Becoming a professional MMA fighter is a long and challenging path that starts with amateur fights and leads to big, important matches at the pro level. This path demands physical grit, mental resilience, financial planning, and strategic career management. Along the way, fighters build portfolios, manage setbacks, and navigate shifting landscapes in training, sponsorship, and exposure. Many start by competing in local or regional amateur events sanctioned by organizations like International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), gaining valuable experience and recognition. Success at the amateur level often opens doors to professional contracts with promotions such as Bellator, ONE Championship, or smaller regional leagues. Fighters must constantly adapt their skill sets, balancing disciplines like wrestling, striking, and grappling to stay competitive.
Popular MMA Fighting Styles: Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and More
Mixed Martial Arts is a combat sport that combines different fighting styles like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo and others. Each style contributes unique techniques and strategies that shape modern MMA competition. Understanding these styles helps fans appreciate each fighter’s toolkit and the evolving landscape inside the Octagon. Some fighters rely heavily on striking arts like Muay Thai and Boxing, while others dominate through grappling and submissions rooted in Wrestling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The best competitors are often those who can blend multiple styles seamlessly, adapting to different opponents and fight scenarios.
The Impact of MMA on Movies, Video Games and Beyond
Mixed Martial Arts has grown from a little-known fighting sport into a worldwide cultural sensation. From Hollywood and blockbuster video games to fitness, fashion and even online entertainment, MMA’s influence keeps expanding. Former fighters-turned-actors like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor have brought MMA into mainstream awareness, while iconic titles like the UFC video game series have immersed fans in the virtual cage.
South Africa’s ‘born fighter’ Hulme sets sights on becoming a household name abroad
This article was originally published on https://www.flashscore.com/
Hulme has already made an impact on the European scene
Europe’s OKTAGON MMA has been growing steadily to become one of the big players in the global combat sports market, and is therefore becoming a target for fighters from all over the globe. As a result fans have become accustomed to frequent appearances from new faces, but few have made as good an impression in their first outing in the cage as Mark Hulme. The fighter from South Africa revealed more about himself in an interview with Flashscore News…
Hulme became a sensation in OKTAGON literally overnight. He made his debut at the number 67 tournament in Trinec and showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the Tipsport Gamechanger pyramid. Six years older than Andreas Michailidis of Greece, he finished off Michailidis in just 2:20 of the first round via submission.
This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays
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.
Fight Matrix Program – UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs O’Malley 2 (06-07-2025)
Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#4DD][#4P4P][#1][#1UFC] Merab Dvalishvili (19-4-0, -287) vs. [#9DD][#2][#2UFC] Sean OMalley (18-2-0, +233)
Merab Dvalishvili is the All-Time #10 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Sean OMalley is the All-Time #8 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Merab Dvalishvili (3-0-0)
2025-01-18: W vs. [#4BW] Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 48-47)
2024-09-14: W vs. [#9DD][#2BW] Sean OMalley (18-2-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-02-17: W vs. [#9BW] Henry Cejudo (16-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Sean OMalley (2-1-0)
2024-09-14: L vs. [#4DD][#4P4P][#1BW] Merab Dvalishvili (19-4-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#11BW] Marlon Vera (24-10-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-44)
2023-08-19: W vs. [#5FW] Aljamain Sterling (24-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:51 of round 2
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Merab Dvalishvili | -287 | 71.17% | |
| Elo K170 | Merab Dvalishvili | 2373.66 | +245.72 | 80.44% |
| Elo Modified | Merab Dvalishvili | 2329.17 | +256.18 | 81.38% |
| Glicko-1 | Merab Dvalishvili | 2409.03 | +250.29 | 80.86% |
| WHR | Merab Dvalishvili | 2157.19 | +148.06 | 70.11% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Merab Dvalishvili 34.4, Sean OMalley 30.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Merab Dvalishvili 140, Sean OMalley 266
Previous Match-up Record: Merab Dvalishvili leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
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Women Bantamweight Championship (135)
[#5DD][#5P4P][#1][#1UFC] Julianna Pena (12-5-0, +437) vs. [#10P4P][#7DD][#2][#2UFC] Kayla Harrison (18-1-0, -619)
Julianna Pena is the All-Time #22 ranked Women’s fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Julianna Pena (2-1-0)
2024-10-05: W vs. [#3BW] Raquel Pennington (16-9-0) via SD (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
2022-07-30: L vs. [*] Amanda Nunes (23-5-0) via UD (50-45, 50-44, 50-43)
2021-12-11: W vs. [*] Amanda Nunes (23-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:26 of round 2
Last 3 Fights: Kayla Harrison (3-0-0)
2024-10-05: W vs. [#5BW] Ketlen Vieira (15-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2024-04-13: W vs. [#11BW] Holly Holm (15-7-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 1:47 of round 2
2023-11-24: W vs. [#5FW] Aspen Ladd (12-5-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Kayla Harrison | -619 | 82.21% | |
| Elo K170 | Julianna Pena | 1843.78 | +29.76 | 54.27% |
| Elo Modified | Kayla Harrison | 1830.63 | +63.71 | 59.07% |
| Glicko-1 | Kayla Harrison | 1864.54 | +82.19 | 61.61% |
| WHR | Kayla Harrison | 1894.71 | +162.97 | 71.87% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Julianna Pena 35.8, Kayla Harrison 34.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Julianna Pena 245, Kayla Harrison 245
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)
[#18][#16UFC] Kelvin Gastelum (19-9-0, +292) vs. [#22][#18UFC] Joe Pyfer (13-3-0, -383)
Kelvin Gastelum is the All-Time #29 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Kelvin Gastelum (2-1-0)
2024-06-22: W vs. [#27WW] Daniel Rodriguez (19-5-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2023-12-02: L vs. [#3WW] Sean Brady (18-1-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 1:43 of round 3
2023-04-08: W vs. [#23MW] Chris Curtis (31-12-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Last 3 Fights: Joe Pyfer (2-1-0)
2024-06-29: W vs. [#42MW] Marc-Andre Barriault (18-9-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:25 of round 1
2024-02-10: L vs. [*] Jack Hermansson (24-8-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2023-10-07: W vs. [#115MW] Abdul Razak Alhassan (12-7-0) via Technical Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 2:05 of round 2
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Joe Pyfer | -383 | 75.66% | |
| Elo K170 | Kelvin Gastelum | 1926.30 | +200.26 | 76.00% |
| Elo Modified | Kelvin Gastelum | 1918.77 | +162.07 | 71.77% |
| Glicko-1 | Kelvin Gastelum | 1964.07 | +109.80 | 65.30% |
| WHR | Kelvin Gastelum | 1848.38 | +101.64 | 64.23% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Kelvin Gastelum 33.6, Joe Pyfer 28.7
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kelvin Gastelum 350, Joe Pyfer 343
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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Keep Reading
UFC 316: Fight Predictions, Betting Picks & Quick Analysis (June 7, 2025)
[#1 W135] Julianna Pena 12-5-0 vs [#2 W135] Kayla Harrison 18-1-0
Pick: Kayla Harrison (TKO/UD)
Analysis: Peña is a seasoned grappler but coming off a long layoff. Harrison, a former Olympic judoka, dominates in the clinch and on the mat.
Recommended bet: Harrison ITD or Harrison TKO/UD
MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Coach | Analyst
I am the Founder and President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP), one of the most established MMA organizations in Ukraine. With over 40 years of experience in combat sports and a background in law enforcement special forces, I’ve organized more than 100 MMA events, coached high-level fighters, and contributed to the development of MMA at the national level. I actively collaborate with leading MMA platforms and, as a published author, remain committed to advancing the sport of MMA in Ukraine.
This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays
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.
1Win Combat Sports Betting Review: A Top Choice for Fight Fans and Bettors Alike
The surge in online sports betting has put 1Win in the spotlight for everyone who likes combat sports. 1Win caters to everyone in the betting community by offering events like the UFC, professional boxing, and traditional skills in Muay Thai. Everyone, from seasoned bettors to newbies, will enjoy the simple tools, up-to-date news, and good odds on offer at 1Win during combat sports betting. To learn more, here is a detailed review of 1Win, one of the most reputable sportsbooks according to Sportytrader.
Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs Barber (05-31-2025)
Women Flyweight (125)
[#9P4P][#4][#4UFC] Erin Blanchfield (13-2-0, -242) vs. [#8][#7UFC] Maycee Barber (14-2-0, +196)
Erin Blanchfield is the All-Time #33 ranked Women’s fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Erin Blanchfield (2-1-0)
2024-11-02: W vs. [#6FLY] Rose Namajunas (13-7-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-03-30: L vs. [#7P4P][#8DD][#2FLY] Manon Fiorot (12-2-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2023-08-26: W vs. [#10FLY] Taila Santos (22-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Maycee Barber (3-0-0)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#23FLY] Katlyn Cerminara (18-6-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2023-06-24: W vs. [#11SW] Amanda Ribas (13-6-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 3:42 of round 2
2023-03-25: W vs. [#35FLY] Andrea Lee (13-11-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Erin Blanchfield | -242 | 67.68% | |
| Elo K170 | Erin Blanchfield | 1906.59 | +66.18 | 59.41% |
| Elo Modified | Erin Blanchfield | 1891.88 | +103.03 | 64.41% |
| Glicko-1 | Erin Blanchfield | 1911.05 | +136.33 | 68.67% |
| WHR | Erin Blanchfield | 1751.23 | +59.89 | 58.53% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Erin Blanchfield 26.0, Maycee Barber 27.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Erin Blanchfield 210, Maycee Barber 448
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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Lightweight (155)
[#8][#8UFC] Mateusz Gamrot (24-3-0, -166) vs. [#42][#24UFC] Ludovit Klein (23-4-1, +138)
Mateusz Gamrot is the All-Time #39 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Mateusz Gamrot (2-1-0)
2024-08-17: L vs. [#7LW] Dan Hooker (24-12-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#27WW] Rafael dos Anjos (32-17-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2023-09-23: W vs. [#16LW] Rafael Fiziev (12-4-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 2:03 of round 2
Last 3 Fights: Ludovit Klein (3-0-0)
2024-09-28: W vs. [#164LW] Roosevelt Roberts (12-6-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-06-08: W vs. [#63LW] Thiago Moises (19-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2024-03-02: W vs. [#486BW] A.J. Cunningham (11-5-0) via TKO (Front Kick to the Body and Punches) in 4:36 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Mateusz Gamrot | -166 | 59.76% | |
| Elo K170 | Mateusz Gamrot | 2048.58 | +143.23 | 69.52% |
| Elo Modified | Mateusz Gamrot | 2059.16 | +165.11 | 72.12% |
| Glicko-1 | Mateusz Gamrot | 2126.82 | +206.41 | 76.64% |
| WHR | Mateusz Gamrot | 1988.49 | +172.34 | 72.95% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Mateusz Gamrot 34.4, Ludovit Klein 30.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Mateusz Gamrot 287, Ludovit Klein 245
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)
[#20][#16UFC] Dustin Jacoby (20-9-1, -184) vs. [#63][#30UFC] Bruno Lopes (14-1-0, +153)
Last 3 Fights: Dustin Jacoby (1-2-0)
2024-12-14: W vs. [#33LHW] Vitor Petrino (11-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 3:44 of round 3
2024-06-08: L vs. [#9LHW] Dominick Reyes (15-4-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:00 of round 1
2023-12-16: L vs. [#24LHW] Alonzo Menifield (16-5-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Bruno Lopes (3-0-0)
2025-01-11: W vs. [#112LHW] Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (9-1-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-08-13: W vs. [#152LHW] Mikheil Sazhiniani (13-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:14 of round 2
2024-01-27: W vs. [#189LHW] Marcos Brigagao (17-11-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 4:58 of round 2
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Dustin Jacoby | -184 | 62.10% | |
| Elo K170 | Dustin Jacoby | 1712.78 | +48.51 | 56.93% |
| Elo Modified | Dustin Jacoby | 1747.71 | +75.07 | 60.64% |
| Glicko-1 | Dustin Jacoby | 1797.21 | +80.20 | 61.34% |
| WHR | Dustin Jacoby | 1766.68 | +111.90 | 65.57% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Dustin Jacoby 37.1, Bruno Lopes 32.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dustin Jacoby 168, Bruno Lopes 140
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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Keep Reading
Claressa Shields Steps Away from MMA to Focus Exclusively on Boxing
Widely regarded as one of the most dominant figures in women’s boxing, Claressa has formally rang the bell on her stint in mixed martial arts after three appearances with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The 30-year-old athlete confirmed her decision during an interview, stating that although the experience was worthwhile, she will no longer pursue MMA due to the pressure on her training schedule and the toll it has taken on her body.
Shields, who boasts an undefeated record in professional boxing and has held undisputed titles across five weight classes, entered MMA in 2021 with significant attention. Her debut resulted in a technical knockout victory over Brittney Elkin, followed by a narrow split-decision loss to Abigail Montes. After taking a break from the cage for over two years, she returned to win a tightly contested bout against Kelsey De Santis by decision in early 2024.
Ukrainian MMA Promotions Ranking Based on CIRRS
FightMatrix employs the Combat Intelli-Rating and Ranking System (CIRRS), a proprietary algorithm designed to objectively rank MMA promotions based on the performance of their fighters. This system considers factors such as fight outcomes, opponent quality, and activity levels to generate unbiased rankings.
Applying the CIRRS methodology to Ukrainian MMA promotions, and based on available data regarding fighter performances and organizational activity, the following is an estimated ranking:
1. Real Fight Promotion (RFP)
RFP stands out as Ukraine’s premier MMA promotion, consistently organizing events featuring high-caliber fighters who often compete internationally.
MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Coach | Analyst
I am the Founder and President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP), one of the most established MMA organizations in Ukraine. With over 40 years of experience in combat sports and a background in law enforcement special forces, I’ve organized more than 100 MMA events, coached high-level fighters, and contributed to the development of MMA at the national level. I actively collaborate with leading MMA platforms and, as a published author, remain committed to advancing the sport of MMA in Ukraine.
Interview with the President of Ukraine’s MMA Real Fight Promotion, Vitaliy Vovk
Introduction
Vitaliy Vovk is a Ukrainian MMA promoter, President and founder of Ukraine’s leading MMA organization, Real Fight Promotion (RFP). Vovk has over 40 years of experience in combat sports, and has competed in amateur boxing and trained in kickboxing. He has a background in law enforcement; however, ultimately he found his calling as an MMA promoter, referee and judge. Since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, RFP has held 11 events which helped support various charities in Ukraine. In 2025, Vovk and the RFP are looking to continue to hold events, advancing the MMA scene in Ukraine and worldwide.
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays
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.
UFC vs WWE: What’s the Difference?
The UFC and WWE are two of the biggest names in combat sports and sports entertainment. They both feature intense physical competition, high-profile athletes, and global fanbases. But beyond the bright lights and sold-out arenas, they operate in very different ways.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about UFC vs WWE. We’ll look at how they differ in structure, rules, athlete training, popularity, and how fans engage with each product, including those who like to place bets using a reliable WWE betting app.
Whether you’re a casual fan or new to either world, this guide will help you understand how the UFC and WWE compare.