The Most Anticipated MMA Fights Coming In Early 2023

A new year means another 12 months of exciting MMA fights to keep us entertained. We don't know yet which of these clashes will have a lasting impact and which will fall to the wayside, but why would we want to? It would take the fun out of seeing our favorite big or up-and-coming MMA stars prove themselves in the ring.

While we might not yet know the legacy of these events, we do know when to expect some of them. The schedule for the most anticipated MMA fights coming in early 2023 is live, and it seems we have a lot of incredible clashes to look forward to.

Alexander Volkanovski's quest for a lightweight champion title will be unmissable

In February, we'll be getting a much-anticipated return to Australia with UFC 284. While the event heading down under is already something to look forward to, it's the clash between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev that's really worth the watch. With Volkanovski's move from featherweight to lightweight, he'll be hoping to add a new champion title to his belt. However, he's set to face tough competition in Makhachev, with both men being pound-for-pound talents. While Islam is the hot favorite to win right now - what with him being the bigger man - anything could happen when the pair face off next month.

Emmett vs. Rodriguez will be an interesting clash for the interim featherweight title

Another clash to look out for at UFC 284 will be between Josh Emmett and Yair Rodriguez. The fight is notable because the men will be competing for the interim featherweight title following Volkanovski's move to lightweight. Both men have plenty going for them, with Emmett being a first-class knockout puncher and Rodriguez an exceptional striker. They'll certainly both have a lot to prove in this match, especially because several men in the featherweight class technically rank above them. With Volkanovski also eager to defend his featherweight title, despite his move, the pair will really need to make their mark in February.

Jon Jones' move to heavyweight will be cemented at UFC 285 in March

The move from one weight class to another is something we see plenty of throughout an MMA fighter's career. However, it's taken a long time for the transition to heavyweight to happen for Jon Jones. Thankfully, Dana White finally confirmed the move when announcing the schedule for upcoming events, with Jones set to face Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March. Whoever wins out of the two will become the new heavyweight champion, and we imagine there will be plenty eager to see Jon Jones reign victorious. Considered one of the MMA's greatest fighters, there's a feeling this win has been a long-time coming. However, we doubt that Gane will let him have the title without putting up an incredible fight.

March will see two of the lightweight division's greats fight to prove themselves

Several weeks after the new heavyweight champion is decided in Las Vegas, proceedings will move across the Atlantic to London for UFC 286. One of the biggest clashes to look out for here is probably the lightweight showdown between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. Ranked third and sixth, respectively, both men have proven to be some of the greatest in their weight class. Gaethje has shown himself to be an excellent striker and knockout threat, but Fiziev is pretty level with him. As the newer of the two, a win for the latter could have a real impact on the lightweight division moving forward. Does Fiziev have what it takes to beat Gaethje, though?

A third fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman III will break their tie

Last but certainly not least, one of the most anticipated MMA fights coming in early 2023 is the clash between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman III. Sound familiar? It's the third time that the duo has crossed paths, with both previously walking away with a win. Kamaru was the first to come out on top back in 2015, while Leon claimed a huge win only last year with a fifth-round head kick. Although the expectation from some fans may be for Usman to take the final victory, Edwards has excellent momentum going into this fight. Plus, let's not forget he knocked Kamaru clean out during their last meeting mere months ago. That kind of knockout can really take its toll.

Of course, there are plenty more fights than the ones mentioned to keep MMA fans going over the next few months. However, if we're talking about unmissable clashes, these are absolutely the ones to look out for. Who knows what impact the outcome of these fights will have on the sport.