Winner: Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the MMA scene back in July when he replaced Dusko Todorovic against John Phillips. He became one of the most talked about fighters in all of 2020 when he demanded a fight ten days later against Rhys McKee. This became the fastest turn around between UFC wins in modern UFC history.
In September, he returned against Gerald Meerschaert and knocked him out with the first punch he threw. Fans were instantly demanding that he be booked against current title holders. He entered the Top 15 of the Welterweight rankings despite only having one fight in the division. In his first three fights under the promotion, he has out struck his opponents 192-2.
Chimaev was expected to face Leon Edwards in January, but pulled out for undisclosed reasons. None the less, he was the most talked about fighter in 2020 despite being an unfamiliar name prior to July.
Runner-ups:
Jamahal Hill (UFC)
Brandon Royval (UFC)
Bella Mir (iKon Fighting Federation)
