5 explosive UFC fights to look forward to in December 2022

The UFC delivered three events in November, treating MMA fans to some truly spectacular fights and finishes. Heading into the final month of 2022, there's a lot to look forward to from the world's premier MMA promotion.

The UFC will put on three fight cards to close out the year, kicking off the month with UFC Orlando before heading to Las Vegas for the final two shows of 2022, including a stacked pay-per-view at the T-Mobile Arena.

Here are five explosive fights to look forward to in December 2022.

#5. Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon

One of the biggest stars in the UFC is set to return in December as Paddy Pimblett will make his pay-per-view (PPV) debut at UFC 282 in Las Vegas.

'The Baddy' has been nothing short of sensational so far, with three finishes in his first three fights under the UFC banner. He will look to pick up his fourth win in the promotion when he takes on Jared Gordon at the upcoming PPV.

While his first-round stoppage wins over the relatively unknown Luigi Vendramini and Rodrigo Vargas were impressive, Paddy Pimblett's submission win over Jordan Leavitt in his last bout proved many doubters wrong. The Liverpool native will be eyeing a hat-trick of victories in 2022 when he takes on Jared Gordon, who has been on the roster for over half a decade.

Gordon is a solid step up in competition for Pimblett. The New Yorker is experienced and has fought many top-flight lightweights during his time in the UFC. 'Flash' is coming off a win over Leonardo Santos in his last bout and could boost his stock tenfold with a win over 'The Baddy'.

Pimblett's ceiling is hard to predict. The always-durable Gordon is the ideal litmus test to determine whether the Brit can hang with one of the better unranked fighters at 155 pounds. Another finish will likely demand another step-up in competition in 2023.

#4. Bryce Mitchell vs. Ilia Topuria

While Paddy Pimblett will likely garner the majority of attention in the weeks leading up to the UFC 282 pay-per-view, a mouthwatering featherweight scrap on the same card has been flying under the radar.

Two undefeated phenoms on the rise will square off at the T-Mobile Arena as Bryce Mitchell and Ilia Topuria are set to lock horns in a high stakes bout.

Bryce Mitchell has a cult following among MMA fans. The TUF alum has worked his way into the top 15 at 155 pounds and his recent win over former lightweight contender Edson Barboza showed that 'Thug Nasty' isn't one to be trifled with. The Arkansas native will look to continue his ascent up the ranks when he squares off against Ilia Topuria.

Topuria is one of the most highly-touted featherweight prospects in the world. 'El Matador' came into the UFC boasting a stellar record of submission wins but has knocked out his last three opponents inside the octagon, showing new wrinkles to his game.

Someone's '0' has got to go in this fiery matchup.

#3. Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland

At UFC 276 earlier this year, middleweight contenders Jared Cannonier and Sean Strickland suffered disappointing defeats in high-profile bouts, losing to Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira respectively.

They will look to return to winning ways when they take on one another in the main event of the final UFC fight card of 2022.

Jared Cannonier occupies the No. 3 spot in the middleweight rankings. At 38, 'The Killa Gorilla' is entering the twilight of his professional career, and if he is to contest the belt once again, a win over Sean Strickland is paramount.

Strickland sits four spots behind Cannonier in the rankings at No.7. The controversial and outspoken middleweight's popularity has grown in recent times, but his devastating first-round knockout loss to current champion Alex Pereira put a massive dent in his title aspirations.

Both Cannonier and Strickland largely prefer striking and this UFC Fight Night headliner will likely play out on the feet. The loser is unlikely to fight for the belt anytime soon, while the victor will have a real chance at a title shot in 2023.

#2. Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev – UFC light heavyweight championship bout

With the unfortunate scrapping of the previously scheduled UFC 282 headliner between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira, top-ranked light heavyweight contenders Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev will contest the vacant title in the main event of the upcoming pay-per-view.

Jan Blachowicz will be looking to become a two-time champion at UFC 282. The Polish light heavyweight won the belt in 2020 but lost it a year later to Glover Teixeira. He put himself back in the title mix with a win over Aleksandar Rakic earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Magomed Ankalaev is riding a scorching nine-fight win streak and has emerged as an ominous presence in the light heavyweight division. He can claim the title and extend his win streak to ten with a win over Blachowicz at the T-Mobile Arena.

The 205-pound strap has changed hands numerous times since Jon Jones vacated the belt almost three years ago. Can Blachowicz re-claim the title, or will we witness the crowning of another Dagestani champion, and perhaps the start of a new era atop the division?

#1. Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland

Coming off back-to-back losses to Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad last year, Stephen Thompson will look to return to the win column when he takes on fan-favorite Kevin Holland in the first UFC event of December.

Recent shortcomings have seen Stephen Thompson drop to the No.6 spot in the rankings. The former two-time title challenger needs to compile a solid win streak if he is to fight for the title for a third time. However, at 39, the clock is ticking for 'Wonderboy'.

Kevin Holland's historic run of five wins in 2020 was halted by a disappointing run of form in 2021. 'Trailblazer' has since dropped down to welterweight and has already racked up two wins in his new weight class. While his last fight was a mauling at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev, Holland remains one of the most intriguing contenders in the division.

Thompson vs. Holland is an interesting clash of styles pitting Karate against Kung Fu striking. Can 'Wonderboy' defend his spot in the rankings, or will Holland break into the top 10 at 170 pounds?