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2021 was a great year for the UFC. It was their most profitable year, and they were able to bring together some of the biggest events.

Not just their marquee events, but other events also brought in the eyeballs and got the fans excited. Their stars also showed up and put on a show. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Kamaru Usman, Sean O’Malley, and others showed up and made this an exceptional year for the promotion. There were some unexpected names that rose through the ranks and stamped their names amongst the best.

Some fighters made their mark by fighting regularly and racking up wins in 2021. Here are some of the names that got the most wins in 2021.

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Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman had a year like no other fighter. The current UFC welterweight champion became the champion in 2019 by beating Tyron Woodley and defended his title twice before entering 2021. However, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare‘ took on some of the biggest names in the sport and not only stamped his name as the best fighter in the world but also as one of the greatest welterweights of all time. He defended his title three times this year, which is unheard of by a champion in today’s time. Many even consider him to be the greatest of all time.

via Imago

He last entered the octagon at UFC 268 against Colby Covington. Usman won the fight via unanimous decision and cemented his position as the best fighter in the world right now. He would look to continue his great run of form in 2022 as well.

Ciryl Gane

The French fighter has had an amazing year in the UFC as well. ‘Bon Gamin‘ signed with the UFC in 2019 and was advertised as a striking specialist. However, with every fight, he has shown that there is more to his game than just striking. He took on some of the biggest names in the division and made light work of them. Gane defeated three top contenders in 2021 and also captured the interim heavyweight title.

He will take on Francis Ngannou in the title unification bout at UFC 270 and look to continue his winning streak. The French fighter is undefeated in his professional fighting career.

Islam Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s prodigy and consensus next big thing in UFC’s lightweight division, Islam Makhachev had an exceptional year. The Russian fighter is currently on a nine-fight winning streak, and the MMA community expects him to be the champion soon. He also racked up three wins in 2021. Makhachev really announced him to the world with a dominant win over the tough Dan Hooker at UFC 267 and will take on Beneil Dariush next. The fight is expected to be a number one contender’s fight.

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Sean O’Malley

Suga‘ is one of the most famous fighters in the world right now. He is considered the next big thing in the UFC right now and recently entered the UFC bantamweight rankings. After suffering his first loss against Marlon Vera at UFC 252, he bounced back spectacularly. In 2021, O’Malley won three fights and all via knockout.

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He is currently 15-1 in his MMA career and would look to capitalize on his form in 2022.

Marina Rodriguez

Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil alumni had quite a start to her UFC career. She entered the UFC on the back of a 9-0 run and immediately made a mark in the promotion. She went on a 3-0-2 run but was handed her first professional defeat at UFC Fight Island 3 by Carla Esparza.

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But the Brazilian fighter came roaring back and won three fights in 2021. She defeated top contenders on her way to winning the fights and is amongst one of the best in the strawweight division.

WATCH THIS STORY – The Best Knockouts of 2021 in the UFC featuring Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas and more

Belal Muhammad is also one of the fighters to rise through the ranks in 2021. He is currently on a seven-fight undefeated streak and fought four times in 2021. ‘Bully B’ won three fights this year and entered the top 5 of the welterweight division, and is a genuine contender.

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Tai Tuivasa and Adrian Yanez also made a name for themselves this year. Both fighters won three fights and have become fan favorites and are looked as the next big things in their divisions.

Who do you think will keep their momentum going in the UFC in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!