In a year marked by unexpected twists and turns, two fighters have emerged as the standout stars of the MMA world in 2023. Sean Strickland and Islam Makhachev have made waves with their performances inside the octagon, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.

Strickland, the controversial UFC middleweight champion, defied the odds and expectations to become one of the most talked-about athletes in the sport. Coming off two consecutive losses at the start of the year, Strickland was perceived as a nonentity, a gatekeeper in the middleweight division. However, his relentless determination and gritty performances catapulted him to the top, culminating in a stunning victory over Israel Adesanya, the expected favorite, in a short-notice title bout at UFC 293.

The Californian fighter's rise to prominence was not without controversy, as his unfiltered and provocative personality drew both praise and criticism. Strickland's profane and offensive behavior only added to his mystique, making him a polarizing figure in the MMA community. Nevertheless, his dominance in the octagon was undeniable, solidifying his place as the fighter who defined 2023.

On the other hand, Islam Makhachev showcased his prowess as a pound-for-pound talent and cemented his status as more than just the heir apparent to Khabib Nurmagomedov. The rivalry between Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski gripped the MMA world, with their first meeting in February delivering a historic superfight. Their clash set the stage for endless debates and speculation, making it a prime contender for Fight of the Year.

Makhachev solidified his standing as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in MMA with an emphatic victory over Volkanovski in October. The lightweight champion's first-round head kick knockout stunned the featherweight king and silenced any remaining doubts about his dominance. With challenges against Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje on the horizon, Makhachev has the potential to go down in history as one of the most accomplished UFC lightweight champions.

Another standout of 2023 was Francis Ngannou, the lineal heavyweight king who took bold risks and emerged victorious. Ngannou's decision to leave the UFC and pursue opportunities elsewhere was met with skepticism and ridicule. However, his signing with PFL and a subsequent exhibition match against Tyson Fury showcased his resilience and talent. Ngannou proved that he is not only a force to be reckoned with in MMA but also in the world of boxing, leaving his mark as one of the biggest names in combat sports.

Leon Edwards, the welterweight champion, also had a memorable year, sealing his position as a true elite fighter. After a sensational comeback victory over Kamaru Usman in 2022, doubts still lingered about his capabilities. However, back-to-back wins against Usman and Colby Covington silenced the critics and solidified Edwards' claim to the welterweight throne. His unwavering class and sportsmanship in a year marred by divisiveness made him a shining example of martial arts principles.

Lastly, Patchy Mix emerged as the crown jewel of PFL's acquisition of Bellator. The bantamweight champion's remarkable campaign saw him knock out Raufeon Stots and secure a million-dollar victory in the promotion's bantamweight world grand prix. Mix's unification of the belts with a highlight-reel performance against Sergio Pettis further emphasized his talent and potential as one of the best fighters outside the UFC.

Overall, 2023 proved to be a year of surprises and breakthroughs in MMA, with Sean Strickland and Islam Makhachev leading the charge as the stars who shone the brightest. Their performances left an indelible mark on the sport and set the stage for an exciting year ahead in 2024.