Billy's MMA Blog

Joe Rogan says MMA “High level problem solving with dire physical consequences” and I couldn’t agree more. Appreciate watching MMA as the highest level as the sport continues to grow as there’s so many great fighters all over the world that fight in UFC, Bellator, One Championship, PFL, Rizin, KSW, Cage Warriors.

Truly honor and privilege to watch these fighters perform under the lights expressing MMA or there favorite fighting style to millions of people around the world.

Since UFC 294 has some of my favorite fighters on this card decided to create an appreciative list of my favorite fighters to watch right now in 2023.

Islam Makhachev

Since Khabib’s jumped on the scene rising through the rankings with his tenacious combat sambo fighting style I fell in love with the Russians. Dagestan fighters are some of the most talented fighters in the world right now watching them breakout and conquer MMA promotions.

Leading the Dagestan front is no other than Islam Makhachev arguably the most all-around talented fighter right now and arguably #1 pound for pound fighter.

Masterful performances one after another since Khabib retirement back in 2019, proving some doubters wrong when people believed Charles Oliviera would successfully defend his title than traveled to Australia to defend his Lightweight title in the hometown crowd.

31 years old has 3-5 years of prime fighting experience and looking forward to watching his upcoming fight against Alexander Volkanovski than future matchups against Mateusz Gamrot, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev.

Truly honor to watch him fight and really looking forward to watching his upcoming fight at UFC 294.

Alexander Volkanovski

Australia/New Zealand region are bunch of savages with multiple world champions UFC, Rising Stars in One Championship in MMA and Kickboxing. Leading the scene in no other than Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski.

Completely honest with you I definitely respected him with his close decision wins against Max Holloway but I never liked him that much… However post-fight win against Brian Ortega began to love him, shown how much of a DAWG he is not submitting to Ortega’s chokes.

Back to back masterclass wins against Korean Zombie and his main rival Max Holloway shown he’s the best Featherweight in the world. Watching his third fight against Max really made me appreciate this man’s skills, IQ and work ethic.

Really respect this savage for accepting to move up in weight and challenge Islam for the Lightweight Title, arguably winning this fight but either way gained millions of fans respect for giving Islam the toughest fight of his life. Now at UFC 294 Volk is accepting a fight in 10 days notice but goes to show the type of person he is.

Truly honor to watch Alexander Volkanovski fight such incredible resume fighting Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, Max Holloway, Brian Ortega. Love that he continues to challenge himself and push the envelope asking for bigger opponents like Islam and Charles Oliviera. Most fighters in his position would retire with that resume but like all great athletes and champions they can always improve and get better.

Yaroslav Amosov

Since I became obsessed with MMA, learning about world class fighters fighting in different promotions one fighter I acknowledged right away was no other than current Bellator Welterweight Champion Yaroslav Amosov.

2019 when I recognized Amosov after dominating Erick Silva and Gerald Harris. Displayed his world class sambo fighting style against Ed Ruth and Logan Storley winning the grappling exchanges against two of the best WRESTLERS during their college careers. Wins especially against Ruth & Storley shown his champion potential with his all-around skills and dealing with adversity throughout rounds.

Amosov vs Storley first fight is one of my favorite fights to watch while exercising is like watching two ferrets fighting with fast pace grappling exchanges for three rounds. Highly recommend watching.

Now the Ukranian unified the Bellator Welterweight Title and considered pound for pound #1 welterweight that’s well deserved. Only 30 years old beginning to enter his physical prime is the scary part, will continue improve and improve at American Top Team.

Upcoming title defense against Jason Jackson will be toughest matchup to date at Bellator 301. Looking forward to watching this interesting fight and future matchup against Andrey Koreshkov. Potentially if PFL buys Bellator can have more tough matchups.

Usman Nurmagomedov

Superstar pupil out of Dagestan, nephew of Khabib and said to be most talented fighter Javier Mendez ever coached is incredible talent Usman Nurmagomedov.

Heard about Usman last year from watching Anatomy of Fighter as Daniel Cormier walked up to Usman and said “I heard a lot of great things about you.” Very curious how good he was and recognized his champion potential right away, watching his UAE Warriors & Gorilla Fighting fights.

Fell in love with his taekwondo, kickboxing fighting style and skills right away. Such a young age at 21/22 years old was already slicing up grown men, controlling the pace and range of his fights.

When Bellator signed Usman Nurmagomedov I was so excited to watch him fight some of the best Lightweights. Khabib did a great job grooming this young man into Bellator Lightweight Champion and now one of the faces of the promotion.

25 years old having masterlcass kickboxing performances against Patricky Pitbull, Benson Henderson two respected Lightweights and former champions. On the bus, at home stretching monthly basis always look back and watch his title defense fights as I really appreciate his world class skills. Definitely appreciate the mastery of the different art forms of MMA.

Looking forward to watching the Lightweight Grand Prix finale against former opponent Patricky Pitbull or great Lightweight fighter Alexandr Shabily. Excited to watch Usman’s future matchups against AJ McKee, Tofiq Musayev, Jay Jay Jay Wilson and Rizin Lightweight Champion Roberto Souza.

Demetrious Johnson

One of the greatest fighters of all time, top five in my opinion is definitely one of the best athletes to enter MMA.

Thank god for UFC having a flyweight division to really watch Demetrious Johnson perform at the highest level. Definitely doesn’t get the respect he truly deserves because he fights in the flyweight division and was scrutinized for not facing tough competition.

Never can criticize Mighty Mouse for trying his best as he’ll always be remembered for his incredible moments such as last second submission against Horiguchi, Ray Borg flying armbar that made Joe Rogan speechless. DJ shows time and time again he’s most talented MMA fighter as the man can wrestle, strike, grapple, ADCC caliber Jiu-Jitsu and have some of the best fighter IQ.

Demetrious Johnson vs Henry Cejudo 2 my personal opinion is the highest level of MMA fights to date. Consistent basis I’m watching this fight as watch two incredible all-time greats facing each other in five round fast pace, technical MMA battle. Second fight between them is another reason why DJ is one of my favorites.

Ben Askren One Championship trade was the best career moment that could’ve happened to him as fighting over in Asia they really appreciate the art form more compared USA fans, respect this man for challenging himself against One Championship best flyweights. Requested Chatri Sityodtong for special rules fight against Muay Thai superstar Rodtang, holding his own in striking department than

Honor and privilege to watch this all-time great fight, any fighter out there wants to model MMA career just follow the path of Demetrious Johnson.

Henry Cejudo

Doubted Henry’s Cejudo talents with his back to back losses against Demetrious Johnson & Benavidez. However completely changed making the small adjustments in camp from wrestler focused to adding Karate into his repertoire from training with the Pitbull Brothers.

Doubted in the rematch against Demetrious Johnson even myself but man did he surprise everyone in this fight, standing toe to toe with DJ. Winning some grappling exchanges, overcoming adversity as he rolled his ankle in the first round and pushing himself in his first ever five rounder. Respected the hell out of him after this UFC Flyweight Title victory.

Respect the hell out of Cejudo for putting the flyweight division on his back by defending flyweight title against one of the best Bantamweights TJ Dillashaw. Surprising everyone with 32 second KO which was total bummer because thought that would be excellent fast pace technical fight. Second round of Marlon Moraes Title fight looked like a completely changed fighter with great adjustments, winning the vacated Bantamweight title. Retiring on top having his best performance against Dominick Cruz with his only title defense. Henry Cejudo had one of the best title runs but wish he didn’t retire but I respect Cejudo’s decision end of the day there prize fighters.

Happy Cejudo returned, obviously fight didn’t go as planned as I could tell from the first round his body wasn’t used to MMA fight conditioning. Since he has five rounder in 2023 body used to fighting hopefully fight against Merab looks like the Henry Cejudo of old.

Lastly I really love and respect Henry because his selfless nature to help fighters with there upcoming training camps. Passing down knowledge to others from helping out Jon Jones, secret lover lol Demetrious Johnson, Weili Zhang, Patricio Pitbull, Paulo Costa, Kelvin Gastelum. On television asking Robert Whittaker to come down and train with him at Fight Ready MMA. Can’t help but love this guy as he always willing to help fighters reach there true potential.

Aaron Pico

Everyone was counting out Aaron Pico, saying he was a bust. Overhyped prospect but credit to him didn’t listen to the haters and continued to work.

Greatest decision of his life was switching gyms to Jackson Wink MMA Academy, learning under Greg Jackson really helped his career. Greg Jackson coached George St Pierre and now he’s coaching the featherweight version of GSP. Yes Aaron Pico really reminds me of him and that’s why he’s one of my favorite fighters to watch.

Since Bellator 238 to Bellator 299 radically improved from fighter IQ, completely controlling pace, controlling his emotions, striking ability and skills under coach Gibson really improved. Aaron Pico is the total package from talent & star potential.

Pretty cool to watch his career up this point, looking forward to watching his rematch with Kennedy, facing Pitbull for the Featherweight title in the future. Always a pleasure watching Aaron Pico fight as he always tries his best, enjoy watching some of the best wrestling and complete MMA skills.

Kamaru Usman

“Nigerian Nightmare” one of the greatest fighters of all time, second best Welterweight of all time behind George St Pierre had one of the best reigns a UFC fighter had.

Always tuned in to watch Kamaru Usman fight, great performance from challenging Woodley for the title, great rivalry fights with Colby Covington and great finishes with pressure on him. Defeating the best welterweights in the world while being in pound for pound discussion.

Great enjoyment watching his All-Around skills especially during his title reign, time and time again continues to show greatness from All-American wrestling, simple effective striking under Trevor Wittman, closing distance controlling range fighting. I love the way he processes fights as it’s beautifully calculated, no shame in him controlling fights with his stellar wrestling ability or just destroying fighters with that great pace and fighter IQ. Similar to watching grandmaster chess player.

Respect to Kamaru Usman for accepting short notice fight especially against feared Khamzat Chimaev. Moving up to 185lb cutting less weight hopefully will be less damage to the body, maybe the Middleweight change will give Kamaru one more title run that I’d love to see. Imagine beating Chimaev than dream matchups against Whittaker, Dricus Du Plessis, Paulo Costa.

Clearly remember when I recognized Kamaru Usman and was way back in 2017 against Sergio Moraes, remember when Joe Rogan called him future contender on the JRE fight companion after defeating Emil Weber Meek. Now the rest is history.

Colby Covington

Ultimate heel of UFC is no other than Colby “Chaos” Covington. Everyone hates him because of his wrestling gimmick but created this trump supporter red pill character straight out of desperation because he was going to be cut.

Credit to Colby for creating this character knowing, behind this heel is one badass fighter. Never forget when Colby destroyed Maia back in Brazil than having the greatest MMA heel turn ever.

Transitioning from “boring” not fan friendly fighting style to high volume striking mixed with nonstop grappling pressure fighting style. Combination of Nick Diaz & George St Pierre. Colby’s new fighting style I absolutely love the incredible striking performance against Robbie Lawler and the great all-around win against Dos Anjos.

Both Kamaru Usman fights are two of the best MMA fights you’ll ever watch, UFC 245 fight especially was like Hagler vs Leonard fighting just going to war with each other.

Perfect opportunity for Colby to finally achieve his dream of winning a UFC Welterweight Title by challenging Leon Edwards for the strap, favorable matchup for Colby with his offensive overwhelming pressure. At 36 years old Colby has one more run in him before calling it a career.

I love Colby’s fighting style, great cardio, some promos he say is absolutely hilarious.

Cory Sandhagen

Clear as day remember when Cory Sandhagen caught my eye and that was on the prelims of Cejudo vs Dillashaw. Since watching him fight against Mario Bautista recognized his talents right away and truly believed the Sandman would become a UFC Bantamweight Champion.

Really amazing to watch Cory Sandhagen progress fight by fight and mentally maturing. Respect him never giving up after tough heart breaking loss against Aljamain Sterling by having excellent finishing wins against Moraes and Edgar. My opinion the win against either Moraes or Edgar was the real break through wins.

Really went to next level against Dillashaw, recognizing real improvements in his MMA arsenal, holding his own against TJ in the wrestling department and would have great striking combinations. Dillashaw vs Sandhagen is one of my favorite fights to watch highest level of Bantamweight fighting. Sandhagen gave TJ one of his toughest fights of his life.

Lots of respect for Cory accepting late replacement fight against Petr Yan, standing toe to toe against the great kickboxer being rewarded fight of the night honors. Definitely sucks to lose but can’t be disappointed when you give everything you have inside the cage against two of the greatest Bantamweights of all time.

Moving forward, fight against Marlon Vera was a flawless masterpiece striking performance from switching stances, fades, leg kicks. Striking masterclass win against Chito Vera my opinion best performance of his career. Sandhagen called it a psychedelic experience.

I absolutely love Cory Sandagen sniper fighting style, watching him calculate rounds now after his back to back losses. fight against Vera, Yan, Dillashaw I’m watching watching all the time on the bus, working out or showing to friends. 100% mean this true honor and privilege to watch Cory Sandhagen fight.