How would you sum up the FightMatrix rating system?

This software rating system takes an unbiased, objective look at all available professional MMA results from day 1 to the present. The rankings are a hybrid of boxing rankings and traditional MMA rankings in that they represent the “right now” like a boxing system, but fighters don’t “fall” as fast due to a loss.

Furthermore, there are also elements of foreshadowing and prediction-based penalties in an attempt to properly compensate for scenarios such as inactivity, bottom-feeding, and impressive debuting fighters.

In other words, before its creation, it was decided upon that a purely statistical (ELO or equivalent) would make no sense for MMA. ELO methods are too basic, and an “accurate” statistical model, would’ve been finalized using past trends as benchmarks, which when used alone, is a poor methodology for the ever changing picture of MMA.

This system needed to be able to factor in special considerations like impressive debuting fighters, “fluke” wins, inactivity, etc, so the decision was made to study respected rankings, and make a software system that properly place the keystone fighters in the divisions, but take bias out of the equation by ignoring overly hyped fighters, giving credit to underrated fighters, and being able to pull the cord on fighters who are well past their prime. In addition, the system also excels by being much more scalable then your typical Top 10s and 15s, by analyzing even the most minor shows.

In summary, FightMatrix is a computerized rating system that attempts to capture un-biased “popular thought” and combine it with prediction-based analysis.  FightMatrix’s system is truly one of a kind.

When do you update?

You can always expect an update on the day following UFC and WEC shows. Furthermore, there will likely be updates on days following other cards which involve top ranked fighters. From time to time, there will also be periodic updates between big shows if there is some downtime.

When a fighter is dropped for being inactive, what happens to his/her rating?

At this point, the inactivity penalty has already kicked in. As time goes on, the penalty will continue to decrease their rating, at a progressively higher rate. When the fighter becomes active again, their new rating will depend on their old rating, time of inactivity, and most recent performance. As of recently, a modification was made that allows these penalized inactivity fighters to regain a large (but not total) portion of their lost points in their first two performances back.

Hey, this guy is rated in the wrong division? How can I let you know?

Fighters are almost always ranked in the division in which they last fought. However, there are rare exceptions. One exception is when we have reason to believe that a fighter stepped outside of his division only for a single bout, and in addition, accomplished nothing. If you feel a fighter is ranked in the wrong division, please leave us a note in our forum.

Is the FightMatrix rating system similar to an ELO rating system?

Sort of. At its core, the system depends on a formula which is similar to that used in an ELO system. However, unlike ELO, the FightMatrix rating system used here puts more emphasis on the most recent event and contains a massive wrapper of code around the core formulas that are necessary to properly consider different types of bout outcomes, the effects of inactivity, impressive debuting fighters, etc.

Why is Fighter A ranked higher than Fighter B?

Because that is how the ratings ended up. Seriously, these questions are difficult to answer, because so many variables go into the rating of a certain fighter. If there is a ridiculous result (like Eric Esch being ranked above Fedor), then there is likely a database problem, and we invite you to please inform us of this. However, if the fighters in question are only a few points apart, then it is because they are at approximately the same level.

Why is this fighter’s W-L-D record different than their record at (other source here)?

The reasons for this are endless.  Missing bouts, incorrect results, faulty reporting, undetermined pro/am status.

How can I help??

There are two major ways that you can help.

1. Take a look at the “Unknown Division” rankings to help us determine which division these fighters should be assigned to.

2. Submit any missing or incorrect results to Sherdog, our main bout source.

My question has not been answered in the FAQ. How do I contact you?

If you don’t see your question answered here, please leave us a note in our forum.