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5 of the best UFC fights this year, and 1 of the worst

Now that 2023 is closer to its end than its beginning, let's look at five of the best UFC fights so far this year and one of the worst.

By Leocciano Callao

UFC 284: Makhachev v Volkanovski
UFC 284: Makhachev v Volkanovski / Paul Kane/GettyImages
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2. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev, UFC 284

On the same evening of Pantoja and Moreno's bout, Alexander Volkanovski proved that nobody can challenge him in the featherweight division. There are levels to the game, but Alexander the Great is in a league of his own.

It is for that exact reason that he ventured to lightweight before beating Yair Rodriguez to defend his throne. He failed to claim double-champ status but did not leave RAC Arena a loser after UFC 284. Islam Makhachev is, to lightweight, what Volkanovski is to featherweight. So February's Clash of Titans in Perth had a lot of weight to it.

Makhachev did enough to secure the decision and retain his title. But Volkanovski made him look human. While others would absolutely fear having the lightweight champion on their back, Volkanovski was smiling and throwing punches behind his head. It did more than live up to the hype--it obliterated expectations. Should a rematch happen, expect another classic from these title holders.

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