Another impactful 12 months have somehow come and gone in mixed martial arts. The Professional Fighters League, Rizin Fighting Federation, ONE Championship, Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki, Cage Warriors Fighting Championship and Invicta Fighting Championships all moved forward in one form or another, the sport continuing to wax and wane across various cities, countries and continents. Rules changed. Drug testing relaxed. Promotions folded. Once-bright flames faded or burned out altogether.
Through it all, the Ultimate Fighting Championship remained the industry standard bearer. What began with a light heavyweight reckoning between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker in the UFC Fight Night 234 headliner on Jan.