MMA – Page 7 – Fight Matrix

Fight Matrix Program – UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 (01-31-2026)

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Jason

Featherweight Championship (145)
[#11P4P][#1][#1UFC] Alexander Volkanovski (27-4-0, -159) vs. [#3][#3UFC] Diego Lopes (27-7-0, +131)
Alexander Volkanovski is the All-Time #2 ranked Featherweight and #7 ranked Absolute fighter.
Diego Lopes is the All-Time #32 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Alexander Volkanovski (1-2-0)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#3FW] Diego Lopes (27-7-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
2024-02-17: L vs. [#2P4P][#9DD][#1LW] Ilia Topuria (17-0-0) via KO (Punch) in 3:32 of round 2
2023-10-21: L vs. [#1P4P][#1WW] Islam Makhachev (28-1-0) via KO (Head Kick and Punches) in 3:06 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Diego Lopes (2-1-0)
2025-09-13: W vs. [#12FW] Jean Silva (17-3-0) via TKO (Spinning Back Elbow and Punches) in 4:48 of round 2
2025-04-12: L vs. [#1FW] Alexander Volkanovski (27-4-0) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
2024-09-14: W vs. [#9FW] Brian Ortega (16-5-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Alexander Volkanovski	-159		58.64%
Elo K170	Alexander Volkanovski	2240.10	+165.98	72.22%
Elo Modified	Alexander Volkanovski	2213.98	+156.81	71.15%
Glicko-1	Alexander Volkanovski	2255.57	+116.07	66.11%
WHR	Alexander Volkanovski	2182.54	+161.54	71.71%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Alexander Volkanovski 37.3, Diego Lopes 31.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alexander Volkanovski 294, Diego Lopes 140
Previous Match-up Record: Alexander Volkanovski leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
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Lightweight (155)
[#7][#6UFC] Benoit St. Denis (16-3-0, -324) vs. [#8][#7UFC] Dan Hooker (24-13-0, +252)
Dan Hooker is the All-Time #45 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Benoit St. Denis (3-0-0)
2025-11-15: W vs. [#13LW] Beneil Dariush (23-7-1) via KO (Punches) in 0:16 of round 1
2025-09-06: W vs. [#48LW] Mauricio Ruffy (12-2-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 2:56 of round 2
2025-05-10: W vs. [#321LW] Kyle Prepolec (18-10-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 2:35 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Dan Hooker (2-1-0)
2025-11-22: L vs. [#10DD][#2LW] Arman Tsarukyan (23-3-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 3:34 of round 2
2024-08-17: W vs. [#9LW] Mateusz Gamrot (25-4-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2023-07-08: W vs. [#27LW] Jalin Turner (15-9-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Benoit St. Denis	-324		72.89%
Elo K170	Benoit St. Denis	2090.93	+19.55	52.81%
Elo Modified	Benoit St. Denis	2057.92	+93.97	63.20%
Glicko-1	Benoit St. Denis	2163.12	+208.22	76.83%
WHR	Benoit St. Denis	1943.71	+111.51	65.52%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Benoit St. Denis 30.1, Dan Hooker 35.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Benoit St. Denis 77, Dan Hooker 70
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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Lightweight (155)
[#12][#10UFC] Rafael Fiziev (13-4-0, -115) vs. [#48][#26UFC] Mauricio Ruffy (12-2-0, -107)
Rafael Fiziev is the All-Time #49 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rafael Fiziev (1-2-0)
2025-06-21: W vs. [#26LW] Ignacio Bahamondes (18-6-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2025-03-08: L vs. [#5LW] Justin Gaethje (27-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-09-23: L vs. [#9LW] Mateusz Gamrot (25-4-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 2:03 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Mauricio Ruffy (2-1-0)
2025-09-06: L vs. [#7LW] Benoit St. Denis (16-3-0) via Submission (Face Crank) in 2:56 of round 2
2025-03-08: W vs. [#49LW] Bobby Green (33-17-1) via KO (Spinning Wheel Kick) in 2:07 of round 1
2024-11-16: W vs. [#297WW] James Llontop (18-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Rafael Fiziev	-115		50.85%
Elo K170	Rafael Fiziev	1980.59	+229.53	78.94%
Elo Modified	Rafael Fiziev	1956.18	+204.16	76.41%
Glicko-1	Rafael Fiziev	2023.82	+213.10	77.32%
WHR	Rafael Fiziev	1947.27	+192.29	75.15%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Rafael Fiziev 32.9, Mauricio Ruffy 29.6
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rafael Fiziev 224, Mauricio Ruffy 147
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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From Rankings to Wagers: How to Read MMA Odds Like a FightMatrix Analyst

Posted on January 26, 2026 by A. J. Riot

In the rapidly evolving world of mixed martial arts, rankings no longer tell the full story. As global MMA promotions continue to expand and betting markets grow more sophisticated, understanding how odds are formed and what they truly represent has become a critical skill for modern bettors. Increasingly, analysts and sportsbooks alike are borrowing concepts from advanced ranking systems such as FightMatrix to assess fighter value beyond win-loss records.

This shift is also influencing how fans engage with the sport. With major fight cards drawing international attention, especially across Europe, bettors are becoming more data-driven. Whether it’s evaluating a short-notice replacement or identifying stylistic mismatches, many are now combining analytical rankings with wagering insights particularly when placing some bets on Irish sports, including the MMA.

So, how do you read MMA odds the way a FightMatrix analyst would? The answer lies in understanding how rankings, statistics, and context converge to shape betting markets.

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Current MMA Rankings Updated (01-25-2026)

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Jason

Dana White vs. Harvey Levin — $10K Blackjack Faceoff

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Oleg

TMZ just dropped a clip of UFC President Dana White going head-to-head with TMZ founder Harvey Levin in a $10,000 blackjack game, playing for charity. It’s a fun crossover of high-stakes gambling, UFC star power, and celebrity competition.

Read more about it here, or watch the video above.

Psychology of Risk: How MMA Fighters Control Emotions in Pinco Casino

Posted on January 23, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Have you ever wondered why an MMA fighter, someone who literally stares down a physical threat for a living, looks so incredibly calm at a high-stakes blackjack table? It isn’t just about having nerves of steel; it’s about a deeply ingrained psychological conditioning toward risk management. When these athletes aren’t in the gym, many seek reliable entertainment options like Pinco, where the rush of the game meets a secure environment. Much like a perfectly timed counter-punch, gambling requires a mix of intuition and cold, hard logic. For many fans, a platform like Pinco casino offers that same blend of thrill and reliability, making it a top choice for those who understand the value of a calculated move.

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UFC 324 — Gaethje vs. Pimblett

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Interim Lightweight Championship (155 lbs)
January 24, 2026
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

[#5][#4 UFC] Justin Gaethje (26–5–0) vs. [#8][#5 UFC] Paddy Pimblett (23–3–0)

Stylistic Breakdown

Justin Gaethje

Pressure-based striker with high output, emphasis on leg kicks and mid-range exchanges. Defensive wrestling and takedown awareness have improved, particularly against single-shot entries. Historically effective over extended durations. Primary risk area remains prolonged grappling sequences and transitional control.

Paddy Pimblett

Submission-oriented finisher with strong positional awareness in scrambles. Most effective when converting chaos into back control or dominant top positions. Striking output has increased, though defensive gaps remain, particularly against sustained pressure and leg-kick damage.

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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/

Real Fight Promotion: A Key MMA Platform in Eastern Europe

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Over nearly two decades of continuous operation, Real Fight Promotion (RFP) has established itself as one of the most authoritative and consistent MMA promotions in Eastern Europe. Founded in 2007, the organization has played a significant role in the development of professional MMA in Ukraine, building a clear and effective athlete pathway—from debut to international competition.

Despite the full-scale war in Ukraine, RFP has never suspended its operations. Since February 24, 2022, the promotion has successfully delivered 15 professional events, maintaining sporting standards, safety requirements, and principles of international transparency.

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Vitaliy Vovk

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Analyst

https://rfpromo.com/

rfpromo.com/

FightMatrix 20 under 20

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Hafid Darbaki

FightMatrix’s Current MMA Rankings are built to surface talent globally, regardless of promotion size, geography, or hype. With thousands of active fighters tracked and ranked weekly through the CIRRS system, the data often reveals elite prospects long before they become widely known.

This article highlights the 20 highest-ranked professional MMA fighters in the world under the age of 20, based on the latest FightMatrix rankings. Each athlete listed here is already ranked globally and within their division, reflecting real competitive results — not projection.

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What Makes MMA Different From Other Combat Sports

Posted on January 20, 2026 by A. J. Riot

In the world of full contact sports, there is a diverse range of fighting disciplines that each pose their own unique challenges. From boxing to judo, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, each discipline requires its own skill set, understanding of the rules and judging criteria, and athletic build.

There are of course similar traits that belong to the whole family of full contact sports such as strength, resilience, and peak conditioning, but in terms of a sport that requires such a well-rounded fighter, no fight compares to one in a mixed martial arts cage.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has established itself as the leader in MMA, due to its global outreach, with the world’s best fighters looking to secure the various weight category titles. In the heavyweight category, England’s Tom Aspinall was elevated to undisputed champion on 21^st June 2025 after Jon Jones retired.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett (01-24-2026)

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Jason

Lightweight Championship (155)
[#5][#5UFC] Justin Gaethje (26-5-0, +191) vs. [#8][#7UFC] Paddy Pimblett (23-3-0, -235)
Justin Gaethje is the All-Time #9 ranked Lightweight and #49 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Justin Gaethje (2-1-0)
2025-03-08: W vs. [#12LW] Rafael Fiziev (13-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2024-04-13: L vs. [#4LW] Max Holloway (27-8-0) via KO (Punch) in 4:59 of round 5
2023-07-29: W vs. [*] Dustin Poirier (30-10-0) via KO (Head Kick) in 1:00 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Paddy Pimblett (3-0-0)
2025-04-12: W vs. [#25LW] Michael Chandler (23-10-0) via TKO (Elbows and Punches) in 3:07 of round 3
2024-07-27: W vs. [#49LW] Bobby Green (33-17-1) via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke) in 3:22 of round 1
2023-12-16: W vs. [*] Tony Ferguson (25-11-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Paddy Pimblett	-235		67.12%
Elo K170	Justin Gaethje	2286.80	+188.51	74.75%
Elo Modified	Justin Gaethje	2234.53	+168.55	72.52%
Glicko-1	Justin Gaethje	2284.76	+131.23	68.04%
WHR	Paddy Pimblett	2025.84	+0.07	50.01%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Justin Gaethje 37.2, Paddy Pimblett 31.0
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Justin Gaethje 322, Paddy Pimblett 287
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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Bantamweight (135)
[#3][#3UFC] Sean OMalley (18-3-0, -206) vs. [#6][#6UFC] Yadong Song (22-9-1, +168)
Sean OMalley is the All-Time #10 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Yadong Song is the All-Time #50 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Sean OMalley (1-2-0)
2025-06-07: L vs. [#3DD][#7P4P][#2BW] Merab Dvalishvili (21-5-0) via Submission (North-South Choke) in 4:42 of round 3
2024-09-14: L vs. [#3DD][#7P4P][#2BW] Merab Dvalishvili (21-5-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2024-03-09: W vs. [#12BW] Marlon Vera (24-11-1) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-44)

Last 3 Fights: Yadong Song (2-1-0)
2025-02-22: W vs. [*] Henry Cejudo (16-6-0) via TUD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2024-03-09: L vs. [#1DD][#4P4P][#1BW] Petr Yan (20-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2023-12-09: W vs. [#37BW] Chris Gutierrez (22-7-2) via UD (50-44, 50-45, 50-45)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Sean OMalley	-206		64.34%
Elo K170	Sean OMalley	2094.90	+55.55	57.93%
Elo Modified	Sean OMalley	2059.31	+30.67	54.40%
Glicko-1	Sean OMalley	2115.11	+23.44	53.37%
WHR	Sean OMalley	1949.75	+35.98	55.16%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Sean OMalley 31.2, Yadong Song 28.1
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sean OMalley 231, Yadong Song 336
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Sean OMalley leads 2-1
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Heavyweight (265)
[#8][#7UFC] Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2-0, -340) vs. [#13][#10UFC] Derrick Lewis (29-12-0, +260)
Derrick Lewis is the All-Time #28 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (2-1-0)
2025-11-22: W vs. [#23HW+] Shamil Gaziev (14-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:22 of round 1
2025-11-01: W vs. [#16HW+] Ante Delija (26-7-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:59 of round 1
2025-08-23: L vs. [#4HW+] Sergei Pavlovich (20-3-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Derrick Lewis (2-1-0)
2025-07-12: W vs. [#83HW+] Tallison Teixeira (8-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:35 of round 1
2024-05-11: W vs. [#26HW+] Rodrigo Nascimento (13-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:49 of round 3
2023-11-04: L vs. [#6HW+] Jailton Almeida (22-4-0) via UD (50-44, 50-44, 50-45)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	-340		73.55%
Elo K170	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	1969.65	+104.60	64.62%
Elo Modified	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	1969.93	+115.38	66.02%
Glicko-1	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	2042.19	+104.30	64.57%
WHR	Waldo Cortes-Acosta	1888.33	+89.51	62.61%

Fighter Ages on Fight Day: Waldo Cortes-Acosta 34.3, Derrick Lewis 40.9
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta 63, Derrick Lewis 196
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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How Training Discipline Shapes Success In Combat Sports

Posted on January 17, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Do you ask yourself how fighters stay steady, sharp, and confident year after year, even when training looks long and demanding? Many fans and learners feel curious about what truly builds success in combat sports, and the answer often points to one simple habit that stays with every strong athlete: training discipline. This article talks in a friendly and easy way about how steady practice habits guide fighters toward steady growth, calm focus, and lasting results. The idea here is simple: keep showing up, follow the plan, and trust the process with a positive mind.

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Three MMA Fighters: When Image Becomes a Weapon

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Mark Collins

Modern MMA is no longer just about technique and physical strength. It’s about characters — fighters whose image is instantly readable by the audience. A strong archetype amplifies a fighter’s presence, makes them memorable, and turns a fight into a story. Here are three fighters whose images work as powerfully as their skills.

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Current MMA Rankings Updated (01-11-2026)

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Jason

Momentum vs Statistics: What Really Decides a Fight?

Posted on January 8, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Predicting the result of a professional fight is never as simple as comparing records on paper. Some fans believe that a competitor riding a wave of recent victories has a natural advantage, while others trust detailed performance numbers collected over many years. The truth is that both momentum and statistics influence outcomes in different ways, and understanding how they interact gives a clearer view of what really decides a contest.

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Biggest Women’s Pro MMA Upsets of All-Time

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Jason

While completing our MMA Awards post for 2025, I started to wonder what the biggest upsets of all-time were. We have four different upset awards, each using different rules and/or rating systems.

In this post, we will consider all pro fights with only one exception — the winner must have a pro loss prior to the fight date. I will however, post some notable fights that would’ve otherwise qualified.

To determine the order, we will use ratings from the Elo and Glicko systems, total the pre-fight ratings for each fighter, then order by the difference.

Prepare to read about some fighters you’ve probably never heard of…

Upsets

#5 – (1497pts) [3-4-0] Shana Dobson W(TKO) [9-1-0] Mariya Agapova
UFC on ESPN 15 (September 22, 2020)

I’m a little surprised that a UFC fight made the cut, especially in the women’s list. As far as the outcome, ESPN referred to it as a “historic upset”. From what I recall, Agapova came into the UFC with a ton of hype and a pretty nice 9-1 record. Dobson, at around +850, derailed the hype train.

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