MMA – Page 24 – Fight Matrix

Derrick Lewis, UFC’s knockout king

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Oleg

At UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs Teixeira, Derrick ‘The Black Beast’ Lewis extended his record for most KO/TKO stoppages in UFC history to 16. The fight ending was not without some controversy: though Tallison Teixeira absorbed numerous unanswered punches to the head, he did manage to make it back to his feet at the moment when the referee stepped in to stop the bout. Minor controversy aside, we got vintage Lewis from the post-fight celebration to the interview: Taking off his shorts, pretending to mark his territory on his opponent’s corner, mooning the crowd, and talking about ground-and-pounding his wife when asked ‘who is next’?’.

With the rise of popularity in sports betting and online casino games, Derrick Lewis is certainly one of the fan favorites to wager on, and win or lose, you can usually count on his fights not going the distance. Or when visiting the online gambling sites you could opt to playing casino games instead, at online casino Ontario. Either way, let’s take a closer look at the Black Beast’s life and at times glorious UFC career.

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The Rise of MMA Betting: Why MMA Betting Is Booming in Ireland – and What Fans Should Know

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

In the last two decades, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has seldom been recognized as a sport in Ireland. Today, it is one of the most popular combat sports in the country and ranks among the top sports for betting.

With the sport growing rapidly, especially the UFC, punters are turning to trusted Irish UFC online bookmakers to place bets. One question remains unanswered: what’s driving the growth of MMA betting in Ireland? This guide explores the reasons behind the sport’s rise and offers top tips for placing smart bets on MMA.

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The Role of Casinos in Promoting MMA in Australia

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

Image Source: Pixabay

It’s impossible to overlook the impact of gambling on almost any big sport. In fact, as concepts, gambling and competition are almost inseparable, which is why the symbiosis among these two entertainments is hard to ignore. As a result, MMA sports and casinos are no strangers to cross-promotions, and luxurious gambling resorts often host big bouts.

Australian MMA events are packed with folks who love a good fight and who love to add some skin to the game. Casino brands in that region are well aware of that fact and know how to throw an unforgettable bash for the fans of fighting sports. You could argue that MMA managed to get as big as it is today thanks to these partnership deals. Here, we’ll expand on that to showcase why it is so.

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4 Tips That Will Help You Win Big At MMA Betting

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

Betting On MMA fights may seem like an easy feat since there are only two fighters, betting on them may seem simple and it’s a 50/50 chance of winning. However, the truth is that there are a lot more factors involved, such as the scorecards, the styles of the fighters, and their histories. For casual bettors who love to bet on sport events, such as MMA, the subtle complexities may be a bit tricky to navigate.

It is not enough for you to bet on just any other player, you must strategize and bet smartly to increase your chances of winning the bet. This guide lists out 4 major tips that will help you elevate your betting game to new heights.

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Everything You Wanted To Know About Pro MMA Fighter Path

Posted on July 16, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Pursuing a career in the UFC is an admirable and exciting goal, but it requires hard work, skill, perseverance and dedication. However, if you are passionate about martial arts and entering the Octagon is your dream, there is no reason you can’t make it to MMA. Here is our step-by-step guide to help you get started with this fulfilling yet challenging journey.

Commit To A Training Schedule And Track Your Progress

Find a good MMA gym with experienced trainers and classes in martial arts. An experienced personal trainer or martial arts coach will guide you through the basic fighting techniques. If you want to gain the most from your training, you should develop a well-balanced training schedule. Here, professional help will hone your discipline. To be good at MMA, you need skills from many martial arts like Muay Thai, karate, wrestling, boxing, and Judo. Training three to five times a week helps improve techniques like striking, wrestling, submissions, grappling, and sparring. Learn takedowns and takedown defence, and master proper movement, counters and combinations. Besides the fighting techniques, it is crucial to build strength, power, and stamina and invest in mental conditioning to improve your overall performance. That’s why MMA workouts should incorporate strength training, high-intensity interval training, and exercises such as cycling or running.

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I’m Fighting History – Holloway Gets Personal Ahead of UFC 318 Trilogy Finale

Posted on July 16, 2025 by A. J. Riot

UFC legend and Stake Ambassador, Max Holloway, isn’t just chasing a win ahead of UFC 318, he’s chasing the kind of redemption that a true fighter will always take, given the chance. As the highly anticipated UFC 318 trilogy clash with Dustin Poirier approaches, the former featherweight king and current BMF titleholder is eyeing much more than sporting success over an old rival. In the exclusive interview Holloway gave to Stake, the fighter made his position abundantly clear: “I’m not just fighting Poirier,” he said, “I’m fighting history.”

From unfinished business with another UFC all-time great to Holloway’s undoubted championship aspirations, this bout is likely to define the next chapter in the fighter’s already legendary career. And that’s what makes it so compelling, of course, not only for avid followers of UFC bouts but for those who simply like a sporting spectacle when everything is laid on the line. In this regard, Holloway’s take on the fight leaves nothing to the imagination. He’s very honest – brutal, you might even say – about what he expects of himself in this match-up and why it is so important to him. Here’s what we know so far.

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The Next Generation: 6 Rising UFC Fighters to Watch by Year’s End

Posted on July 15, 2025 by A. J. Riot

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The UFC’s landscape is shifting as a new wave of athletes steps into the spotlight, blending raw skill with relentless ambition. In a sport where fortunes can change with a single punch or submission, identifying the next breakout star is both art and science.

This year, several fighters have not only strung together impressive wins but have also demonstrated the technical depth and mental resilience needed to climb the rankings.

Their stories, marked by decisive victories, rapid development, and the ability to adapt under pressure, signal a changing of the guard. As 2025 unfolds, these six competitors stand poised to redefine their divisions and captivate fans worldwide. Here’s why each merits close attention as the year progresses.

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How do performance bonuses work in combat sports?

Posted on July 15, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Whenever they step into the ring, today’s leading fighters aren’t just competing for status, fame and glory – there is also plenty of cold hard cash to be won, too. Winning a major fight can be a hugely lucrative financial opportunity, thanks to the frequent availability of significant performance bonuses for the most high-flying fighters. These impressive cash prizes can be life-changing for some athletes, and can even change the trajectory of their careers forever. Performance bonuses are typically awarded to fighters who demonstrate a particularly exciting or impressive display of talent – however, the reasoning behind these cash incentives can occasionally lead to confusion and controversy amongst fans of the sport. To help you understand them better, we’ve taken a closer look into how performance bonuses work in combat sports today.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 (07-19-2025)

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Jason

Lightweight (155)
[#4][#4UFC] Max Holloway (26-8-0, -126) vs. [#6][#6UFC] Dustin Poirier (30-9-0, +104)
Max Holloway is the All-Time #8 ranked Absolute fighter.
Dustin Poirier is the All-Time #5 ranked Lightweight and #26 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Max Holloway (2-1-0)
2024-10-26: L vs. [#4P4P][#2LW] Ilia Topuria (17-0-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:34 of round 3
2024-04-13: W vs. [#5LW] Justin Gaethje (26-5-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:59 of round 5
2023-08-26: W vs. [*] Chan Sung Jung (17-8-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:23 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Dustin Poirier (1-2-0)
2024-06-01: L vs. [#2DD][#3P4P][#1LW] Islam Makhachev (27-1-0) via Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:42 of round 5
2024-03-09: W vs. [#25LW] Benoit St. Denis (14-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:32 of round 2
2023-07-29: L vs. [#5LW] Justin Gaethje (26-5-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 1:00 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Max Holloway	-126		53.21%
Elo K170	Max Holloway	2262.92	+25.76	53.70%
Elo Modified	Max Holloway	2221.02	+46.60	56.67%
Glicko-1	Max Holloway	2300.02	+40.62	55.82%
WHR	Max Holloway	2119.62	+112.04	65.59%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Max Holloway 33.6, Dustin Poirier 36.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Max Holloway 266, Dustin Poirier 413
Previous Match-up Record: Dustin Poirier leads 2-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Max Holloway leads 6-5
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Middleweight (185)
[#11][#10UFC] Paulo Costa (14-4-0, +222) vs. [#22][#19UFC] Roman Kopylov (14-3-0, -272)
Paulo Costa is the All-Time #27 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Paulo Costa (1-2-0)
2024-06-01: L vs. [#2MW] Sean Strickland (29-7-0) via SD (49-46, 50-45, 46-49)
2024-02-17: L vs. [#7MW] Robert Whittaker (26-8-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-08-20: W vs. [*] Luke Rockhold (16-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Roman Kopylov (2-1-0)
2025-01-11: W vs. [#26WW] Chris Curtis (32-12-0) via TKO (Head Kick) in 4:59 of round 3
2024-06-01: W vs. [#62MW] Cesar Almeida (7-1-0) via SD (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)
2024-02-17: L vs. [#13MW] Anthony Hernandez (14-2-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:23 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Roman Kopylov	-272		70.18%
Elo K170	Paulo Costa	1895.83	+59.57	58.49%
Elo Modified	Paulo Costa	1962.10	+131.01	68.01%
Glicko-1	Paulo Costa	2053.41	+169.37	72.61%
WHR	Paulo Costa	1860.66	+24.63	53.54%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Paulo Costa 34.2, Roman Kopylov 33.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Paulo Costa 413, Roman Kopylov 189
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#15][#12UFC] Kevin Holland (28-13-0, -436) vs. [#30][#24UFC] Daniel Rodriguez (19-5-0, +327)

Last 3 Fights: Kevin Holland (2-1-0)
2025-06-07: W vs. [#21WW] Vicente Luque (23-11-1) via Submission (Anaconda Choke) in 1:03 of round 2
2025-03-22: W vs. [#47WW] Gunnar Nelson (19-6-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2025-01-18: L vs. [#17MW] Reinier de Ridder (20-2-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:31 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Daniel Rodriguez (2-1-0)
2025-05-03: W vs. [#50WW] Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:12 of round 3
2024-10-12: W vs. [#57WW] Alex Morono (24-12-0) via SD (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
2024-06-22: L vs. [#21MW] Kelvin Gastelum (19-10-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Kevin Holland	-436		77.64%
Elo K170	Kevin Holland	1968.48	+102.06	64.28%
Elo Modified	Kevin Holland	1961.99	+136.07	68.64%
Glicko-1	Kevin Holland	2064.18	+193.38	75.27%
WHR	Kevin Holland	1868.00	+154.25	70.85%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Kevin Holland 32.7, Daniel Rodriguez 38.5
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kevin Holland 42, Daniel Rodriguez 77
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Kevin Holland leads 3-2
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Canadian MMA Fighters Make a Powerful Comeback

Posted on July 14, 2025 by A. J. Riot

After Georges St-Pierre retired and Rory MacDonald faded from the spotlight, Canada’s MMA presence slowed. A few others made brief appearances but didn’t stay in the spotlight for long. Training continued in local gyms, but media attention dropped. There were no major interviews, no highlight clips. The work didn’t stop, but it happened without an audience. Fighters kept training, focusing on each session with no expectations. Now, that period appears to be over. A number of familiar names are showing up again. Not with marketing or headlines, but through consistent presence in major events.

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UFC Records That Still Matter: What They Reveal About the Fighters Behind Them

Posted on July 14, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Spectacular kicks to the head and body shots is not what the UFC is about. It’s a test of strategy, endurance, and split-second choices. Exploring fighter stats has become part of the viewing experience for many fans in India. Some even follow the action more closely using betting platforms like 4rabet app as tools, because keeping an eye on records can help make sense of pre-match predictions and odds. Leaving the numbers aside, such records evidentiate the actual qualities of top fighters in the octagon.

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Red Flags On UFC Bets That You Shouldn’t Miss

Posted on July 14, 2025 by A. J. Riot

When it comes to betting on UFC fights online, it’s imperative to find a reliable and trustworthy betting site. You want to deal with a site which is licensed by an independent authority, has solid customer support, and is consistent about it’s betting rules. In addition to avoiding red flags with unreliable betting sites, you may want to consider the following factors when placing bets on Mixed Martial Arts fights.

The signs of a dodgy betting site are not always the same. Sometimes it’s about your casino withdrawals sitting in pending for 5 days or more. Sometimes it’s about you getting ghosted by the customer support team. Sometimes betting rules are changes in real time, to your disadvantage. And, sometimes, the plan goes even further, with sites fake their licensing by editing their sidebars with non-existent banners to mimic the fact that an authority has checked and approved them.

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Current MMA Rankings Updated (07-13-2025)

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Jason

🔝 Top Fighters Who Fought in RFP

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Vitaliy Vovk

Real Fight Promotion (RFP) has served as a launchpad for numerous talented athletes who have gone on to compete in some of the most prestigious MMA promotions worldwide.

Below is a ranking of standout fighters who have competed in Real Fight Promotion (RFP), sorted by their career accomplishments, level of competition in international promotions, and overall consistency in performance. This ranking aligns with both FightMatrix CIRRS metrics and official UFC panel rankings.

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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/

This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Jason

We took off last week. Time to get back to it!

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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