Event Previews – Page 33

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 122: Bisping/Gastelum (11-25-2017)

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[#5] Michael Bisping (30-8-0, +246) vs. [#14] Kelvin Gastelum (13-3-0, -306)
Michael Bisping is the All-Time #4 ranked Middleweight and #48 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Michael Bisping (2-1-0)
2017-11-04: L vs. [#1MW/#10DD/#9P4P] Georges St. Pierre (26-2-0) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:23 of round 3
2016-10-08: W vs. [*] Dan Henderson (32-15-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
2016-06-04: W vs. [#3MW] Luke Rockhold (16-3-0) via TKO in 3:36 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Kelvin Gastelum (1-1-0, 1 NC)
2017-07-22: L vs. [#7MW] Chris Weidman (14-3-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 3:45 of round 3
2017-03-11: NC vs. [#11MW] Vitor Belfort (26-13-0)
2016-12-10: W vs. [*] Tim Kennedy (18-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:45 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Michael Bisping 21, Kelvin Gastelum 126
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Kelvin Gastelum leads 1-0
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Welterweight (170)
[#81] Jingliang Li (13-4-0, -174) vs. [#88] Zak Ottow (15-4-0, +145)

Last 3 Fights: Jingliang Li (3-0-0)
2017-06-17: W vs. [#193LW] Frank Camacho (22-5-0) via UD (28-27, 29-27, 29-27)
2017-01-28: W vs. [#210WW] Bobby Nash (8-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:45 of round 2
2016-07-08: W vs. [#423WW] Anton Zafir (8-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:46 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Zak Ottow (2-1-0)
2017-06-10: W vs. [#390WW] Kiichi Kunimoto (18-7-2) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-11-19: L vs. [#53WW] Sergio Moraes (12-3-1) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
2016-10-01: W vs. [#137LW] Joshua Burkman (28-16-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jingliang Li 161, Zak Ottow 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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Featherweight (145)
[#75] Alex Caceres (13-10-0, -174) vs. [#317] Guan Wang (16-1-1, +146)

Last 3 Fights: Alex Caceres (1-2-0)
2017-06-17: W vs. [#308FW] Rolando Dy (8-6-0) via TKO (Eye Injury) in 5:00 of round 2
2017-01-28: L vs. [#14FW] Jason Knight (20-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:21 of round 2
2016-08-06: L vs. [#31FW] Yair Rodriguez (10-2-0) via SD (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Guan Wang (3-0-0)
2016-12-03: W vs. [NA] Bakhtibek Khojaev (0-2-0) via TKO in ? of round 1
2015-09-19: W vs. [#293FW] Shane Young (11-4-0) via UD ()
2014-06-07: W vs. [#131FW] Aliyar Sarkerov (31-5-0) via TKO (Submission to Punches) in 2:50 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alex Caceres 161, Guan Wang 357
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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Ranking Points for Copa Combate

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Richard Mann

On Saturday Combate Americas will host their first “Copa Combate” tournament. The semifinals and finals of the one-night eight-man bantamweight tournament will air live on NBCSN. The following matches are set for the first round:

Michael Erosa vs. #215 FW Marcelo Rojo
Carlos Rivera vs. #365 FW Ricky Palacios
#62 BW John Castaneda vs. Kevin Moreyra
Marc Gomez vs. Andres Ayala

As you can see, Castaneda seems to be a pretty big favorite from a ranking perspective. Plus, he is coming off a victory over Cheyden Leialoha in Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. As you can seen in the following chart, he appears to have the most consistent upward career trajectory. Will he be able to keep this up and take the tournament title? The winner is expected to face newly signed UFC veteran #21 BW Erik Perez, who would be a step up in competition for all participants in this tournament.

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 120: Poirier/Pettis (11-04-2017)

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Jason

Lightweight (155)
[#6] Anthony Pettis (20-6-0, -124) vs. [#20] Dustin Poirier (21-5-0, +102)
Anthony Pettis is the All-Time #5 ranked Lightweight and #31 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Anthony Pettis (2-1-0)
2017-07-08: W vs. [#28LW] Jim Miller (28-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-10: L vs. [#1FW/#1DD/#5P4P] Max Holloway (18-3-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 4:50 of round 3
2016-08-27: W vs. [#12LW] Charles Oliveira (22-7-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:49 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Dustin Poirier (1-1-0, 1 NC)
2017-05-13: NC vs. [#3LW/#9DD] Eddie Alvarez (28-5-0)
2017-02-11: W vs. [#28LW] Jim Miller (28-11-0) via MD (28-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2016-09-17: L vs. [#19LW] Michael Johnson (17-12-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:35 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Anthony Pettis 126, Dustin Poirier 182
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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Welterweight (170)
[#30LW] Diego Sanchez (27-10-0) vs. [#46] Matt Brown (20-16-0)
Diego Sanchez is the All-Time #21 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Matt Brown is the All-Time #36 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Diego Sanchez (1-2-0)
2017-04-22: L vs. [#14LW] Al Iaquinta (14-3-1) via KO (Punches) in 1:38 of round 1
2016-11-05: W vs. [#43LW] Marcin Held (23-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-07-09: L vs. [#29LW] Joe Lauzon (27-13-0) via TKO in 1:26 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Matt Brown (0-3-0)
2016-12-10: L vs. [#16WW] Donald Cerrone (32-10-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 0:34 of round 3
2016-07-30: L vs. [#35WW] Jake Ellenberger (31-13-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 1:46 of round 1
2016-05-14: L vs. [#6WW] Demian Maia (25-8-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:31 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Diego Sanchez 203, Matt Brown 336
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)
[#23] Andrei Arlovski (25-15-0) vs. [#27] Junior Albini (14-2-0)
Andrei Arlovski is the All-Time #16 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Andrei Arlovski (0-3-0)
2017-06-17: L vs. [#17HW+] Marcin Tybura (16-2-0) via UD (29-28, 28-27, 29-27)
2017-01-28: L vs. [#8HW+] Francis Ngannou (10-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:32 of round 1
2016-09-03: L vs. [#6HW+] Josh Barnett (35-8-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:53 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Junior Albini (3-0-0)
2017-07-22: W vs. [#31HW+] Timothy Johnson (11-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:51 of round 1
2016-08-13: W vs. [#409HW+] Jose Rodrigo Guelke (19-15-0) via UD ()
2016-07-09: W vs. [NA] Ivan Vicic (2-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:58 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Andrei Arlovski 147, Junior Albini 112
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 217 Preview

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Oleg

This weekend, UFC returns to Madison Square Garden with a stacked line-up for UFC 217: Bisping vs GSP. Featuring a trio of title bouts, including the long-awaited return of Georges St. Pierre – albeit under somewhat unusual circumstances – this promises to be a good card on paper. For all you gambling types, take a look at the updated betting odds for UFC 217. Keep in mind that since the event is in NYC, we can expect all kinds of wackiness with refereeing, judging, and all other things which involve the New York State Athletic Commission, so play at your own risk.

[#1 MW] (C) Michael Bisping vs [NR] Georges St. Pierre for the UFC Middleweight Championship

To be honest, I am not particularly excited for this fight. Partly because I am not a huge fan of either fighter, partly because I would like to see Michael Bisping defend his title against the interim champion (WME-UFC lingo for #1 contender) Robert Whittaker instead of taking another meaningless “money fight”, and partly because St. Pierre returning as a middleweight and getting an immediate title shot makes no sense. I guess asking for UFC matchmaking to make sense may be asking too much at this point. GSP has not fought in four years, leaving the sport and his welterweight title after winning a very controversial decision against Johny Hendricks at UFC 167. There are plenty of interesting matchups available for Georges in the welterweight division, and even walking directly into a title shot against Woodley would have been better than once again holding up the middleweight title picture. Hell, a rematch with Hendricks would have made more sense than the Bisping fight, alas Johny is also a middleweight these days…

If recent photos and comments from one of his long time coaches are anything to judge by, GSP is not carrying the extra weight well and it is questionable how his never-ending cardio has held up with the age, weight gain, and long layoff. Bisping in the meanwhile has evolved into an elite fighter late in his career, favorable matchups aside. I think GSP will be greatly out sized, and for the first time in his career out-performed in terms of endurance. St Pierre always excelled mainly due to his ability to keep the fight in the area where he has an advantage over his opponents, whether it be striking or on the ground. With Bisping, St. Pierre’s advantage is definitely on the ground – but we have historically seen many aging wrestlers find it more and more difficult to take down their opponents like they once used to, and with his lack of striking power GSP may be forced to fight Bisping on the feet for extended parts of the fight which will likely go the distance. It won’t be pretty or exciting, but it will be more of a typical Bisping fight than a typical GSP fight.

Prediction: Michael Bisping by decision.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 217: Bisping/GSP (11-04-2017)

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight Championship (185)
[#1/#6DD/#8P4P] Michael Bisping (30-7-0, -105) vs. [*] Georges St. Pierre (25-2-0, -120)
Michael Bisping is the All-Time #4 ranked Middleweight and #47 ranked Absolute fighter.
Georges St. Pierre is the All-Time #1 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Michael Bisping (3-0-0)
2016-10-08: W vs. [*] Dan Henderson (32-15-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
2016-06-04: W vs. [#3MW] Luke Rockhold (16-3-0) via TKO in 3:36 of round 1
2016-02-27: W vs. [#8MW] Anderson Silva (34-8-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Georges St. Pierre (3-0-0)
2013-11-16: W vs. [#20MW] Johny Hendricks (18-7-0) via SD (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
2013-03-16: W vs. [*] Nick Diaz (26-9-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2012-11-17: W vs. [#18WW] Carlos Condit (30-10-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Michael Bisping 392, Georges St. Pierre 1449
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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Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1] Cody Garbrandt (11-0-0, -183) vs. [#2] T.J. Dillashaw (14-3-0, +151)
Cody Garbrandt is the All-Time #7 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
T.J. Dillashaw is the All-Time #4 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Cody Garbrandt (3-0-0)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#3BW] Dominick Cruz (22-2-0) via UD (48-46, 48-46, 48-47)
2016-08-20: W vs. [#66BW] Takeya Mizugaki (21-12-2) via TKO in 0:48 of round 1
2016-05-29: W vs. [#27BW] Thomas Almeida (21-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:53 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: T.J. Dillashaw (2-1-0)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#6BW] John Lineker (30-8-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
2016-07-09: W vs. [#9BW] Raphael Assuncao (25-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-01-17: L vs. [#3BW] Dominick Cruz (22-2-0) via SD (46-49, 48-47, 49-46)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cody Garbrandt 309, T.J. Dillashaw 309
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Cody Garbrandt leads 1-0
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Women Strawweight Championship (115)
[#1/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0, -613) vs. [#5] Rose Namajunas (6-3-0, +437)
Joanna Jedrzejczyk is the All-Time #3 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (3-0-0)
2017-05-13: W vs. [#2SW/#5DD/#4P4P] Jessica Andrade (17-6-0) via UD (50-45, 50-44, 50-45)
2016-11-12: W vs. [#6SW] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (11-2-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-07-08: W vs. [#4SW/#9DD] Claudia Gadelha (15-3-0) via UD (48-45, 48-46, 48-46)

Last 3 Fights: Rose Namajunas (2-1-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#21SW] Michelle Waterson (14-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:47 of round 2
2016-07-30: L vs. [#6SW] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (11-2-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-04-16: W vs. [#10SW] Tecia Torres (9-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Joanna Jedrzejczyk 175, Rose Namajunas 203
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Joanna Jedrzejczyk leads 2-0
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UFC Fight Night 119 Preview

Posted on October 23, 2017 by Oleg

On October 28th, UFC is returning to Sao Paulo, Brazil with Fight Night: Brunson vs Machida, or UFN 119 (but who’s counting?). It’s not a star-studded card by any means, but a solid line-up in terms of rankings and competitive matchmaking. As is usual for Brazilian UFC events, all of the main card fights feature a Brazilian taking on a foreigner. The close rankings make it a difficult card to predict, and I am not very good at fight predictions to begin with, so if you’re interested in UFC betting for the next Fight Night, use your own prognostication skills instead of taking my word for it. That disclaimer aside, here are my picks for the main card:

[#10 MW] Derek Brunson vs [NR] Lyoto Machida

It’s been over two years since we saw former Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida in action, and almost three since we’ve seen his hand raised in the Octagon. Machida is coming back from an 18 month suspension for a positive PED test, and was finished by Yoel Romero and Luke Rockhold in back-to-back fights prior to the suspension. His opponent Derek Brunson has been going through a minor slump of his own – after winning five fights in a row, he was stopped by the now interim Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, then lost a controversial decision to the former champ Anderson Silva – but has rebounded by knocking out Daniel Kelly at UFC Fight Night 110 and is now looking to build up another win streak.

Can 39-year-old Machida make a triumphant return to action in his home country against an opponent in his physical prime? Lyoto looked like a shadow of his former self in his recent outings, and the long layoff is not likely to do him any favors. Then again, Brunson has shown a tendency to make mistakes in his fights, which could be costly against a counter-striker like Machida. After running face-first into Whittaker’s punches, Brunson looked gun-shy against Silva, giving away the decision that he could have easily won if he was more active. My guess is that he won’t be pushing the action with Machida for the same reasons he did not push it with Silva, which could cost him the fight on the scorecards and will likely make for a lackluster main event.

Prediction: Lyoto Machida by decision.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 119: Brunson/Machida (10-28-2017)

Posted on October 22, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[#10] Derek Brunson (17-5-0) vs. [*] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0)
Lyoto Machida is the All-Time #36 ranked Middleweight and #17 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Derek Brunson (1-2-0)
2017-06-10: W vs. [#26MW] Daniel Kelly (13-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:16 of round 1
2017-02-11: L vs. [#8MW] Anderson Silva (34-8-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-11-26: L vs. [#2MW/#9DD/#9P4P] Robert Whittaker (19-4-0) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 4:07 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Lyoto Machida (1-2-0)
2015-06-27: L vs. [#5MW] Yoel Romero (12-2-0) via KO (Elbows) in 1:38 of round 3
2015-04-18: L vs. [#3MW] Luke Rockhold (16-3-0) via SUB in 2:31 of round 2
2014-12-20: W vs. [#21LHW] C.B. Dollaway (16-8-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 1:02 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Derek Brunson 140, Lyoto Machida 854
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)
[#4] Demian Maia (25-7-0) vs. [#21] Colby Covington (12-1-0)
Demian Maia is the All-Time #15 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Demian Maia (2-1-0)
2017-07-29: L vs. [#1WW/#5DD/#6P4P] Tyron Woodley (18-3-1) via UD (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
2017-05-13: W vs. [#6WW] Jorge Masvidal (32-12-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-08-27: W vs. [#17WW] Carlos Condit (30-10-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:52 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Colby Covington (3-0-0)
2017-06-17: W vs. [#26WW] Dong Hyun Kim (22-4-1) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-25)
2016-12-17: W vs. [#53WW] Bryan Barberena (13-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-08-20: W vs. [#87WW] Max Griffin (13-3-0) via TKO in 2:18 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Demian Maia 91, Colby Covington 133
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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Middleweight (185)
[#24] Thiago Santos (15-5-0) vs. [#36] Jack Hermansson (16-3-0)

Last 3 Fights: Thiago Santos (2-1-0)
2017-07-08: W vs. [#55MW] Gerald Meerschaert (26-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:04 of round 2
2017-02-19: W vs. [#50MW] Jack Marshman (22-6-0) via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches) in 2:21 of round 2
2016-09-24: L vs. [#39MW] Eric Spicely (10-2-0) via SUB in 2:58 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Jack Hermansson (2-1-0)
2017-08-05: W vs. [#93MW] Bradley Scott (11-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:50 of round 1
2017-05-28: W vs. [#75HW+] Alex Nicholson (9-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:00 of round 1
2016-11-19: L vs. [#33MW] Cezar Ferreira (11-6-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 2:11 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Thiago Santos 112, Jack Hermansson 84
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 118: Cerrone/Till (10-21-2017)

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Jason

Welterweight (170)
[#9] Donald Cerrone (32-9-0, -153) vs. [#55] Darren Till (15-0-1, +126)

Last 3 Fights: Donald Cerrone (1-2-0)
2017-07-29: L vs. [#3WW] Robbie Lawler (28-11-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2017-01-28: L vs. [#6WW] Jorge Masvidal (32-12-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:00 of round 2
2016-12-10: W vs. [#43WW] Matt Brown (20-16-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 0:34 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Darren Till (2-0-1)
2017-09-02: W vs. [#102WW] Bojan Velickovic (15-5-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2017-05-28: W vs. [#130WW] Jessin Ayari (16-4-0) via UD (30-27, 29-27, 30-27)
2015-10-24: D vs. [#175WW] Nicolas Dalby (14-2-1) via Draw (Majority) in 5:00 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Donald Cerrone 84, Darren Till 49
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)
[#9] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-2-0, -456) vs. [#23] Jodie Esquibel (6-2-0, +342)

Last 3 Fights: Karolina Kowalkiewicz (1-2-0)
2017-06-03: L vs. [#4SW/#9DD] Claudia Gadelha (15-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:03 of round 1
2016-11-12: L vs. [#1SW/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-07-30: W vs. [#5SW] Rose Namajunas (6-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Jodie Esquibel (2-1-0)
2017-03-25: W vs. [#15FLY] DeAnna Bennett (8-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-07-29: L vs. [#16SW] Alexa Grasso (10-1-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2014-11-01: W vs. [#53AW] Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc (8-10-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Karolina Kowalkiewicz 140, Jodie Esquibel 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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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#39] Jan Blachowicz (19-7-0, +124) vs. [#45] Devin Clark (8-1-0, -150)

Last 3 Fights: Jan Blachowicz (1-2-0)
2017-04-08: L vs. [#24LHW] Patrick Cummins (10-4-0) via MD (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
2016-09-03: L vs. [#5LHW] Alexander Gustafsson (18-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-04-10: W vs. [*] Igor Pokrajac (28-13-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Devin Clark (2-1-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#156LHW] Jake Collier (10-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-03: W vs. [#128LHW] Josh Stansbury (8-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-07-13: L vs. [#84HW+] Alex Nicholson (8-4-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:57 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jan Blachowicz 196, Devin Clark 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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Fight Matrix Program – Bellator 185: Mousasi/Shlemenko (10-20-2017)

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[#4] Gegard Mousasi (42-6-2) vs. [#17] Alexander Shlemenko (56-9-0)
Gegard Mousasi is the All-Time #10 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Alexander Shlemenko is the All-Time #44 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Gegard Mousasi (3-0-0)
2017-04-08: W vs. [#6MW] Chris Weidman (14-3-0) via TKO (Knees) in 3:13 of round 2
2016-11-19: W vs. [#14MW] Uriah Hall (13-8-0) via TKO in 4:37 of round 1
2016-10-08: W vs. [#9MW] Vitor Belfort (26-13-0) via TKO in 2:43 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Alexander Shlemenko (3-0-0)
2017-06-01: W vs. [#56LHW] Brandon Halsey (10-3-0) via TKO (Kick to the Body and Punches) in 0:25 of round 1
2017-03-03: W vs. [#71WW] Paul Bradley (23-8-0) via UD ()
2016-10-21: W vs. [#57MW] Kendall Grove (23-17-0) via TKO in of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Gegard Mousasi 195, Alexander Shlemenko 141
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Gegard Mousasi leads 2-1
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Welterweight (170)
[#75MW] Brennan Ward (14-6-0) vs. [#149] David Rickels (18-4-0)

Last 3 Fights: Brennan Ward (1-2-0)
2017-08-25: L vs. [#43MW] Fernando Gonzalez (27-14-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:02 of round 3
2017-01-21: L vs. [#19WW] Paul Daley (40-15-2) via KO (Flying Knee) in 2:27 of round 1
2016-11-04: W vs. [#124LW] Saad Awad (20-9-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:26 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: David Rickels (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2017-01-27: W vs. [#664WW] Aaron Derrow (14-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:44 of round 3
2016-07-22: NC vs. [#218MW] Melvin Guillard (32-19-2)
2016-02-26: W vs. [#379WW] Bobby Cooper (12-7-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 3:49 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brennan Ward 56, David Rickels 266
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 Flyweight (125)
[#97] Heather Hardy (1-0-0) vs. [NA] Kristina Williams (DEBUT)

Last 3 Fights: Heather Hardy (1-0-0)
2017-06-24: W vs. [NA] Alice Yauger (4-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:47 of round 3

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 216: Ferguson/Lee (10-07-2017)

Posted on October 2, 2017 by Jason

Lightweight Championship (155)
[#3] Tony Ferguson (22-3-0, -219) vs. [#7] Kevin Lee (16-2-0, +176)
Tony Ferguson is the All-Time #27 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Kevin Lee is the All-Time #42 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Tony Ferguson (3-0-0)
2016-11-05: W vs. [#5WW] Rafael dos Anjos (27-9-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2016-07-13: W vs. [#117LW] Lando Vannata (9-2-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:22 of round 2
2015-12-11: W vs. [#4LW] Edson Barboza (19-4-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:54 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Kevin Lee (3-0-0)
2017-06-25: W vs. [#21LW] Michael Chiesa (14-3-0) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:37 of round 1
2017-03-11: W vs. [#22LW] Francisco Trinaldo (21-5-0) via SUB in 3:12 of round 2
2016-11-19: W vs. [#80LW] Magomed Mustafaev (13-3-0) via SUB in 4:31 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Tony Ferguson 336, Kevin Lee 104
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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Flyweight Championship (125)
[#1/#4DD/#1P4P] Demetrious Johnson (26-2-1, -1185) vs. [#4] Ray Borg (11-2-0, +720)
Demetrious Johnson is the All-Time #1 ranked Flyweight and #17 ranked Absolute fighter.
Ray Borg is the All-Time #16 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Demetrious Johnson (3-0-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#11FLY] Wilson Reis (22-8-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:49 of round 3
2016-12-03: W vs. [#10FLY] Tim Elliott (14-8-1) via UD (49-45, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-04-23: W vs. [#3FLY] Henry Cejudo (11-2-0) via TKO in 2:49 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Ray Borg (2-1-0)
2017-03-11: W vs. [#5FLY] Jussier da Silva (20-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#22FLY] Louis Smolka (11-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
2016-02-06: L vs. [#42FLY] Justin Scoggins (11-4-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Demetrious Johnson 175, Ray Borg 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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Heavyweight (265)
[#3] Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1, -250) vs. [#10] Derrick Lewis (18-5-0, +201)
Fabricio Werdum is the All-Time #4 ranked Heavyweight and #16 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Fabricio Werdum (1-2-0)
2017-07-08: L vs. [#2HW+] Alistair Overeem (43-15-0) via MD (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-09-10: W vs. [#14HW+] Travis Browne (18-7-1) via UD (30-27, 29-27, 29-28)
2016-05-14: L vs. [#1HW+/#3DD/#3P4P] Stipe Miocic (17-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:47 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Derrick Lewis (2-1-0)
2017-06-10: L vs. [#6HW+] Mark Hunt (13-11-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:51 of round 4
2017-02-19: W vs. [#14HW+] Travis Browne (18-7-1) via KO (Punches) in 3:12 of round 2
2016-12-09: W vs. [#46HW+] Shamil Abdurakhimov (17-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:42 of round 4

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Fabricio Werdum 91, Derrick Lewis 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Fabricio Werdum leads 6-3
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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: OSP/Okami (09-22-2017)

Posted on September 17, 2017 by Jason

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#15] Ovince St. Preux (20-10-0) vs. [#42WW] Yushin Okami (34-10-0)
Ovince St. Preux is the All-Time #47 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Ovince St. Preux (1-2-0)
2017-04-22: W vs. [#52LHW] Marcos Rogerio de Lima (15-5-1) via Submission (Shoulder Choke) in 2:11 of round 2
2017-02-04: L vs. [#6LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (15-1-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-10-08: L vs. [#11LHW] Jimi Manuwa (17-3-0) via TKO in 2:38 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Yushin Okami (3-0-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#409WW] Andre Luis Leal Lobato (24-7-0) via UD (30-25, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-31: W vs. [#48MW] Paul Bradley (23-8-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-07-24: W vs. [#457LW] Shingo Suzuki (13-11-3) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:06 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ovince St. Preux 154, Yushin Okami 56
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)
[#2/#5DD/#4P4P] Claudia Gadelha (15-2-0) vs. [#4/#10DD] Jessica Andrade (16-6-0)
Claudia Gadelha is the All-Time #22 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Claudia Gadelha (2-1-0)
2017-06-03: W vs. [#9SW] Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:03 of round 1
2016-11-19: W vs. [#11SW] Cortney Casey (7-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-07-08: L vs. [#1SW/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (48-45, 48-46, 48-46)

Last 3 Fights: Jessica Andrade (2-1-0)
2017-05-13: L vs. [#1SW/#2DD/#1P4P] Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-0-0) via UD (50-45, 50-44, 50-45)
2017-02-04: W vs. [#8SW] Angela Hill (7-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-09-10: W vs. [#13FLY] Joanne Calderwood (11-3-0) via SUB in 4:38 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Claudia Gadelha 112, Jessica Andrade 133
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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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#78] Henrique da Silva (12-3-0) vs. [NA] Gokhan Saki (0-1-0)

Last 3 Fights: Henrique da Silva (0-3-0)
2017-06-10: L vs. [#58LHW] Ion Cutelaba (13-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:22 of round 1
2017-01-28: L vs. [#30LHW] Jordan Johnson (8-0-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-12-17: L vs. [#70LHW] Paul Craig (9-2-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 1:59 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Gokhan Saki (0-1-0)
2004-07-11: L vs. [*] James Zikic (21-10-2) via TKO in 0:00 of round 0

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Henrique da Silva 105, Gokhan Saki 4822
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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Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Oleg

Editor note: This is a guest editorial by Thomas Matthews of Oddschecker.
Oddschecker are the leading odds comparison site, comparing markets across all major bookmakers to find the best odds.

Gennady Golovkin vs. Canelo Alvarez has the potential to rival the Joshua/Klitschko bout in April for fight of the year. The heavy hitters from Kazakhstan and Mexico respectively will go at it and most are tipping it to be a thrilling fight as opposed to the “spectacle” that was Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor last month.

But given the nature of this contest, the betting and subsequent interest in the fight has been alarmingly non-existent compared to last month’s. Oddschecker have seen an incredible disparity in the number of total bets placed, with 3,500 so far on Canelo vs. GGG compared with over 130,000 on the Mayweather McGregor show.

The round-by-round betting comparisons also give an indication of how punters are expecting the fight to go. A total of 54.3% of bets on Saturday’s fight have been on the match to be decided in round eight or further, compared with just 18.9% in Mayweather McGregor.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Rockhold/Branch (09-16-2017)

Posted on September 12, 2017 by Jason

Middleweight (185)
[*] Luke Rockhold (15-3-0, -438) vs. [#8] David Branch (21-3-0, +334)
Luke Rockhold is the All-Time #3 ranked Middleweight and #50 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Luke Rockhold (2-1-0)
2016-06-04: L vs. [#1MW/#6DD/#7P4P] Michael Bisping (30-7-0) via in 3:36 of round 1
2015-12-12: W vs. [#5MW] Chris Weidman (14-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:12 of round 4
2015-04-18: W vs. [*] Lyoto Machida (22-7-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:31 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: David Branch (3-0-0)
2017-05-13: W vs. [#15MW] Krzysztof Jotko (19-2-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-12-31: W vs. [#73MW] Louis Taylor (14-4-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:00 of round 5
2016-10-07: W vs. [#55LHW] Vinny Magalhaes (14-9-0) via UD (50-44, 50-44, 50-44)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Luke Rockhold 469, David Branch 126
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)
[#22] Mike Perry (10-1-0, -174) vs. [#30] Thiago Alves (22-11-0, +144)
Thiago Alves is the All-Time #17 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Mike Perry (2-1-0)
2017-04-22: W vs. [#32WW] Jake Ellenberger (31-13-0) via KO (Elbow) in 1:05 of round 2
2016-12-17: L vs. [#51WW] Alan Jouban (15-6-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2016-10-08: W vs. [#68WW] Danny Roberts (14-2-0) via in 4:40 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Thiago Alves (1-2-0)
2017-04-08: W vs. [*] Patrick Cote (23-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-11-12: L vs. [#23LW] Jim Miller (28-10-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2015-05-30: L vs. [#14WW] Carlos Condit (30-10-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mike Perry 147, Thiago Alves 161
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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Middleweight (185)
[#28] Anthony Smith (27-12-0, -121) vs. [#46] Hector Lombard (34-7-1, -106)
Hector Lombard is the All-Time #30 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Anthony Smith (2-1-0)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#49MW] Andrew Sanchez (8-3-0) via KO (Head Kick and Punches) in 3:52 of round 3
2016-12-03: W vs. [#302WW] Elvis Mutapcic (15-6-1) via in 3:27 of round 2
2016-07-08: L vs. [#32MW] Cezar Ferreira (11-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Hector Lombard (0-3-0)
2017-02-19: L vs. [#17MW] Johny Hendricks (18-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-06-04: L vs. [*] Dan Henderson (32-15-0) via in 1:27 of round 2
2016-03-19: L vs. [#13WW] Neil Magny (19-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:46 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Anthony Smith 154, Hector Lombard 209
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 215: Nunes/Shevchenko (09-09-2017)

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Jason

Women Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#1/#1DD/#2P4P] Amanda Nunes (14-4-0, -105) vs. [#2/#4DD/#6P4P] Valentina Shevchenko (14-2-0, -120)
Amanda Nunes is the All-Time #10 ranked Women’s fighter.
Valentina Shevchenko is the All-Time #32 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Amanda Nunes (3-0-0)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#6BW] Ronda Rousey (12-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:48 of round 1
2016-07-09: W vs. [*] Miesha Tate (18-7-0) via in 3:16 of round 1
2016-03-05: W vs. [#2BW/#4DD/#6P4P] Valentina Shevchenko (14-2-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)

Last 3 Fights: Valentina Shevchenko (2-1-0)
2017-01-28: W vs. [#7BW] Julianna Pena (8-3-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:29 of round 2
2016-07-23: W vs. [#4BW] Holly Holm (11-3-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2016-03-05: L vs. [#1BW/#1DD/#2P4P] Amanda Nunes (14-4-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Amanda Nunes 253, Valentina Shevchenko 224
Previous Match-up Record: Amanda Nunes leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#6] Rafael dos Anjos (26-9-0, -198) vs. [#9] Neil Magny (19-5-0, +163)
Rafael dos Anjos is the All-Time #31 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rafael dos Anjos (1-2-0)
2017-06-17: W vs. [#30WW] Tarec Saffiedine (16-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-11-05: L vs. [#3LW] Tony Ferguson (22-3-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2016-07-07: L vs. [#2LW/#10DD] Eddie Alvarez (28-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:49 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Neil Magny (2-1-0)
2016-12-30: W vs. [#17MW] Johny Hendricks (18-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-08-20: L vs. [#16WW] Lorenz Larkin (18-6-0) via in 4:08 of round 1
2016-03-19: W vs. [#46MW] Hector Lombard (34-7-1) via TKO (Punches) in 0:46 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rafael dos Anjos 84, Neil Magny 253
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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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#19] Ilir Latifi (12-5-0, -131) vs. [#26] Tyson Pedro (6-0-0, +106)

Last 3 Fights: Ilir Latifi (2-1-0)
2016-09-03: L vs. [#3LHW] Ryan Bader (23-5-0) via KO (Knee) in 2:06 of round 2
2016-03-05: W vs. [#32LHW] Gian Villante (15-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2016-01-17: W vs. [#80LHW] Sean OConnell (17-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:30 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Tyson Pedro (3-0-0)
2017-03-04: W vs. [#70LHW] Paul Craig (9-2-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:10 of round 1
2016-11-26: W vs. [#50LHW] Khalil Rountree (6-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:07 of round 1
2016-10-15: W vs. [#351LHW] Steven Warby (8-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:05 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ilir Latifi 371, Tyson Pedro 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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Current MMA Rankings Updated (09-03-2017)

Posted on September 3, 2017 by Jason