I use Ubuntu in UTM, but I installed the ARM64 server version, then the desktop packages.
I have a M2 and the hardware is great, but the OS that came with it not so. If I could replace the OS with Ubuntu that would be great. (Windows would also be great, but I have no experience in installing that)
There are attempts to run Linux on the Mac natively but they have limitations.
You can also get utilities that abuse Mac OS to make it imitate windows or Linux if you want.
Does UTM work well with external displays? Preferably in full screen?
It's very snappy. I run Firefox to work with my Internet banking site in an isolated environment.
I installed KDE -- I am very satisfied.