The year 2022 delivered an exceptional collection of unforgettable contests and defining moments within the UFC’s welterweight division. As evidenced in the accompanying video, fans were treated to a series of high-stakes battles that showcased incredible skill, resilience, and heart from the division’s top competitors. From electrifying knockouts and dramatic submissions to grueling wars of attrition, each event contributed to a spectacular year, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. These moments often determined career trajectories and solidified legacies, proving why the welterweight class consistently stands out as one of the most exciting.
Significant performances were observed from both established veterans and rising contenders, creating a dynamic landscape. The division’s depth was frequently highlighted, with fighters repeatedly pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible inside the octagon. These thrilling encounters were not merely about wins and losses; they were about the narratives woven into each punch, kick, and submission attempt. The fights became benchmarks for future generations, inspiring athletes and captivating audiences worldwide with their intensity and skill.
Chimaev vs. Burns: A Welterweight War for the Ages
One of the most talked-about fights of 2022, and indeed recent UFC history, involved Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns. This much-anticipated clash was observed by many as a true test of Chimaev’s burgeoning dominance against a seasoned, top-ranked contender. The bout was immediately recognized for its sheer brutality and technical exchanges, with both fighters demonstrating immense power and grit. Each round saw momentum shift, as significant strikes were landed and absorbed by both men, creating a palpable tension that gripped the audience.
Burns, known for his relentless pressure and submission prowess, pushed Chimaev to his absolute limits, forcing “Borz” to dig deeper than ever before. Powerful body kicks and devastating combinations were exchanged throughout the full 15 minutes of the contest, leading to multiple instances where each fighter appeared to be significantly hurt. The announcers’ cries of “What a fight!” perfectly encapsulated the spectacle that unfolded, a testament to the warriors’ refusal to back down. This incredible display of heart and skill resulted in a unanimous decision victory for Khamzat Chimaev, but the true winner was universally considered to be the fans who witnessed such an epic battle.
Holland’s D’Arce Choke and Lee’s Explosive Power
Kevin Holland’s transition to the welterweight division proved to be a successful one, marked by a dominant submission victory that further established his presence. After hurting his opponent with a combination, Holland swiftly transitioned to a d’arce choke, a notoriously difficult submission to secure against a skilled opponent. The move was applied with precision and depth, resulting in a quick tap from his opponent. This performance underscored Holland’s well-rounded skill set, demonstrating that his striking is complemented by a dangerous ground game.
Another highlight was Li Jingliang’s explosive knockout power, which was vividly displayed in his fight against Muslim Salikhov. Known affectionately as “The Leech,” Jingliang methodically stalked his prey, waiting for the perfect opening to unleash his formidable right hand. A slip of the jab created the critical opportunity, allowing a massive right hand to land cleanly, sending Salikhov to the canvas. The follow-up ground shots were swift and decisive, marking Jingliang’s eighth UFC knockout and solidifying his reputation as one of China’s most dangerous fighters. This victory showcased the raw, fight-ending power that is celebrated in the welterweight ranks.
Rakhmonov’s Undefeated Streak and Neal’s “Hands of Steel”
Shavkat Rakhmonov continued to establish himself as a major problem for the welterweight division, maintaining his undefeated record with another spectacular finish. His fight ended with a devastating spinning hook kick that landed flush on the side of his opponent’s head, instantly wobbling him. As his opponent struggled to recover, Rakhmonov followed up with a barrage of straight, accurate punches, leaving no doubt about the outcome. This impressive victory served as a stark reminder of his diverse striking arsenal and his clinical finishing ability, cementing his status as a legitimate threat to the division’s elite.
Geoff Neal, often referred to as “Hands of Steel,” lived up to his moniker in a brutal striking affair against Vicente Luque. The fight was characterized by intense exchanges and significant damage inflicted by Neal, who relentlessly pursued the finish. He repeatedly hurt Luque, backing him against the cage with powerful combinations and uppercuts. Despite Luque’s legendary toughness and ability to absorb punishment, Neal’s consistent pressure and damaging strikes ultimately proved too much. The announcers noted how Luque kept standing despite being clearly wobbled, showcasing his incredible heart. Eventually, Neal’s relentless assault culminated in a highlight-reel knockout, demonstrating the power that defines his nickname.
Jim Miller’s Record-Breaking Submission and Cerrone’s Farewell
A truly emotional moment in 2022 was Jim Miller’s submission victory over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, a fight that carried significant historical weight. Miller, already a respected veteran, utilized a deep guillotine choke to secure the tap, exacting revenge from a previous encounter. This victory was monumental for Miller, as it officially made him the all-time wins leader in UFC history, a testament to his longevity and consistent performance. The submission of a legend like Cerrone further amplified the significance of this achievement.
For Donald Cerrone, this fight marked a poignant farewell to his illustrious career. Though the loss was difficult, the post-fight scene was filled with appreciation for “Cowboy’s” incredible contributions to the sport. Surrounded by his family and cheered by the Las Vegas crowd, Cerrone was celebrated for his exciting fighting style and his willingness to fight anyone, anytime. His emotional statement, “They all doubted me, said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now!”, echoed the sentiments of a fighter who had consistently defied expectations and left an unforgettable legacy in the UFC, particularly within the welterweight ranks.
Barberena vs. Brown: A Fight of the Year Contender
The welterweight division also produced a strong contender for Fight of the Year with the incredible battle between Bryan Barberena and Matt Brown. This bout was a true back-and-forth war, with both fighters refusing to yield an inch. Barberena, known for his relentless pressure, traded heavy blows with the durable “Immortal” Matt Brown, who was fighting in his hometown. The fight was a showcase of pure grit and determination, characterized by massive knees, powerful combinations, and significant takedowns.
Brown, despite getting hit hard and being on shaky legs multiple times, consistently pushed forward, fueled by the energy of his home crowd. Barberena, however, matched his urgency, constantly getting back to his feet and landing impactful strikes. The final moments of the fight were particularly chaotic, with both men giving everything they had, leaving the announcers exclaiming, “What a fight! Unbelievable.” Ultimately, Barberena was declared the winner by split decision, a narrow victory in a contest that truly deserved the accolades it received as one of the best fights of 2022 across any weight class.
Leon Edwards’ Stunning Championship Victory
The year culminated in one of the most shocking and celebrated moments in welterweight history: Leon “Rocky” Edwards’ knockout victory over the long-reigning champion, Kamaru Usman. Usman had been largely considered invincible in the welterweight division, having successfully defended his title multiple times with dominant performances. The fight was largely controlled by Usman, who utilized his wrestling and striking to build a significant lead on the scorecards.
However, with less than a minute remaining in the final round, Edwards delivered a stunning head kick that instantly knocked Usman unconscious, securing the championship. The impact of the strike was immediate and definitive, silencing the arena before erupting into a frenzy of disbelief and celebration. Edwards’ emotional post-fight interview, mirroring Cerrone’s earlier sentiment, “They all doubted me, said I couldn’t do it. Look at me now! Headshot! Dead! That’s it!”, resonated deeply. This incredible comeback not only crowned a new UFC Welterweight Champion of the World but also delivered one of the most iconic finishes in the sport’s history, forever etching Leon Edwards’ name into the annals of mixed martial arts.
Beyond the Bell: Your Welterweight Questions
What is this article about?
This article highlights the most exciting and important moments in the UFC’s welterweight division during the year 2022, featuring epic knockouts, submissions, and championship wins.
What is the welterweight division in UFC?
The welterweight division is a specific weight class in the Ultimate Fighting Championship where fighters compete within a certain weight range. The article focuses on memorable fights and moments from this division.
What was a major championship moment mentioned in 2022?
One of the biggest moments was Leon Edwards’ stunning head-kick knockout victory over Kamaru Usman to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion.
What types of exciting fights were featured?
The article mentions various exciting fights, including intense wars like Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns, impressive submission wins, and explosive knockouts from fighters such as Li Jingliang and Geoff Neal.