With the UK MMA scene gathering momentum, could 2022 be the year we see just our second UFC champion. Since Michael Bisping’s legendary knockout win over Luke Rockhold in 2016, we’ve seen few Brits come close to UFC gold.
Darren Till seemed most likely to fly the flag but following his emphatic title bout loss to Tyron Woodley, we’ve witnessed mixed results from the Liverpudlian who has since made the move up to middleweight.
With a wave of British MMA talent beginning to gather speed, we’ve picked five prospects we think could have a big 2022.
Tom Aspinall – Heavyweight
Tom has made a destructive start to his UFC career, finishing all four of his opponents. Picking up big wins over former heavyweight champion Andre Arlovski and Sergey Spivak, Tom proved he was ready for the big leagues.
With surprising hand speed and athleticism, he possesses a similar skill set to current interim champion, Cyril Gane. His submission over Arlovski allowed Tom to show off his versatility which sets him apart from a lot of current heavyweights in the UFC.
While we may not see Tom challenging for a title this year, a top five ranking spot could be on the horizon with his next fight signed for UFC London in March against veteran, Shamil Abdurakhimov.
Injuries aside, a late Summer matchup with Alexander Volkov or Curtis Blaydes could be next for Tom assuming he’s able to pick up a win in March.
🇬🇧 British & Irish Fighter of the Year 🇮🇪
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) January 10, 2022
An incredible year for British and Irish fighters in the UFC, but a huge 2021 Award for a huge talent…Tom Aspinall 🙌
The future is bright for the UK’s heavyweight star 💪#FightWeek pic.twitter.com/ddozQDC1Df
Muhammad Mokaev – Flyweight
Muhammad has come through a great deal to reach the UFC, Following the death of his mother in 2012, he and his father were forced to flee Russia.
After settling in Wigan, Mokaev began wrestling training and started developing his skills. Currently undefeated as an amateur and professional, he’s looked formidable and presents yet another exciting contender in the UFC’s rejuvenated flyweight division.
Proficient in all aspects of fighting, Muhammad truly is a modern mixed martial artist, making his UFC debut against American Cody Durden in March, this sparked the beginning of an exciting journey for the former Dagestani man.
Still only 21, he’s got a long career ahead of him so don’t be surprised if the UFC put the brakes on an early surge up the rankings. Despite his ambitions to become the youngest champion in UFC history, hopefully Dana White has learnt from the mistakes that arguably stopped Darren Till’s momentum with many saying his title chance came too soon.
Cody Durden will fight Muhammad Mokaev at UFC event on March 19th. (per @MMAjunkie) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN pic.twitter.com/TCbx0PAm5f
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) December 7, 2021
Jack Shore – Bantamweight
Welsh prospect Jack Shore has British MMA fans officially hyped after winning his first four UFC bouts. Currently undefeated at 15-0, Jack possesses excellent striking and grappling which is a common theme with the new breed of British MMA talent.
Fighting out of Shore Mixed Martial Arts, he’s one of the many contenders currently circling just below the top 15. With a frighteningly deep talent pool at 135 pounds, Jack will have to come through some particularly tough tests on his way to the top of the rankings.
With his next bout already signed against Timur Valiev for March, there are no easy fights here with Valiev carrying only two professional losses since his debut in 2010.
By the end of the year, Jack should aim for a top ten ranking, at just 26, he’s got plenty of time on his side.
“I’m going to compare him to Georges St-Pierre!”
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 10, 2021
BIG praise from @Bisping for 🏴 @JackShoreMMA! #UFCVegas23 pic.twitter.com/VlgGYJTslj
Casey O’Neill – Women’s Flyweight
The Scottish-Australian will be hoping to continue her win streak in 2022 after going 8-0 so far in her professional career.
She may be only 24 but has demonstrated wisdom beyond her years that often betray many young contenders. With three finishes in her first three UFC bouts, she’s established herself in a wide open women’s flyweight division.
Her next bout sees her take on women’s MMA poineer Roxanne Modaferri in February, She’ll be looking to pull off a similar upset to the one she managed over Maycee Barber back in 2020.
Currently ranked number 15, Casey will be eyeing a top five ranking by the end of the year.
Umar Nurmagomedov is out of the fight with Jack Shore.
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) December 26, 2021
Timur Valiev will step in.
In Shore’s four fights in the UFC, he has had more than six opponent changes. pic.twitter.com/F2v8MHxjDB
Paddy Pimblett – Lightweight
Since crashing onto the scene in September, Paddy’s been making constant headlines. Following in Conor Mcgregor’s footsteps, Paddy made the switch from Cage Warriors and impressed in his debut.
Finishing Luigi Vendramini via KO in a short but exciting bout, the Liverpudlian caught the eye of fight fans. Despite not having his next fight signed, Paddy will continue to make his voice heard.
Known for his grappling, he’s a tough matchup for most lightweights but may not yet be ready for the best the UFC has to offer.
We may not see Paddy ranked this year but we can surely expect him to be involved in more entertaining bouts.
PADDY PIMBLETT GETS IT DONE IN ONE! 🔴
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) September 4, 2021
WHAT A KNOCKOUT! 💥
TAKE A BOW, @PaddyTheBaddy! 🙌#UFCVegas36 pic.twitter.com/chshpTEXsD
With so many British fighters coming through, it’s impossible to include them all in this list. Are we on the cusp of a British takeover in the UFC? Only time will tell.
