Both parlays are still in the green! Woohoo!
Fights considered must satisfy all of the criteria below:
This content was originally published on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/21/diamond-of-a-career/
DUSTIN POIRIER ends his UFC journey as one of the lightweight division’s most beloved and respected fighters—an interim champion, perennial high-performer and community pillar.
His legacy is defined by resilience, big-win performances, and a career built more than titles—it’s built on heart and impact.
The MMA community overwhelmingly praised Dustin Poirier—not just for his performance inside the cage, but also his integrity, work ethic and grace in retirement.
Fighters and media alike highlighted the dignity of stepping away on one’s own terms, while fans celebrated him as a “people’s champion” and role model.
Vincent Juicio is a sports journalist covering basketball, mixed martial arts, boxing, American football-especially the San Francisco 49ers-and global sports issues. Known for his insightful analysis and a keen eye on both game strategy and broader sports trends, his work offers fans in-depth perspectives across multiple disciplines.
In June 2025, Jon Jones shocked the UFC world by announcing his retirement, but nobody was betting on him reversing his decision less than one month later and ‘unretiring’ from UFC.
However, the 38-year-old is rapidly approaching the end of his career, and he will soon have to retire when his age and physical abilities finally get the better of him. The question being asked here is, what does Jon Jones’s retirement mean for the UFC?
Let’s dive straight in to find out.
Middleweight (185)
[#6][#6UFC] Robert Whittaker (26-8-0, -162) vs. [#18][#15UFC] Reinier de Ridder (20-2-0, +133)
Robert Whittaker is the All-Time #4 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Robert Whittaker (2-1-0)
2024-10-26: L vs. [#4MW] Khamzat Chimaev (14-0-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 3:34 of round 1
2024-06-22: W vs. [#30MW] Ikram Aliskerov (16-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:49 of round 1
2024-02-17: W vs. [#10MW] Paulo Costa (15-4-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Reinier de Ridder (3-0-0)
2025-05-03: W vs. [#34MW] Bo Nickal (7-1-0) via TKO (Knees) in 1:53 of round 2
2025-01-18: W vs. [#21WW] Kevin Holland (28-14-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:31 of round 1
2024-11-09: W vs. [#48MW] Gerald Meerschaert (37-19-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 1:44 of round 3
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Robert Whittaker | -162 | 59.02% | |
| Elo K170 | Robert Whittaker | 2124.73 | +148.96 | 70.21% |
| Elo Modified | Robert Whittaker | 2110.57 | +109.07 | 65.20% |
| Glicko-1 | Robert Whittaker | 2173.56 | +98.11 | 63.76% |
| WHR | Robert Whittaker | 2000.64 | +34.83 | 55.00% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Robert Whittaker 34.6, Reinier de Ridder 34.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Robert Whittaker 273, Reinier de Ridder 84
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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Bantamweight (135)
[#3][#3UFC] Petr Yan (18-5-0, -375) vs. [#19][#17UFC] Marcus McGhee (10-1-0, +289)
Petr Yan is the All-Time #10 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Petr Yan (2-1-0)
2024-11-23: W vs. [#9BW] Deiveson Figueiredo (24-5-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#7BW] Yadong Song (22-9-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-03-11: L vs. [#1P4P][#2DD][#1BW] Merab Dvalishvili (20-4-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
Last 3 Fights: Marcus McGhee (3-0-0)
2024-11-16: W vs. [#24BW] Jonathan Martinez (19-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-01-13: W vs. [#365BW] Gaston Bolanos (8-5-0) via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches) in 3:29 of round 3
2023-08-12: W vs. [*] J.P. Buys (9-6-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:19 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Petr Yan | -375 | 75.43% | |
| Elo K170 | Petr Yan | 2126.82 | +441.67 | 92.70% |
| Elo Modified | Petr Yan | 2157.81 | +467.66 | 93.66% |
| Glicko-1 | Petr Yan | 2214.70 | +451.07 | 93.07% |
| WHR | Petr Yan | 2073.60 | +465.75 | 93.59% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Petr Yan 32.4, Marcus McGhee 35.2
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Petr Yan 245, Marcus McGhee 252
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)
[#29][#22UFC] Sharabutdin Magomedov (15-1-0, -555) vs. [#42][#30UFC] Marc-Andre Barriault (18-9-0, +400)
Last 3 Fights: Sharabutdin Magomedov (2-1-0)
2025-02-01: L vs. [#16MW] Michael Page (23-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2024-10-26: W vs. [#100MW] Armen Petrosyan (9-5-0) via KO (Spinning Backfists) in 4:52 of round 1
2024-08-03: W vs. [#47MW] Michal Oleksiejczuk (21-9-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Last 3 Fights: Marc-Andre Barriault (1-2-0)
2025-05-10: W vs. [#66MW] Bruno Silva (23-13-0) via KO (Elbows and Punches) in 1:27 of round 1
2024-11-02: L vs. [#59MW] Dustin Stoltzfus (16-7-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:28 of round 1
2024-06-29: L vs. [#19MW] Joe Pyfer (14-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:25 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Sharabutdin Magomedov | -555 | 80.90% | |
| Elo K170 | Sharabutdin Magomedov | 1853.64 | +291.74 | 84.28% |
| Elo Modified | Sharabutdin Magomedov | 1865.19 | +242.12 | 80.12% |
| Glicko-1 | Sharabutdin Magomedov | 1926.51 | +242.50 | 80.15% |
| WHR | Sharabutdin Magomedov | 1855.07 | +261.83 | 81.87% |
Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Sharabutdin Magomedov 31.2, Marc-Andre Barriault 35.4
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sharabutdin Magomedov 175, Marc-Andre Barriault 77
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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Real Fight Promotion (RFP), the leading MMA organization in Ukraine, is set to celebrate a major milestone with its 100th professional event — RFP 100 – Grand Prix: Series 5, taking place on July 31, 2025, at the Lokomotyv Arena in Kolomyia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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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.
