JNPO: The MMA year in review, pt. 4

With the UFC calendar ready to kick into gear this weekend, I wrap up my annual MMA year in review series with a look back at October through December 2023, joined by Paul Fontaine.

Some of the highlights in our 80-minute conversation:

  • The UFC and USADA splitting up and the messy situation that ensued
  • Francis Ngannou shocking the combat sports world with his decision loss to Tyson Fury
  • Conor McGregor officially announcing his UFC return date
  • PFL finally closing the deal on Bellator and their potential upside in a UFC-dominated world
  • The UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden that saw two new champions crowned without the planned Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic main event
  • UFC signing a record deal with Bud Light and the backlash that followed
  • Islam Makhachev continuing his dominance
  • Leon Edwards closing the door on Colby Covington’s UFC relevancy
  • Some of Paul’s favorite fights and a prediction for what planned fight might not happen

If you missed any of the series, check out the archives.

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Josh Nason
Josh Nason

Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.