Event Previews – Fight Matrix

UFC 324 — Gaethje vs. Pimblett

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Interim Lightweight Championship (155 lbs)
January 24, 2026
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

[#5][#4 UFC] Justin Gaethje (26–5–0) vs. [#8][#5 UFC] Paddy Pimblett (23–3–0)

Stylistic Breakdown

Justin Gaethje

Pressure-based striker with high output, emphasis on leg kicks and mid-range exchanges. Defensive wrestling and takedown awareness have improved, particularly against single-shot entries. Historically effective over extended durations. Primary risk area remains prolonged grappling sequences and transitional control.

Paddy Pimblett

Submission-oriented finisher with strong positional awareness in scrambles. Most effective when converting chaos into back control or dominant top positions. Striking output has increased, though defensive gaps remain, particularly against sustained pressure and leg-kick damage.

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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/

Fight Matrix Program – UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett (01-24-2026)

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Jason

Lightweight Championship (155)
[#5][#5UFC] Justin Gaethje (26-5-0, +191) vs. [#8][#7UFC] Paddy Pimblett (23-3-0, -235)
Justin Gaethje is the All-Time #9 ranked Lightweight and #49 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Justin Gaethje (2-1-0)
2025-03-08: W vs. [#12LW] Rafael Fiziev (13-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-04-13: L vs. [#4LW] Max Holloway (27-8-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:59 of round 5
2023-07-29: W vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 1:00 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Paddy Pimblett (3-0-0)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#25LW] Michael Chandler (23-10-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 3:07 of round 3
2024-07-27: W vs. [#49LW] Bobby Green (33-17-1) via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:22 of round 1
2023-12-16: W vs. [*] Tony Ferguson (25-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Paddy Pimblett	-235		67.12%
Elo K170	Justin Gaethje	2286.80	+188.51	74.75%
Elo Modified	Justin Gaethje	2234.53	+168.55	72.52%
Glicko-1	Justin Gaethje	2284.76	+131.23	68.04%
WHR	Paddy Pimblett	2025.84	+0.07	50.01%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Justin Gaethje 37.2, Paddy Pimblett 31.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Justin Gaethje 322, Paddy Pimblett 287
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#3][#3UFC] Sean OMalley (18-3-0, -206) vs. [#6][#6UFC] Yadong Song (22-9-1, +168)
Sean OMalley is the All-Time #10 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Yadong Song is the All-Time #50 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Sean OMalley (1-2-0)
2025-06-07: L vs. [#3DD][#7P4P][#2BW] Merab Dvalishvili (21-5-0) via Submission (North-South Choke) in 4:42 of round 3
2024-09-14: L vs. [#3DD][#7P4P][#2BW] Merab Dvalishvili (21-5-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#12BW] Marlon Vera (24-11-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-44)

Last 3 Fights: Yadong Song (2-1-0)
2025-02-22: W vs. [*] Henry Cejudo (16-6-0) via TUD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-03-09: L vs. [#1DD][#4P4P][#1BW] Petr Yan (20-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-12-09: W vs. [#37BW] Chris Gutierrez (22-7-2) via UD (50-44, 50-45, 50-45)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Sean OMalley	-206		64.34%
Elo K170	Sean OMalley	2094.90	+55.55	57.93%
Elo Modified	Sean OMalley	2059.31	+30.67	54.40%
Glicko-1	Sean OMalley	2115.11	+23.44	53.37%
WHR	Sean OMalley	1949.75	+35.98	55.16%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Sean OMalley 31.2, Yadong Song 28.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sean OMalley 231, Yadong Song 336
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Sean OMalley leads 2-1
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#8][#7UFC] Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2-0, -340) vs. [#13][#10UFC] Derrick Lewis (29-12-0, +260)
Derrick Lewis is the All-Time #28 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (2-1-0)
2025-11-22: W vs. [#23HW+] Shamil Gaziev (14-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:22 of round 1
2025-11-01: W vs. [#16HW+] Ante Delija (26-7-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:59 of round 1
2025-08-23: L vs. [#4HW+] Sergei Pavlovich (20-3-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Derrick Lewis (2-1-0)
2025-07-12: W vs. [#83HW+] Tallison Teixeira (8-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:35 of round 1
2024-05-11: W vs. [#26HW+] Rodrigo Nascimento (13-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:49 of round 3
2023-11-04: L vs. [#6HW+] Jailton Almeida (22-4-0) via UD (50-44, 50-44, 50-45)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	-340		73.55%
Elo K170	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	1969.65	+104.60	64.62%
Elo Modified	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	1969.93	+115.38	66.02%
Glicko-1	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	2042.19	+104.30	64.57%
WHR	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	1888.33	+89.51	62.61%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Waldo Cortes-Acosta 34.3, Derrick Lewis 40.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta 63, Derrick Lewis 196
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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Best Boxing Matches To Make in 2026

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Rob McPhail

2025 put out some great super fights that should set the stage for an even better showing in 2026. From bouts like Canelo Alvarez vs. Terrence Crawford, Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev II, and Connor Benn vs. Chris Eubank Jr., boxing definitely took a step towards leaving behind an era of soup cans, ducking and cherry picking.

This year, we should see that momentum carry on as there are some exciting bouts on the horizon and a few more that promoters need to make before the year has ended.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the biggest fights that boxing fans want to see in 2026, and matchups that have a real shot at happening. Although we can’t predict how promoters will handle this year, there’s potential for these bouts taking place in 2026. No, this list doesn’t include celebrity boxing match between Jake Paul or Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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Rob McPhail

Rob “Knuckles” McPhail is a trusted expert in sports betting with 20+ years of experience, especially in Boxing. He shares sharp fight analysis, proven betting strategies, and clear education to help bettors stay disciplined and win smarter.

For more from Rob, visit www.knuckles.com

Rizin: Shiwasu no Cho Tsuwamono Matsuri – A Visual Preview

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Oleg

On Tuesday 12.30.2025 at 11:00 PM ET, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, a spectacular MMA event is shaping up to take place.

Rizin – Shiwasu no Cho Tsuwamono Matsuri will feature the most elite MMA fighters from Japan and all over the world, bringing in the New Year’s Eve in style with a sixteen-fight lineup. This will be Rizin’s 10 year anniversary show.

You can watch the RIZIN Year-End Super Powerhouse Matsuri on RIZIN.TV PPV ($19.99 USD) or subscription ($16.99 USD per month).

Keep reading for the full card!

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Masters Boxing sets new standards in the UK – WBU strengthens its commitment

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Oleg

PRESS RELEASE

The recent Masters Boxing event “The Eminence – UK’s Biggest Masters Championships”, held on 19 December in England, proved to be a resounding success and a strong statement for the future of Masters Boxing in the United Kingdom.

With 15 high-quality bouts, excellent organisation and an enthusiastic, respectful crowd, the event highlighted the growing importance and professionalism of Masters Boxing in the UK. The atmosphere, sporting standard and audience response clearly demonstrated that this format has firmly established itself on the British boxing calendar.

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Rizin FF – Shiwasu no Cho Tsuwamono Matsuri

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Oleg

On Tuesday 12.30.2025 at 11:00 PM ET, at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, a spectacular MMA event is shaping up to take place.

You can watch the RIZIN Year-End Super Powerhouse Matsuri on RIZIN.TV PPV ($19.99 USD) or subscription ($16.99 USD per month).

Stay tuned for the matchups and more information about this exciting event!

Fight Preview: Takano vs. Nishi

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Heather

Event Preview

There will be a boxing event taking place on December 28, 2025. This will be located at Sumiyoshi Ward Center in Osaka, Japan. The event will be put on by Kenbun Taiho, via Taiho Promotions.

In the Super Bantam division, Tomomi Takano (15-6-1, 10 KO), will face off against undefeated Mao Nishi (3-0, 2 KO) who will both be fighting in an orthodox stance. The women’s rankings are only two points away. Who will win this exciting matchup?

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Heather

MMA & Boxing Writer | Business Development Consultant
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. As a teenager I practiced for a bit. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. Now I am on a new journey, hitting the dojo when possible. Learning how to methodically adapt to Judo, currently is a hobby that I enjoy. At FightMatrix, I am the business development consultant. Additionally, I write about various martial arts and boxing.

www.fightmatrix.com

Fight Preview: Brandon Royval vs. Manel Kape

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Vitaliy Vovk

UFC on ESPN 73 — December 13, 2025
UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
[#5 FLW | #3 UFC] Brandon Royval (17–8–0) vs. [#9 FLW | #6 UFC] Manel Kape (21–7–0)

Stylistic Breakdown

Brandon Royval
A dynamic southpaw known for his unpredictable scrambles and high-level grappling. With nine career submissions, Royval is at his most dangerous on the ground and thrives in chaotic exchanges. His cardio and pace give him an edge in longer fights, though he has shown vulnerability when opponents can control the tempo and maintain positional discipline.

Manel Kape
A powerful and accurate striker with elite speed, sharp boxing, and proven finishing ability. Kape’s stand-up presents a real threat early, as he often capitalizes on defensive lapses. While his takedown defense has improved, extended grappling sequences could still put him at risk against a submission specialist like Royval.

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Vitaliy Vovk

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Analyst

https://rfpromo.com/

rfpromo.com/

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul: What to know ahead of Netflix Judgement Day Boxing Event

Posted on December 10, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Image sourced from Pixabay

Anthony Joshua will face Jake Paul in a professionally sanctioned heavyweight bout on 19 December at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

The fight, branded Judgement Day, will be streamed live on Netflix, at no extra cost to current subscribers.

Britain’s Joshua, the 36-year-old former two-time unified heavyweight champion, will take on the YouTuber-turned-boxer over eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing regulation 10-ounce gloves.

This represents a replacement fight for Paul, who was originally scheduled to face Gervonta Davis in an exhibition earlier this month before it was cancelled due to a lawsuit filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend.

Instead, the American will face his most credible opponent to date in Joshua, a former heavyweight champion with a professional record of 28 wins and four losses, 25 of those victories coming by knockout.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape (12-13-2025)

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Jason

Flyweight (125)
[#5][#5UFC] Brandon Royval (17-8-0, +239) vs. [#9][#8UFC] Manel Kape (21-7-0, -297)
Brandon Royval is the All-Time #13 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Manel Kape is the All-Time #28 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Brandon Royval (2-1-0)
2025-06-28: L vs. [#2DD][#5P4P][#1FLY] Joshua Van (16-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-10-12: W vs. [#3FLY] Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0) via SD (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)
2024-02-24: W vs. [#6FLY] Brandon Moreno (23-9-2) via SD (48-47, 48-47, 46-49)

Last 3 Fights: Manel Kape (2-1-0)
2025-03-01: W vs. [#13FLY] Asu Almabayev (23-3-0) via TKO (Retirement) in 2:16 of round 3
2024-12-14: W vs. [#28FLY] Bruno Silva (15-8-2) via TKO (Body Kick and Punches) in 1:57 of round 3
2024-07-27: L vs. [#8FLY] Muhammad Mokaev (16-0-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Manel Kape	-297		71.71%
Elo K170	Manel Kape	1920.99	+5.59	50.81%
Elo Modified	Manel Kape	1902.81	+105.83	64.78%
Glicko-1	Manel Kape	1972.63	+131.12	68.02%
WHR	Manel Kape	1898.38	+159.14	71.42%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Brandon Royval 33.3, Manel Kape 32.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brandon Royval 168, Manel Kape 287
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Brandon Royval leads 1-0
.

Featherweight (145)
[#26][#17UFC] Giga Chikadze (15-5-0, +213) vs. [#68][#37UFC] Kevin Vallejos (16-1-0, -265)

Last 3 Fights: Giga Chikadze (1-2-0)
2025-04-26: L vs. [#25FW] David Onama (14-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-07-27: L vs. [*] Arnold Allen (20-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-08-26: W vs. [*] Alex Caceres (21-15-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Kevin Vallejos (3-0-0)
2025-08-02: W vs. [#145FW] Danny Silva (10-2-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2025-03-15: W vs. [#184FW] Seung Woo Choi (11-8-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:09 of round 1
2024-09-24: W vs. [#573FW] Cam Teague (9-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:23 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Kevin Vallejos	-265		69.44%
Elo K170	Giga Chikadze	1744.52	+26.05	53.74%
Elo Modified	Giga Chikadze	1743.26	+20.24	52.91%
Glicko-1	Giga Chikadze	1794.55	+27.02	53.88%
WHR	Kevin Vallejos	1697.52	+7.93	51.14%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Giga Chikadze 37.3, Kevin Vallejos 24.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Giga Chikadze 231, Kevin Vallejos 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#61][#38UFC] Cesar Almeida (7-1-0, +143) vs. [#66] Cezary Oleksiejczuk (16-3-0, -173)

Last 3 Fights: Cesar Almeida (2-1-0)
2025-01-11: W vs. [#111MW] Abdul Razak Alhassan (12-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:16 of round 1
2024-10-05: W vs. [#112MW] Ihor Potieria (25-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-06-01: L vs. [#26MW] Roman Kopylov (14-5-0) via SD (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)

Last 3 Fights: Cezary Oleksiejczuk (3-0-0)
2025-09-02: W vs. [#238MW] Theo Haig (6-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:36 of round 1
2025-02-15: W vs. [#76LHW] Tom Breese (20-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:30 of round 1
2024-10-26: W vs. [#271MW] Piotr Strus (16-10-2) via TKO (Punches) in 3:33 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Cezary Oleksiejczuk	-173		60.62%
Elo K170	Cezary Oleksiejczuk	1805.34	+202.50	76.24%
Elo Modified	Cezary Oleksiejczuk	1824.67	+145.71	69.82%
Glicko-1	Cezary Oleksiejczuk	1914.28	+188.01	74.69%
WHR	Cezary Oleksiejczuk	1789.25	+39.26	55.63%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Cesar Almeida 37.7, Cezary Oleksiejczuk 25.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cesar Almeida 336, Cezary Oleksiejczuk 102
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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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs. Yan (12-06-2025)

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Jason

Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1DD][#2P4P][#1][#1UFC] Merab Dvalishvili (21-4-0, -434) vs. [#4][#4UFC] Petr Yan (19-5-0, +329)
Merab Dvalishvili is the All-Time #6 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Petr Yan is the All-Time #9 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Merab Dvalishvili (3-0-0)
2025-10-04: W vs. [#5BW] Cory Sandhagen (18-6-0) via UD (49-45, 49-45, 49-46)
2025-06-07: W vs. [#2BW] Sean OMalley (18-3-0) via Submission (North-South Choke) in 4:42 of round 3
2025-01-18: W vs. [#3BW] Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Petr Yan (3-0-0)
2025-07-26: W vs. [#22BW] Marcus McGhee (10-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-11-23: W vs. [#10BW] Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#6BW] Yadong Song (22-9-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Merab Dvalishvili	-434		77.71%
Elo K170	Merab Dvalishvili	2435.76	+296.48	84.64%
Elo Modified	Merab Dvalishvili	2399.39	+231.58	79.13%
Glicko-1	Merab Dvalishvili	2479.12	+260.06	81.71%
WHR	Merab Dvalishvili	2236.74	+188.48	74.74%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Merab Dvalishvili 34.9, Petr Yan 32.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Merab Dvalishvili 63, Petr Yan 133
Previous Match-up Record: Merab Dvalishvili leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Merab Dvalishvili leads 5-3
.

Flyweight Championship (125)
[#2DD][#4P4P][#1][#1UFC] Alexandre Pantoja (30-5-0, -242) vs. [#14P4P][#3][#3UFC] Joshua Van (15-2-0, +197)
Alexandre Pantoja is the All-Time #2 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Joshua Van is the All-Time #37 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Alexandre Pantoja (3-0-0)
2025-06-28: W vs. [#6FLY] Kai Kara-France (25-12-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 1:55 of round 3
2024-12-07: W vs. [#26FLY] Kai Asakura (21-6-0) via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:05 of round 2
2024-05-04: W vs. [#11FLY] Steve Erceg (13-4-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Joshua Van (3-0-0)
2025-06-28: W vs. [#5FLY] Brandon Royval (17-8-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2025-06-07: W vs. [#27FLY] Bruno Silva (15-8-2) via TKO (Punches) in 4:01 of round 3
2025-03-08: W vs. [#49FLY] Rei Tsuruya (10-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Alexandre Pantoja	-242		67.75%
Elo K170	Alexandre Pantoja	2220.85	+240.75	79.99%
Elo Modified	Alexandre Pantoja	2141.08	+218.18	77.83%
Glicko-1	Alexandre Pantoja	2236.29	+271.35	82.67%
WHR	Alexandre Pantoja	2063.03	+314.88	85.97%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Alexandre Pantoja 35.6, Joshua Van 24.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alexandre Pantoja 161, Joshua Van 161
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Alexandre Pantoja leads 2-1
.

Flyweight (125)
[#7DD][#7P4P][#2][#2UFC] Brandon Moreno (23-8-2, +107) vs. [#7][#7UFC] Tatsuro Taira (17-1-0, -130)
Brandon Moreno is the All-Time #3 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Tatsuro Taira is the All-Time #23 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Brandon Moreno (2-1-0)
2025-03-29: W vs. [#11FLY] Steve Erceg (13-4-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2024-11-02: W vs. [#12FLY] Amir Albazi (17-2-0) via UD (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
2024-02-24: L vs. [#5FLY] Brandon Royval (17-8-0) via SD (48-47, 48-47, 46-49)

Last 3 Fights: Tatsuro Taira (2-1-0)
2025-08-02: W vs. [#73FLY] Hyun Sung Park (10-2-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 1:06 of round 2
2024-10-12: L vs. [#5FLY] Brandon Royval (17-8-0) via SD (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)
2024-06-15: W vs. [#31FLY] Alex Perez (25-10-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 2:59 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Tatsuro Taira	-130		53.91%
Elo K170	Brandon Moreno	2005.76	+122.13	66.89%
Elo Modified	Brandon Moreno	2030.96	+134.72	68.47%
Glicko-1	Brandon Moreno	2118.58	+140.09	69.13%
WHR	Brandon Moreno	1997.34	+138.45	68.93%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Brandon Moreno 32.0, Tatsuro Taira 25.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brandon Moreno 252, Tatsuro Taira 126
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Brandon Moreno leads 1-0
.
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Global MMA in 2026: A Defining Year for Expansion, Legitimacy, and High-Stakes Competition

Posted on November 26, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Jun 28, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Alexandre Pantoja (red gloves) fights Kai Kara-France (blue gloves) during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images/Sipa USA – Photo by Icon Sport

The year 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in the history of mixed martial arts. What once existed as a fragmented combat sport with regional pockets of popularity is now a fully globalized ecosystem—led by the UFC’s relentless international touring model, the Professional Fighters League’s accelerated geographic expansion, and the rise of European organizations such as OKTAGON MMA that are aggressively entering new markets. Add to this the long-awaited inclusion of MMA in the 2026 Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games, and the sport enters a new era of formal recognition, institutional legitimacy, and worldwide cultural integration.

Across these developments, 2026 is not merely a continuation of existing trends: it is the year MMA fully proves it has become a global sporting infrastructure, not a niche spectacle — a shift closely watched not only by analysts and promoters but also by betting audiences who follow market movements through resources like the netbet bonus code.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker (11-22-2025)

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Jason

Lightweight (155)
[*] Arman Tsarukyan (22-3-0, -459) vs. [*] Dan Hooker (24-12-0, +346)
Arman Tsarukyan is the All-Time #46 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Dan Hooker is the All-Time #44 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Arman Tsarukyan (3-0-0)
2024-04-13: W vs. [#9DD][#2LW] Charles Oliveira (36-11-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-12-02: W vs. [#11LW] Beneil Dariush (23-7-1) via KO (Knee and Punches) in 1:04 of round 1
2023-06-17: W vs. [#81LW] Joaquim Silva (14-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:25 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Dan Hooker (3-0-0)
2024-08-17: W vs. [#7LW] Mateusz Gamrot (25-4-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2023-07-08: W vs. [#26LW] Jalin Turner (14-9-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-11-12: W vs. [#111LW] Claudio Puelles (12-6-0) via TKO (Body Kick) in 4:06 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Arman Tsarukyan	-459		78.55%
Elo K170	Arman Tsarukyan	2302.61	+188.29	74.72%
Elo Modified	Arman Tsarukyan	2198.80	+217.76	77.79%
Glicko-1	Arman Tsarukyan	2263.95	+262.34	81.91%
WHR	Arman Tsarukyan	2116.40	+243.57	80.25%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Arman Tsarukyan 29.1, Dan Hooker 35.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Arman Tsarukyan 588, Dan Hooker 462
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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Welterweight (170)
[#3][#3UFC] Belal Muhammad (24-4-0, +173) vs. [#11][#11UFC] Ian Garry (16-1-0, -211)
Belal Muhammad is the All-Time #7 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Ian Garry is the All-Time #45 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Belal Muhammad (2-1-0)
2025-05-10: L vs. [#4WW] Jack Della Maddalena (18-3-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 48-47)
2024-07-27: W vs. [#8WW] Leon Edwards (22-6-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
2023-05-06: W vs. [#17WW] Gilbert Burns (22-9-0) via UD (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Ian Garry (2-1-0)
2025-04-26: W vs. [#7WW] Carlos Prates (23-7-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-12-07: L vs. [#9WW] Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-06-29: W vs. [#12MW] Michael Page (24-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Ian Garry	-211		64.94%
Elo K170	Belal Muhammad	2336.56	+196.37	75.59%
Elo Modified	Belal Muhammad	2266.87	+177.12	73.49%
Glicko-1	Belal Muhammad	2315.39	+179.30	73.74%
WHR	Ian Garry	2062.98	+45.01	56.44%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Belal Muhammad 37.4, Ian Garry 28.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Belal Muhammad 196, Ian Garry 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Ian Garry leads 1-0
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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#14][#10UFC] Volkan Oezdemir (20-8-0, -231) vs. [#21][#15UFC] Alonzo Menifield (17-5-1, +188)
Volkan Oezdemir is the All-Time #34 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Volkan Oezdemir (2-1-0)
2024-11-23: L vs. [#4LHW] Carlos Ulberg (14-1-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-06-22: W vs. [#15LHW] Johnny Walker (22-9-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:28 of round 1
2023-09-02: W vs. [#16LHW] Bogdan Guskov (18-3-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:46 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Alonzo Menifield (2-1-0)
2025-06-14: W vs. [#31LHW] Oumar Sy (12-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-02-22: W vs. [#68LHW] Julius Walker (7-1-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-08-03: L vs. [#12LHW] Azamat Murzakanov (16-0-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:18 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Volkan Oezdemir	-231		66.77%
Elo K170	Volkan Oezdemir	1817.43	+39.30	55.63%
Elo Modified	Volkan Oezdemir	1825.42	+65.55	59.32%
Glicko-1	Volkan Oezdemir	1906.69	+134.72	68.47%
WHR	Volkan Oezdemir	1873.61	+149.07	70.22%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Volkan Oezdemir 36.2, Alonzo Menifield 38.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Volkan Oezdemir 364, Alonzo Menifield 161
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Volkan Oezdemir leads 3-2
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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev (11-08-2025)

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Jason

Welterweight Championship (170)
[#1DD][#2P4P][#1LW][#1LWUFC] Islam Makhachev (27-1-0, -268) vs. [#9DD][#10P4P][#1][#1UFC] Jack Della Maddalena (18-2-0, +216)
Islam Makhachev is the All-Time #16 ranked Absolute fighter.
Jack Della Maddalena is the All-Time #17 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Islam Makhachev (3-0-0)
2025-01-18: W vs. [#13LW] Renato Carneiro (20-7-1) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 4:05 of round 1
2024-06-01: W vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:42 of round 5
2023-10-21: W vs. [#6DD][#1FW] Alexander Volkanovski (27-4-0) via KO (Head Kick and Punches) in 3:06 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Jack Della Maddalena (3-0-0)
2025-05-10: W vs. [#2WW] Belal Muhammad (24-4-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 48-47)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#16WW] Gilbert Burns (22-9-0) via KO (Knee and Elbows) in 3:43 of round 3
2023-09-16: W vs. [#32WW] Kevin Holland (28-15-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Islam Makhachev	-268		69.70%
Elo K170	Islam Makhachev	2566.47	+263.13	81.97%
Elo Modified	Islam Makhachev	2497.98	+320.87	86.38%
Glicko-1	Islam Makhachev	2635.51	+364.77	89.09%
WHR	Islam Makhachev	2426.71	+422.60	91.93%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Islam Makhachev 34.0, Jack Della Maddalena 29.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Islam Makhachev 301, Jack Della Maddalena 189
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 Flyweight Championship (125)
[#2P4P][#4DD][#1][#1UFC] Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1, -125) vs. [#1DD][#1P4P][#1SW][#1SWUFC] Weili Zhang (26-3-0, +103)
Valentina Shevchenko is the All-Time #2 ranked Women’s fighter.
Weili Zhang is the All-Time #5 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Valentina Shevchenko (2-0-1)
2025-05-10: W vs. [#6P4P][#7DD][#2FLY] Manon Fiorot (13-2-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-09-14: W vs. [#6FLY] Alexa Grasso (16-5-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2023-09-16: D vs. [#6FLY] Alexa Grasso (16-5-1) via Draw (Split) in 5:00 of round 5

Last 3 Fights: Weili Zhang (3-0-0)
2025-02-08: W vs. [#9DD][#4SW] Tatiana Suarez (11-1-0) via UD (49-46, 49-45, 49-46)
2024-04-13: W vs. [#5SW] Xiaonan Yan (19-5-0) via UD (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)
2023-08-19: W vs. [#6SW] Amanda Lemos (15-5-1) via UD (50-43, 50-44, 49-45)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Valentina Shevchenko	-125		53.00%
Elo K170	Weili Zhang	2086.40	+25.06	53.60%
Elo Modified	Weili Zhang	2045.83	+23.24	53.34%
Glicko-1	Weili Zhang	2068.42	+38.72	55.55%
WHR	Weili Zhang	1954.66	+47.56	56.80%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Valentina Shevchenko 37.7, Weili Zhang 36.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Valentina Shevchenko 189, Weili Zhang 280
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Weili Zhang leads 3-2
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Welterweight (170)
[#5][#5UFC] Leon Edwards (22-5-0, +170) vs. [#11][#10UFC] Carlos Prates (22-7-0, -207)
Leon Edwards is the All-Time #5 ranked Welterweight and #34 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Leon Edwards (1-2-0)
2025-03-22: L vs. [#10DD][#3WW] Sean Brady (18-1-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:39 of round 4
2024-07-27: L vs. [#2WW] Belal Muhammad (24-4-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
2023-12-16: W vs. [#12WW] Colby Covington (17-5-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Carlos Prates (2-1-0)
2025-08-16: W vs. [#18WW] Geoff Neal (16-7-0) via KO (Spinning Back Elbow) in 4:59 of round 1
2025-04-26: L vs. [#8WW] Ian Garry (16-1-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-11-09: W vs. [#21WW] Neil Magny (31-13-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:50 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Carlos Prates	-207		64.54%
Elo K170	Leon Edwards	2257.47	+246.31	80.50%
Elo Modified	Leon Edwards	2190.21	+193.58	75.30%
Glicko-1	Leon Edwards	2231.63	+132.64	68.21%
WHR	Carlos Prates	2005.14	+21.43	53.08%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Leon Edwards 34.2, Carlos Prates 32.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Leon Edwards 238, Carlos Prates 91
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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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Bonfim (11-08-2025)

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Jason

Welterweight (170)
[#21][#18UFC] Randy Brown (20-6-0, +127) vs. [#24][#21UFC] Gabriel Bonfim (18-1-0, -157)

Last 3 Fights: Randy Brown (2-1-0)
2025-04-26: W vs. [#43WW] Nicolas Dalby (23-7-1) via KO (Punch) in 1:39 of round 2
2024-12-07: L vs. [#28WW] Bryan Battle (12-2-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-06-01: W vs. [#67WW] Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (25-10-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Gabriel Bonfim (3-0-0)
2025-07-12: W vs. [#25WW] Stephen Thompson (17-9-1) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2025-02-15: W vs. [#75WW] Kalinn Williams (15-5-0) via Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) in 4:58 of round 2
2024-07-13: W vs. [#141WW] Ange Loosa (10-5-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Gabriel Bonfim	-157		58.10%
Elo K170	Gabriel Bonfim	1975.70	+13.93	52.00%
Elo Modified	Randy Brown	1989.30	+87.25	62.30%
Glicko-1	Randy Brown	2065.36	+117.96	66.35%
WHR	Randy Brown	1865.24	+42.94	56.15%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Randy Brown 35.3, Gabriel Bonfim 28.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Randy Brown 196, Gabriel Bonfim 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Randy Brown leads 2-1
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Flyweight (125)
[#27][#18UFC] Joseph Morales (13-2-0, -242) vs. [#66][#30UFC] Matt Schnell (17-10-0, +191)

Last 3 Fights: Joseph Morales (3-0-0)
2025-08-16: W vs. [#85FLY] Alibi Idiris (10-1-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:04 of round 2
2023-02-03: W vs. [#596FLY] Anthony Do (9-8-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 4:46 of round 3
2022-03-04: W vs. [*] Sidemar Honorio (13-8-0) via SD ()

Last 3 Fights: Matt Schnell (1-2-0)
2025-04-26: W vs. [#138FLY] Jimmy Flick (17-9-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-09-07: L vs. [#165BW] Cody Durden (17-9-1) via Submission (Ninja Choke) in 0:29 of round 2
2024-03-02: L vs. [#11FLY] Steve Erceg (13-4-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:26 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Joseph Morales	-242		67.31%
Elo K170	Joseph Morales	1817.04	+277.84	83.19%
Elo Modified	Joseph Morales	1772.78	+258.87	81.61%
Glicko-1	Joseph Morales	1805.68	+288.52	84.03%
WHR	Joseph Morales	1774.54	+375.43	89.67%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Joseph Morales 31.2, Matt Schnell 35.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Joseph Morales 84, Matt Schnell 196
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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Welterweight (170)
[#23][#20UFC] Muslim Salikhov (22-5-0, +149) vs. [#64][#44UFC] Uros Medic (11-3-0, -186)

Last 3 Fights: Muslim Salikhov (3-0-0)
2025-07-26: W vs. [#37WW] Carlos Leal (22-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:42 of round 1
2024-11-23: W vs. [#132WW] Kenan Song (22-9-0) via KO (Spinning Wheel Kick) in 3:49 of round 1
2024-07-13: W vs. [#53WW] Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-9-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Uros Medic (2-1-0)
2025-08-09: W vs. [#580WW] Gilbert Urbina (7-4-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:03 of round 1
2025-01-11: L vs. [#47WW] Punahele Soriano (12-4-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:31 of round 1
2024-04-27: W vs. [#76WW] Tim Means (33-17-1) via TKO (Punches) in 2:09 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Uros Medic	-186		61.82%
Elo K170	Muslim Salikhov	1946.97	+379.87	89.90%
Elo Modified	Muslim Salikhov	1906.75	+286.63	83.89%
Glicko-1	Muslim Salikhov	1953.35	+309.43	85.59%
WHR	Muslim Salikhov	1795.88	+210.00	77.01%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Muslim Salikhov 41.4, Uros Medic 32.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Muslim Salikhov 105, Uros Medic 91
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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