2017 retrospective: Doping, triumphant returns and disappointments

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Even though the sport's two biggest stars didn't see action in the UFC, 2017 was a busy year for MMA. With Ronda Rousey contemplating retirement and Conor McGregor focused on boxing, the highlights of the year were the saga of Jon Jones, who recaptured the light heavyweight title with a brilliant knockout over his rival Daniel Cormier, but ended up losing the belt due to an anti-doping test again; and the triumphant return of Georges St Pierre, who returned to fighting after four years and became middleweight champion after submitting Michael Bisping.

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Demetrious Johnson became the most dominant champion in history by surpassing the record of 10 title defenses held by Anderson Silva. Speaking of Brazilians, Spider won Derek Brunson in February, I would face Kelvin Gastelum at UFC Shanghai, but also failed a doping test. In addition to the disappointment of Brazilians losing all the main fights at home, José Aldo was also defeated twice by Max Holloway, but Amanda nunes kept the belt with an excellent victory over her rival Valentina Shevchenko, and Chris Cyborg became UFC featherweight champion.

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