2016 was the biggest year in the history of the UFC. Not only did the company break numerous records, but it was sold for $4 billion. The last calendar year has proved that a sport which used to live in the underground, was now a multi-billion dollar business.
Much of the UFC’s success in 2016, can be attributed to the viral popularity of Conor McGregor. 3 blockbuster UFC events last year were headlined by Conor, and all 3 of them shattered different records. UFC 196 was the highest selling UFC event of all time, but only until it was broken by UFC 202. And the UFC’s first ever event in Madison Square Garden drew the largest gate (in terms of revenue) in company history.
A couple of notable exemptions from this list are both Diaz brothers. With Nate and Nick each indicating they are not looking to fight unless multi-millions of dollars are given to them, it’s unlikely we will see much of them this year. Nick will probably compete once (as he is rumoured to at UFC 209), but unless Nate vs Conor III is scheduled, don’t expect to see Nate Diaz in 2017.
That’s unfortunate for the UFC and MMA fans everywhere.
With 2016 set to close out at UFC 207, here are the top eight fighters to watch in 2017…
8. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Dana White said recently that the next record-breaking fight in the UFC could be Khabib Nurmagomedov challenging Conor McGregor for the lightweight title. What would make this fight record-breaking, is that it could be held in Russia.
While the sport has always been popular in the sambo-obsessed nation, Khabib’s recent success has given the country a new elite level fighter to rally behind. A fight between Khabib and Conor held in Russia would certainly break new ground for the UFC. It would also break down global barriers in the sport.
If the Conor fight in Russia doesn’t end up happening, Khabib’s next fight would most likely be against Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title. Ferguson represents a real threat to Khabib, but expect the winner of that bout to possibly get the next shot at Conor’s 155lbs championship.
