The world of combat sports is always filled with intense rivalries and heated debates about who the greatest fighter of all time is. In the last two years, 2022 and 2023, there have been some major shake-ups in the rankings of the most popular fighters, with new names emerging and old favorites falling off the list. In this article, we will take a closer look at the fighters who have made the biggest impact in the last two years and rank them based on their popularity.
"The Notorious" burst onto the UFC scene in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and entertaining fighters in the world. His unique combination of striking skills and trash-talking made him a fan favorite, and he quickly rose to the top of the featherweight and lightweight divisions. In 2015, McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously, cementing his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Aside from his success in the octagon, McGregor is also known for his flamboyant personality and his love of the limelight. He is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports and has a huge following on social media. He has been involved in a number of controversies over the years, but this has only added to his larger-than-life image.
McGregor has been inactive since January 2020, but he has been hinting at a return to the octagon in 2023. Fans are eagerly awaiting his comeback, and there has been speculation about who he will fight next. Regardless of who he faces, McGregor's return to the octagon is sure to be one of the biggest events in combat sports in 2023.
Overall, Conor McGregor remains one of the most popular fighters in the world and continues to be a major draw for fans, thanks to his trash-talking, charismatic personality, and success in the octagon.
Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, is another fighter who has made a major impact in the last two years. He has recently moved up to the heavyweight division and has been dominant in his fights, cementing his place as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Jones has a number of potential opponents lined up for 2023, and fans are excited to see how he will perform in the new weight class.
Israel Adesanya, the current UFC middleweight champion, has been on a tear since he joined the organization in 2018. He has won all of his fights in the octagon and has become one of the biggest stars in the sport. Adesanya is set to defend his title against Marvin Vettori in March 2023, and fans are eagerly awaiting the fight.
Jake Paul, the controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer, has been making waves in the combat sports world in the last two years. He has fought six times as a professional boxer and has a record of 6-0. Paul's next fight is against Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and fans are eager to see who will win the fight.
Jake Paul's rise to fame as a professional boxer has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his career as a YouTuber, but his brash and confident personality quickly made him a polarizing figure in the online world. Despite having no prior boxing experience, Paul decided to make the jump to professional boxing and has been making waves in the combat sports world ever since.
In just three fights, Paul has compiled an undefeated record of 3-0, and his matches have been some of the most watched boxing events in recent years. His confident and often trash-talking style has made him a fan favorite, but he has also been criticized by many in the boxing community for his lack of experience and his antics outside of the ring.
Paul's next fight against Tommy Fury is shaping up to be one of the biggest boxing events of 2023. Fury is the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and he has a growing reputation as one of the most promising prospects in boxing. This fight is a chance for Paul to prove that he is more than just a YouTube personality, and that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Despite the criticism and the controversy that surrounds him, Jake Paul has been able to captivate the attention of the combat sports world and has become one of the most talked-about fighters of the last two years. His fight against Tommy Fury is sure to be a major event, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome to see if Paul can continue his winning streak and establish himself as a legitimate threat in the world of professional boxing.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, the retired UFC lightweight champion, continues to be one of the most popular fighters in the world, despite not having fought since October 2019. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, and fans are still hoping for a comeback, despite his repeated claims that he is retired for good.
Overall, the world of combat sports is filled with exciting rivalries, epic battles, and talented fighters who are constantly pushing the limits of what is possible. Whether it is Conor McGregor's charismatic personality, Jon Jones' dominance in the octagon, Israel Adesanya's precision striking, Jake Paul's controversial rise to fame, or Khabib Nurmagomedov's legendary status, these fighters have all left a lasting impact on the sport and will continue to do so in the future. As we look ahead to the rest of 2023, it is clear that there are many more exciting moments and thrilling battles in store for fans of combat sports. Whether it's a major comeback, a rising star breaking through, or a legendary fighter cementing their legacy, the world of combat sports is always filled with excitement and intrigue.
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