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UFC 296 is gearing up to be an explosive event that will conclude the year with a bang. With several high-stakes matchups and potential upsets on the horizon, MMA fans are eagerly anticipating this pay-per-view event. From Colby Covington's chance to dethrone Leon Edwards and become the undisputed welterweight king, to Brandon Royval's opportunity to cement his status as Fighter of the Year, there are serious ramifications for the MMA landscape in 2024.

If Covington manages to win the welterweight belt, it would make 2023 the most chaotic year in UFC history. With his lengthy hiatus and lack of recent wins over top welterweights, Covington's title shot seems unlikely on paper. However, considering the unpredictable nature of MMA, Covington's hustling style and ability to keep opponents off-balance could pose a serious threat to Edwards. If he emerges victorious, it would only add to the chaos that has marked the year of 2023.

Meanwhile, Brandon Royval has the opportunity to claim the title of Fighter of the Year if he can defeat Alexandre Pantoja in their rematch. Royval has consistently dazzled fans with his intense fighting style, willingness to finish fights, and victories over tough flyweight opponents. If he adds a win over Pantoja to his impressive résumé, it would solidify his case for Fighter of the Year in 2023.

However, the leading candidate for Fighter of the Year remains Sean Strickland. He went from two consecutive losses to becoming the UFC middleweight champion, defeating Israel Adesanya in a surprising upset. Strickland's accomplishments in 2023 have been nothing short of remarkable, and his unlikely rise to the top epitomizes the unpredictability of MMA.

Another intriguing matchup on the UFC 296 card is the fight between Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett. This matchup showcases the cruelty of the sport, as Ferguson, once considered one of the best lightweights in the world, has now faced six consecutive losses. This fight could potentially be Ferguson's last, as he is up against a rising star in Pimblett. While Pimblett is still developing as a fighter, he sees the opportunity to defeat a well-known veteran and add a big name to his career achievements.

One of the sleeper storylines of UFC 296 is the performance of Shavkhat Rakhmonov. With his impressive winning streak, Rakhmonov has been a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. His upcoming fight against Stephen Thompson will test his standup skills against Thompson's renowned striking. This matchup could serve as a platform for Rakhmonov to elevate his career and potentially cut through the welterweight title chase.

Lastly, the addition of Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell to the card adds another layer of intrigue. Emmett, who was initially scheduled to fight Giga Chikadze, could potentially be considering retirement if he faces another loss. Mitchell, on the other hand, is still a fighter on the rise and a win against a seasoned veteran like Emmett would greatly boost his career trajectory.

UFC 296 promises to be an action-packed event, with potential upsets and significant storylines to captivate fans. As the year comes to a close, MMA enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the outcomes of these matchups and their implications for the future of the sport.