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UFC rematches, retirements and returns in the first half of 2023

by time news

2023-06-27 19:00:48

2023 is being a very exciting year for MMA fans and especially the UFC. In just six months, a multitude of situations have already occurred that increasingly place the UFC in the media spotlight, which makes MMA an increasingly mainstream sport. 2022 was an intense year, which was forging many rivalries that have been resolved so far this year. We have also had to say goodbye to several legends of the sport, as well as glimpse the return of old familiar faces.

The first rematch that took place this year was, neither more nor less, than the fourth meeting in which Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo faced each other. On the first occasion and surprisingly, Brandon gave the fight of his life to a solid champion, getting a draw. This caused a rematch to take place. in UFC 277 the Mexican managed to submit Figueiredo and was proclaimed UFC flyweight champion for the first time. With this performance he earned the love and respect of all the fans, thanks to his great story of overcoming himself. In their third meeting, Deiveson restrained Brandon, and was able to take the judges’ decision.

To sign the tiebreaker, they had to face each other once again, the first time in history that there is a fourth fight between the same fighters, at UFC 283. This time there was no controversy, because with a great hand “El Killer Baby” completely closed his rival’s eye, forcing the doctor to stop the fight. With this strong performance Brandon Moreno closed the eye of the Brazilian born, the rematch and their long rivalry.

Brandon Moreno vs Deiveson Figueiredo 4. Via: UFC

In UFC 286the third confrontation between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman It was carried out. The Nigerian, who watched as a spectacular kick launched at the last minute stole his belt, his winning record and his pound-for-pound ranking, he sought revenge. However, Leon Edwards was able to overcome his game. “Rocky” completely neutralized Usman, an Usman who looked more timid than usual, possibly out of fear of being knocked down again. This led to Edwards lifting the belt for the second time in his first defense and giving a hit on the table like a solid champ.

Ending this section, there is a rivalry that goes beyond the UFC, and even MMA. The rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira has been building since Kickboxing. The Brazilian took victory on the two occasions in which the faces were seen. Once in the UFC, an Adesanya who had swept his entire division witnessed how the company signed Pereira, with the clear intention of bringing them together as soon as possible. This is how in November 2022 the UFC brought these old acquaintances together at UFC 281. The result was an Adesanya who was defeated in the fifth round. However, contrary to what many thought, the New Zealander was able to finish Pereira in an incredible way in UFC 287closing this historic rivalry, as Pereira announced that he was changing categories due to the brutal weight cut he had to make.

Unfortunately, this first half of the year has brought fights and new fighters as well as taking others with it. The first legend to say goodbye to the company was veteran Glover Teixeira on January 21. The Brazilian came with great fame having been proclaimed champion at the surprising age of 42 years and having offered a historic fight against the rising Jiri Procházka. The magnitude of the fight was such that a rematch was quickly signed. However, an injury to the Czech’s shoulder meant that the UFC had to choose a substitute to face Glover for the vacant title.

Jamahal Hill was chosen, and many fans thought that this fight would be a process for the Brazilian, but nothing could be further from the truth. The American swept Teixeira at UFC 283. During the five rounds Glover didn’t stand a chance, ending up with his entire face covered in blood and announcing his retirement at the end of the fight.

It is worth mentioning another retirement that did not occur in the Octagon, but in the offices. The one who was heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, left the company through the back door, after failing to reach an agreement with Dana Whitewhich he offered the largest contract in heavyweight history. Despite the juicy offer, Ngannou valued his principles and values ​​more, such as raising the wages of fighters, something that Dana White He did not see with good eyes. Finally, the Cameroonian, who wanted to be able to fight in boxing, and have more control over the company ended up signing with PFL. More than a withdrawal from the UFC, it has been a blur of Ngannou’s passage through the company, since he does not appear anywhere.

Another historical who said goodbye, and not in the best way was Jorge Masvidal. The one from Miami announced his retirement in his own city in UFC 287losing by unanimous decision to Gilbert Burns. Many fans already smelled the retirement, Well, far was that Masvidal who turned out the lights of Darren Till in London or who connected the fastest KO in the history of the UFC. In his last contest he was completely outclassed by the Brazilian, who did not give him a chance to act. After this fight he announced that after a lifetime fighting it was time to say goodbye to him, hanging up gloves in post fight interview.

Changing the third, the surely female GOAT, Amanda Nunes also hung up her gloves on June 10 at UFC 289. This time it was the sweetest farewell possible. The Brazilian did not leave without first adding another memorable performance to her long list of achievements. In her last fight, she did what she wanted with Irene Aldana, leaving behind one of the most dominant fights the UFC has ever seen. At the end of the lawsuit, the double champion and best of all time left her, her belts and her gloves in the octagon, offering an image that will go down in history.

Amanda Nunes retiring. Via: Getty Images

Not only have legends left, but they have also returned. The first to return UFC 285 It was nothing more and nothing less than Jon Jones. The best of all time returned after three years of inactivity, as well as at a new weight, seeking to extend his legacy. Arrival at the title fight that Ngannou vacated, the GOAT would face Ciryl Gane. Many began to doubt Jones because of his inactivity and his physique, but two minutes were enough to finish the Frenchman and show who is the best in history.

On the other side of the coin, another living legend that returned was Henry Cejudo, however, did not have the same luck as Jones. After much speculation, Cejudo returned in UFC 288 to face the controversial champion Aljamain Sterling. In the fight, although there were flashes that suggested that Cejudo could take the match, the truth is that Sterling got in his way, making a fight in which he was generally superior in all aspects. This time there was no triumphant return.


#UFC #rematches #retirements #returns

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