Via MMA Junkie/USA Today
On paper, March is the most stacked month of fights the UFC has put together in recent memory, maybe ever. With two pay-per-view cards, three title fights, and the return of Jon Jones; fight fans have no shortage of things to look forward to next month. I will be highlighting and ranking the five best fights scheduled for March to get us all excited for a huge month of high-level martial arts.
5.) Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili (UFC Vegas 71)
— la favela a gagné (@valofrere) September 14, 2022
The first Vegas fight night of the month will be headlined by former Bantamweight Champion, Petr Yan, and third ranked contender, Merab Dvalishvili. Petr Yan, who many fans and analysts still view as the best fighter in the division; enters this fight needing a win after dropping his last three. Dvalishvili enters the fight as the hottest fighter in the division and a serious stylistic challenge for Petr Yan. Dvalishvili is the main training partner of Aljamain Sterling, the current Champion of the division that just so happens to hold two wins over Yan. This fight provides us a five round main event between two of the highest-level fighters in the best weight class in the UFC with a good storyline between the two fighters and their camps.
4.) Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman III (UFC 286)
The moment Leon Edwards cemented himself at the UFC Welterweight champion 🏆@Leon_edwardsmma and @Peety_Editor relive THAT incredible head kick knockout 💥 pic.twitter.com/V6GvqUq82Y
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) February 22, 2023
In the history of the sport, and the UFC as a company, there has been nothing bigger than trilogy fights. From Liddell vs Couture to DC vs Miocic, fast forward to March 18th, 2023, and we have Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usamn III in London, England for the UFC Welterweight title. This fight will be Usman’s shot at redemption for what was the biggest upset, comeback, and knockout of 2022. Edwards will be attempting to defend his title and prove that the kick heard around the MMA world was no fluke.
3.) Marlon Vera vs Cory Sandhagen (UFC San Antonio)
Marlon Chito Vera fight week 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/pSGriKKmXr
— Will (@wiIl_mma) August 8, 2022
San Antonio will host a five round main event between top ranked Bantamweights, Cory Sandhagen and Marlon “Chito” Vera. Sandhagen and Vera are the two most dynamic strikers in the division, and two of the most fun fighters to watch on the entire roster. They have 13 combined performance bonuses and 26 combined career finishes between the two of them. Expect this to be a Fight of The Night showcase that does not see a Judges’ Decision.
2.) Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev (UFC 286)
It's Rafael Fiziev fight week pic.twitter.com/roqumQ3Ub8
— Rogan (@MarkHuntgoat) July 4, 2022
Somehow the Co-Main Event for Edwards vs Usman III has even more fight of the year potential. Justin Gaehje vs Rafael Fiziev is not only the best stylistic matchup you could make in the Lightweight division, but it may also be one of the most violent fist fights you could put together in all of combat. The technical Muay Thai of Rafael Fiziev up against the pressure forward brawler in Justin Gaethje. This is one of those fights you show your friends to get them into the sport.
1.) Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane (UFC 285)
Ciryl Gane's sickening body shots against Tai Tuivasa. pic.twitter.com/ts6fxv7qAT
— Miguel Class (@MigClass) September 5, 2022
Last and obviously not least, we have the return of the greatest Light Heavyweight of all time, Jon Jones, in his heavyweight debut. Not only is it Jones’ return, not only is it his Heavyweight debut, but he will be challenging Ciryl Gane for the vacant Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. Gane is a former Interim Champion that will be challenging for the Undisputed title for the second time in his last three fights. Gane has been fighting the best Heavyweights in the world for the past three years while Jon has been sitting out. This fight will answer all our questions about Jon Jones’ legacy and his potential in the heavyweight division.
