Fight Matrix

2017 Awards: Women’s Fighters of the Year

Posted on January 2, 2018 by Jason

As a recap, most “Fighter of the Year” awards on other sites are really “Breakout Fighter of the Year” awards in that fighters who win, were usually not top fighters in the beginning of the year, but became so by the end of the year.

A fighter like this can and has won our FotY awards, but our award is more about maintaining a high standing during the award year by performing well a sufficient number of times and against a sufficient quality of opponents. It is more comparable to a season MVP in major team sports, not a playoffs/surprise MVP.

Winner: Cristiane Justino

With her win over Holm, Cyborg is right on Rousey’s heels for the title of best female MMA fighter ever. For now, she’ll have to settle with being the best of 2017.

Runner-Up: Rose Namajunas

Rose was looking like the winner, right until the last weekend of the year.

3rd Place: Livia Renata Souza

Winning more than once and being one of the best fighters outside of the UFC is good enough to earn Souza the third position.

2017 Awards: Rookies of the Year

Posted on January 1, 2018 by Jason

Men: Shamil Amirov

A 3-0-1 career record along with a draw against Rousimar Palhares, earns Amirov the award.

Honorable Mentions: Askhab Zulaev

Women: Liliya Shakirova

Soviet-based fighters tend to win these awards, due to their aggressive early matchmaking. Shakirova’s competition is suspect, but I could see her landing a Flyweight spot on a lackluster Asia/Europe UFC card.

Honorable Mention: Sunna Rannveig Davidsdottir

Featured Upcoming Bouts (Outside of UFC)

Monday, November 3rd 2025: Rizin FF - Landmark Vol. 12

[#1 W105] Seika Izawa

[#4 W105] Saori Oshima

Last Fight Date: 7/27/2025 [Rizin Fighting Federation]
Last Opponent: [#24 W105] Yu Jin Shin
Last 5: W W W W W

Last Fight Date: 9/15/2025 [DEEP]
Last Opponent: [#7 W105] Moeri Suda
Last 5: W W L L W

Friday, October 3rd 2025: Professional Fighters League PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series 3: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2

[#4 LHW] Corey Anderson

[#10 LHW] Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov

Last Fight Date: 7/19/2025 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#13 HW] Denis Goltsov
Last 5: NC L W W W

Last Fight Date: 11/29/2024 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#21 MW] Impa Kasanganay
Last 5: W W W W W

Friday, October 3rd 2025: Professional Fighters League PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series 3: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2

[#9 LW] Usman Nurmagomedov (-164)

[#14 LW] Paul Hughes (+128)

Last Fight Date: 1/25/2025 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#14 LW] Paul Hughes
Last 5: W W NC W W

Last Fight Date: 5/10/2025 [PFL]
Last Opponent: [#51 LW] Bruno Miranda
Last 5: W W W L W

Featured Fighters

[NR]	Matt Brown	[NR]	Chris Lytle
[#4 LW]	Charles Oliveira	[#1 LW]	Islam Makhachev
[#2 LW]	Ilia Topuria	[NR]	Conor McGregor
[#3 FW]	Diego Lopes	[NR]	Raja Jackson
[#1 MW]	Khamzat Chimaev	[NR]	Jon Jones

2017 Awards: Most Improved Fighter

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Jason

Most Improved Fighter of the Year: Volkan Oezdemir

With an ascent similar to that of Junior dos Santos, Oezdemir came out of nowhere to become a title contender in the UFC.

2017 Awards: Upsets of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Jason

Note: We have two ways that we derive biggest “upsets” based on points difference between winner and loser.

“Most Noteworthy” (X minus Y)
“Most Lopsided” (X divided by Y)

Most Noteworthy: Francis Ngannou KO(1) Alistair Overeem

More of a guard change than an upset. Nevertheless, Ngannou made up a massive point difference in taking Overeem out.

Most Lopsided: Volkan Oezdemir SD(3) Ovince St. Preux

Were the actual outcome a part of this, Emmett/Lamas would get the award. However, this is about proportional point differences and Oezdemir wasn’t even on the map before this fight.

2017 Awards: Most Noteworthy Match of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Jason

Most Noteworthy Match of the Year:

Max Holloway TKO(3) Jose Aldo II

The “most noteworthy” match of the year isn’t about box office or the popular scene, instead it is a pretty basic calculation — a sum of quality if you will. You can decide between the first or the rematch, they were basically the same fight.

2017 Awards: Comeback Fighter of the Year

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Jason

As a refresher, our “Comeback” award is about coming back from inactivity or major injury (that we know about) and in doing so, really impressing. You can see more details at the bottom of the post about specific qualifiers.

Comeback Fighter of the Year: Georges St. Pierre (2-time winner)

Talk about a no-brainer. GSP comes off a massive layoff and stops the Middleweight champion, capturing UFC gold in a second division. He’s the best ever.

Honorable Mentions: Al Iaquinta, Chan Sung Jung

To qualify, fighters must be in an active status at the end of the award year and did not have a fight in the previous calendar year or are coming off of a known major injury that caused an inactive period of 15+ months.

Spinanga

Current MMA Rankings Updated (12-31-2017)

Posted on December 31, 2017 by Jason

Fight Matrix Program – UFC 219: Cyborg/Holm (12-30-2017)

Posted on December 25, 2017 by Jason

Women Featherweight Championship (145)
[#1/#3DD/#3P4P] Cristiane Justino (18-1-0, -363) vs. [#5] Holly Holm (11-3-0, +285)
Cristiane Justino is the All-Time #2 ranked Women’s fighter.
Holly Holm is the All-Time #16 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Cristiane Justino (3-0-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#6BW] Tonya Evinger (19-6-0) via TKO in 1:56 of round 3
2016-09-24: W vs. [#25BW] Lina Lansberg (7-3-0) via TKO in 2:29 of round 2
2016-05-14: W vs. [#8BW] Leslie Smith (10-7-1) via TKO (Punches) in 1:21 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Holly Holm (1-2-0)
2017-06-17: W vs. [#12BW] Bethe Correia (10-3-1) via KO (Head Kick and Punch) in 1:09 of round 3
2017-02-11: L vs. [#2FW/#8DD/#10P4P] Germaine de Randamie (7-3-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2016-07-23: L vs. [#2BW/#4DD/#8P4P] Valentina Shevchenko (14-3-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cristiane Justino 154, Holly Holm 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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Lightweight (155)
[#4] Edson Barboza (19-4-0, +235) vs. [#6] Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0-0, -294)
Edson Barboza is the All-Time #27 ranked Lightweight fighter.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is the All-Time #28 ranked Lightweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Edson Barboza (3-0-0)
2017-03-11: W vs. [#14LW] Beneil Dariush (14-3-1) via TKO in 4:35 of round 2
2016-07-23: W vs. [#38FW] Gilbert Melendez (22-7-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
2016-04-23: W vs. [#11LW] Anthony Pettis (20-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Khabib Nurmagomedov (3-0-0)
2016-11-12: W vs. [#21LW] Michael Johnson (17-12-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 2:31 of round 3
2016-04-16: W vs. [#161LW] Darrell Horcher (13-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:38 of round 2
2014-04-19: W vs. [#3WW] Rafael dos Anjos (28-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Edson Barboza 294, Khabib Nurmagomedov 413
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Khabib Nurmagomedov leads 1-0
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Women Strawweight (115)
[#8] Carla Esparza (12-4-0, +220) vs. [#13] Cynthia Calvillo (6-0-0, -277)

Last 3 Fights: Carla Esparza (2-1-0)
2017-06-25: W vs. [#20SW] Maryna Moroz (8-2-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2017-02-19: L vs. [#19SW] Randa Markos (7-5-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
2016-04-23: W vs. [#34SW] Juliana Lima (9-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Cynthia Calvillo (3-0-0)
2017-07-16: W vs. [#26SW] Joanne Calderwood (11-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2017-04-08: W vs. [#101SW] Pearl Gonzalez (6-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:45 of round 3
2017-03-04: W vs. [#48SW] Amanda Bobby Cooper (3-3-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:19 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Carla Esparza 188, Cynthia Calvillo 167
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 (12-24-2017)

Posted on December 24, 2017 by Jason

McGregor Keen on Diaz Rematch

Posted on December 21, 2017 by A. J. Riot

Source: Wikimedia

It’s the news we all wanted to hear: everyone’s favorite (or least favorite) Irishman is hoping for a third bout with Nate Diaz. We all know what happened in the previous two fights, so suffice to say, that a third meeting between the pair would bring closure to a lot of people. The news comes after McGregor’s assertion just a few days ago that he was uninterested in a second consecutive boxing match after losing to Mayweather last Summer. It’s no real surprise to fans of the Irishman who understand that while the big money is in the boxing ring, McGregor’s heart is in the octagon. He does love that cash money, though.

Despite BetStars offering odds on McGregor to fight both Manny Pacquiao and Paulie Malignaggi in March of next year, we’re still unsure as to whether The Notorious will ever step back inside the boxing ring. With McGregor, you just can’t tell, and according to Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor will be in no rush to jump back into the octagon.

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Current MMA Rankings Updated (12-17-2017)

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Jason

Fight Matrix Program – UFC on Fox 26: Lawler/dos Anjos (12-16-2017)

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Jason

Welterweight (170)
[#3] Robbie Lawler (28-11-0, -110) vs. [#4] Rafael dos Anjos (27-9-0, -115)
Robbie Lawler is the All-Time #3 ranked Welterweight and #18 ranked Absolute fighter.
Rafael dos Anjos is the All-Time #32 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Robbie Lawler (2-1-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#15WW] Donald Cerrone (32-10-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-07-30: L vs. [#1WW/#5DD/#7P4P] Tyron Woodley (18-3-1) via KO (Punches) in 2:12 of round 1
2016-01-02: W vs. [*] Carlos Condit (30-10-0) via SD (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)

Last 3 Fights: Rafael dos Anjos (2-1-0)
2017-09-09: W vs. [#12WW] Neil Magny (19-6-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 3:43 of round 1
2017-06-17: W vs. [#29WW] Tarec Saffiedine (16-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-11-05: L vs. [#3LW/#8DD] Tony Ferguson (23-3-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Robbie Lawler 140, Rafael dos Anjos 98
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Rafael dos Anjos leads 2-1
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Featherweight (145)
[#4] Ricardo Lamas (18-5-0, -274) vs. [#39] Josh Emmett (12-1-0, +220)
Ricardo Lamas is the All-Time #12 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Ricardo Lamas (2-1-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#26FW] Jason Knight (20-4-0) via TKO in 4:34 of round 1
2016-11-05: W vs. [#20LW] Charles Oliveira (22-8-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 2:13 of round 2
2016-06-04: L vs. [#1FW/#1DD/#2P4P] Max Holloway (19-3-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Last 3 Fights: Josh Emmett (2-1-0)
2017-10-21: W vs. [#159FW] Felipe Arantes (18-9-1) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)
2017-04-08: L vs. [#68LW] Desmond Green (20-6-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
2016-12-17: W vs. [#84LW] Scott Holtzman (11-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ricardo Lamas 140, Josh Emmett 56
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)
[#14] Santiago Ponzinibbio (25-3-0, -194) vs. [#23] Mike Perry (11-1-0, +161)

Last 3 Fights: Santiago Ponzinibbio (3-0-0)
2017-07-16: W vs. [#22WW] Gunnar Nelson (16-3-1) via KO (Punches) in 1:22 of round 1
2017-02-19: W vs. [#66WW] Nordine Taleb (13-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-08-06: W vs. [#31WW] Zak Cummings (21-5-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Mike Perry (2-1-0)
2017-09-16: W vs. [#373WW] Alex Reyes (13-3-0) via KO (Knee) in 1:19 of round 1
2017-04-22: W vs. [#34WW] Jake Ellenberger (31-13-0) via KO (Elbow) in 1:05 of round 2
2016-12-17: L vs. [#53WW] Alan Jouban (15-6-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Santiago Ponzinibbio 153, Mike Perry 91
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 (12-10-2017)

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Jason

Fight Matrix Program – UFC Fight Night 123: Swanson/Ortega (12-09-2017)

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Jason

Featherweight (145)
[#6] Brian Ortega (12-0-0, -116) vs. [#7] Cub Swanson (25-7-0, -109)
Brian Ortega is the All-Time #45 ranked Featherweight fighter.
Cub Swanson is the All-Time #14 ranked Featherweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Brian Ortega (3-0-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#15FW] Renato Carneiro (11-1-1) via SUB in 2:59 of round 3
2016-06-04: W vs. [#28LW] Clay Guida (34-17-0) via TKO in 4:40 of round 3
2016-01-02: W vs. [#73LW] Diego Brandao (22-12-0) via Submission (Triangle Choke) in 1:37 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Cub Swanson (3-0-0)
2017-04-22: W vs. [#85FW] Artem Lobov (13-14-1) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 50-45)
2016-12-10: W vs. [#23FW] Doo Ho Choi (14-2-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2016-08-06: W vs. [#53FW] Tatsuya Kawajiri (36-12-2) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Brian Ortega 133, Cub Swanson 231
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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Featherweight (145)
[#14] Jason Knight (20-3-0, -305) vs. [#112] Gabriel Benitez (19-6-0, +242)

Last 3 Fights: Jason Knight (2-1-0)
2017-07-29: L vs. [#4FW] Ricardo Lamas (18-5-0) via TKO in 4:34 of round 1
2017-05-13: W vs. [#29FW] Chas Skelly (17-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:39 of round 3
2017-01-28: W vs. [#99FW] Alex Caceres (13-11-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:21 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Gabriel Benitez (1-2-0)
2017-05-13: L vs. [#92FW] Enrique Barzola (13-3-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2016-09-17: W vs. [#73FW] Sam Sicilia (16-8-0) via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:20 of round 2
2015-11-21: L vs. [#39FW] Andre Fili (17-5-0) via KO (Head Kick and Punches) in 3:13 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jason Knight 133, Gabriel Benitez 210
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)
[#8] Marlon Moraes (19-5-1, -150) vs. [#9] Aljamain Sterling (14-2-0, +124)
Marlon Moraes is the All-Time #19 ranked Bantamweight fighter.
Aljamain Sterling is the All-Time #40 ranked Bantamweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Marlon Moraes (2-1-0)
2017-11-11: W vs. [#10BW] John Dodson (19-9-0) via SD (30-27, 30-27, 27-30)
2017-06-03: L vs. [#7BW] Raphael Assuncao (26-5-0) via SD (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
2016-12-31: W vs. [#87BW] Josenaldo Silva (25-6-0) via TKO (Knee Injury) in 2:30 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Aljamain Sterling (2-1-0)
2017-07-29: W vs. [#25FW] Renan Barao (34-5-0) via UD (29-27, 30-26, 29-28)
2017-04-15: W vs. [#52BW] Augusto Mendes (6-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2017-01-28: L vs. [#7BW] Raphael Assuncao (26-5-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Marlon Moraes 28, Aljamain Sterling 133
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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All-Time MMA Rankings Updated (12-03-2017)

Posted on December 3, 2017 by Jason