Event Previews – Fight Matrix

Usyk vs. Verhoeven: “Glory in Giza”, Fight Preview and Analysis

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Heather

The Event: “Glory in Giza”

The highly anticipated heavyweight boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, officially titled “Glory in Giza,” is scheduled for May 23, 2026. This bout will unfold at the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, offering a spectacular backdrop for what promises to be a historic showdown. Usyk will put his WBC heavyweight championship belt on the line, adding further significance to the event.

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Heather

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Director of Partnerships & Marketing
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. At different periods in my life, I have practiced Judo. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. I had a 25 year career in healthcare and now I am pursuing my hobby and a new venture. Now I enjoy writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix.

www.fightmatrix.com

UFC Freedom 250 Odds, Fights, and Best Bets

Posted on April 21, 2026 by A. J. Riot

UFC Freedom 250 already looks like one of the biggest UFC events of 2026, partly because of the setting and partly because of the matchups at the top. The event is scheduled for June 14th, 2026, in Washington, D.C., with Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje booked as the main event and Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane set as the co-main.

This card is interesting because it’s not built on one pattern. Stake’s board shows Topuria as a major favorite over Gaethje, while Pereira and Gane are priced almost dead even, which gives the event a very different feel depending on which fight you are looking at. There are also strong favorites lower on the card, including Sean O’Malley and Maurício Ruffy, which makes Freedom 250 a useful card for both straight winner picks and riskier bets.

Some fights look straightforward, others feel much harder to price, and the current odds already point out where the market sees confidence and where it sees danger. For fans who want to check out the latest UFC 250 markets, the smart place to start is with the fights themselves and which favorites actually deserve the support.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Stelring vs. Zalal (04-25-2026)

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Jason

Featherweight (145)
[#5][#5UFC] Aljamain Sterling (25-5-0, +137) vs. [#9][#7UFC] Youssef Zalal (18-5-1, -163)
Aljamain Sterling is the All-Time #47 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Aljamain Sterling (2-1-0)
2025-08-23: W vs. [#10FW] Brian Ortega (16-5-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2024-12-07: L vs. [#2FW] Movsar Evloev (20-0-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-04-13: W vs. [#52FW] Calvin Kattar (23-10-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Youssef Zalal (3-0-0)
2025-10-04: W vs. [#24FW] Josh Emmett (19-7-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 1:38 of round 1
2025-02-15: W vs. [#52FW] Calvin Kattar (23-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-11-02: W vs. [*] Jack Shore (17-3-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 0:59 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Youssef Zalal	-163		59.49%
Elo K170	Aljamain Sterling	2205.95	+219.84	78.00%
Elo Modified	Aljamain Sterling	2100.66	+140.93	69.24%
Glicko-1	Aljamain Sterling	2142.27	+89.75	62.64%
WHR	Aljamain Sterling	1983.58	+119.75	66.58%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Aljamain Sterling 36.7, Youssef Zalal 29.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Aljamain Sterling 245, Youssef Zalal 203
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Women Bantamweight (135)
[#7DD][#9P4P][#3][#3UFC] Norma Dumont (13-2-0, -178) vs. [#8][#8UFC] Joselyne Edwards (17-6-0, +148)

Last 3 Fights: Norma Dumont (3-0-0)
2025-11-01: W vs. [#4BW] Ketlen Vieira (15-5-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-09-14: W vs. [*] Irene Aldana (15-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-04-06: W vs. [*] Germaine de Randamie (10-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Joselyne Edwards (3-0-0)
2026-02-21: W vs. [#22BW] Nora Cornolle (9-4-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:44 of round 2
2025-08-09: W vs. [#46BW] Priscila Cachoeira (13-8-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:24 of round 1
2025-04-26: W vs. [#42BW] Chelsea Chandler (6-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:31 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Norma Dumont	-178		61.36%
Elo K170	Norma Dumont	1886.36	+313.41	85.87%
Elo Modified	Norma Dumont	1847.29	+256.63	81.41%
Glicko-1	Norma Dumont	1802.31	+183.60	74.21%
WHR	Norma Dumont	1697.92	+191.48	75.07%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Norma Dumont 35.5, Joselyne Edwards 30.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Norma Dumont 175, Joselyne Edwards 63
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Norma Dumont leads 2-1
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Lightweight (155)
[#21][#15UFC] Alexander Hernandez (18-8-0, -149) vs. [#35][#23UFC] Rafa Garcia (18-4-0, +124)

Last 3 Fights: Alexander Hernandez (3-0-0)
2025-09-13: W vs. [#42LW] Diego Ferreira (19-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:46 of round 2
2025-08-16: W vs. [#101LW] Chase Hooper (16-5-1) via TKO (Punches) in 4:58 of round 1
2025-03-15: W vs. [#173LW] Kurt Holobaugh (21-10-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Rafa Garcia (2-1-0)
2025-09-13: W vs. [#54LW] Jared Gordon (21-8-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 2:27 of round 3
2025-03-29: W vs. [#364LW] Vinc Pichel (14-5-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-10-12: L vs. [#24LW] Grant Dawson (23-3-1) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 1:42 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Alexander Hernandez	-149		57.27%
Elo K170	Alexander Hernandez	1953.76	+50.18	57.17%
Elo Modified	Alexander Hernandez	1930.88	+55.66	57.94%
Glicko-1	Alexander Hernandez	2013.64	+107.91	65.05%
WHR	Rafa Garcia	1786.24	+30.94	54.44%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Alexander Hernandez 33.5, Rafa Garcia 31.7
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alexander Hernandez 224, Rafa Garcia 224
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Alexander Hernandez leads 1-0
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Gilbert Burns vs Mike Malott Gives UFC Winnipeg a Real Main Event Feel

Posted on April 15, 2026 by A. J. Riot

UFC returns to Winnipeg on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with Gilbert Burns vs Mike Malott set as the main event at Canada Life Centre. It is a welterweight fight with real value attached to it, even if it does not come with a title on the line. The card is listed by UFC as a Fight Night event, with Burns and Malott topping the bill in a matchup that feels important for both men.

This is the kind of fight that tells you a lot about where a division is heading. Burns is the proven name, the veteran who has spent years operating around elite level at 170 pounds. Malott is the home fighter, the younger man, and the one being pushed toward a much bigger conversation if he can win in front of a Canadian crowd. That is why the matchup has drawn attention early, including from fans tracking the prices at betting sites UK readers tend to use before a UFC main event weekend.

There is also a clear contrast in where both men stand right now. Burns enters as the established contender with a long record against strong opposition. Malott comes in with momentum and, according to current odds listings, as a fairly clear favourite. Covers had Malott around -500 and Burns around +375 ahead of fight week, which gives a good sense of how the market sees this one.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott (04-18-2026)

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Jason

Welterweight (170)
[#28][#23UFC] Mike Malott (13-2-1, -568) vs. [#29][#24UFC] Gilbert Burns (22-9-0, +404)
Gilbert Burns is the All-Time #18 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Mike Malott (3-0-0)
2025-10-18: W vs. [#21WW] Kevin Holland (29-15-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-05-10: W vs. [#82WW] Charles Radtke (12-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:26 of round 2
2024-11-02: W vs. [*] Trevin Giles (16-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Gilbert Burns (0-3-0)
2025-05-17: L vs. [#2WW] Michael Morales (19-0-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:39 of round 1
2024-09-07: L vs. [#8WW] Sean Brady (18-2-0) via UD (50-45, 49-46, 50-45)
2024-03-09: L vs. [#3WW] Jack Della Maddalena (18-3-0) via KO (Knee and Elbows) in 3:43 of round 3

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Mike Malott	-568		81.08%
Elo K170	Gilbert Burns	1893.63	+22.77	53.27%
Elo Modified	Gilbert Burns	1876.89	+4.81	50.69%
Glicko-1	Gilbert Burns	1907.36	+11.99	51.73%
WHR	Mike Malott	1848.56	+66.21	59.41%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Mike Malott 34.4, Gilbert Burns 39.7
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mike Malott 182, Gilbert Burns 336
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Gilbert Burns leads 1-0
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Bantamweight (135)
[#22][#19UFC] Charles Jourdain (17-8-1, -169) vs. [#26][#23UFC] Kyler Phillips (12-4-0, +139)

Last 3 Fights: Charles Jourdain (2-1-0)
2025-10-18: W vs. [#44BW] Davey Grant (17-8-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:05 of round 1
2024-11-02: W vs. [#53BW] Victor Henry (25-7-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:43 of round 2
2024-06-29: L vs. [#12FW] Jean Silva (17-3-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:22 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Kyler Phillips (1-2-0)
2025-07-19: L vs. [#17BW] Vinicius Oliveira (24-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-10-19: L vs. [#24BW] Rob Font (22-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-03-09: W vs. [*] Pedro Munhoz (20-10-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Charles Jourdain	-169		60.02%
Elo K170	Charles Jourdain	1789.42	+68.05	59.67%
Elo Modified	Charles Jourdain	1816.89	+81.43	61.51%
Glicko-1	Charles Jourdain	1898.97	+91.44	62.87%
WHR	Charles Jourdain	1797.93	+87.95	62.39%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Charles Jourdain 30.4, Kyler Phillips 30.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Charles Jourdain 182, Kyler Phillips 273
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Charles Jourdain leads 2-1
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Lightweight (155)
[#88] Mandel Nallo (14-3-0, -159) vs. [#129][#59UFC] Jai Herbert (13-6-1, +129)

Last 3 Fights: Mandel Nallo (3-0-0)
2025-09-02: W vs. [#187LW] Samuel Silva (13-6-1) via KO (Punches) in 3:29 of round 1
2024-08-30: W vs. [#654WW] Robert Seres (8-6-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:07 of round 1
2024-06-08: W vs. [*] Deivison Francisco Ribeir (27-13-0) via TKO (Leg Kick) in 4:19 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Jai Herbert (1-2-0)
2025-03-22: L vs. [#67LW] Chris Padilla (17-6-1) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-08-03: W vs. [#452LW] Rolando Bedoya (14-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2023-07-22: L vs. [#28LW] Fares Ziam (18-4-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Mandel Nallo	-159		58.43%
Elo K170	Mandel Nallo	1730.16	+188.25	74.72%
Elo Modified	Mandel Nallo	1744.01	+131.15	68.03%
Glicko-1	Mandel Nallo	1798.43	+138.75	68.97%
WHR	Jai Herbert	1661.44	+21.27	53.06%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Mandel Nallo 36.7, Jai Herbert 37.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mandel Nallo 228, Jai Herbert 392
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Adesanya Comeback Fuels UFC Seattle Betting Buzz

Posted on April 10, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Men MMA fighters

UFC Fight Night 271 lands at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle this Saturday with a middleweight main event that nobody can agree on. Israel Adesanya, former two-time champion at 185 pounds and currently on the worst skid of his career, faces Joe Pyfer, who has knocked out nine of his 15 professional opponents and just turned 29. You can find heated arguments about this matchup on any MMA forum right now, and fans checking their 1xbet site ROI after recent fight cards already know the top five at middleweight has been reshuffled since Adesanya started losing.

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The Show Before the Show

Posted on April 10, 2026 by Andrew Carswell

How Josh Hokit Turned A UFC Press Conference Into Must-See Chaos

The fight hasn’t happened yet, but Josh Hokit has already made himself the story.

At a press conference meant to promote UFC 327, which will be held on Saturday in Miami at the Kaseya Center, the rising heavyweight didn’t just participate. He disrupted. What was supposed to be a routine media event quickly shifted into something far less controlled, as Hokit injected chaos, theatrics, and controversy.

UFC pre-fight press conferences used to be must-see tv, but many fans have complained that they have become somewhat boring lately, as fighters go on and on about how much they respect and admire each other. This mutual respect is mature and heartwarming, but some of the fans still like a bit of drama on the side.

On Thursday night, Hokit brought the drama.

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Andrew Carswell

Andrew Carswell is a combat sports columnist and college writing professor, based in Las Vegas, NV, whose work examines the intersection of fighting, media, business, and culture. His commentary and analysis have been featured in various magazines, newspapers, and media outlets, including Yahoo! News, and USA TODAY. Blending journalistic insight and experience with a fan’s perspective, Carswell writes about the fight game as both a cultural phenomenon and a global business.

UFC 327 arrives just at the right time: a big match, exclusive odds and an event that really needs a smart betting preview

Posted on April 9, 2026 by A. J. Riot

UFC 327 arrives just at the right time: a big match, exclusive odds and an event that really needs a smart betting preview It’s April, folks… and that means only one thing, we’re back into that familiar UFC mayhem. Well, UFC 327 is practically around the corner, and you can already feel that “fight week” vibe even though we are not even officially there yet. Twitter (ok, X), Reddit, forums, it’s getting worse. And to be honest, this is not one of those “meh” events, but just a card that can take a break. The main fight of the evening brings the fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title, which immediately raises the tension. There is no “we’ll see who the next challenger” type of calculation, no waiting, no complications, the winner goes home with the belt. So, that’s exactly the reason why UFC 327 seems like an ideal opportunity to combine event promo, sportsbook traffic and blog content that won’t act as generic SEO filler.What makes the job even better is that the audience here doesn’t just get “one big match and a lot of idle time”. The card underwent a change before the event itself, as the fight Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira rescheduled for UFC 328, so Paulo Costa vs. Azamat Murzakanov was moved up to the co main slot. That changed the dynamic of the main part of the night a bit, but it didn’t kill the interest on the contrary, it provided another interesting matchup for people who like to look for value in the odds rather than just click the biggest name on the list.

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Alex Pereira next fight: Rumors Are Loud, but the Real Story Is Even Bigger

Posted on April 9, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Right now, the conversation around Alex Pereira next fight feels unusually sharp even by UFC standards. And the reason is straightforward enough. It’s not about defending a championship anymore or even about making up for a missed chance. Pereira has already surrendered his light heavyweight belt to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, dominated in the rematch at UFC 320 with an early stoppage to regain his crown, and now has turned his back on 205 pounds to go after something never seen before in UFC, a title in his third weight class. His official game plan is set for June 14, 2026, when he will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 on the grounds of the White House.

Alex Pereira is training

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As UFC’s Reach Grows, So Does the Fight for Its Partnerships

Posted on April 7, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Mixed martial arts continues to attract major brand investment, and this past weekend was a busy one for sweepstakes platform Legendz.

While Renato Moicano submitted Chris Duncan by rear-naked choke in the second round at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Legendz was also wrapping up its title sponsorship of the Hyrox Miami Beach fitness racing event, marking a significant weekend of live sports activations for the brand.

The timing aligns with a significant shift in how UFC content reaches fans and how brands are committed to gaining exposure with a core audience.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 327: Procházka vs. Ulberg (04-11-2026)

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Jason

Light Heavyweight Championship (205)
[#14P4P][#3][#3UFC] Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1, -121) vs. [#4][#4UFC] Carlos Ulberg (14-1-0, +101)
Jiri Prochazka is the All-Time #22 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Carlos Ulberg is the All-Time #35 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Jiri Prochazka (2-1-0)
2025-10-04: W vs. [#6LHW] Khalil Rountree (14-8-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:04 of round 3
2025-01-18: W vs. [#16LHW] Jamahal Hill (13-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:01 of round 3
2024-06-29: L vs. [#6DD][#6P4P][#1LHW] Alex Pereira (13-3-0) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 0:13 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Carlos Ulberg (3-0-0)
2025-09-27: W vs. [#10LHW] Dominick Reyes (15-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:27 of round 1
2025-03-22: W vs. [#7LHW] Jan Blachowicz (29-11-2) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-11-23: W vs. [#8LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (21-8-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Jiri Prochazka	-121		52.39%
Elo K170	Jiri Prochazka	2183.43	+49.47	57.07%
Elo Modified	Jiri Prochazka	2158.35	+33.42	54.79%
Glicko-1	Jiri Prochazka	2272.42	+60.96	58.69%
WHR	Carlos Ulberg	2070.28	+6.13	50.88%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Jiri Prochazka 33.5, Carlos Ulberg 35.4
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jiri Prochazka 189, Carlos Ulberg 196
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#10MW][#9MWUFC] Paulo Costa (15-4-0, +160) vs. [#15][#11UFC] Azamat Murzakanov (16-0-0, -188)

Last 3 Fights: Paulo Costa (1-2-0)
2025-07-19: W vs. [#26MW] Roman Kopylov (14-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2024-06-01: L vs. [#4MW] Sean Strickland (30-7-0) via SD (49-46, 50-45, 46-49)
2024-02-17: L vs. [#11MW] Robert Whittaker (26-9-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Azamat Murzakanov (3-0-0)
2025-10-25: W vs. [#31LHW] Aleksandar Rakic (14-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:11 of round 1
2025-06-07: W vs. [#80LHW] Brendson Ribeiro (17-10-0) via TKO (Submission to Punches) in 3:25 of round 1
2024-08-03: W vs. [#27LHW] Alonzo Menifield (17-6-1) via KO (Punches) in 3:18 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Azamat Murzakanov	-188		62.92%
Elo K170	Azamat Murzakanov	1987.84	+21.46	53.08%
Elo Modified	Paulo Costa	2011.67	+8.54	51.23%
Glicko-1	Paulo Costa	2097.30	+1.18	50.17%
WHR	Azamat Murzakanov	2070.40	+150.89	70.45%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Paulo Costa 35.0, Azamat Murzakanov 37.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Paulo Costa 266, Azamat Murzakanov 168
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Heavyweight (265)
[#6][#5UFC] Curtis Blaydes (19-5-0, -131) vs. [#85][#27UFC] Josh Hokit (8-0-0, +107)
Curtis Blaydes is the All-Time #24 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Curtis Blaydes (2-1-0)
2025-06-21: W vs. [#7HW+] Rizvan Kuniev (13-3-1) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-07-27: L vs. [#2HW+] Tom Aspinall (15-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:00 of round 1
2024-03-09: W vs. [#9HW+] Jailton Almeida (22-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:36 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Josh Hokit (3-0-0)
2026-01-24: W vs. [#146HW+] Denzel Freeman (7-2-0) via TKO (Retirement) in 4:59 of round 1
2025-11-08: W vs. [#324HW+] Max Gimenis (6-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:56 of round 1
2025-08-19: W vs. [#289HW+] Guilherme Uriel (7-2-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 1:06 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Curtis Blaydes	-131		53.99%
Elo K170	Curtis Blaydes	2026.93	+479.22	94.04%
Elo Modified	Curtis Blaydes	1971.88	+388.57	90.35%
Glicko-1	Curtis Blaydes	2019.47	+399.64	90.89%
WHR	Curtis Blaydes	1965.29	+442.43	92.74%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Curtis Blaydes 35.1, Josh Hokit 28.4
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Curtis Blaydes 294, Josh Hokit 77
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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UFC 328 – Co-Main Event Preview

Posted on April 6, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Flyweight Title Fight (125 lbs / 56.7 kg)

[#1 FW | #C UFC] Joshua Van (16-2-0) vs [#3 FW | #3 U C] Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0)

Prudential Center, Newark | May 9, 2026

Fight Breakdown

The UFC 327 co-main event features a high-stakes flyweight title clash between champion Joshua Van and rising contender Tatsuro Taira.

Van enters his first title defense under unusual circumstances, having captured the belt after Alexandre Pantoja suffered an early fight-ending injury. While the result officially crowned him champion, questions still linger regarding his legitimacy at the top of the division.

This bout represents a critical moment in Van’s career—a chance to validate his championship status with a definitive performance.

Meanwhile, Tatsuro Taira has quietly established himself as one of the most complete and dangerous fighters at 125 pounds. With elite grappling, positional dominance, and composure beyond his years, Taira presents a stylistic challenge that could expose the champion’s weaknesses.

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Vitaliy Vovk

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Analyst

Founder & President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP) – one of the longest-running and most recognized MMA organizations in Ukraine. Organizer of 100+ MMA events. Contributor, analyst, and Trusted Promoter collaborating with leading global MMA platforms.

https://rfpromo.com/

rfpromo.com/

This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Jason

2026 WHR Post #8

Fights considered must satisfy all of the criteria below:

Both fighters must be active (fought in 360 days prior to event). Reduces uncertainty.
Both fighters must have at least 7 fights in the prior 7 years, including 1+ loss. If the loss was in their debut, then 2+ losses are required.
Both fighters must be rated in the same division as the fight. Further reduces uncertainty.
Must have odds from at least three bookmakers.

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ROUSEY VS CARANO- FIGHTING FOR THE FREEDOM OF DEFINE THEIR LEGACIES

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Luis Vazquez

Two women of action built their reputations in the Octagon. One was a pioneer for women in fighting sports, while the other took that legacy and elevated it, bringing it to new heights. When they both fell from those lofty perches, they remained relevant by adapting to other forms of entertainment. One returned to the ring, following a script and telling a story, adapting seamlessly to the moment. The other brought her moves to a movie set, also telling stories in a different arena. Eventually, they found themselves on the outside looking in again. What they discovered was each other, and on May 16th, they will perform on the streaming service Netflix, returning to their roots.

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Luis Vazquez

Luis is a twenty year veteran of the writing wars. He has served as Editor in Chief and writer of various web and print media in the Latin, Asian, and Sports genres. He has contributed as a beat writer for the WNBA New York Liberty and MLS New York Red Bulls as well as Fordham and Columbia College Football.

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan (04-04-2026)

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Jason

Lightweight (155)
[#12][#11UFC] Renato Carneiro (20-7-1, +161) vs. [#39][#25UFC] Chris Duncan (15-2-0, -195)

Last 3 Fights: Renato Carneiro (1-2-0)
2025-06-28: L vs. [#11LW] Beneil Dariush (23-7-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-01-18: L vs. [#1P4P][#1WW] Islam Makhachev (28-1-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 4:05 of round 1
2024-09-28: W vs. [#7LW] Benoit St. Denis (17-3-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Chris Duncan (3-0-0)
2025-12-06: W vs. [#64LW] Terrance McKinney (18-8-0) via Submission (Anaconda Choke) in 2:30 of round 1
2025-08-02: W vs. [#56LW] Mateusz Rebecki (21-4-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2025-03-22: W vs. [#154LW] Jordan Vucenic (15-4-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:42 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Chris Duncan	-195		63.30%
Elo K170	Renato Carneiro	1979.61	+92.25	62.97%
Elo Modified	Renato Carneiro	1965.58	+101.56	64.21%
Glicko-1	Renato Carneiro	2024.83	+110.04	65.33%
WHR	Renato Carneiro	1907.27	+74.22	60.52%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Renato Carneiro 36.9, Chris Duncan 32.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Renato Carneiro 280, Chris Duncan 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Women Strawweight (115)
[#6DD][#11P4P][#3][#3UFC] Virna Jandiroba (22-4-0, -103) vs. [#7][#7UFC] Tabatha Ricci (12-3-0, -118)
Virna Jandiroba is the All-Time #49 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Virna Jandiroba (2-1-0)
2025-10-25: L vs. [#5DD][#5P4P][#2SW] Mackenzie Dern (16-5-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#5SW] Xiaonan Yan (19-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-07-20: W vs. [#9SW] Amanda Lemos (15-6-1) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:48 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Tabatha Ricci (2-1-0)
2025-07-26: W vs. [#18SW] Amanda Ribas (12-7-0) via TKO (Elbow and Punches) in 2:59 of round 2
2024-11-23: L vs. [#5SW] Xiaonan Yan (19-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-08-24: W vs. [#20SW] Angela Hill (18-16-0) via UD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Tabatha Ricci	-118		51.61%
Elo K170	Virna Jandiroba	1802.27	+117.05	66.23%
Elo Modified	Virna Jandiroba	1788.60	+95.14	63.36%
Glicko-1	Virna Jandiroba	1772.87	+78.33	61.08%
WHR	Virna Jandiroba	1734.08	+148.28	70.13%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Virna Jandiroba 37.8, Tabatha Ricci 31.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Virna Jandiroba 161, Tabatha Ricci 252
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Virna Jandiroba leads 3-2
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#59][#27UFC] Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev (8-0-0, -1509) vs. [#74][#32UFC] Brendson Ribeiro (17-9-0, +809)

Last 3 Fights: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev (3-0-0)
2025-11-22: W vs. [#188LHW] Raffael Cerqueira (11-4-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 0:33 of round 1
2025-08-26: W vs. [#158LHW] Alik Lorenz (7-2-0) via TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) in 0:30 of round 1
2024-09-26: W vs. [#191MW] Jacky Jeanne (6-2-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:23 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Brendson Ribeiro (1-2-0)
2025-09-06: L vs. [#39LHW] Oumar Sy (12-2-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 4:42 of round 1
2025-06-07: L vs. [#15LHW] Azamat Murzakanov (16-0-0) via TKO (Submission to Punches) in 3:25 of round 1
2025-03-15: W vs. [#85LHW] Diyar Nurgozhay (11-2-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 1:28 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev	-1509		89.50%
Elo K170	Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev	1585.82	+108.68	65.15%
Elo Modified	Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev	1623.81	+135.49	68.57%
Glicko-1	Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev	1651.16	+137.51	68.82%
WHR	Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev	1640.86	+150.89	70.45%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev 25.2, Brendson Ribeiro 29.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev 133, Brendson Ribeiro 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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