What UFC fans could see in the future following WWE’s involvement
(Image via https://x.com/Dexerto)
Since the huge merger between the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment in 2023, fans of combat sports were left wondering just how things might look when the newly combined company, TKO, decides to put its own stamp on the UFC. With the UFC’s president, Dana White, now its chief executive, and the company still reeling from the Vince McMahon scandals, UFC fans are wondering what the future might hold for their sport.
Make no mistake about it: as WWE fans have witnessed over the years, McMahon’s showman legacy is still all over the brand and those involved are capable of enhancing any event. Fans will still be able to witness brutal fights in the Octagon, but some of the biggest bouts to come, such as Jon Jones against Stipe Miocic, will perhaps include some features that WWE fans are familiar with. Sure, fans will still have explosive press conferences, UFC Embedded YouTube series to watch, and they can back their favorite fighters for the win when assessing UFC odds, but there could be even more to come with World Wrestling Entertainment now involved in proceedings.
The 10 Most Popular Fighters in UFC Between 2014 – 2024
Most popular in UFC between 2014 and 2024 are:
- Conor McGregor
- Ronda Rousey
- Jon Jones
- Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Amanda Nunes
- Israel Adesanya
- Stipe Miocic
- Daniel Cormier
- Max Holloway
- Kamaru Usman
Fight Matrix Program – RIZIN 49: Decade (12-31-2024)
Featherweight (145)
[#11] Chihiro Suzuki (13-4-0, +123) vs. [#41] Kleber Koike Erbst (34-7-1, -171)
Last 3 Fights: Chihiro Suzuki (3-0-0)
2024-04-29: W vs. [#63FW] Masanori Kanehara (29-13-5) via TKO (Punches) in 4:20 of round 1
2023-11-04: W vs. [#47FW] Vugar Karamov (20-5-0) via KO (Upkick and Punches) in 1:28 of round 1
2023-07-30: W vs. [#10FW] Patricio Freire (36-7-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:32 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Kleber Koike Erbst (2-1-0)
2024-06-09: W vs. [#76FW] Juan Archuleta (29-7-0) via Submission (Inverted Heel Hook) in 2:25 of round 1
2023-12-31: W vs. [#380FW] Yutaka Saito (21-9-2) via Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) in 1:22 of round 3
2023-09-24: L vs. [#63FW] Masanori Kanehara (29-13-5) via UD ()
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Kleber Koike Erbst | -171 | 58.45% | |
| Elo K170 | Kleber Koike Erbst | 1953.67 | +19.74 | 52.84% |
| Elo Modified | Kleber Koike Erbst | 1916.85 | +21.12 | 53.04% |
| Glicko-1 | Kleber Koike Erbst | 2013.58 | +7.41 | 51.07% |
| WHR | Kleber Koike Erbst | 1872.13 | +65.83 | 59.36% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Chihiro Suzuki 246, Kleber Koike Erbst 205
Previous Match-up Record: Kleber Koike Erbst leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Chihiro Suzuki leads 3-1
.
Lightweight (155)
[#27] Roberto Satoshi de Souza (17-3-0, -134) vs. [#47FW] Vugar Karamov (20-5-0, -101)
Last 3 Fights: Roberto Satoshi de Souza (2-1-0)
2024-09-29: W vs. [#69LW] Luiz Gustavo (14-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:21 of round 1
2024-03-23: W vs. [#334LW] Keita Nakamura (36-12-2) via TKO (Corner Stoppage) in 1:43 of round 1
2023-07-29: L vs. [#51LW] Patricky Freire (25-14-0) via TKO (Leg Kick) in 0:49 of round 3
Last 3 Fights: Vugar Karamov (2-1-0)
2024-11-17: W vs. [#230FW] Kazumasa Majima (17-6-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 0:28 of round 1
2023-11-04: L vs. [#11FW] Chihiro Suzuki (13-4-0) via KO (Upkick and Punches) in 1:28 of round 1
2023-07-30: W vs. [#218FW] Mikuru Asakura (17-5-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:41 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Roberto Satoshi de Souza | -134 | 53.26% | |
| Elo K170 | Roberto Satoshi de Souza | 1954.67 | +156.49 | 71.11% |
| Elo Modified | Roberto Satoshi de Souza | 1935.91 | +125.74 | 67.34% |
| Glicko-1 | Roberto Satoshi de Souza | 2019.18 | +171.75 | 72.88% |
| WHR | Roberto Satoshi de Souza | 1836.83 | +98.48 | 63.80% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Roberto Satoshi de Souza 93, Vugar Karamov 44
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Flyweight (125)
[#4] Kyoji Horiguchi (33-5-0, -463) vs. [#81] Nkazimulo Zulu (16-6-1, +292)
Kyoji Horiguchi is the All-Time #19 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Kyoji Horiguchi (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2024-06-09: W vs. [#14BW] Sergio Pettis (23-7-0) via UD ()
2023-12-31: W vs. [#75FLY] Makoto Takahashi (18-3-1) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:44 of round 2
2023-07-29: NC vs. [#75FLY] Makoto Takahashi (18-3-1)
Last 3 Fights: Nkazimulo Zulu (3-0-0)
2024-09-29: W vs. [#205FLY] Jo Arai (15-13-2) via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches) in 4:12 of round 1
2024-03-07: W vs. [#472FLY] Gift Walker (5-2-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 2:38 of round 3
2023-07-13: W vs. [#2063BW] Musa Sethwape (4-5-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:15 of round 4
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Kyoji Horiguchi | -463 | 76.32% | |
| Elo K170 | Kyoji Horiguchi | 2086.35 | +571.33 | 96.40% |
| Elo Modified | Kyoji Horiguchi | 2061.48 | +541.38 | 95.76% |
| Glicko-1 | Kyoji Horiguchi | 2100.02 | +542.22 | 95.78% |
| WHR | Kyoji Horiguchi | 2003.91 | +483.87 | 94.19% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Kyoji Horiguchi 205, Nkazimulo Zulu 93
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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What to Expect in Early 2025: MMA Fights and Fighters to Watch
2025 is coming with numerous anticipations, especially in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). With its explosive matchups, rising stars, and thrilling title fights, many people are captivated in this sport. Therefore, if you are a seasoned MMA fun or new to the octagon, you should expect a lot from the early months of 2025 due to the promising action-packed events. The article will outline some expectations you should have on MMA in early 2025.
The UFC Antitrust Lawsuit and Its Implications for Athlete Welfare
The UFC, a global leader in mixed martial arts (MMA), has faced scrutiny over how it treats its fighters. A decade-long antitrust lawsuit against the organization has raised significant questions about fighter pay, health care, and employment practices.
The lawsuit claims UFC’s practices stifled competition, limiting fighters’ chances to negotiate improved pay. A proposed $375 million settlement underscores the broader concern of athlete welfare in combat sports.
In this article, we’ll explore the lawsuit and its potential impact on the industry and its athletes.
A League in the Making: Rumor Has It…
I have some interesting information that my sources have relayed to me. Rumor has it that an individual who was recently linked to the attempted revival of XFL has something big unfolding soon. He has utilized his resources and is on the way to launching something unique for the combat sports industry. This will be the the first of it’s kind MMA organization, with a mission to create an amazing sports and entertainment conglomerate. Ultimately, the main goal will be to become the number one developmental combat sports league in world. Personally, I think this sounds remarkable. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Stay tuned to FightMatrix to learn more about this development.
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.
Betting on UFC Underdogs – When to Take a Risk
Betting on UFC underdogs can be an exciting and rewarding strategy for bettors looking to maximize their returns. While the majority of MMA fans and bettors tend to focus on favorites, there’s a unique thrill that comes with betting on the underdog in UFC fights. The risks are higher, but the potential rewards can be substantial. In this article, we will explore the benefits of betting on UFC underdogs, why it can be a smart move, and how online betting platforms make it easier to take advantage of these high-risk, high-reward opportunities.
Crossover: Pro Fighters Who Star in Popular Games
Professional fighters have not only conquered arenas but also digital landscapes. Their inclusion in video games captivates fans, blending authentic combat with thrilling gameplay. From iconic franchises to MMA simulations, these fighters bring real-world excitement into gaming. Their presence bridges sports and pop culture.
MMA Current Records & Stats: Comprehensive Fighter Data for Next Year
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport driven by precision, performance, and historical achievements. Statistics and records play a vital role in shaping fan engagement, sports betting, and fighter analysis. Whether it is the number of wins, finishes, or knockout records, MMA stats provide a comprehensive view of the sport’s dynamics and legacy.
Why is David Teymur’s Counterstriking Feared in Lightweight?
David Teymur’s counterstriking makes him a scary fighter in UFC’s lightweight division. His Muay Thai skills, built up over many years, are vital to his MMA success. Teymur’s strong left hand, great timing, and smart distance control make him tough to beat. He’s really good at figuring out what his opponents will do and using it against them.
Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley (12-14-2024)
Welterweight (170)
[#5] Colby Covington (17-4-0, +212) vs. [#9] Joaquin Buckley (20-6-0, -264)
Colby Covington is the All-Time #8 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Colby Covington (1-2-0)
2023-12-16: L vs. [#2WW/#10P4P] Leon Edwards (22-4-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2022-03-05: W vs. [*] Jorge Masvidal (35-17-0) via UD (50-44, 50-45, 49-46)
2021-11-06: L vs. [#3WW] Kamaru Usman (20-4-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
Last 3 Fights: Joaquin Buckley (3-0-0)
2024-10-05: W vs. [#19WW] Stephen Thompson (17-8-1) via KO (Punch) in 2:17 of round 3
2024-05-11: W vs. [#80WW] Nursulton Ruziboev (34-9-2) via UD (29-27, 30-27, 30-26)
2024-03-30: W vs. [#18WW] Vicente Luque (23-10-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:17 of round 2
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Joaquin Buckley | -264 | 69.35% | |
| Elo K170 | Colby Covington | 2244.12 | +162.96 | 71.87% |
| Elo Modified | Colby Covington | 2179.50 | +135.34 | 68.55% |
| Glicko-1 | Colby Covington | 2244.79 | +92.60 | 63.02% |
| WHR | Colby Covington | 1960.38 | +28.86 | 54.14% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Colby Covington 364, Joaquin Buckley 70
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Featherweight (145)
[#40] Cub Swanson (30-14-0, +132) vs. [#44] Billy Quarantillo (18-6-0, -159)
Cub Swanson is the All-Time #20 ranked Featherweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Cub Swanson (1-2-0)
2024-06-29: L vs. [#39FW] Andre Fili (24-11-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2023-08-12: W vs. [*] Hakeem Dawodu (13-4-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-10-15: L vs. [#21BW] Jonathan Martinez (19-6-0) via TKO (Leg Kick) in 4:19 of round 2
Last 3 Fights: Billy Quarantillo (1-2-0)
2024-03-23: L vs. [#25FW] Youssef Zalal (16-5-1) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 1:50 of round 2
2023-08-05: W vs. [*] Damon Jackson (23-8-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-04-15: L vs. [#37FW] Edson Barboza (24-12-0) via KO (Knee) in 2:37 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Billy Quarantillo | -159 | 58.75% | |
| Elo K170 | Cub Swanson | 1678.39 | +57.33 | 58.18% |
| Elo Modified | Cub Swanson | 1726.26 | +89.49 | 62.60% |
| Glicko-1 | Cub Swanson | 1764.50 | +100.94 | 64.13% |
| WHR | Cub Swanson | 1655.95 | +52.07 | 57.44% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cub Swanson 168, Billy Quarantillo 266
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Flyweight (125)
[#13] Manel Kape (19-7-0, -302) vs. [#21] Bruno Silva (14-6-2, +239)
Manel Kape is the All-Time #34 ranked Flyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Manel Kape (2-1-0)
2024-07-27: L vs. [#7FLY] Muhammad Mokaev (13-0-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2023-09-09: W vs. [#98FLY] Felipe dos Santos (9-2-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2022-12-17: W vs. [*] David Dvorak (20-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Bruno Silva (3-0-0)
2024-07-20: W vs. [#38FLY] Cody Durden (17-7-1) via TKO (Punches) in 2:58 of round 2
2023-03-11: W vs. [#202BW] Tyson Nam (23-14-1) via Technical Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 1:23 of round 2
2021-05-22: W vs. [*] Victor Rodriguez (5-4-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:00 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Manel Kape | -302 | 71.80% | |
| Elo K170 | Manel Kape | 1739.07 | +45.52 | 56.51% |
| Elo Modified | Manel Kape | 1748.75 | +64.63 | 59.20% |
| Glicko-1 | Manel Kape | 1810.78 | +61.47 | 58.75% |
| WHR | Manel Kape | 1735.25 | +34.18 | 54.90% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Manel Kape 140, Bruno Silva 147
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Manel Kape leads 1-0
.
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The Parallel Worlds of Casinos and MMA
Mixed martial arts and casinos are not something that you usually group together. However, it would surprise most people to know just how close these two worlds are. They cross into each other’s orbits more often than you would think.
The excitement and high energy that both generate attract the same kinds of people, which creates a strong financial connection that businesses in these arenas have used to their fullest advantage.
Caged Steel 38 – Night of Champions
Do not to miss Caged Steel 38 – Night of Champions! You can stream the fights here starting at 11 AM EST. Be sure to enter the promo code fightmatrix when purchasing the PPV. This will be an exciting fight card of professional and amateur MMA and caged boxing.
This Week’s WHR Bets/Parlays
In the green so far….
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.
“The Underdog” bet/parlay