it’s real? I won’t believe the fight is happening until the opening bell rings. Both boxers were scheduled to have tuneup fights in January, but Garcia elected to forgo his focus solely on Davis. No one knows what the future entails for Davis amid his latest situation. But from a boxing fan perspective, there’s been a lot of talk between these two. They should finally settle it.
Nothin' wrong with a little shit talk 😤
With or without the gloves, the verbal sparring is second-nature to @RyanGarcia…it's who he is. #ThrowingBones drops tomorrow on our YouTube. 🦴 pic.twitter.com/n4cJAeWTBV
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) December 29, 2022
The lightweight division is one of the most stacked divisions in boxing, with huge names up and down the list. Most of them need to fight each other, but we can start with Davis and Garcia. Tank Davis has knocked out nearly every man he’s faced, and Garcia has many haters saying he’s not the real deal. Let’s see who’s right at the end of the day.
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler
Despite falling out of the top 15 ranking in the UFC for the first time since 2013, McGregor is still a huge name. The Notorious Irishman can still sell out arenas and set PPV records. However, he’s 1-3 in his last four fights, and styles make matchups. Who better than one of the most entertaining fighters on the planet: Michael Chandler.
👀 👀 👀
[ @MikeChandlerMMA | #UFC274 ] pic.twitter.com/0QmtV9bzOp
— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
Since arriving at the UFC in 2020, it seems every Chandler fight is up for the battle of the year. He’s a warrior and won’t back down–watch his recent match against Dustin Poirer for proof. If McGregor is going to come back, Chandler is the guy to face. The fight will likely occur at the welterweight rather than lightweight level, which means more power in these two hands. Chandler has already called out McGregor. The fans want it, so why not make it happen?
Canelo Álvarez vs David Benavidez
Canelo Álvarez suffered his second loss in his professional career this year but then closed it out with a win against Gennady Golvokin. Let’s face it: Canelo is still the number-one name in boxing, and he’s been that for the last couple of years. When Canelo fights, your tíos and tías get together in the backyard.
🙌 Canelo Álvarez ya tiene su estatura en su natal Juanacatlán pic.twitter.com/OtYHtxMqPB
— ESPN KnockOut (@ESPNKnockOut) December 21, 2022
His loss to Dmitry Bivol proved that Canelo is human, but the biggest test for Canelo could be David Benavidez at super middleweight. Benavidez is a two-time WBC super middleweight champion and is only 26 years old. This fight reminds me a lot of Oscar De La Hoya vs. Julio César Chávez, an upcoming Mexican American boxer facing a Mexican legend. Almost like a civil war. Fireworks will go off if this matchup happens.
