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.
There’s a moment every longtime fan reaches when they look at the thing they love and ask if they still recognize it. After the UFC White House card, that moment has arrived. The fights delivered — Gaethje upset Topuria, Gane stopped Pereira — but the political pageantry, the post-fight comments from fighters like Josh Hokit, and the sense that the brand has swallowed the fighters left a taste that’s hard to wash out. We trace the lost era of respect embodied by Georges St-Pierre, Lyoto Machida, and Demian Maia, the Conor McGregor effect that rewired the culture, the risk of going “mainstream, mainstream,” and what the future of MMA coverage looks like on the Ringside Report Network as the weekly show retools.
Both King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring finals are locked for WWE Night of Champions 2026: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso and Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky, plus a Cody-Gunther-Sami triple threat. But every meaningful thread keeps bending back toward Roman Reigns and the OTC. We break it all down.
The WWE King of the Ring 2026 semifinals are locked in, with Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, Jey Uso, Iyo Sky and more left standing. But every meaningful thread keeps bending back toward Roman Reigns and the OTC. We break down the bracket, the Cody-Gunther title twist, CM Punk, and AEW’s war.
The UFC’s White House card is built backwards — the American headliner is a massive underdog on the most patriotic stage in sports. Our full UFC Freedom 250 predictions cover all seven fights: the chin question deciding Topuria vs Gaethje, the Pereira-Gane pick’em, and a Canadian dog at +320.
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.
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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
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The UFC White House Card Broke Something for Longtime MMA Fans
There’s a moment every longtime fan reaches when they look at the thing they love and ask if they still recognize it. After the UFC White House card, that moment has arrived. The fights delivered — Gaethje upset Topuria, Gane stopped Pereira — but the political pageantry, the post-fight comments from fighters like Josh Hokit, and the sense that the brand has swallowed the fighters left a taste that’s hard to wash out. We trace the lost era of respect embodied by Georges St-Pierre, Lyoto Machida, and Demian Maia, the Conor McGregor effect that rewired the culture, the risk of going “mainstream, mainstream,” and what the future of MMA coverage looks like on the Ringside Report Network as the weekly show retools.
WWE Night of Champions 2026: The Bloodline Is Quietly Taking Over the Entire Summer
Both King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring finals are locked for WWE Night of Champions 2026: Oba Femi vs. Jey Uso and Liv Morgan vs. Iyo Sky, plus a Cody-Gunther-Sami triple threat. But every meaningful thread keeps bending back toward Roman Reigns and the OTC. We break it all down.
WWE King of the Ring 2026: The OTC Is Quietly Taking Over the Whole Bracket
The WWE King of the Ring 2026 semifinals are locked in, with Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, Jey Uso, Iyo Sky and more left standing. But every meaningful thread keeps bending back toward Roman Reigns and the OTC. We break down the bracket, the Cody-Gunther title twist, CM Punk, and AEW’s war.
Topuria vs Gaethje Picks, a +320 Underdog, and the $338 Parlay: UFC Freedom 250 Predictions
The UFC’s White House card is built backwards — the American headliner is a massive underdog on the most patriotic stage in sports. Our full UFC Freedom 250 predictions cover all seven fights: the chin question deciding Topuria vs Gaethje, the Pereira-Gane pick’em, and a Canadian dog at +320.