New contenders, ex-champs rebound, contract squabbles

Mixed martial arts is an ever-evolving, rapidly changing sport. And yes, the only thing we enjoy more than looking back on a night of fights is looking ahead to the next one.

The same goes for the impulse to look ahead to the calendar year to come. Last year was awesome. We enjoyed it. We’re certainly not about to forget everything that happened. But now it’s time to talk some 2022. Respect to what we just saw, but how about what we’re about to see?

Here’s something to watch for in every division in the new year.

Strawweight: Marina Rodriguez

Carla Esparza will be the next title challenger for Rose Namajunas, but Rodriguez is on deck — and regardless of who is champion when Rodriguez reaches the top, she could be a problem. She fought Esparza in 2020 and lost a split decision that easily could have gone her way. She has the skill set to be a difficult matchup for Namajunas, too. If this division gets a major shake-up in 2022, it will be a Rodriguez takeover.

Women’s flyweight: Youth

Valentina Shevchenko is the No. 1 figure to watch in this division, no doubt, because she’s a near-perfect martial artist. But the other thing to watch for is young talent, because Shevchenko needs new challenges. No one in the next generation of 125-pounders is likely to reach the top within the next 12 months, but right in front of us is the emergence of Maycee Barber (23 years old), Mariya Agapova (24), Miranda Maverick (24), Casey O’Neill (24) and Erin Blanchfield (22). They all need time, but they’re all fantastic, young prospects.

Men’s flyweight: Deiveson Figueiredo

Brandon Moreno had quite the coming-out party last year. He went from a significant underdog in his first fight against then-champ Figueiredo (a majority draw in December 2020), to a slight underdog in the rematch (a submission win by…