Event Previews – Page 2

Exclusive Interview with Master Boxer, Loris Baldacci

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

Step into the world of boxing with this exclusive interview featuring Loris Baldacci, a dedicated athlete whose journey from the soccer fields of Rimini to the boxing ring shows remarkable passion and resilience. In this interview, we explore Loris’ early life, his transition into boxing, memorable victories, and his mindset ahead of a highly anticipated international matchup. Discover what drives his competitive spirit, the lessons he’s learned from his toughest opponents, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Whether you’re a boxing fan or new to sport, Loris’ insights offer a compelling look at the heart and discipline required to succeed in the ring.

Keep Reading

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, to hit the dojo when possible. Learning how to methodically adapt to Judo as a current white belt.For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.

www.fightmatrix.com

Dvalishvili Ahead of UFC 320: Sandhagen’s dangerous. That’s why I Love this Fight

Posted on September 24, 2025 by A. J. Riot

As the Octagon returns to Las Vegas under the bright lights of the T-Mobile Arena, combat sports fans are gearing up for one of the most explosive cards of the year. With high stakes rematches, title bouts, and rising stars ready to make a statement, the upcoming “numbered” Ultimate Fighting Champion event will highlight everything that modern mixed martial arts has to offer. UFC 320: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 is set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, with 11 bouts across 3 cards, and the fans are slowly gearing up for it.

The main event features a highly anticipated rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, as current titleholder Magomed Ankalaev defends his belt against former champion and the man he took the belt from, Alex Pereira. Their first meeting ended with Ankalaev taking the crown in a dominant performance. Now, Pereira is hungry for redemption as he believes the title is still his to hold. The co-main event, and a more important duel for our extensive overview, is another exciting title fight. UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to face off against top contender Cory Sandhagen in a clash of elite grapplers and strikers.

The rest of the fight card promises a slew of action, including a light heavyweight showdown between Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. In the women’s division, notable bouts include Macy Chiasson vs Yana Santos at bantamweight and Veronica Hardy vs Brogan Walker at flyweight. Rising middleweights Abus Magomedov and Joe Pyfer will square off, while Edmen Shahbazyan takes on Andre Muniz in another pivotal clash. The event kicks off with three early prelims, followed by three prelims and then five main card bouts. Starting at 10:00 PM ET, UFC 320 is shaping up to be one of the year’s most stacked and thrilling events that you have to watch, and perhaps place some bets on.

Keep Reading

Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Jack Latham

Background

The UFC heads to Perth this weekend as Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes take center stage in a huge light heavyweight affair.

Ulberg comes into the bout off the back of seven consecutive wins, the longest active streak in the light heavyweight division, while Reyes is also impressing, securing three victories in a row.

After earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020, Ulberg has been on a warpath, despite a debut loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu. Victories over Volkan Oezdemir and, most recently, Jan Blachowicz put him firmly in the title picture, and a win here would surely grant him a shot.

As for Reyes, many thought the writing was on the wall for his UFC career after suffering four consecutive defeats between 2020 and 2022; however, the 35-year-old’s fortunes have soon changed.

Dominant first-round wins over Dustin Jacoby and Nikita Krylov, paired with the second-round TKO of Anthony Smith, put the ‘Devastator’ firmly back in the title picture, and a win over the Australian Ulberg could make his dreams come true…

Keep Reading

Jack Latham

My name is Jack Latham.

I am 20 years old and am currently studying Sports Journalism at the University of Chester.

I became interested in combat sports, particularly MMA, in the lockdown period and have followed it closely ever since.

I have previously created my own website titled ‘Combat Corner,’ where I produce MMA content.

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes (09-27-2025)

Posted on September 22, 2025 by Jason

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#5][#4UFC] Carlos Ulberg (13-1-0, -251) vs. [#9][#8UFC] Dominick Reyes (15-4-0, +204)
Carlos Ulberg is the All-Time #44 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Dominick Reyes is the All-Time #36 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Carlos Ulberg (3-0-0)
2025-03-22: W vs. [#6LHW] Jan Blachowicz (29-11-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-11-23: W vs. [#13LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (20-8-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-05-11: W vs. [#21LHW] Alonzo Menifield (17-5-1) via KO (Punches) in 0:12 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Dominick Reyes (3-0-0)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#22LHW] Nikita Krylov (30-11-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:24 of round 1
2024-12-07: W vs. [*] Anthony Smith (38-22-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 4:46 of round 2
2024-06-08: W vs. [#18LHW] Dustin Jacoby (21-9-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:00 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Carlos Ulberg	-251		68.49%
Elo K170	Carlos Ulberg	2063.01	+58.20	58.30%
Elo Modified	Carlos Ulberg	2085.35	+106.19	64.82%
Glicko-1	Carlos Ulberg	2133.25	+61.06	58.70%
WHR	Carlos Ulberg	2002.34	+84.02	61.86%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Carlos Ulberg 34.8, Dominick Reyes 35.7
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Carlos Ulberg 189, Dominick Reyes 168
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Carlos Ulberg leads 2-1
.

Featherweight (145)
[#166][#60UFC] Jack Jenkins (13-4-0, -284) vs. [#329][#73UFC] Ramon Taveras (10-3-0, +229)

Last 3 Fights: Jack Jenkins (1-2-0)
2025-02-08: L vs. [#57FW] Gabriel Santos (12-2-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:06 of round 3
2024-08-17: W vs. [#531FW] Herbert Burns (11-6-0) via TKO (Retirement) in 0:48 of round 3
2023-09-09: L vs. [#33FW] Jose Mariscal (18-6-0) via TKO (Arm Injury) in 3:19 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Ramon Taveras (2-1-0)
2024-12-14: L vs. [#32BW] Davey Grant (17-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2024-01-20: W vs. [#62BW] Serhiy Sidey (12-2-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-10-10: W vs. [#547FW] Cortavious Romious (9-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:29 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Jack Jenkins	-284		70.87%
Elo K170	Jack Jenkins	1562.22	+120.73	66.71%
Elo Modified	Jack Jenkins	1576.13	+130.95	68.00%
Glicko-1	Jack Jenkins	1574.08	+128.49	67.69%
WHR	Jack Jenkins	1538.84	+166.52	72.28%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Jack Jenkins 32.5, Ramon Taveras 31.7
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jack Jenkins 231, Ramon Taveras 287
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#34][#21UFC] Jimmy Crute (13-4-2, -185) vs. [#48][#25UFC] Ivan Erslan (14-5-0, +152)

Last 3 Fights: Jimmy Crute (1-1-1)
2025-07-19: W vs. [#52LHW] Marcin Prachnio (17-9-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:42 of round 1
2025-02-08: D vs. [#47LHW] Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1) via Draw (Majority) in 5:00 of round 3
2023-07-08: L vs. [#21LHW] Alonzo Menifield (17-5-1) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:55 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Ivan Erslan (1-2-0)
2025-05-10: L vs. [#42LHW] Navajo Stirling (7-0-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-09-28: L vs. [#29LHW] Ion Cutelaba (19-11-1) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-02-24: W vs. [*] Bogdan Gnidko (10-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:54 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Jimmy Crute	-185		62.06%
Elo K170	Jimmy Crute	1631.29	+200.33	76.01%
Elo Modified	Jimmy Crute	1677.09	+156.50	71.11%
Glicko-1	Jimmy Crute	1696.32	+120.18	66.64%
WHR	Jimmy Crute	1638.32	+94.13	63.22%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Jimmy Crute 29.5, Ivan Erslan 33.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jimmy Crute 70, Ivan Erslan 140
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Brendan Allen Replaces Anthony Hernandez Against Reinier de Ridder in Vancouver UFC Main Event

Posted on September 22, 2025 by A. J. Riot

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-couple-of-men-standing-next-to-each-other-jDYXl-VxsS0

The UFC’s October card in Vancouver has taken on a new look after a shake-up at the top of the bill. An injury to Anthony Hernandez has forced the middleweight contender out of his scheduled fight against Reinier de Ridder, leaving the promotion to turn to Brendan Allen as the replacement headliner. With the bout set for October 18 at Rogers Arena, both athletes will now compete with significant implications for the middleweight title picture.

Keep Reading

UFC 321 Preview: Aspinall vs Gane

Posted on September 20, 2025 by Oleg

On Sat, Oct 25 at 2:00 PM EDT, UFC 321 – Aspinall vs Gane will take place in Etihad Arena, Yas Island, UAE. The main event will feature (C) [#2 HW] Tom Aspinall taking on [#1 HW] Ciryl Gane for the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship. Aspinall, the former interim title holder, was promoted to undisputed champion when the former champ Jon Jones announced his retirement.

You may wonder why Cyril Gane is ranked higher than the champion; the likely reason is his recent activity – or rather, Aspinall’s inactivity. As Tom Aspinall has not stepped into the Octagon for over a year, his FightMatrix.com rating has started to decay, putting him just slightly below the more recently active Gane. If we examine other rating formulas, Elo K-170 and Elo Modified also have Gane slightly ahead of Aspinall, while Glicko-1 and WHR systems give the edge to Tom.

Read on for the breakdown of the opponents careers, and our prediction for this exciting matchup. And if you would like to place a wager on this fight, Massachusetts sports betting sites are ready to accept your bet.

Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Lopes vs. Silva (09-13-2025)

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Jason

Featherweight (145)
[#5][#5UFC] Diego Lopes (26-7-0, +224) vs. [#16][#11UFC] Jean Silva (16-2-0, -279)
Diego Lopes is the All-Time #49 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Diego Lopes (2-1-0)
2025-04-12: L vs. [#6DD][#1FW] Alexander Volkanovski (27-4-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
2024-09-14: W vs. [#8FW] Brian Ortega (16-5-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-06-29: W vs. [#19FW] Dan Ige (19-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Jean Silva (3-0-0)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#16BW] Bryce Mitchell (18-3-0) via Submission (Ninja Choke) in 3:52 of round 2
2025-02-22: W vs. [#283FW] Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-3-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 4:15 of round 1
2024-07-13: W vs. [#78LW] Drew Dober (27-15-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 1:28 of round 3

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Jean Silva	-279		70.46%
Elo K170	Diego Lopes	2006.94	+75.00	60.63%
Elo Modified	Diego Lopes	1991.72	+55.63	57.94%
Glicko-1	Diego Lopes	2058.65	+46.30	56.63%
WHR	Jean Silva	1964.33	+35.44	55.08%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Diego Lopes 30.7, Jean Silva 28.7
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Diego Lopes 154, Jean Silva 154
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#14][#13UFC] Rob Font (22-8-0, -183) vs. [#91][#48UFC] David Martinez (12-1-0, +151)
Rob Font is the All-Time #34 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rob Font (2-1-0)
2025-02-22: W vs. [#28BW] Jean Matsumoto (17-1-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-10-19: W vs. [#21BW] Kyler Phillips (12-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-12-02: L vs. [#9BW] Deiveson Figueiredo (24-5-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: David Martinez (3-0-0)
2025-03-29: W vs. [#774BW] Saimon Oliveira (18-6-0) via TKO (Knee and Punches) in 4:38 of round 1
2024-10-01: W vs. [#237BW] Xavier Franklin (6-1-0) via UD ()
2023-05-28: W vs. [#550FW] Jose Zarauz (26-11-1) via KO (Spinning Wheel Kick) in 4:17 of round 4

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Rob Font	-183		61.87%
Elo K170	Rob Font	1995.61	+324.28	86.61%
Elo Modified	Rob Font	1910.01	+196.45	75.60%
Glicko-1	Rob Font	1965.07	+206.80	76.68%
WHR	Rob Font	1777.37	+72.27	60.25%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Rob Font 38.2, David Martinez 27.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rob Font 203, David Martinez 168
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (155)
[#36][#20UFC] Jared Gordon (21-7-0, -268) vs. [#75][#40UFC] Rafa Garcia (17-4-0, +218)

Last 3 Fights: Jared Gordon (2-1-0)
2025-05-17: W vs. [#67LW] Thiago Moises (19-9-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:37 of round 1
2024-06-22: L vs. [#40LW] Nasrat Haqparast (18-5-0) via SD (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
2023-11-11: W vs. [*] Mark O. Madsen (12-2-0) via TKO (Elbow and Punches) in 4:42 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Rafa Garcia (2-1-0)
2025-03-29: W vs. [#306LW] Vinc Pichel (14-5-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-10-12: L vs. [#15LW] Grant Dawson (23-2-1) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 1:42 of round 2
2023-04-15: W vs. [#148LW] Clay Guida (38-25-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Jared Gordon	-268		69.84%
Elo K170	Jared Gordon	1846.67	+37.21	55.33%
Elo Modified	Jared Gordon	1852.88	+70.86	60.06%
Glicko-1	Jared Gordon	1905.48	+104.30	64.57%
WHR	Jared Gordon	1839.09	+134.35	68.43%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Jared Gordon 37.0, Rafa Garcia 31.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jared Gordon 119, Rafa Garcia 168
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

UFC Fight Night 259: Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Vitaliy Vovk

September 13, 2025 – Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Betting Odds, Tale of the Tape & Analytical Breakdown

The main event of Noche UFC pits two of the featherweight division’s most electrifying and rapidly rising contenders against each other. Brazilian submission wizard Diego Lopes faces off against the explosive, undefeated finisher Jean Silva in a bout that promises fireworks and could catapult the winner into immediate title contention.

Tale of the Tape

FIGHTER RECORD AGE RANK

Diego Lopes 26–7–0 30 #5 FW / #2 UFC

Jean Silva 16–2–0 25 #16 FW / #10 UFC

Keep Reading

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 Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho (09-06-2025)

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[#4][#4UFC] Nassourdine Imavov (16-4-0, +107) vs. [#7][#7UFC] Caio Borralho (17-1-0, -129)
Nassourdine Imavov is the All-Time #41 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Nassourdine Imavov (3-0-0)
2025-02-01: W vs. [#5MW] Israel Adesanya (24-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:30 of round 2
2024-09-28: W vs. [#14MW] Brendan Allen (25-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-06-08: W vs. [#16MW] Jared Cannonier (18-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:34 of round 4

Last 3 Fights: Caio Borralho (3-0-0)
2024-08-24: W vs. [#16MW] Jared Cannonier (18-9-0) via UD (49-46, 48-46, 49-45)
2024-05-04: W vs. [#34LHW] Paul Craig (17-9-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:10 of round 2
2023-11-04: W vs. [#29MW] Abusupiyan Magomedov (28-6-1) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Caio Borralho	-129		53.83%
Elo K170	Nassourdine Imavov	2200.63	+104.36	64.58%
Elo Modified	Nassourdine Imavov	2158.26	+83.89	61.84%
Glicko-1	Nassourdine Imavov	2224.47	+108.34	65.10%
WHR	Nassourdine Imavov	2038.88	+2.77	50.40%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Nassourdine Imavov 30.5, Caio Borralho 32.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Nassourdine Imavov 217, Caio Borralho 378
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (155)
[#23][#15UFC] Benoit St. Denis (14-3-0, +165) vs. [#34][#19UFC] Mauricio Ruffy (12-1-0, -202)

Last 3 Fights: Benoit St. Denis (1-2-0)
2025-05-10: W vs. [#213LW] Kyle Prepolec (18-9-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 2:35 of round 2
2024-09-28: L vs. [#13LW] Renato Carneiro (20-7-1) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2
2024-03-09: L vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:32 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Mauricio Ruffy (3-0-0)
2025-03-08: W vs. [#46LW] Bobby Green (32-17-1) via KO (Spinning Wheel Kick) in 2:07 of round 1
2024-11-16: W vs. [#239WW] James Llontop (17-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-05-04: W vs. [*] Jamie Mullarkey (17-8-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:42 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Mauricio Ruffy	-202		63.93%
Elo K170	Benoit St. Denis	1896.72	+79.88	61.30%
Elo Modified	Benoit St. Denis	1901.16	+91.71	62.90%
Glicko-1	Benoit St. Denis	1972.61	+83.80	61.83%
WHR	Mauricio Ruffy	1837.85	+42.39	56.07%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Benoit St. Denis 29.7, Mauricio Ruffy 29.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Benoit St. Denis 119, Mauricio Ruffy 182
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (155)
[#72][#38UFC] Mason Jones (16-2-0, -157) vs. [#182][#72UFC] Bolaji Oki (10-2-0, +130)

Last 3 Fights: Mason Jones (3-0-0)
2025-05-03: W vs. [#280LW] Jeremy Stephens (29-22-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-07-25: W vs. [#137WW] Michael Pagani (8-2-0) via UD ()
2024-02-23: W vs. [#386LW] Bryce Logan (13-9-0) via TKO (Punches and Knees) in 2:45 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Bolaji Oki (2-1-0)
2025-05-31: W vs. [#443LW] Michael Aswell (10-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-09-28: L vs. [#47LW] Chris Duncan (14-2-0) via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:34 of round 1
2024-02-10: W vs. [#209FW] Timothy Cuamba (9-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Mason Jones	-157		58.42%
Elo K170	Mason Jones	1772.30	+189.77	74.88%
Elo Modified	Mason Jones	1796.08	+207.87	76.79%
Glicko-1	Mason Jones	1817.61	+263.45	82.00%
WHR	Mason Jones	1774.90	+256.35	81.39%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Mason Jones 30.3, Bolaji Oki 29.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mason Jones 126, Bolaji Oki 98
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Jason

Both parlays still in the green!

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 5 fights, with at least 1 draw or 1 loss (excluding debut). More data makes WHR happy.
Both fighters must be rated in the same division as the fight. Further reduces uncertainty.
Must have odds from at least three bookmakers.

Keep Reading

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang (08-23-2025)

Posted on August 18, 2025 by Jason

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#15][#12UFC] Johnny Walker (21-9-0, +297) vs. [#16][#13UFC] Mingyang Zhang (19-6-0, -398)

Last 3 Fights: Johnny Walker (0-2-0, 1 NC)
2024-06-22: L vs. [#12LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (20-8-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:28 of round 1
2024-01-13: L vs. [#10DD][#6P4P][#1LHW] Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:42 of round 2
2023-10-21: NC vs. [#10DD][#6P4P][#1LHW] Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1)

Last 3 Fights: Mingyang Zhang (3-0-0)
2025-04-26: W vs. [*] Anthony Smith (38-22-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:03 of round 1
2024-11-23: W vs. [#102MW] Osman Diaz (10-3-0) via TKO (Elbow and Punches) in 2:25 of round 1
2024-02-17: W vs. [#57LHW] Brendson Ribeiro (17-8-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:41 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Mingyang Zhang	-398		76.03%
Elo K170	Johnny Walker	1791.23	+52.03	57.43%
Elo Modified	Johnny Walker	1802.87	+67.03	59.53%
Glicko-1	Johnny Walker	1856.33	+37.60	55.39%
WHR	Mingyang Zhang	1777.98	+58.76	58.38%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Johnny Walker 33.4, Mingyang Zhang 27.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Johnny Walker 427, Mingyang Zhang 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#4][#4UFC] Aljamain Sterling (24-5-0, -310) vs. [#7][#7UFC] Brian Ortega (16-4-0, +243)
Aljamain Sterling is the All-Time #47 ranked Absolute fighter.
Brian Ortega is the All-Time #12 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Aljamain Sterling (1-2-0)
2024-12-07: L vs. [#2FW] Movsar Evloev (19-0-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-04-13: W vs. [#48FW] Calvin Kattar (23-10-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-08-19: L vs. [#2BW] Sean OMalley (18-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:51 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Brian Ortega (1-2-0)
2024-09-14: L vs. [#5FW] Diego Lopes (26-7-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-02-24: W vs. [#3FW] Yair Rodriguez (20-5-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 0:58 of round 3
2022-07-16: L vs. [#3FW] Yair Rodriguez (20-5-0) via TKO (Shoulder Injury) in 4:11 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Aljamain Sterling	-310		72.17%
Elo K170	Aljamain Sterling	2161.58	+181.21	73.95%
Elo Modified	Aljamain Sterling	2045.40	+103.34	64.45%
Glicko-1	Aljamain Sterling	2073.64	+44.65	56.39%
WHR	Aljamain Sterling	1936.22	+69.73	59.90%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Aljamain Sterling 36.0, Brian Ortega 34.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Aljamain Sterling 259, Brian Ortega 343
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#5][#4UFC] Sergei Pavlovich (19-3-0, -263) vs. [#10][#7UFC] Waldo Cortes-Acosta (14-1-0, +210)
Sergei Pavlovich is the All-Time #35 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Sergei Pavlovich (1-2-0)
2025-02-01: W vs. [#12HW+] Jairzinho Rozenstruik (15-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-06-22: L vs. [#4HW+] Alexander Volkov (38-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2023-11-11: L vs. [#2HW+] Tom Aspinall (15-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:09 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (3-0-0)
2025-06-07: W vs. [#13HW+] Serghei Spivac (17-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2025-03-15: W vs. [#38HW+] Ryan Spann (23-11-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:48 of round 2
2024-05-11: W vs. [#208HW+] Robelis Despaigne (5-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Sergei Pavlovich	-263		69.19%
Elo K170	Sergei Pavlovich	1997.75	+109.86	65.30%
Elo Modified	Sergei Pavlovich	1987.45	+84.49	61.92%
Glicko-1	Sergei Pavlovich	2065.40	+133.36	68.30%
WHR	Sergei Pavlovich	1965.29	+152.62	70.65%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Sergei Pavlovich 33.3, Waldo Cortes-Acosta 33.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sergei Pavlovich 203, Waldo Cortes-Acosta 77
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Jason

Both parlays still in the green!

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 5 fights, with at least 1 draw or 1 loss (excluding debut). More data makes WHR happy.
Both fighters must be rated in the same division as the fight. Further reduces uncertainty.
Must have odds from at least three bookmakers.

Keep Reading

Chimaev, du Plessis and 49ers

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Vincent Juico

This content originally appeared on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/11/chimaev-du-plessis-and-49ers/

[#1 MW](C) Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) and [#4 MW] Khamzat Chimaev, two of the most dynamic athletes in the UFC middleweight division, will exchange strikes, takedowns and submission attempts at UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago on Friday.

Many questions heading into what many think and feel will be an absolute banger and barnburner of a fight.

Can Chimaev neutralize DDP’s rhythm?

Chimaev’s takedown-heavy offense could suffocate DDP if he maintains relentless pressure.

Will DDP bait mistakes and finish?

DDP’s offensive creativity and endurance could frustrate Chimaev, opening paths to strikes or submissions.

This fight is a classic clash of relentless aggression vs unconventional adaptability.

Keep Reading

Vincent Juico

Vincent Juicio is a sports journalist covering basketball, mixed martial arts, boxing, American football-especially the San Francisco 49ers-and global sports issues. Known for his insightful analysis and a keen eye on both game strategy and broader sports trends, his work offers fans in-depth perspectives across multiple disciplines.

Fight Matrix Program – UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev (08-16-2025)

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Jason

Middleweight Championship (185)
[#1P4P][#4DD][#1][#1UFC] Dricus Du Plessis (23-2-0, +174) vs. [#4][#4UFC] Khamzat Chimaev (14-0-0, -210)
Dricus Du Plessis is the All-Time #4 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Khamzat Chimaev is the All-Time #31 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Dricus Du Plessis (3-0-0)
2025-02-08: W vs. [#2MW] Sean Strickland (29-7-0) via UD (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
2024-08-17: W vs. [#5MW] Israel Adesanya (24-5-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 3:38 of round 4
2024-01-20: W vs. [#2MW] Sean Strickland (29-7-0) via SD (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Khamzat Chimaev (3-0-0)
2024-10-26: W vs. [#10MW] Robert Whittaker (26-9-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 3:34 of round 1
2023-10-21: W vs. [#4WW] Kamaru Usman (21-4-0) via MD (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)
2022-09-10: W vs. [#21WW] Kevin Holland (28-14-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:13 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Khamzat Chimaev	-210		64.98%
Elo K170	Dricus Du Plessis	2382.91	+88.41	62.46%
Elo Modified	Dricus Du Plessis	2309.13	+50.66	57.24%
Glicko-1	Dricus Du Plessis	2396.54	+42.21	56.04%
WHR	Dricus Du Plessis	2200.82	+45.60	56.53%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Dricus Du Plessis 31.6, Khamzat Chimaev 31.3
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dricus Du Plessis 189, Khamzat Chimaev 294
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#8][#8UFC] Lerone Murphy (16-0-1, +116) vs. [*] Aaron Pico (13-4-0, -140)

Last 3 Fights: Lerone Murphy (3-0-0)
2025-04-05: W vs. [#12FW] Josh Emmett (19-5-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 48-47)
2024-10-26: W vs. [#19FW] Dan Ige (19-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-05-18: W vs. [#47FW] Edson Barboza (24-12-0) via UD (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)

Last 3 Fights: Aaron Pico (3-0-0)
2024-02-24: W vs. [*] Henry Corrales (21-8-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:53 of round 1
2023-09-23: W vs. [#65FW] Pedro Carvalho (13-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:05 of round 1
2023-04-22: W vs. [#311MW] James Gonzalez (11-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Aaron Pico	-140		55.74%
Elo K170	Lerone Murphy	2107.74	+240.04	79.93%
Elo Modified	Lerone Murphy	2049.17	+165.04	72.11%
Glicko-1	Lerone Murphy	2082.95	+156.57	71.12%
WHR	Lerone Murphy	1941.92	+177.74	73.56%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Lerone Murphy 34.0, Aaron Pico 28.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Lerone Murphy 133, Aaron Pico 539
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#10][#10UFC] Geoff Neal (16-6-0, +212) vs. [#26][#22UFC] Carlos Prates (21-7-0, -260)
Geoff Neal is the All-Time #50 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Geoff Neal (1-2-0)
2024-10-26: W vs. [#35WW] Rafael dos Anjos (32-17-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 1:30 of round 1
2024-02-17: L vs. [#8WW] Ian Garry (16-1-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
2023-03-04: L vs. [#6WW] Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:17 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Carlos Prates (2-1-0)
2025-04-26: L vs. [#8WW] Ian Garry (16-1-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-11-09: W vs. [#34WW] Neil Magny (30-13-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:50 of round 1
2024-08-17: W vs. [#66WW] Jingliang Li (19-9-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:02 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Carlos Prates	-260		69.26%
Elo K170	Geoff Neal	1973.64	+62.62	58.91%
Elo Modified	Geoff Neal	1977.26	+74.60	60.57%
Glicko-1	Geoff Neal	2045.31	+55.97	57.98%
WHR	Carlos Prates	1934.25	+34.28	54.92%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Geoff Neal 34.9, Carlos Prates 32.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Geoff Neal 294, Carlos Prates 112
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Carlos Prates leads 1-0
.
Keep Reading

This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Jason

Both parlays still in the green!

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 5 fights, with at least 1 draw or 1 loss (excluding debut). More data makes WHR happy.
Both fighters must be rated in the same division as the fight. Further reduces uncertainty.
Must have odds from at least three bookmakers.

Keep Reading