The co-hosts of Ringside Report MMA, Dave Simon, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia, shared their UFC 2024 predictions for the UFC champions during the December 22, 2023 Year-in-Review episode across various weight classes for the year 2024. Each host brought unique insights and opinions to the table, leading to an engaging discussion on the future of UFC.
2023 UFC: Champions, Predictions, and Unforgettable Moments
In the dynamic world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, 2023 stands as a testament to the sport’s unpredictability and the athletes’ relentless pursuit of glory. As the year progresses, speculation on potential champions stirs within the MMA community, creating a mosaic of predictions that often collide with the unforeseen outcomes inside the octagon. Dave, Fred and AJ weighed in in the other article, this is a summary.
This article offers an analytical gaze into the accuracy of these prognostications, juxtaposed with the reality of championship victories and defeats. It further chronicles the remarkable fighters and battles that have defined the year, leaving an enduring legacy within the UFC’s storied history.
Through a meticulous recapitulation of 2023’s most noteworthy moments, we present an insight into the triumphs and tribulations that have marked the year in MMA, celebrating the champions who have ascended and the unforgettable events that continue to shape this ever-evolving combat sport.
Champion Predictions Vs Reality
Almost half of their predictions for 2023 UFC champions did not align with the actual titleholders as the year unfolded, showcasing the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts competition.
The foresight of Jon Jones reclaiming glory in the heavyweight division was vindicated, contrasting the missed calls in the light heavyweight and middleweight classes where Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland emerged contrary to the consensus.
The welterweight division saw Leon Edwards defy expectations, usurping the predicted dominance of Kamaru Usman. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski maintained their forecasted reigns, affirming their elite status.
However, in a striking deviation, Sean O’Malley and Alexander Pantoja captured gold in their respective divisions, upending the anticipated scenarios and underscoring the sport’s inherent volatility.
Fighter and Fight Highlights
Several fighters distinguished themselves in 2023, but Sean Strickland stood out as the Fighter of the Year, with his performance in the octagon proving exceptional and unforgettable. Rising above predictions, Strickland clinched the middleweight championship against all odds, showcasing a fusion of technical prowess and unyielding tenacity. His strategic mind and well-rounded skill set have catapulted him to the pinnacle of the division, earning him accolades and admiration.
Reflecting on the year’s highlights, the UFC’s 2023 season was marked by a series of unforgettable moments that left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Notable among them was Jon Jones‘ triumphant return to claim the heavyweight title, defying predictions and cementing his legacy.
Sean Strickland’s middleweight championship win, against the backdrop of a unified prediction for Alex Pereira, showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Meanwhile, Leon Edwards’ welterweight title win highlighted the competitive depth of the division.
The year also witnessed the rise of Sean O’Malley as the bantamweight champion, an outcome few foresaw, adding to the lore of the UFC’s storied annals.
Wrestling Uncensored Episode 782 arrives the night before Saturday Night’s Main Event 2026 — and the timing couldn’t be better. Dave Simon and Johnny North go through the full SNME card: Penta vs. Ethan Page for the IC title, The Vision vs. Street Profits for the World Tag titles, the Jade Cargill six-woman tag with a title match in Italy on the line, Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca, and whether Paige and Brie’s Women’s Tag run finally ends against Lash Legend and Nia Jax. Plus the complete AEW Double or Nothing 2026 preview — Darby Allin defending against MJF in a hair vs. title main event, Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in the Owen Hart Cup, FTR vs. Edge and Christian in an I Quit career-ending tag match, and Takeshita vs. Okada. And Brock Lesnar is back after a month-long retirement, with a contract, no explanation, and four F5s on Oba Femi.
Conor McGregor is officially back. UFC 329, July 11, 2026, T-Mobile Arena — McGregor versus Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch at 170 pounds. The UFC announced it mid-MVP MMA 1, which was either perfect timing or a mercy kill depending on how you look at it. Because MVP MMA 1 was not the show the sport needed. Ronda Rousey submitted Gina Carano in 17 seconds, then retired on the microphone. Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou were involved in mismatches. The broadcast felt decades behind. Meanwhile, the UFC is heading into the most ambitious summer in company history — Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14th, Makhachev vs. Gaethje for the lightweight title, Pereira vs. Gane for the interim heavyweight belt, and a full UFC 329 card built around the return of the sport’s biggest star. The gap between the real sport and everything else has never looked wider.
AEW Double or Nothing 2026 is one week away with Darby Allin defending against MJF in a hair vs. title main event. Dave Simon and Johnny North break down the full card, lock in Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for Clash in Italy, and dig into Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, and a possible Asuka exit on Episode 781.
The UFC 328 results are official — Sean Strickland is a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion after beating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in Newark, NJ. Dave Simon, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia reacted live to every fight on the card, including a controversial heavyweight decision and a flyweight title war.
UFC 2024 Predictions: Who Will Dominate the Octagon?
The co-hosts of Ringside Report MMA, Dave Simon, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia, shared their UFC 2024 predictions for the UFC champions during the December 22, 2023 Year-in-Review episode across various weight classes for the year 2024. Each host brought unique insights and opinions to the table, leading to an engaging discussion on the future of UFC.
2023 UFC: Champions, Predictions, and Unforgettable Moments
In the dynamic world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, 2023 stands as a testament to the sport’s unpredictability and the athletes’ relentless pursuit of glory. As the year progresses, speculation on potential champions stirs within the MMA community, creating a mosaic of predictions that often collide with the unforeseen outcomes inside the octagon. Dave, Fred and AJ weighed in in the other article, this is a summary.
This article offers an analytical gaze into the accuracy of these prognostications, juxtaposed with the reality of championship victories and defeats. It further chronicles the remarkable fighters and battles that have defined the year, leaving an enduring legacy within the UFC’s storied history.
Through a meticulous recapitulation of 2023’s most noteworthy moments, we present an insight into the triumphs and tribulations that have marked the year in MMA, celebrating the champions who have ascended and the unforgettable events that continue to shape this ever-evolving combat sport.
Champion Predictions Vs Reality
Almost half of their predictions for 2023 UFC champions did not align with the actual titleholders as the year unfolded, showcasing the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts competition.
Up to 40% Off Great Gifts
The foresight of Jon Jones reclaiming glory in the heavyweight division was vindicated, contrasting the missed calls in the light heavyweight and middleweight classes where Alex Pereira and Sean Strickland emerged contrary to the consensus.
The welterweight division saw Leon Edwards defy expectations, usurping the predicted dominance of Kamaru Usman. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski maintained their forecasted reigns, affirming their elite status.
However, in a striking deviation, Sean O’Malley and Alexander Pantoja captured gold in their respective divisions, upending the anticipated scenarios and underscoring the sport’s inherent volatility.
Fighter and Fight Highlights
Several fighters distinguished themselves in 2023, but Sean Strickland stood out as the Fighter of the Year, with his performance in the octagon proving exceptional and unforgettable. Rising above predictions, Strickland clinched the middleweight championship against all odds, showcasing a fusion of technical prowess and unyielding tenacity. His strategic mind and well-rounded skill set have catapulted him to the pinnacle of the division, earning him accolades and admiration.
Thrilling bouts also punctuated the year, but the Fight of the Year was a spectacle with fans on the edge of their seats. It was a testament to the sport’s unpredictability and the athletes’ unparalleled dedication to their craft, further cementing UFC’s legacy in combat sports.
Memorable Moments Reviewed
Reflecting on the year’s highlights, the UFC’s 2023 season was marked by a series of unforgettable moments that left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Notable among them was Jon Jones‘ triumphant return to claim the heavyweight title, defying predictions and cementing his legacy.
In the light heavyweight division, Alex Pereira’s upset victory to become the champion was a stunning twist.
Sean Strickland’s middleweight championship win, against the backdrop of a unified prediction for Alex Pereira, showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Meanwhile, Leon Edwards’ welterweight title win highlighted the competitive depth of the division.
The year also witnessed the rise of Sean O’Malley as the bantamweight champion, an outcome few foresaw, adding to the lore of the UFC’s storied annals.
AD: 5 Best MMA and Fight Shorts for 2024
See our rundown of the 5 Best MMA and Fight Shorts for 2024
Dave Simon’s UFC 2024 Predictions
Heavyweight Champion
Light Heavyweight Champion
Middleweight Champion
Welterweight Champion
Featherweight Champion
Bantamweight Champion
Flyweight Champion
Women’s Flyweight Champion
Women’s Strawweight Champion
AJ D’Alesio’s UFC 2024 Predictions
Heavyweight Champion
Light Heavyweight Champion
Middleweight Champion
Welterweight Champion
Featherweight Champion
Bantamweight Champion
Flyweight Champion
Women’s Flyweight Champion
Women’s Strawweight Champion
Fred Garcia’s UFC 2024 Predictions
Heavyweight Champion
Light Heavyweight Champion
Middleweight Champion
Welterweight Champion
Featherweight Champion
Bantamweight Champion
Flyweight Champion
Women’s Flyweight Champion
Written By:
Dave Simon
read more at The Lunch Pro
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Saturday Night’s Main Event 2026 Preview + AEW Double or Nothing Picks
Wrestling Uncensored Episode 782 arrives the night before Saturday Night’s Main Event 2026 — and the timing couldn’t be better. Dave Simon and Johnny North go through the full SNME card: Penta vs. Ethan Page for the IC title, The Vision vs. Street Profits for the World Tag titles, the Jade Cargill six-woman tag with a title match in Italy on the line, Becky Lynch vs. Sol Ruca, and whether Paige and Brie’s Women’s Tag run finally ends against Lash Legend and Nia Jax. Plus the complete AEW Double or Nothing 2026 preview — Darby Allin defending against MJF in a hair vs. title main event, Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in the Owen Hart Cup, FTR vs. Edge and Christian in an I Quit career-ending tag match, and Takeshita vs. Okada. And Brock Lesnar is back after a month-long retirement, with a contract, no explanation, and four F5s on Oba Femi.
McGregor vs. Holloway at UFC 329: The Rematch, the Odds, and Why MVP MMA 1 Made the UFC Look Untouchable
Conor McGregor is officially back. UFC 329, July 11, 2026, T-Mobile Arena — McGregor versus Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch at 170 pounds. The UFC announced it mid-MVP MMA 1, which was either perfect timing or a mercy kill depending on how you look at it. Because MVP MMA 1 was not the show the sport needed. Ronda Rousey submitted Gina Carano in 17 seconds, then retired on the microphone. Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou were involved in mismatches. The broadcast felt decades behind. Meanwhile, the UFC is heading into the most ambitious summer in company history — Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14th, Makhachev vs. Gaethje for the lightweight title, Pereira vs. Gane for the interim heavyweight belt, and a full UFC 329 card built around the return of the sport’s biggest star. The gap between the real sport and everything else has never looked wider.
Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther Heads to Italy, Sammy Guevara Gets His Shot, and AEW Double or Nothing 2026 Is One Week Away
AEW Double or Nothing 2026 is one week away with Darby Allin defending against MJF in a hair vs. title main event. Dave Simon and Johnny North break down the full card, lock in Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther for Clash in Italy, and dig into Bron Breakker, Sami Zayn, and a possible Asuka exit on Episode 781.
Sean Strickland Shocks the World Again: UFC 328 Results, Watch-Along & WWE Backlash Breakdown
The UFC 328 results are official — Sean Strickland is a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion after beating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision in Newark, NJ. Dave Simon, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia reacted live to every fight on the card, including a controversial heavyweight decision and a flyweight title war.