MMA – Fight Matrix

MMA is Primal Entertainment at it’s Best!

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Heather

I’ve always loved watching martial arts, and I have a deep appreciation for boxing too. After two and a half decades of watching the UFC, I’ve come to see something almost primal in these athletes – barbarians in the best sense, hungry to level up, eager to earn their place in the succession of greatness. The more technical, the more gruesome the skill on display, the more they rise in this real-life Game of Life.

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Heather

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Partnership Marketing and Digital Strategy Lead (Combat Sports)
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. I have had an interest in MMA since 2001. I had a 25 year career in healthcare, and now I am pursuing my hobby. I enjoy writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix.

www.fightmatrix.com

Biggest Upsets in Martial Arts in the 21st Century

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

Combat sports run on the promise that anything can happen once the bell rings or the cage door locks. Most of the time, the favorite wins and everyone goes home unsurprised. But every so often the sport delivers a result nobody saw coming, and when it happens on a big, heavily-publicized card, it becomes the stuff fighters get asked about for years. There have been plenty of shocking results across boxing and MMA this century, but these five stand out because of the size of the stage and the names involved.

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Bet on MMA with UFABET

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

Betting on MMA with Ufabet allows mixed martial arts fans to follow every fight while placing wagers on different match outcomes. Before betting, it is important to understand the available betting markets, how odds work, and the competition rules that may affect the final result. Knowing these basics can help you make more informed betting decisions.

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This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays (2026/#20)

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Jason

Still trying to get out of this hole…

Fights considered must satisfy all of the criteria below:

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

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The Importance of Rankings in Modern MMA

Posted on July 8, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport that sits at a fascinating crossroads between pure athletic meritocracy and high-stakes entertainment. Unlike traditional sports where tournament brackets or league standings clearly dictate who plays for the championship, matchmaking in MMA has historically been a highly subjective, backroom affair. To bring structure, transparency, and a sense of sports meritocracy to this chaotic landscape, the introduction of official division rankings became a crucial milestone in the evolution of modern promotions like the UFC.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 (07-11-2026)

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Jason

Welterweight (170)
[#5LW][#5LWUFC] Max Holloway (27-9-0, -222) vs. [*] Conor McGregor (22-6-0, +183)
Max Holloway is the All-Time #8 ranked Absolute fighter.
Conor McGregor is the All-Time #47 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Max Holloway (1-2-0)
2026-03-07: L vs. [#8DD][#3LW] Charles Oliveira (37-11-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2025-07-19: W vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
2024-10-26: L vs. [#2LW] Ilia Topuria (17-1-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:34 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Conor McGregor (1-2-0)
2021-07-10: L vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 1
2021-01-23: L vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:32 of round 2
2020-01-18: W vs. [*] Donald Cerrone (36-17-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:40 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Max Holloway	-222		66.11%
Elo K170	Max Holloway	2242.31	+129.67	67.84%
Elo Modified	Max Holloway	2218.45	+161.20	71.66%
Glicko-1	Max Holloway	2297.50	+211.58	77.17%
WHR	Max Holloway	2070.46	+256.11	81.37%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Max Holloway 34.6, Conor McGregor 38.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Max Holloway 126, Conor McGregor 1827
Previous Match-up Record: Conor McGregor leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Max Holloway leads 3-2
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Lightweight (155)
[#7][#6UFC] Benoit St. Denis (17-3-0, -143) vs. [#12][#11UFC] Paddy Pimblett (23-4-0, +118)

Last 3 Fights: Benoit St. Denis (3-0-0)
2026-01-31: W vs. [#15LW] Dan Hooker (24-14-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:45 of round 2
2025-11-15: W vs. [#17LW] Beneil Dariush (23-8-1) via KO (Punches) in 0:16 of round 1
2025-09-06: W vs. [#8LW] Mauricio Ruffy (14-2-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 2:56 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Paddy Pimblett (2-1-0)
2026-01-24: L vs. [#3DD][#7P4P][#1LW] Justin Gaethje (28-5-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#32LW] Michael Chandler (23-11-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 3:07 of round 3
2024-07-27: W vs. [#43LW] King Green (35-17-1) via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:22 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Benoit St. Denis	-143		56.19%
Elo K170	Benoit St. Denis	2171.14	+115.80	66.07%
Elo Modified	Benoit St. Denis	2114.96	+91.61	62.89%
Glicko-1	Benoit St. Denis	2217.43	+115.13	65.99%
WHR	Benoit St. Denis	1997.09	+9.40	51.35%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Benoit St. Denis 30.5, Paddy Pimblett 31.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Benoit St. Denis 161, Paddy Pimblett 168
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#5][#5UFC] Cory Sandhagen (18-6-0, -151) vs. [#7][#7UFC] Mario Bautista (17-3-0, +122)
Cory Sandhagen is the All-Time #15 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Cory Sandhagen (1-2-0)
2025-10-04: L vs. [#4DD][#8P4P][#2BW] Merab Dvalishvili (21-5-0) via UD (49-45, 49-45, 49-46)
2025-05-03: W vs. [#9BW] Deiveson Figueiredo (25-7-1) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 4:08 of round 2
2024-08-03: L vs. [#4BW] Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1-0) via UD (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Mario Bautista (2-1-0)
2026-02-07: W vs. [#27FW] Vinicius Oliveira (25-4-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:46 of round 2
2025-10-25: L vs. [#4BW] Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2025-06-07: W vs. [#17BW] Patrick Mix (19-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Cory Sandhagen	-151		57.18%
Elo K170	Mario Bautista	2126.61	+24.98	53.59%
Elo Modified	Mario Bautista	2066.19	+10.95	51.58%
Glicko-1	Cory Sandhagen	2146.45	+8.56	51.23%
WHR	Cory Sandhagen	1943.31	+4.86	50.70%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Cory Sandhagen 34.2, Mario Bautista 33.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cory Sandhagen 280, Mario Bautista 154
Previous Match-up Record: Cory Sandhagen leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Current MMA Rankings Updated (07-05-2026)

Posted on July 5, 2026 by Jason

All-Time MMA Rankings Updated (07-02-2026)

Posted on July 2, 2026 by Jason

When a Winning Streak Is More Than Just a Number

Posted on June 30, 2026 by A. J. Riot

A lower-third graphic flashes across the broadcast just before the introductions finish: seven-fight win streak. Fans hear the number, and the reaction comes fast. Future champion? Soft schedule? Somebody we all noticed too late?

The number matters. So does everything packed inside it. One seven-fight run may include former title challengers, short-notice replacements, and a five-round main event. Another may be built on regional names, a split decision that could have gone the other way, and a division that has not yet fully sorted itself out.

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This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays (2026/#19)

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Jason

Still trying to get out of this hole…

Fights considered must satisfy all of the criteria below:

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

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The UFC’s Newest Millionaire Isn’t Apologizing to Anyone

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Andrew Carswell

After knocking out Derrick Lewis, igniting a national controversy, and becoming a millionaire in seven months, Josh Hokit explains the strategy behind “The Incredible Hok.”

NEW YORK — Ten months ago, Josh Hokit was still trying to prove he belonged on the UFC roster. Today, he sits at the center of nearly every major conversation in mixed martial arts. His undefeated rise through the heavyweight division, his headline grabbing performance at UFC Freedom 250, and one of the most controversial post-fight interviews in recent memory have transformed the former football player into one of the sport’s fastest rising stars. Now, after nearly 47 minutes with Ariel Helwani, Hokit peeled back the curtain on the man behind “The Incredible Hok,” revealing that much of what fans see is no accident at all.

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Andrew Carswell

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

The Cage Lies Less Than the Hype Sheet

Posted on June 26, 2026 by A. J. Riot

MMA betting starts with a blunt rule: the better fighter is not always the better price. A ranking, a highlight reel, and a loud walkout can push bettors toward the same side before the matchup is properly priced. FightMatrix readers already know the sport needs harder inputs: activity, divisional movement, opponent quality, finishing rate, durability, and schedule context.

The UFC market is unforgiving because public money arrives early on famous names. A recognizable fighter can be overvalued after one clean knockout. A quiet grappler can remain underpriced because their work looks ugly, slow, and exhausting.

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The Championship Mindset: What MMA Rankings Teach Us About Winning at Online Casino

Posted on June 26, 2026 by A. J. Riot

In the world of combat sports, every fighter dreams of reaching the top of the rankings — and that same competitive spirit has found an unexpected home in the digital gaming world. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan browsing the najboljše online casino Slovenija platforms between fight nights, or a casual viewer looking for entertainment that matches the adrenaline of a five-round war, the modern online casino experience has more in common with elite fighting than you might think.

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UFC 329 – McGregor vs. Holloway 2 – FightMatrix Preview and Prediction

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Jul 11, 2026 | Las Vegas, United States

More than twelve years after their first meeting, [NR] Conor McGregor (22-6-0) and [#5 LW | #4 UFC] Max Holloway (27-9-0) are set to face each other again in one of the most anticipated rematches of 2026. This time, the bout will take place in the welterweight division (170 lbs), adding another intriguing element as both fighters compete above their traditional weight classes.

Their first encounter took place in August 2013 at UFC Fight Night 26, where McGregor earned a unanimous decision victory. Since then, both athletes have become UFC legends, but they enter this rematch from very different positions.

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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/

McGregor vs Holloway: everything NC bettors need to know before UFC 329

Posted on June 25, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Conor McGregor ends a five-year absence on July 11 in Las Vegas, Holloway arrives as the clear favorite, and North Carolina MMA fans have seven licensed apps ready to take the action.

It has been five years, one broken leg, an 18-month anti-doping suspension, and more comeback rumours than anyone cared to count. On July 11, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Conor McGregor finally walks back into an Octagon. His opponent is Max Holloway, a fighter he beat by unanimous decision when both were prospects in August 2013, and one of the few men in MMA who can legitimately claim to have become a better version of himself during the years McGregor was absent. The official UFC 329 event page confirms the card runs during International Fight Week, with a welterweight main event at 170 pounds — Holloway making his debut at the weight class against a man who has not won a professional fight since stopping Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds on January 18, 2020.

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