Rankings give us the perfect assessment of a fighter’s form at any specific point in time. If we look at them over a period of a few months, we can also identify those who are in the ascendancy, along with the ones who might want to consider calling time on their careers.
The start of any New Year also gives us a perfect opportunity to make predictions. Who will be rising through the ranks in 2023 as they enjoy a stellar 12 months of MMA competition?
Why Paulo Costa Turned Down A Six-Fight Extension With UFC?
When Paulo Costa began training in Muay Thai at age 9, he started his career in combat sports. Eventually, he introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to his repertoire and began martial arts training at the age of 17.
Early in the 2010s, Costa switched to MMA, and he faced Téo Esteves in his professional debut in 2012 at the MMA Total Combat: Santa Luzia. His combats have been a popular attraction for sports bettors online.
Paulo Costa doesn’t appear to be re-signing with the UFC except if he receives a better offer. The Brazilian fighter, who has an MMA record of 14-2-0, is unquestionably one of the best in the sport. In fact, reputed sports betting sites such as captaingambling.com have always kept their players informed with detailed updates on such News which could impact the outcomes of their betting ventures. Especially, when it involves star players such as Paulo Costa.
| Monday, May 4th 2026: DEEP 131 Impact | |||
 [#2 SW] Sora Sugiyama | [#14 SW] Sukai China | ||
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| Last Fight Date: 12/14/2025 [DEEP] Last Opponent: [#7 SW] Haruo Ochi Last 5: - - W W W | Last Fight Date: 3/08/2026 [DEEP] Last Opponent: [NR] Musashi Musashi Last 5: W W W W W | ||
| Saturday, June 27th 2026: Professional Fighters League PFL San Diego: McKee vs. Isbulaev | |||
 [#6 FW] A.J. McKee |  [#19 FW] Salamat Isbulaev | ||
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| Last Fight Date: 3/20/2026 [PFL] Last Opponent: [#28 FW] Adam Borics Last 5: W W L W W | Last Fight Date: 2/07/2026 [PFL] Last Opponent: [#25 FW] Jesus Pinedo Last 5: W W W W W | ||
| Saturday, May 2nd 2026: PFL Sioux Falls: Storley vs. Zendeli | |||
 [#13 HW] Renan Ferreira |  [#24 HW] Sergey Bilostenniy | ||
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| Last Fight Date: 12/13/2025 [PFL] Last Opponent: [#5 HW] Vadim Nemkov Last 5: W W W L L | Last Fight Date: 8/21/2025 [PFL] Last Opponent: [#53 HW] Karl Williams Last 5: W W W L W | ||
| [#18 W125] |  Lucia Szabova | [#13 FW] | Youssef Zalal | |
| [#1 WW] | Islam Makhachev | [#3 FW] | Aljamain Sterling | |
| [#3 W135] |  Joselyne Edwards | [#21 LW] |  Rafa Garcia | |
| [#42 BW] |  Davey Grant | [#1 LW] |  Ilia Topuria | |
| [#5 W135] | Norma Dumont | [#1 MW] |  Khamzat Chimaev |
How Derrick Lewis Illness Promoted UFC Fight Night 215 Game Cancellation
UFC Fight Night 215 recently lost its headliner on the 19th of November 2022, hours before Sergey Spivak and Derrick Lewis were about to square off in the Octagon. In the midst of Saturday, UFC officials had announced that Lewis who was 26-10 MMA, 17-8 UFC had come down with an illness which resulted in a back-out from the game. The news was released since Lewis cited a non-weight, non-COVID-related illness for cancellation. Thus, a light heavyweight clash for three rounds took place where Ion Cutelaba stood against Kennedy Nzechukwu. It was unpredictable whether Spivak vs Lewis would be rebooked at a later date. Lewis is a two-time heavyweight title challenger. However, he has lost 3 out of 4 recent Octagon appearances. Recently, he also suffered a TKO defeat of 55 seconds at the hands of Sergei Pavlovich on the 30th of July at UFC 277. Spivak has won 5 out of 6 UFC competitions since 2020 and is 2-0 this year with a TKO against Greg Hardy and Augusto Sakai. For sports betting enthusiasts, such sudden game cancellations could be very concerning and disappointing. Bettors usually follow credible websites such as thegruelingtruth.com to have updated News and incidents that could impact their betting decisions.
MMA Mania Are Inspiring Millennial Crowd
The combat sport popular as mixed martial arts (MMA) combines elements of boxing, wrestling, judo, jujitsu, karate, Muay Thai (Thai boxing), and other disciplines. Although MMA was initially criticized as a cruel blood sport without regulations, it eventually lost its reputation for no-holds-barred combat. It became one of the fastest-growing spectator sports in the 21st century. All 50 states in the United States, and many other nations, sanction MMA events. Most on-shore and offshore sports betting websites also welcome bettors to lay wagers on their favorite fighters.
Choosing a game with the best chance of winning takes time and effort. Something new is always coming out; it can take time to know which games are the best. Lucky for you, we’ve got all the advice you’ll need. The following are some tips to assist you make a choice.
A VPN is being used by more and more people to browse the internet. It’s an easy way to ensure the three things that are crucial when using the internet: security, online privacy, and freedom. The subject may appear fairly challenging if you are not familiar with the idea of a VPN.
We’ll explain in detail how a VPN operates and why UFC fans need it, along with the benefits of using one.
You might be debating whether utilizing a VPN is vital for you. Nowadays, we do things online. We pay, communicate with friends and family, access our medical records, work, and watch our favorite movies and sports. It’s crucial that none of your information leaks to the public.
You run the risk of having more information about yourself revealed than you’d like if you don’t protect your internet connection from hackers, governments, websites, your work, and several other parties. Your data can be protected from each of these types of parties with the help of a VPN.
Online casinos are becoming increasingly popular by the day. Games that are usually played at physical casinos are now played on the internet. There are many of these platforms online with many offerings for Australian players.
Some of these online casinos have numerous to cater to the needs of online gamers. They also offer very generous incentives, promotions, and many other advantages. It is vital to find a casino that gives you these benefits.
The United States is a big stage and market for mixed martial arts. Fighters, promoters, and organizations of different sizes constantly jostle for a chance to participate in MMA events in the United States.
MMA’s popularity in the US grew over time. At one point, the sport was considered to be out of bounds and banned in most states. Currently, MMA is a major sport in the country. And given its preference among people, it is amazing to see the positive turnaround that handlers of the sport have achieved through proper organization.
Are you a single lesbian who is contemplating taking up boxing? Perhaps you’d love to meet someone who might turn out to be an ideal sparring partner – and a romantic partner? Your best bet is to join a lesbian dating site. Here, you’ll be able to mingle with a variety of delectable single girls. Get chatting in this discreet environment, flirting with other females who are into boxing. The more often you use this resource, the greater your confidence will grow. Soon, you’ll be making plans to take your digital connection to the next level. To inspire you, let’s consider the main benefits of boxing for females.
Middleweight (185)
[#4] Jared Cannonier (15-6-0, +101) vs. [#11] Sean Strickland (25-4-0, -124)
Jared Cannonier is the All-Time #35 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Jared Cannonier (2-1-0)
2022-07-02: L vs. [#2MW] Israel Adesanya (23-2-0) via UD (49-46, 50-45, 49-46)
2022-02-12: W vs. [#8MW] Derek Brunson (23-8-0) via KO (Elbows) in 4:29 of round 2
2021-08-21: W vs. [*] Kelvin Gastelum (16-8-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
Last 3 Fights: Sean Strickland (2-1-0)
2022-07-02: L vs. [#1MW/#9DD/#9P4P] Alex Pereira (7-1-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:36 of round 1
2022-02-05: W vs. [#15MW] Jack Hermansson (23-8-0) via SD (49-46, 47-48, 49-46)
2021-07-31: W vs. [*] Uriah Hall (17-11-0) via UD (50-44, 49-46, 50-45)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Sean Strickland | -124 | 52.66% | |
| Elo K170 | Jared Cannonier | 2076.03 | +101.05 | 61.34% |
| Elo Modified | Jared Cannonier | 2040.93 | +131.66 | 64.02% |
| Glicko-1 | Jared Cannonier | 2157.52 | +267.30 | 82.32% |
| WHR | Jared Cannonier | 1898.16 | +9.73 | 51.11% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jared Cannonier 168, Sean Strickland 168
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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Lightweight (155)
[#14] Arman Tsarukyan (18-3-0, -171) vs. [#33] Damir Ismagulov (24-1-0, +140)
Last 3 Fights: Arman Tsarukyan (2-1-0)
2022-06-25: L vs. [#10LW] Mateusz Gamrot (21-2-0) via UD (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
2022-02-26: W vs. [#37LW] Joel Alvarez (19-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:57 of round 2
2021-09-18: W vs. [#94LW] Christos Giagos (19-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:09 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Damir Ismagulov (3-0-0)
2022-06-18: W vs. [#50LW] Guram Kutateladze (12-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
2021-05-22: W vs. [#95LW] Rafael Alves (20-11-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2019-08-31: W vs. [#26LW] Thiago Moises (16-6-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Arman Tsarukyan | -171 | 60.22% | |
| Elo K170 | Damir Ismagulov | 2018.17 | +90.86 | 60.23% |
| Elo Modified | Damir Ismagulov | 1956.49 | +26.98 | 52.95% |
| Glicko-1 | Arman Tsarukyan | 1996.25 | +23.15 | 53.33% |
| WHR | Arman Tsarukyan | 1931.90 | +48.08 | 55.47% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Arman Tsarukyan 175, Damir Ismagulov 182
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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Flyweight (125)
[#17] Amir Albazi (15-1-0, -444) vs. [#62] Alessandro Costa (12-2-0, +329)
Last 3 Fights: Amir Albazi (3-0-0)
2022-08-20: W vs. [#99FLY] Francisco Figueiredo (13-5-1) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:34 of round 1
2021-01-23: W vs. [#44FLY] Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-8-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2020-07-18: W vs. [#74FLY] Malcolm Gordon (14-6-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 4:42 of round 1
Last 3 Fights: Alessandro Costa (3-0-0)
2022-10-14: W vs. [#1336BW] Carlos Gomez (6-6-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:12 of round 1
2022-07-26: W vs. [#130FLY] Andres Luna (12-1-0) via SD ()
2021-11-05: W vs. [#448FLY] Enrique Gonzalez (10-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:37 of round 3
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Amir Albazi | -444 | 77.78% | |
| Elo K170 | Amir Albazi | 1729.56 | +108.05 | 62.10% |
| Elo Modified | Amir Albazi | 1735.56 | +141.27 | 64.99% |
| Glicko-1 | Amir Albazi | 1786.17 | +181.08 | 73.93% |
| WHR | Amir Albazi | 1712.00 | +168.85 | 68.38% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Amir Albazi 119, Alessandro Costa 64
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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Betting on mixed martial arts is increasingly popular, and sportsbooks offer this market. The best online casinos keep pace with the MMA and combat sports industry’s progress by granting extra bonuses and themed games. Since real money wagering makes the essence of gambling, players must have a reliable cashier. He or she has to accept their deposits and pay out their winnings. Modern e-wallets are safe, secure, and mobile-friendly. In this article, you will learn the advantages of the Skrill payment method for MMA bets.
Online casino games are a fantastic choice if you enjoy gambling, online games in general, or you like to relax with the help of a simple yet exciting activity. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of casino games you can choose from, each having its level of difficulty and its own set of rules or gameplay.
Some people go for classic games, like roulette, poker, or blackjack, while others select classic games with a twist: variations of the popular cards game or roulette. However, these are not the only options players have because online gambling websites also offer impressive collections of slot games, access to live casino games, or even sports betting options.
Besides picking the best games that suit their preferences, players must also choose what type of platform they want to play on. There are two practical options for online gambling: apps and in-browser online casinos.
If you want to decide what platform you would enjoy most depending on how often you play and your playing style, we’ve got the essential pros and cons for each variant right here:
Light Heavyweight Championship (205)
[#2] Jan Blachowicz (29-9-0, +226) vs. [#6] Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-0, -292)
Jan Blachowicz is the All-Time #14 ranked Light Heavyweight fighter.
Last 3 Fights: Jan Blachowicz (2-1-0)
2022-05-14: W vs. [#10LHW] Aleksandar Rakic (14-3-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 1:11 of round 3
2021-10-30: L vs. [#3LHW] Glover Teixeira (33-8-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:02 of round 2
2021-03-06: W vs. [#2MW] Israel Adesanya (23-2-0) via UD (49-45, 49-46, 49-45)
Last 3 Fights: Magomed Ankalaev (3-0-0)
2022-07-30: W vs. [#14LHW] Anthony Smith (36-17-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:09 of round 2
2022-03-12: W vs. [#13LHW] Thiago Santos (22-11-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
2021-10-30: W vs. [#15LHW] Volkan Oezdemir (18-7-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Magomed Ankalaev | -292 | 70.83% | |
| Elo K170 | Jan Blachowicz | 2220.08 | +78.45 | 58.87% |
| Elo Modified | Jan Blachowicz | 2191.26 | +50.75 | 55.53% |
| Glicko-1 | Jan Blachowicz | 2298.43 | +59.09 | 58.42% |
| WHR | Magomed Ankalaev | 2038.11 | +7.48 | 50.85% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jan Blachowicz 210, Magomed Ankalaev 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Magomed Ankalaev leads 2-1
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Lightweight (155)
[#55] Jared Gordon (19-5-0, +204) vs. [#62] Paddy Pimblett (19-3-0, -258)
Last 3 Fights: Jared Gordon (2-1-0)
2022-08-20: W vs. [#98LW] Leonardo Santos (18-6-1) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2022-04-30: L vs. [#12LW] Grant Dawson (19-1-1) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 4:11 of round 3
2021-10-02: W vs. [#79LW] Joe Solecki (12-3-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Last 3 Fights: Paddy Pimblett (3-0-0)
2022-07-23: W vs. [#205LW] Jordan Leavitt (10-2-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 2:46 of round 2
2022-03-19: W vs. [#210LW] Rodrigo Vargas (12-5-0) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in 3:49 of round 1
2021-09-04: W vs. [*] Luigi Vendramini (9-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:25 of round 1
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Paddy Pimblett | -258 | 68.66% | |
| Elo K170 | Jared Gordon | 1831.54 | +62.66 | 57.11% |
| Elo Modified | Jared Gordon | 1799.27 | +21.54 | 52.36% |
| Glicko-1 | Paddy Pimblett | 1865.38 | +97.78 | 63.71% |
| WHR | Paddy Pimblett | 1812.26 | +93.20 | 60.49% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jared Gordon 112, Paddy Pimblett 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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Middleweight (180)
[#25WW] Alex Morono (22-7-0, +154) vs. [#40WW] Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-6-0, -186)
Last 3 Fights: Alex Morono (3-0-0)
2022-07-30: W vs. [#117WW] Matthew Semelsberger (10-4-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
2021-12-04: W vs. [#140WW] Mickey Gall (7-5-0) via UD ()
2021-09-04: W vs. [#110WW] David Zawada (18-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Last 3 Fights: Santiago Ponzinibbio (1-2-0)
2022-05-21: L vs. [#32WW] Michel Pereira (29-11-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
2021-12-11: L vs. [#6WW] Geoff Neal (15-4-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
2021-06-05: W vs. [#75WW] Miguel Baeza (10-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
| System | Favorite | Rating | Rating Diff | Win % |
| Betting Odds | Santiago Ponzinibbio | -186 | 62.28% | |
| Elo K170 | Alex Morono | 1872.69 | +90.59 | 60.20% |
| Elo Modified | Alex Morono | 1893.96 | +3.26 | 50.36% |
| Glicko-1 | Santiago Ponzinibbio | 1955.72 | +21.43 | 53.08% |
| WHR | Alex Morono | 1777.46 | +19.41 | 52.22% |
Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alex Morono 133, Santiago Ponzinibbio 203
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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