5 best UFC fights of 2022 so far

Khamzat Chimaev (left) and Gilbert Burn (right) [Image via @ufc on Twitter]

The UFC put on a stellar run of events in the first half of 2022, selling out multiple arenas in the United States in addition to hugely successful shows in England and Singapore. Over the course of these events, fans were treated to some mind-blowing fights that'll be etched in our memories for a long time to come.

We even witnessed some sure-shot 'Fight of the Year' contenders and a select-few that are worthy of a place in the Hall of Fame at some point down the line as well.

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The UFC put on 21 events in the first six months of 2022, including 15 regular weekly Fight Nights and six massive pay-per-views, all of which delivered some memorable barnburners.

Here are the five best UFC fights of 2022 so far.

#5. Matt Brown vs. Bryan Barberena – UFC Columbus

The incredible fight between Matt Brown and Bryan Barberena at UFC Columbus can only be described as a brawl. The duo went toe-to-toe at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus on the undercard of UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Daukaus.

Matt Brown, a Columbus native, has been in the UFC since 2008. He has always been an entertaining fighter to watch. Barberena also has a reputation for engaging in slugfests with his opponents, having won 'Fight of the Night' honors for his fight against Jason Witt and his memorable meeting with Vicente Luque.

This matchup was expected to blow the roof off the arena and it delivered on its promise. Both welterweights barely took a backward step and sustained quite a bit of damage courtesy of one another.

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It seemed as though Brown clearly won the opening round and Barberena won the third. The second frame was a very close affair and could've gone either way.

Ultimately, Barberena came away with a split-decision win, much to the anger and dismay of the crowd in attendance. The judges scored the contest 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28 in favor of 'Bam Bam'. Both fighters came away from UFC Columbus $50,000 richer as well, as their three-round bout won 'Fight of the Night' honors.