In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, where legacies are cemented, emerge a new breed of fighters ready to dismantle the established order. As we embark on 2024, these are not just contenders; they are chaos agents, poised to redefine the narrative in each division.
Like in any sport, MMA has its icons—Nunes, Shevchenko, Adesanya, Makhachev, and Nurmagomedov. Yet, amid the familiar names, there lie dormant forces waiting to erupt, as witnessed in the transformative year of 2023 with Strickland, Grasso, Pereira, and Aspinall.
As we peer into the coming year, the spotlight turns to those on the cusp of greatness. This isn’t about predicting champions; it’s about recognizing the catalysts for change, the ones who can reshape perspectives and challenge the status quo.
Strawweight: Josefine Knutsson
A seemingly improbable contender at 115 pounds, Knutsson’s technical finesse from Stockholm’s AllStars Training Center positions her as a dark horse. Though 1-0 in the UFC, her potential to break into title contention cannot be overlooked.
Men’s Flyweight: Tatsuro Taira
In a division dominated by familiar faces, Taira emerges as a breath of fresh air. With opportunities aplenty, Taira’s entry into the top tier promises an exhilarating shift in dynamics.
Women’s Flyweight: Manon Fiorot
Torn between Fiorot and Blanchfield, we lean towards Fiorot’s potential to captivate a wider audience. Scheduled to face Blanchfield, her rise could echo Grasso’s impact for Mexico in 2023, this time for France.
Men’s Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov
In the densely talented bantamweight division, Nurmagomedov stands out. While names like Dvalishvili and Sandhagen are familiar, Nurmagomedov’s potential rise is shrouded in mystery, offering an intriguing narrative for 2024.
Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison
The signing of Olympic gold medalist Harrison transforms her into a pivotal chaos agent. Dropping to 135 pounds, her debut against Holm at UFC 300 not only intrigues but also positions her as one of the biggest disruptors in the sport.
Featherweight: Max Holloway
Once the undisputed featherweight king, Holloway’s journey takes an unexpected turn. A potential BMF belt and subsequent matchups could redefine Holloway’s narrative, injecting chaos into the 145-pound division.
Lightweight: Arman Tsarukyan
Having disrupted the lightweight division in 2023, Tsarukyan’s clash with Oliveira at UFC 300 holds immense significance. His potential to dethrone Makhachev adds a layer of chaos to the weight class.
Welterweight: Ian Machado Garry
Garry’s stellar performances in 2023 set the stage for a breakthrough year. With a hit list that includes Neal, Covington, and Strickland, Garry’s trajectory points towards a polarizing and impactful 2024.
Middleweight: Sean Strickland
The chaos agent of 2023, Strickland’s presence continues to loom large in 2024. Rematches against top contenders and his chaotic persona make him a central figure in the middleweight division’s intrigue.
Light Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov
In Bellator, Nemkov stakes his claim as the best light heavyweight. Beating UFC transfers and navigating the PFL roster, his foray into the heavyweight division could bring fresh challenges and chaos.
Heavyweight: Jon Jones
The enigmatic Jones, if willing, can be the chaos agent the heavyweight division craves. An active Jones in 2024 would elevate the division to new heights, bringing back the vigor that fans have longed for.
In the unpredictable realm of MMA, these fighters aren’t just contenders; they are the architects of chaos, ready to reshape the landscape in 2024.
