Fight Matrix

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your MMA Journey

Posted on April 22, 2023 by A. J. Riot

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport that incorporates several martial arts styles, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. MMA has gained immense popularity in recent years and has become a popular choice for those looking to stay fit, learn self-defense, and even compete professionally.

There are some crucial considerations to make if you want to begin your MMA journey. Here are 9 tips to help you in starting your MMA journey and achieving your objectives.

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Kazakh fight against American in UFC ended with brutal knockout

Posted on April 22, 2023 by A. J. Riot

Ethnic Kazakh from China Sairan Nurdanbek (39-10) performed at the UFC 287 mixed martial arts tournament in Miami (USA, Florida). Nurdanbek fought with American Steve Garcia (13-5). This fight took place in the featherweight division and was scheduled for three rounds. It ended with the victory of the fighter from the USA by knockout in the second round. Thus, Steve Garcia won the fourteenth victory in his professional career, and Sairan Nurdanbek suffered the eleventh defeat. As for Nurdanbek’s performances in the UFC, he spent five fights in the largest promotion: his record is three wins and two losses.

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Featured Upcoming Bouts (Outside of UFC)

Thursday, September 10th 2026: Super RIZIN 5: Naniwa No Chou Fukkatsu Matsuri

[#5 FW] A.J. McKee

[#6 FW] Rajabali Shaidullaev

Last Fight Date: 6/27/2026 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#20 FW] Salamat Isbulaev
Last 5: W L W W W

Last Fight Date: 4/12/2026 [Rizin Fighting Federation]
Last Opponent: [#248 FW] Yuta Kubo
Last 5: W W W W W

Thursday, September 10th 2026: Super RIZIN 5: Naniwa No Chou Fukkatsu Matsuri

[#1 W105] Natalia Kuziutina

[#16 W105] Rena Kubota

Last Fight Date: 4/12/2026 [Rizin Fighting Federation]
Last Opponent: [#9 W105] Ayaka Hamasaki
Last 5: W W W W W

Last Fight Date: 12/31/2025 [Rizin Fighting Federation]
Last Opponent: [#2 W105] Seika Izawa
Last 5: W L W W L

Friday, October 16th 2026: Professional Fighters League PFL Chicago 2: Carmouche vs. Bishop 2

[#6 W125] Liz Carmouche

[#14 W125] Jena Bishop

Last Fight Date: 6/27/2026 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#15 W125] Viviane Araujo
Last 5: L W W W W

Last Fight Date: 6/27/2026 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#38 W125] Ariane Lipski da Silva
Last 5: W W L W W

Featured Fighters

[#1 WW]	Islam Makhachev	[#191 WW]	Namo Fazil
[#159 WW]	Conor McGregor	[#2 LW]	Ilia Topuria
[#1 FW]	Alexander Volkanovski	[NR]	Khabib Nurmagomedov
[#13 MW]	Israel Adesanya	[#3 LW]	Charles Oliveira
[#4 BW]	Umar Nurmagomedov	[#1 LW]	Justin Gaethje

What are RedDog Casino No Deposit Bonuses?

Posted on April 18, 2023 by A. J. Riot

RedDog Casino provides no deposit bonuses to new registered players as an initiation. These bonuses are highly valued by beginners and experienced players may not find them worthy. Experienced players know that bonuses alone will not bring significant winnings; as a result, they must make a deposit and meet certain requirements. Before starting the game, it is important to carefully study the betting rules of each organization. These provisions are unique to each organization and should not be overlooked. RedDog Casino uses accruals as an incentive for traders. Basically, this means that players receive credit into their gaming account without spending anything. However, it would be unprofitable for the casino to give money away without a reason, as this would expose the institution to the risk of losing profits. So while players benefit from accruals, RedDog Casino also ensures that it remains profitable.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Pavlovich vs. Blaydes (04-22-2023)

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Jason

Heavyweight (265)
[#4] Curtis Blaydes (17-3-0, -173) vs. [#5] Sergei Pavlovich (17-1-0, +139)
Curtis Blaydes is the All-Time #26 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Curtis Blaydes (3-0-0)
2022-07-23: W vs. [#11HW+] Tom Aspinall (12-3-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 0:15 of round 1
2022-03-26: W vs. [#16HW+] Chris Daukaus (12-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:17 of round 2
2021-09-25: W vs. [#9HW+] Jairzinho Rozenstruik (13-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Sergei Pavlovich (3-0-0)
2022-12-03: W vs. [#8HW+] Tai Tuivasa (14-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:54 of round 1
2022-07-30: W vs. [#13HW+] Derrick Lewis (26-11-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:55 of round 1
2022-03-19: W vs. [#102HW+] Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:03 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Curtis Blaydes	-173		60.23%
Elo K170	Curtis Blaydes	2136.85	+127.57	64.17%
Elo Modified	Curtis Blaydes	2137.00	+135.87	64.45%
Glicko-1	Curtis Blaydes	2213.54	+121.74	66.84%
WHR	Curtis Blaydes	2011.93	+60.50	56.87%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Curtis Blaydes 273, Sergei Pavlovich 140
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#11] Ricky Simon (21-3-0, -133) vs. [#12] Yadong Song (19-8-1, +109)

Last 3 Fights: Ricky Simon (3-0-0)
2022-07-16: W vs. [#43FW] Jack Shore (17-1-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 3:28 of round 2
2021-12-18: W vs. [*] Raphael Assuncao (28-10-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:14 of round 2
2021-02-13: W vs. [#98BW] Brian Kelleher (24-14-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Yadong Song (2-1-0)
2022-09-17: L vs. [#3BW] Cory Sandhagen (16-4-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 4
2022-03-12: W vs. [#96FW] Marlon Moraes (23-12-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:06 of round 1
2021-11-13: W vs. [#74BW] Julio Arce (18-6-0) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in 1:35 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Ricky Simon	-133		54.39%
Elo K170	Ricky Simon	2002.39	+159.03	67.40%
Elo Modified	Ricky Simon	1952.10	+119.07	62.74%
Glicko-1	Ricky Simon	1985.64	+126.11	67.39%
WHR	Ricky Simon	1880.37	+141.20	65.59%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ricky Simon 280, Yadong Song 217
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Middleweight (185)
[#25] Brad Tavares (19-7-0, -157) vs. [#50] Bruno Silva (22-8-0, +130)

Last 3 Fights: Brad Tavares (2-1-0)
2022-07-02: L vs. [#8MW] Dricus Du Plessis (19-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2021-07-10: W vs. [#37LHW] Omari Akhmedov (24-8-1) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2021-01-23: W vs. [#22LHW] Antonio Carlos Jr. (15-5-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Bruno Silva (1-2-0)
2022-08-13: L vs. [#35MW] Gerald Meerschaert (35-16-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:39 of round 3
2022-03-12: L vs. [#2MW] Alex Pereira (7-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2021-12-11: W vs. [#130LHW] Jordan Wright (12-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:28 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Brad Tavares	-157		58.42%
Elo K170	Brad Tavares	1809.75	+166.43	68.14%
Elo Modified	Brad Tavares	1787.97	+98.63	60.63%
Glicko-1	Brad Tavares	1806.22	+67.17	59.55%
WHR	Brad Tavares	1772.75	+97.38	60.94%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brad Tavares 294, Bruno Silva 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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Current MMA Rankings Updated (04-16-2023)

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Jason

LightHeavyweight & Middleweight Musings

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Oleg

Fresh on the heels of a historic rematch for the UFC middleweight belt, both the champion and the challenger are seeking to broaden their MMA horizons by moving up to 205 lbs. This doesn’t come as a huge surprise to anyone: the once again middleweight champ Israel ‘The Last Stylebender’ Adesanya has already tested his luck at a higher weight class, losing a unanimous decision to Jan Blachowitz at UFC 259. Meanwhile Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira has competed as a light-heavyweight in kickboxing in the past, and is a huge middleweight by UFC standards.

While Pereira and Adesanya moving up in weight seems almost inevitable, it does throw two already tumultuous UFC division into further disarray. Read on for my thoughts on the state of the 185 lbs and 205 lbs weight classes in the UFC, or if you are just here for the gambling content, you can waste some time playing slots with no deposit bonus 2023 Germany.

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What’s Next For Israel Adesanya Following His Stunning Knockout Victory over Alex Pereira?

Posted on April 13, 2023 by A. J. Riot

On April 8th, at UFC 287 inside Miami’s Kaseya Center, former Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya embarked on his toughest challenge yet. He faced off against nemesis Alex Pereira, a man that has beaten him three times in the past. ‘Poatan’ twice defeated The Last Stylebender in the kickboxing world, before defeating him once again the first time the pair faced off in the Octagon, taking the Nigerian-born Kiwi’s title in the process, as well as ending his undefeated streak in the middleweight division. Oddschecker, which compares combat sports odds and offers, couldn’t split the pair heading into the bout, but it was Adesanya who asserted his dominance for the first time in the duo’s epic rivalry.

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Top 10(11) Fighters of the 1990s – Sherdog vs Fight Matrix

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Jason

Sherdog recently released a Top 10 (Actually 11) Ranking for the 1990s. How do we compare to them?

I took our All-Time Ranking process and ran it against only bouts prior to 2000. It wasn’t coded with this purpose in mind, but why not?

In the light blue is the Sherdog rank, followed by our rank of those fighters. In the far right column, is our Top 11.

For the most part, we are in rough agreement. But the ones we disagree on, we vary pretty widely.

I think all can agree that both Shamrocks, Royce Gracie, Mark Coleman, Bas Rutten and Dan Severn belong in this list. And they are in both. Miletich made both lists and although the Welterweight talent pool was not vast in the 90s, I think he deserves inclusion. 7 out of 11 isn’t bad at all and each of the 7 don’t vary by more than 4 spots. When you consider the divisional differences, it is actually great.

So, that does leave 8 fighters who are on only one list.. First, we’ll discuss the big problems.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen (04-15-2023)

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Jason

Featherweight (145)
[#2] Max Holloway (23-7-0, -171) vs. [#5] Arnold Allen (19-1-0, +138)
Max Holloway is the All-Time #3 ranked Featherweight and #10 ranked Absolute fighter.
Arnold Allen is the All-Time #37 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Max Holloway (2-1-0)
2022-07-02: L vs. [#1FW/#3DD/#5P4P] Alexander Volkanovski (25-2-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
2021-11-13: W vs. [#3FW] Yair Rodriguez (15-3-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
2021-01-16: W vs. [#9FW] Calvin Kattar (23-7-0) via UD (50-43, 50-43, 50-42)

Last 3 Fights: Arnold Allen (3-0-0)
2022-10-29: W vs. [#9FW] Calvin Kattar (23-7-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 0:08 of round 2
2022-03-19: W vs. [#12LW] Dan Hooker (22-12-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 2:33 of round 1
2021-04-10: W vs. [#21FW] Sodiq Yusuff (13-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Max Holloway	-171		60.02%
Elo K170	Max Holloway	2180.89	+61.16	56.94%
Elo Modified	Max Holloway	2176.60	+79.97	58.66%
Glicko-1	Max Holloway	2252.53	+97.50	63.67%
WHR	Arnold Allen	2070.20	+14.92	51.70%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Max Holloway 287, Arnold Allen 168
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#25] Billy Quarantillo (17-4-0, -167) vs. [#36] Edson Barboza (22-11-0, +135)

Last 3 Fights: Billy Quarantillo (2-1-0)
2022-12-10: W vs. [#29LW] Alexander Hernandez (14-6-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 4:30 of round 2
2021-11-06: L vs. [#18FW] Shane Burgos (15-3-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2021-07-17: W vs. [#307LW] Gabriel Benitez (23-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:40 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Edson Barboza (1-2-0)
2022-03-05: L vs. [#24FW] Bryce Mitchell (15-1-0) via UD (30-25, 30-26, 30-27)
2021-08-28: L vs. [#15FW] Giga Chikadze (14-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:44 of round 3
2021-05-15: W vs. [#18FW] Shane Burgos (15-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:16 of round 3

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Billy Quarantillo	-167		59.51%
Elo K170	Edson Barboza	1732.38	+4.53	50.52%
Elo Modified	Edson Barboza	1763.69	+23.18	52.53%
Glicko-1	Billy Quarantillo	1812.10	+16.39	52.36%
WHR	Billy Quarantillo	1722.22	+54.75	56.22%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Billy Quarantillo 126, Edson Barboza 406
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Edson Barboza leads 1-0
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#20] Dustin Jacoby (18-6-1, -201) vs. [#28] Azamat Murzakanov (12-0-0, +161)

Last 3 Fights: Dustin Jacoby (2-1-0)
2022-10-29: L vs. [#19LHW] Khalil Rountree (11-6-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2022-07-16: W vs. [#44LHW] Da Woon Jung (15-4-1) via KO (Punch) in 3:13 of round 1
2022-03-05: W vs. [#30MW] Michal Oleksiejczuk (20-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Azamat Murzakanov (3-0-0)
2022-08-13: W vs. [#32LHW] Devin Clark (14-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:18 of round 3
2022-03-12: W vs. [#101LHW] Tafon Nchukwi (6-3-0) via KO (Flying Knee) in 0:44 of round 3
2021-08-31: W vs. [#56HW+] Matheus Scheffel (17-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:00 of round 1

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Dustin Jacoby	-201		63.54%
Elo K170	Azamat Murzakanov	1760.59	+12.89	51.47%
Elo Modified	Dustin Jacoby	1823.52	+31.66	53.46%
Glicko-1	Dustin Jacoby	1874.59	+26.29	53.78%
WHR	Azamat Murzakanov	1933.76	+156.76	67.18%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dustin Jacoby 168, Azamat Murzakanov 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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Current MMA Rankings Updated (04-09-2023)

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Jason

The Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter in UFC History

Posted on April 6, 2023 by A. J. Riot

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become one of the most popular sports in the world, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is undoubtedly the premier organization for MMA fighters. Over the years, the UFC has seen some of the greatest fighters in history step into the Octagon, and fans have been treated to some incredible displays of skill, power and determination.

When it comes to discussing the UFC’s top fighters, the term “pound-for-pound” refers to a fighter’s ability to perform regardless of weight class. In other words, if two fighters of different weights were to compete, the pound-for-pound ranking would be used to determine who the better fighter is.

With so many talented fighters having graced the UFC’s Octagon, it’s not an easy task to determine who the best pound-for-pound fighter in the organization’s history is. From legends like Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre to modern-day superstars like Jon Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov, the list of UFC’s top fighters is long and impressive. However, after taking into account their skills, accomplishments and impact on the sport, one name stands out as the best pound-for-pound fighter in UFC history:

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The Thrill of MMA: What Makes It Such an Exciting Spectator Sport?

Posted on April 4, 2023 by A. J. Riot

Mixed martial arts, commonly known as MMA, has taken the sports world by storm and emerged as one of the most popular combat sports across the globe. MMA combines various fighting styles, including wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and kickboxing, making it a highly dynamic and exciting sport to watch.

With popular organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and ONE Championship, millions of fans around the world tune in to watch their favorite fighters compete in the octagon each week. MMA is known for its fast-paced action, technical skills, and unpredictable outcomes, making it a thrilling experience for viewers.

In this article, we delve into the various aspects that make MMA an electrifying sport and explore what draws fans to this exciting world of fighting.

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Fight Matrix Program – UFC 287: Pereira vs. Adesanya (04-02-2023)

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Jason

Middleweight Championship (185)
[#1/#7DD/#8P4P] Alex Pereira (7-1-0, +115) vs. [#2] Israel Adesanya (23-2-0, -142)
Alex Pereira is the All-Time #22 ranked Middleweight fighter.
Israel Adesanya is the All-Time #2 ranked Middleweight and #20 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Alex Pereira (3-0-0)
2022-11-12: W vs. [#2MW] Israel Adesanya (23-2-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:01 of round 5
2022-07-02: W vs. [#10MW] Sean Strickland (26-5-0) via KO (Punches) in 2:36 of round 1
2022-03-12: W vs. [#48MW] Bruno Silva (22-8-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Israel Adesanya (2-1-0)
2022-11-12: L vs. [#1MW/#7DD/#8P4P] Alex Pereira (7-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:01 of round 5
2022-07-02: W vs. [#4MW] Jared Cannonier (16-6-0) via UD (49-46, 50-45, 49-46)
2022-02-12: W vs. [#3MW] Robert Whittaker (24-6-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Israel Adesanya	-142		55.78%
Elo K170	Israel Adesanya	2228.01	+305.38	80.14%
Elo Modified	Israel Adesanya	2206.78	+230.23	73.26%
Glicko-1	Israel Adesanya	2228.41	+173.50	73.08%
WHR	Israel Adesanya	2046.15	+1.09	50.13%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alex Pereira 147, Israel Adesanya 147
Previous Match-up Record: Alex Pereira leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#5] Gilbert Burns (21-5-0, -498) vs. [#17] Jorge Masvidal (35-16-0, +353)
Gilbert Burns is the All-Time #24 ranked Welterweight fighter.
Jorge Masvidal is the All-Time #20 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Gilbert Burns (2-1-0)
2023-01-21: W vs. [#12WW] Neil Magny (27-10-0) via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) in 4:15 of round 1
2022-04-09: L vs. [#5MW] Khamzat Chimaev (12-0-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2021-07-10: W vs. [#7WW] Stephen Thompson (17-6-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Jorge Masvidal (0-3-0)
2022-03-05: L vs. [#3WW] Colby Covington (17-3-0) via UD (50-44, 50-45, 49-46)
2021-04-24: L vs. [#2WW/#10P4P] Kamaru Usman (20-3-0) via KO (Punch) in 1:02 of round 2
2020-07-11: L vs. [#2WW/#10P4P] Kamaru Usman (20-3-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Gilbert Burns	-498		79.04%
Elo K170	Gilbert Burns	2180.56	+98.42	61.05%
Elo Modified	Gilbert Burns	2142.64	+67.12	57.29%
Glicko-1	Gilbert Burns	2203.17	+50.87	57.27%
WHR	Gilbert Burns	2024.87	+148.44	66.34%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Gilbert Burns 77, Jorge Masvidal 399
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Gilbert Burns leads 2-0
.

Bantamweight (135)
[#7] Rob Font (19-6-0, +148) vs. [#56] Adrian Yanez (16-3-0, -184)
Rob Font is the All-Time #43 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Rob Font (1-2-0)
2022-04-30: L vs. [#6BW] Marlon Vera (21-8-1) via UD (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
2021-12-04: L vs. [*] Jose Aldo (31-8-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
2021-05-22: W vs. [#24BW] Cody Garbrandt (13-5-0) via UD (48-47, 50-45, 50-45)

Last 3 Fights: Adrian Yanez (3-0-0)
2022-06-18: W vs. [#266BW] Tony Kelley (8-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:49 of round 1
2021-11-20: W vs. [#27BW] Davey Grant (15-6-0) via SD (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
2021-07-24: W vs. [#628BW] Randy Costa (6-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:11 of round 2

System	Favorite	Rating	Rating Diff	Win %
Betting Odds	Adrian Yanez	-184		61.64%
Elo K170	Rob Font	1875.54	+119.74	63.34%
Elo Modified	Rob Font	1851.89	+154.97	66.34%
Glicko-1	Rob Font	1922.37	+164.38	72.04%
WHR	Rob Font	1777.94	+93.23	60.49%

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rob Font 343, Adrian Yanez 294
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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Current & All-Time MMA Rankings Updated (04-02-2023)

Posted on April 2, 2023 by Jason

Will UFC 288 Provide Redemption for Two Former Champions?

Posted on March 28, 2023 by A. J. Riot

Although its card may be shy of a blockbusting fight that shifts PPV units, UFC 288 could still deliver at least two intriguing narratives. Charles Oliveira returns to the Octagon against Beneil Dariush, and he will be seeking redemption after a hurtful loss to Islam Makhachev last time out that ultimately cost him the lightweight championship.

The headline bout will see the long-awaited return of Henry Cejudo, the former bantamweight king who surprisingly retired at the age of 33 in 2020.

Any notion that Cejudo would shake off the ring rust with a simple assignment was quickly dispelled when he accepted a fight with current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, the New Yorker who is currently in the midst of a five-year unbeaten streak.

“I will bring war to you.”

Triple C believes he already has the playbook to defeat the bantamweight champ 📖 #UFC288

(via @dc_mma) pic.twitter.com/RIAzOygSjf

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 23, 2023

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