With 2021 in the books, we look ahead to the UFC’s slate for 2022. While only a few events are official, several high-profile matchups are this close to being finalized. And we’re here for it! The best part is, most of these fights are already available from the best online sportsbooks. Check out the books like Betway to find the early odds for these fights as we break them down.
Heavyweights Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane collide in January in what would be the promotion’s first “big” fight of the year. You can find their latest and best UFC betting odds from the top sportsbooks along with the other upcoming fights. Here is a glimpse of three other fights, with betting odds, to get excited for this coming year.
UFC’s Biggest Fights in 2022
The UFC has a slew of other great fights planned for the first quarter of 2022. But we honed in on these four fights because these would not only be the biggest for this early year but potentially the whole year. Check the UFC fight schedule of 2022 to keep up to date with the biggest and best UFC fights moving forward.
Francis Ngannou vs Ciryl Gane – UFC Heavyweight Championship
- Date/Time: January 22, 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Honda Center
- Location: Anaheim, CA, United States
- Broadcast: Pay Per View
A heavyweight fight that may be the start of the greatest trilogy ever. And this is no hyperbole. Ngannou (16-3-0) and Gane (10-0-0) are the best heavyweights on the planet and are former training partners. The tightly lined odds indicate an even matchup despite the differences in style.
Ngannou is a knockout artist renowned for his one-touch KO’s. He is the hardest-hitting fighter the UFC’s ever seen and gives many shades of Mike Tyson. Gane moves like a lightweight and is both strong and technical. He may not boast as many highlight-reel knockouts as Ngannou but he is unbeaten and has rarely been in trouble.
It’s hard to envision the heavyweight champ, Ngannou going longer than one round here. But the interim champ, Gane already knows about him and will not be easy prey. The margin for error is small for both fighters here but the more technical Gane should have the edge.
Israel Adesanya vs Robert Whittaker 2 – UFC Middleweight Champion
- Date/Time: February 12, 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Toyota Center
- Location: Houston, TX, United States
- Broadcast: Pay Per View
Just a few weeks after the heavyweight unification bout is the sequel to what was a star-making performance from middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The Nigerian put on a clinic against Robert Whittaker, the ex-champion. But Whittaker (23-5-0) has won three straight in dominant fashion.
Adesanya (21-1-0) has been unbeatable in the division and has practically cleaned it out as he’s just rematching fighters he’s already beaten. These two are the best Oceania has to offer. Check their striking stats: both have a striking defense of 61% or better and are landing one more significant strike per minute than they are absoring.
The consensus is on Adesanya to once again beat Whittaker. But this one will be closer with Whittaker’s improved style. At nearly 3-1 odds, he’s the bet to make.
Dustin Poirier vs Nate Diaz – Welterweight Bout
- Date/Time: TBD
- Venue: TBD
- Location: TBD
- Broadcast: Pay Per View (most likely)
This may be the biggest non-title fight to happen in 2022. Both Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz are fan favourites and everyone is dying to see this. Talks have already been heating up to make this happen and once Dana White can come to Diaz’s terms, it will happen.
Poirier (28-7-0) is coming off another heartbreaking title fight loss. He’ll turn his attention to another money fight. He has never been in a boring fight thanks to his aggressive fighting style. Against the iron-chinned Diaz, Poirier can swing to his heart’s content.
Diaz (20-13-0) may be a journeyman based on his record. But his long reach and crisp boxing makes him a handful to deal with. If he can keep Poirier on his feet, Diaz has a solid chance of outboxing him for a win.
Charles Oliveira vs Justin Gaethje – UFC Lightweight Championship
- Date/Time: TBD
- Venue: TBD
- Location: TBD
- Broadcast: Pay Per View (most likely)
With all due respect to Justin Gaethje, but this is money in the bank for Charles Oliveira. The UFC lightweight champion cemented his title reign with a submission win over Poirier. Oliveira is the closest thing to a complete fighter. He is durable, has KO power, and can submit anyone.
While Gaethje (23-3-0) will always be dangerous thanks to his knockout power, he hasn’t evolved much as a fighter. He will look to march Oliveira down and KO him. But as he showed in his fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov, once Oliveira (32-8-0) gets him to the mat it will be over.
And on their feet, Oliveira has tanked shots against equally powerful strikers like Michael Chandler and Poirier. Gaethje could put his lights out. But once he doesn’t, he will get folded by Oliveira.
Bet UFC From The Best Online Sportsbooks
You’ll find all these UFC betting odds from the top sportsbooks listed here. To get the best bang for your buck, sign up with as many UFC betting sites as you want. The more books you’re in, the more offers – and selection of betting lines – are available to you.
