MMA – Page 11 – Fight Matrix

How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Is Reshaping MMA: A Look at the Ground Game’s Growing Impact

Posted on November 18, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Image by Miljan Živković from Getty Images via Canva.com

Mixed Martial Arts has evolved into one of the most strategically complex combat sports on the planet. In the early days, brute force and single-discipline dominance often decided fights. Today, fighters must master multiple disciplines to stay competitive.

Among these, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) stands out as a game-changer. Fighters across the board are refining their grappling skills, understanding that BJJ in MMA is no longer just an asset; it’s a requirement.

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

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Jason

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

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

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

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

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Arman Tsarukyan 29.1, Dan Hooker 35.8
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Arman Tsarukyan 588, Dan Hooker 462
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Welterweight (170)
[#3][#3UFC] Belal Muhammad (24-4-0, +173) vs. [#11][#11UFC] Ian Garry (16-1-0, -211)
Belal Muhammad is the All-Time #7 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Ian Garry is the All-Time #45 ranked Welterweight fighter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Volkan Oezdemir 36.2, Alonzo Menifield 38.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Volkan Oezdemir 364, Alonzo Menifield 161
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Volkan Oezdemir leads 3-2
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This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on November 13, 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.

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Understanding MMA betting odds for beginners

Posted on November 12, 2025 by A. J. Riot

MMA betting is becoming increasingly popular, attracting both new and experienced bettors. Grasping the concept of betting odds is essential for making informed decisions. This guide provides insights into the complexities of MMA betting odds and offers strategic advice for newcomers.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev (11-08-2025)

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Jason

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

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

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

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

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Islam Makhachev 34.0, Jack Della Maddalena 29.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Islam Makhachev 301, Jack Della Maddalena 189
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Women Flyweight Championship (125)
[#2P4P][#4DD][#1][#1UFC] Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1, -125) vs. [#1DD][#1P4P][#1SW][#1SWUFC] Weili Zhang (26-3-0, +103)
Valentina Shevchenko is the All-Time #2 ranked Women’s fighter.
Weili Zhang is the All-Time #5 ranked Women’s fighter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Leon Edwards 34.2, Carlos Prates 32.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Leon Edwards 238, Carlos Prates 91
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
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Integrity Signals: Why Shifting Odds Matter in Combat Sports

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

It’s not just numbers on a screen anymore, when fight odds shift quickly, it’s a sign that information is moving. These changes can reveal data leaks or unusual impacts before a fight even begins, which is helpful for integrity teams, promoters, and analysts.

In recent investigations into the UFC and boxing, officials have discovered connections between suspicious sources and rapid market responses. Keeping an eye on these changes helps ensure that everyone is treated fairly and identifies potential instances of confidential information being misused. Non-GamStop sports betting without restrictions often provides valuable data that can serve as a crucial signal for detecting unlawful activities across various athletic countries.

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Listing Every Champ-Champ in UFC History

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

Madison Square Garden, the site of the upcoming UFC 322 – Source: Unsplash

To hoist a UFC championship belt is to reach the apex of fighting. But to clutch two belts at once—each from a different, brutal weight class—transcends the sport entirely. It carves legends from mere mortals, forging the rarest fraternity in mixed martial arts: the UFC champ-champs. These are the fighters who stared down history, defied the odds, and rewrote the rules of achievement inside the Octagon.

One man, however, who won’t have the opportunity to become the fifth member of the champ-champ club is Islam Makhachev. Later this month, the Dagestani wrestling supremo will make the move from lightweight to welterweight in a bid to dethrone Jack Della Maddalena and become a two-weight world champion, albeit not simultaneously. Makhachev, the former 155-pound king, chose to vacate his lightweight title rather than risk keeping two burning candles alight at the same time.

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Current MMA Rankings Updated (11-09-2025)

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Jason

This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on November 6, 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.

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How Muay Thai Differs from MMA and Boxing

Posted on November 4, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Ready to start training and learn combat skills that boost your confidence and discipline? You may have researched the best fighting styles and three main options came up: Muay Thai, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and boxing.

Which fighting technique is the most effective? Or are they the same? Not really. While all fighting styles are effective and deadly once mastered, each is unique and different from the others.

Read along as we discuss how Muay Thai differs from MMA and boxing. We will look at the origins, fighting techniques, and training intensity of each style. Let’s get the heart pounding!

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The Impact of Fight Strategies Across Weight Classes in MMA

Posted on November 4, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Fight strategies in MMA differ depending on the weight class, with each division showing unique tactical tendencies influenced by the fighters’ physical attributes. These differences are supported by both statistical analysis and observed trends in professional MMA, highlighting how weight class impacts the preferred fighting styles and strategic decisions within each division. Let’s go over these distinctions and their effect on fight tactics across MMA weight classes.

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The Season’s Toughest Weight-Class Shifts — and What’s Next for Top Contenders

Posted on November 2, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Weight changes don’t always get the attention they deserve in combat sports. Still, they can make or break a fighter’s performance. Dropping down to a lower division or bulking up for a higher one isn’t just a physical adjustment — it’s a mental game too. This season, two names took that gamble and shook up the balance of power: Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.

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Best Swedish MMA Fighters 2025

Posted on October 31, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Sweden continues to be a powerhouse in the world of mixed martial arts. From the early pioneers like Alexander Gustafsson to today’s new generation of UFC and PFL stars, Swedish fighters have consistently proven themselves on the global stage. In 2025, several Swedish MMA fighters are making headlines for their skill, determination, and impressive records.

1. Khamzat Chimaev – The Chechen Wolf of Sweden

Khamzat Chimaev remains one of the most dominant Swedish fighters in the UFC. Known for his relentless pressure and elite wrestling, Chimaev continues to chase the middleweight and welterweight titles. His performances have captivated MMA fans worldwide, proving that Sweden produces world-class athletes capable of taking on anyone.

Style: Wrestling, striking, and all-around dominance
Achievements: Top contender in UFC Middleweight division
Strengths: Ground control, aggression, and finishing ability

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Comeback Kings: Greatest Career Revivals in MMA History

Posted on October 29, 2025 by A. J. Riot

In MMA, a fighter’s journey is rarely a straight line. Many have hit rock bottom only to claw their way back to the top. Some stories are so wild they could be scripted in a Lukki fight film. These comebacks are more than just wins – they’re proof of resilience, discipline, and a little bit of madness that defines the sport.

Below, we look at four fighters whose career revivals stand as the greatest in MMA history.

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UFC 2025 Predictions: Fight Strategies and Innovations

Posted on October 28, 2025 by A. J. Riot

UFC in 2025 showcases elite athleticism, strategic evolution, and technological advancements that define mixed martial arts excellence. Fighters implement sophisticated game plans across weight classes. This article explores key predictions, fight strategies, and innovations driving UFC success, offering insights for fans and analysts.

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