Graham Douglas 3 months ago

MMA Fighters To Watch For In 2024

MMA is fast becoming one of the most popular options for sports fans, blending tactical nous with sheer aggression. Fights can often be decided in a split second, with analysts needing to be on constant alert to anticipate who is gaining the upper hand. Moreover, the number of MMA fights – either sanctioned by the UFC or other professional fighting organizations – means that spectators have ample choice year-round.

Online sportsbooks have also upgraded MMA betting with various bet types and special features such as live streaming. Claiming a sportsbook bonus can also deliver vital bonus funds, particularly for beginners still getting to grips with placing wagers and guessing outcomes.

Knowing a bit about the main fighters worth watching in 2024 and beyond is also fundamental. Without this knowledge, fans can easily make mistakes and poor predictions. With that in mind, check below for some of the main MMA fighters worth watching:

Sean Strickland

While MVP is known for his negative comments about Triple H and other wrestlers, Sean Strickland is renowned as being one of the most notorious MMA fighters for trash-talking. The former UFC middleweight champion is a popular choice among spectators, mixing an exciting fighting style with strong grappling and finishing.

Paddy Pimblett

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is one of the most exciting MMA fighters currently in the UFC. The Liverpudlian has shot to popularity due to his everyman persona and destructive presence in the octagon. Pimblett recently beat Bobby Green, asserting his credentials as one of the most powerful lightweight fighters around. He looks a particularly good option for fans going forwards, as it’s only a matter of time before he gets a championship fight and the chance to earn a belt.

Leon Edwards

The UFC Welterweight Champion and one of the most well-rounded fighters of all time, Leon Edwards is always an exciting presence in the octagon. The Birmingham native is renowned for delivering lightning-fast finishing strikes, with his recent victory over Kamaru Usman being a perfect example. This makes Edwards a compelling prospect, particularly for fans predicting a knockout victory.

Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion and looks set to continue his dominance for a while yet. The Russian is particularly acclaimed for his grappling skills, which is unsurprising considering the presence of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov in his camp. Fans can consequently count on Makhachev to deliver high-quality grappling in most bouts, making him an attractive proposition.

Charles Oliveira

One of the longest-running current MMA fighters, Charles Oliveira remains a top contender in the UFC lightweight division despite suffering two losses in his last three fights. It’s hard to know what you’re going to get with the Brazilian, who has at times suffered from lapses in concentration, a characteristic ruthlessly exposed by Makhachev back in October 2022. Fans can always count on Oliveira to deliver an exciting fight, however, and he looks set to challenge for the UFC lightweight crown again.