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.

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

• Prediction: Tom Aspinall
• Reasoning: Believes Jon Jones will fight and win in November but will retire as champion, leading to Aspinall becoming the champion.

Light Heavyweight Champion

• Prediction: Alex Pereira
• Reasoning: Thinks Pereira will remain champion through limited but successful title defences.

Middleweight Champion

• Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev
• Reasoning: Sees Chimaev as a dominant force in the division, capable of defeating any challenger.

Welterweight Champion

• Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov
• Reasoning: He believes Rakhmonov’s high stock and potential opportunities will lead him to the championship.

Featherweight Champion

• Prediction: Ilia Topuria
• Reasoning: He thinks Topuria will defeat Volkanovski and become the new champion.

Bantamweight Champion

• Prediction: Merab Dvalishvili
• Reasoning: Views Dvalishvili as the next potential champion, foreseeing his rise in the division.

Flyweight Champion

• Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja
• Reasoning: He believes Pantoja will retain the title due to a lack of significant threats in the division.

Women’s Flyweight Champion

• Prediction: Erin Blanchfield
• Reasoning: Blanchfield’s dominant performances are considered indicative of her championship potential.

Women’s Strawweight Champion

• Prediction: Zhang Weili
• Reasoning: He thinks Zhang will retain her title, citing her well-rounded fighting skills.

AJ D’Alesio’s UFC 2024 Predictions

Heavyweight Champion

• Prediction: Tom Aspinall
• Reasoning: Agrees with Dave’s prediction, citing Aspinall’s potential to succeed Jon Jones.

Light Heavyweight Champion

• Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev
• Reasoning: AJ feels Ankalaev will emerge as champion due to his formidable skill set.

Middleweight Champion

• Prediction: Sean Strickland
• Reasoning: AJ’s thoughts surround Strickland’s love for fighting, and his recent performances make him a likely champion.

Welterweight Champion

• Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov
• Reasoning: Rakhmonov’s top shape and readiness are considered key factors in his championship run.

Featherweight Champion

• Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski
• Reasoning: Believes Volkanovski’s strong performances will help him retain the title.

Bantamweight Champion

• Prediction: Umar Nurmagomedov
• Reasoning: Sees Nurmagomedov’s ranking and potential to surpass top ten fighters as a path to the championship.

Flyweight Champion

• Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja
• Reasoning: Agrees with Dave on Pantoja retaining the title.

Women’s Flyweight Champion

• Prediction: Manon Fiorot
• Reasoning: Thinks Fiorot’s strong striking and grappling skills will earn her the championship.

Women’s Strawweight Champion

• Prediction: Zhang Weili
• Reasoning: Agrees with Dave on Zhang’s ability to retain her title.

Fred Garcia’s UFC 2024 Predictions

Heavyweight Champion

• Prediction: Jon Jones
• Reasoning: Believes Jones will not retire and will remain the true champion.

Light Heavyweight Champion

• Prediction: Jamahal Hill.
• Reasoning: Thinks Hill’s knockout power will earn him a victory over Pereira and the championship.

Middleweight Champion

• Prediction: Israel Adesanya
• Reasoning: Foresee Adesanya making a comeback and winning the title.

Welterweight Champion

• Prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov
• Reasoning: Agrees with Dave and AJ on Rakhmonov’s potential championship win.

Featherweight Champion

• Prediction: Alexander Volkanovski
• Reasoning: He believes Volkanovski will retain his title through the year.

Bantamweight Champion

• Prediction: Sean O’Malley
• Reasoning: Impressed by O’Malley’s recent performances, expects him to hold the title.

Flyweight Champion

• Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja
• Reasoning: Agrees with Dave and AJ on Pantoja’s championship retention.

Women’s Flyweight Champion

• Prediction: Erin Blanchfield