How Global MMA Fans Follow Fighter Rankings Across Promotions and Regions
MMA has never been a single-league sport, even if the biggest names often make it feel that way. A fan can watch one contender rise through the UFC, another build a record in Rizin, a prospect emerge from KSW, and a regional champion make noise long before a wider audience catches on. That is part of what makes the sport addictive. The talent pool is global, messy, and constantly moving.
For serious fans, following MMA now means looking beyond one promotion and one broadcast schedule. Rankings help bring order to that movement, but they also raise a familiar question: how do you compare fighters who compete in different cages, against different opponents, under different levels of visibility?
Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfin (06-06-2026)
Welterweight (170)
[#7][#7UFC] Belal Muhammad (24-5-0, -128) vs. [#16][#13UFC] Gabriel Bonfim (19-1-0, +107)
Belal Muhammad is the All-Time #8 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Belal Muhammad (1-2-0)
2025-11-22: L vs. [#5WW] Ian Garry (17-1-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2025-05-10: L vs. [#8WW] Jack Della Maddalena (18-4-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 48-47)
2024-07-27: W vs. [#9WW] Leon Edwards (22-6-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
Last 3 Fights: Gabriel Bonfim (3-0-0)
2025-11-08: W vs. [#35WW] Randy Brown (20-8-0) via TKO (Knee) in 1:40 of round 2
2025-07-12: W vs. [#25WW] Stephen Thompson (17-9-1) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2025-02-15: W vs. [#61WW] Kalinn Williams (16-5-0) via Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) in 4:58 of round 2
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Belal Muhammad | -128 | 53.74% | |
| Elo K170 | Belal Muhammad | 2208.12 | +150.81 | 70.44% |
| Elo Modified | Belal Muhammad | 2168.06 | +169.49 | 72.63% |
| Glicko-1 | Belal Muhammad | 2195.70 | +123.41 | 67.05% |
| WHR | Belal Muhammad | 1940.31 | +50.05 | 57.15% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Belal Muhammad 37.9, Gabriel Bonfim 28.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Belal Muhammad 196, Gabriel Bonfim 210
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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Middleweight (185)
[#7][#6UFC] Brendan Allen (26-7-0, -228) vs. [#29][#22UFC] Edmen Shahbazyan (16-5-0, +187)
Last 3 Fights: Brendan Allen (2-1-0)
2025-10-18: W vs. [#15MW] Reinier de Ridder (21-4-0) via TKO (Corner Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 4
2025-07-19: W vs. [#35MW] Marvin Vettori (19-10-1) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2025-02-22: L vs. [#9MW] Anthony Hernandez (15-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Edmen Shahbazyan (3-0-0)
2025-10-04: W vs. [#53MW] Andre Muniz (24-8-0) via KO (Punches and Elbows) in 4:58 of round 1
2025-06-14: W vs. [#95MW] Andre Petroski (13-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2025-02-15: W vs. [#224WW] Dylan Budka (9-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:35 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Brendan Allen | -228 | 66.61% | |
| Elo K170 | Brendan Allen | 2114.41 | +311.72 | 85.75% |
| Elo Modified | Brendan Allen | 2062.96 | +256.87 | 81.44% |
| Glicko-1 | Brendan Allen | 2148.49 | +307.96 | 85.48% |
| WHR | Brendan Allen | 1966.67 | +270.29 | 82.58% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Brendan Allen 30.4, Edmen Shahbazyan 28.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brendan Allen 231, Edmen Shahbazyan 245
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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Lightweight (155)
[#27][#19UFC] Fares Ziam (18-4-0, -303) vs. [#119][#56UFC] Tom Nolan (10-1-0, +243)
Last 3 Fights: Fares Ziam (3-0-0)
2025-12-06: W vs. [#79LW] Nazim Sadykhov (11-2-1) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 4:59 of round 2
2025-02-01: W vs. [#120LW] Mike Davis (12-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-09-28: W vs. [#148LW] Matt Frevola (11-6-1) via KO (Knee) in 2:59 of round 3
Last 3 Fights: Tom Nolan (3-0-0)
2025-09-27: W vs. [#362LW] Charlie Campbell (9-3-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:08 of round 1
2025-02-08: W vs. [#349LW] Viacheslav Borshchev (8-8-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-08-17: W vs. [*] Alex Reyes (13-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Fares Ziam | -303 | 72.06% | |
| Elo K170 | Fares Ziam | 1971.32 | +238.57 | 79.79% |
| Elo Modified | Fares Ziam | 1929.39 | +205.58 | 76.56% |
| Glicko-1 | Fares Ziam | 1971.67 | +213.61 | 77.38% |
| WHR | Fares Ziam | 1877.43 | +276.04 | 83.05% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Fares Ziam 29.2, Tom Nolan 26.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Fares Ziam 182, Tom Nolan 252
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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Why MMA Fans Closely Follow Fighter Rankings and Performance Trends
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans closely follow fighter rankings and performance trends because rankings provide the clearest framework for evaluating title contention, matchmaking logic, and career progression within a sport built on weight classes and divisional hierarchies. MMA fans closely follow fighter rankings and performance trends because rankings help compare fighters across different eras, analyze winning streaks, assess the strength of competition, and predict future championship opportunities within organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the Professional Fighters League.
What MMA Rankings Actually Reveal About a Fighter’s Future
Do MMA rankings really show who is close to a title shot, or do they only reflect who won recently?
For many fans, rankings look like a simple order of names. In reality, they can reveal form, activity, risk, matchup pressure, and the type of path a fighter may face next.
A ranking is not a perfect prediction. Mixed martial arts is too human for that. One clean counter, one tired takedown attempt, one poor weight cut, or one late mistake can change a career quickly.
Still, rankings matter because they turn scattered results into a clearer pattern. When read with context, they help explain why some fighters are moving forward, why others are stuck, and why a lower-ranked name may be closer to a major opportunity than expected.
Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Figueiredo (05-30-2026)
Bantamweight (135)
[#7][#7UFC] Yadong Song (22-10-1, -565) vs. [#9][#9UFC] Deiveson Figueiredo (25-6-1, +410)
Yadong Song is the All-Time #46 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Yadong Song (1-2-0)
2026-01-24: L vs. [#3BW] Sean OMalley (19-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-02-22: W vs. [*] Henry Cejudo (16-6-0) via TUD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-03-09: L vs. [#2DD][#4P4P][#1BW] Petr Yan (20-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Deiveson Figueiredo (1-2-0)
2026-01-24: L vs. [#4BW] Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2025-10-11: W vs. [#23BW] Montel Jackson (15-4-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2025-05-03: L vs. [#5BW] Cory Sandhagen (18-6-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 4:08 of round 2
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Yadong Song | -565 | 81.24% | |
| Elo K170 | Deiveson Figueiredo | 1992.72 | +25.09 | 53.60% |
| Elo Modified | Yadong Song | 1972.69 | +44.81 | 56.41% |
| Glicko-1 | Yadong Song | 2018.13 | +45.62 | 56.53% |
| WHR | Yadong Song | 1863.96 | +37.64 | 55.40% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Yadong Song 28.5, Deiveson Figueiredo 38.4
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Yadong Song 126, Deiveson Figueiredo 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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Light Heavyweight (205)
[#27][#17UFC] Mingyang Zhang (19-7-0, -250) vs. [#28][#18UFC] Alonzo Menifield (17-6-1, +202)
Last 3 Fights: Mingyang Zhang (2-1-0)
2025-08-23: L vs. [#15LHW] Johnny Walker (22-10-0) via TKO (Leg Kicks and Punches) in 2:37 of round 2
2025-04-26: W vs. [#38HW+] Anthony Smith (39-22-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:03 of round 1
2024-11-23: W vs. [#154MW] Osman Diaz (10-4-0) via TKO (Elbow and Punches) in 2:25 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Alonzo Menifield (2-1-0)
2025-11-22: L vs. [#14LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (21-8-0) via KO (Knee and Punches) in 1:27 of round 1
2025-06-14: W vs. [#42LHW] Oumar Sy (12-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-02-22: W vs. [#72LHW] Julius Walker (7-2-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Mingyang Zhang | -250 | 68.32% | |
| Elo K170 | Alonzo Menifield | 1702.61 | +34.91 | 55.01% |
| Elo Modified | Alonzo Menifield | 1697.03 | +21.32 | 53.06% |
| Glicko-1 | Mingyang Zhang | 1731.69 | +27.92 | 54.01% |
| WHR | Mingyang Zhang | 1681.68 | +22.95 | 53.30% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Mingyang Zhang 27.8, Alonzo Menifield 38.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mingyang Zhang 280, Alonzo Menifield 189
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Alonzo Menifield leads 1-0
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Heavyweight (265)
[#4][#4UFC] Sergei Pavlovich (20-3-0, -552) vs. [#21][#13UFC] Tallison Teixeira (9-1-0, +398)
Sergei Pavlovich is the All-Time #31 ranked Heavyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Sergei Pavlovich (2-1-0)
2025-08-23: W vs. [#8HW+] Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-3-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2025-02-01: W vs. [*] Jairzinho Rozenstruik (15-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-06-22: L vs. [#3HW+] Alexander Volkov (40-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Tallison Teixeira (2-1-0)
2026-01-31: W vs. [#26HW+] Tai Tuivasa (14-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-07-12: L vs. [#18HW+] Derrick Lewis (29-13-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:35 of round 1
2025-02-08: W vs. [*] Justin Tafa (7-5-0) via TKO (Knee to the Body and Elbows) in 0:35 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Sergei Pavlovich | -552 | 80.82% | |
| Elo K170 | Sergei Pavlovich | 2056.67 | +455.33 | 93.22% |
| Elo Modified | Sergei Pavlovich | 2046.36 | +416.92 | 91.68% |
| Glicko-1 | Sergei Pavlovich | 2110.26 | +444.78 | 92.82% |
| WHR | Sergei Pavlovich | 1991.70 | +511.85 | 95.01% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Sergei Pavlovich 34.0, Tallison Teixeira 26.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sergei Pavlovich 280, Tallison Teixeira 119
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Sergei Pavlovich leads 2-1
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Song vs Figueiredo: A Title Shot on the Line in Macau?
The Galaxy Arena in Macau will burst with action on May 30, 2026. UFC returns to China after two years of silence with UFC Fight Night 277: a bout between Song Yadong (#7) and Deiveson Figueiredo (#9). For Song, it’s a way to return to the bantamweight title queue after the loss to O’Malley. Figueiredo, the former two-time Flyweight champion, still aims to prove he’s worthy of the championship belt chase in a new division.
In this post, we’ll try to analyse the upcoming clash between Song and Figueiredo, considering their key stats and fighting style.
What Boxing’s Ranking Chaos Can Teach MMA About Credibility And Transparency
Photo by: Pavel Danilyuk | Source: Pexels
Have you ever found yourself confused by the rankings in combat sports?
Boxing has long struggled with ranking systems that seem arbitrary and inconsistent. This chaos not only affects fighters but also impacts fans’ trust in the sport. MMA, while still developing its own ranking system, can learn valuable lessons from boxing’s missteps.
Understanding these challenges can lead to a more credible and transparent environment for fighters and fans alike. Let’s explore how boxing’s ranking chaos can ultimately guide MMA to establish a more trustworthy framework.
UFC’s Polymarket Deal Adds a New Layer to Fight Analysis
UFC’s partnership with Polymarket is not just another sponsorship deal. It signals that prediction markets are moving closer to the live fight experience, where fan sentiment, probability shifts and real-time market reactions may become part of how bouts are discussed.
TKO announced Polymarket as the official and exclusive prediction market partner of UFC and Zuffa Boxing, describing the deal as the first integration of prediction market technology directly into the live fan experience. The partnership is expected to include activations across live events, broadcasts and digital content.
Fight Matrix Program – UFC 328: Chimaev vs Strickland (05-09-2026)
Middleweight Championship (185)
[#3P4P][#4DD][#1][#1UFC] Khamzat Chimaev (15-0-0, -564) vs. [#4][#4UFC] Sean Strickland (30-7-0, +414)
Khamzat Chimaev is the All-Time #14 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Sean Strickland is the All-Time #17 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Khamzat Chimaev (3-0-0)
2025-08-16: W vs. [#9DD][#9P4P][#2MW] Dricus Du Plessis (23-3-0) via UD (50-44, 50-44, 50-44)
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)
Last 3 Fights: Sean Strickland (2-1-0)
2026-02-21: W vs. [#9MW] Anthony Hernandez (15-3-0) via NC in 2:33 of round 3
2025-02-08: L vs. [#9DD][#9P4P][#2MW] Dricus Du Plessis (23-3-0) via UD (49-46, 50-45, 50-45)
2024-06-01: W vs. [#6LHW] Paulo Costa (16-4-0) via SD (49-46, 50-45, 46-49)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Khamzat Chimaev | -564 | 81.36% | |
| Elo K170 | Khamzat Chimaev | 2400.67 | +201.21 | 76.10% |
| Elo Modified | Khamzat Chimaev | 2339.86 | +172.16 | 72.93% |
| Glicko-1 | Khamzat Chimaev | 2443.19 | +188.84 | 74.78% |
| WHR | Khamzat Chimaev | 2250.51 | +166.82 | 72.32% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Khamzat Chimaev 32.0, Sean Strickland 35.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Khamzat Chimaev 266, Sean Strickland 77
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Khamzat Chimaev leads 2-0
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Flyweight Championship (125)
[#3DD][#4P4P][#1][#1UFC] Joshua Van (16-2-0, +147) vs. [#3][#3UFC] Tatsuro Taira (18-1-0, -176)
Joshua Van is the All-Time #11 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Tatsuro Taira is the All-Time #17 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Joshua Van (3-0-0)
2025-12-06: W vs. [#10DD][#10P4P][#2FLY] Alexandre Pantoja (30-6-0) via TKO (Arm Injury) in 0:26 of round 1
2025-06-28: W vs. [#7FLY] Brandon Royval (17-9-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2025-06-07: W vs. [#30FLY] Bruno Silva (15-9-2) via TKO (Punches) in 4:01 of round 3
Last 3 Fights: Tatsuro Taira (2-1-0)
2025-12-06: W vs. [#8FLY] Brandon Moreno (23-10-2) via TKO (Punches) in 2:24 of round 2
2025-08-02: W vs. [#75FLY] Hyun Sung Park (10-2-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 1:06 of round 2
2024-10-12: L vs. [#7FLY] Brandon Royval (17-9-0) via SD (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Tatsuro Taira | -176 | 61.16% | |
| Elo K170 | Joshua Van | 2116.14 | +118.65 | 66.44% |
| Elo Modified | Joshua Van | 2043.32 | +41.04 | 55.88% |
| Glicko-1 | Joshua Van | 2124.85 | +15.97 | 52.30% |
| WHR | Tatsuro Taira | 1936.96 | +98.88 | 63.86% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Joshua Van 24.5, Tatsuro Taira 26.3
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Joshua Van 154, Tatsuro Taira 154
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Joshua Van leads 2-1
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Heavyweight (265)
[#3][#3UFC] Alexander Volkov (39-11-0, -179) vs. [#7][#6UFC] Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2-0, +150)
Alexander Volkov is the All-Time #25 ranked Heavyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Alexander Volkov (2-1-0)
2025-10-25: W vs. [#8HW+] Jailton Almeida (22-5-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-12-07: L vs. [#1HW+] Ciryl Gane (13-2-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-06-22: W vs. [#4HW+] Sergei Pavlovich (20-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (3-0-0)
2026-01-24: W vs. [#17HW+] Derrick Lewis (29-13-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:14 of round 2
2025-11-22: W vs. [#44HW+] Shamil Gaziev (14-3-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:22 of round 1
2025-11-01: W vs. [#19HW+] Ante Delija (26-8-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:59 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Alexander Volkov | -179 | 61.59% | |
| Elo K170 | Alexander Volkov | 2113.59 | +83.77 | 61.83% |
| Elo Modified | Alexander Volkov | 2101.16 | +63.56 | 59.05% |
| Glicko-1 | Alexander Volkov | 2191.29 | +74.86 | 60.61% |
| WHR | Alexander Volkov | 2004.06 | +101.67 | 64.23% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Alexander Volkov 37.5, Waldo Cortes-Acosta 34.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alexander Volkov 196, Waldo Cortes-Acosta 105
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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