Via ClutchPoints
Last week Dana White went live on social media to announce the UFC’s first quarter schedule. Some of the fights discussed we already knew about, but several were brand new fight announcements. Now that we have a clear picture for what’s to come in the first few months of the new year, I will highlight the four best fights currently scheduled for 2023.
Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal (UFC 287)
Just announced in the Dana White livestream, UFC 287 will be headlined by Welterweight top contender Gilbert Burns, and the polarizing BMF Champion, Jorge Masvidal. This is a fight the fans have been wanting to be scheduled for a long time, with the two having exchanged words on social media multiple times. Anytime two top ranked welterweights agree to fight each other it has my attention, and win or lose, Jorge Masvidal will always attract eyes.
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev (UFC 286)
In the Co-Main Event of UFC 286 we have a striker’s paradise between lightweight’s most dangerous brawler in Justin Gaethje, and the division’s most technical striker in Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje is always must-see action, but when you get him in there with another kickboxer that is willing to meet him in the center and throw leather, you have fight of the year potential.
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 284)
Pound-for-pound number one versus pound-for-pound number two, Champion versus champion, UFC 284 is headlined by the closest thing to a true Super Fight in the modern era of MMA. Featherweight Champion, Alex Volkanvski, will attempt to become double champ and knock off Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski will fight in front of a hometown crowd in Perth, Australia in one of the most anticipated title fights of the year.
Jon Jones vs Cyril Gane (UFC 285)
Jon Jones’ highly anticipated return and Heavyweight debut is finally official. He will fight former Interim Heavyweight Champion Cyril Gane in Vegas in the main event of UFC 285 for the vacant Heavyweight title. Next month will make it three years since we last saw Jon Jones in the octagon. The greatest Light Heavyweight champion of all time will test his skills up at the heavyweight division for the first time in his career. If he manages to win a belt at heavyweight Jon Jones likely cements himself as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time in the majority of all fan’s eyes.
