Fight Matrix 2023 Awards – Rookies of the Year (PRELIMINARY)
In case you didn’t know, we have our own list of annual awards we issue. They’ve all been posted for 2023. There is a lot of fine print on that page, so please read. Furthermore, please be aware that the awards are at minimum, strongly guided by the data and sometimes, 100% decided by the data. I’m creating posts like this to serve as supporting commentary.
The Rookie of the Year award presents some interesting challenges. It is guided by stats, but not decided by stats. There are many factors to consider, including W-L record, ratings (all systems), strength of division, and rank in division, just to name a few. Furthermore, many fighters who qualify as rookies, spend their early career in lower-level leagues that are known to have inaccurate and delayed reporting. We may get results a week, or a month from now, that could change the fighter that most deserves the award and this is why “Preliminary” is noted in the title.
Similar to baseball, a rookie to us, is a fighter who had adequate activity in the award year, but is allowed to have limited activity in the year prior. Additionally, they must have debuted in either the award year, or in the calendar year before.
As usual, there were many close calls…
Featured Upcoming Bouts (Outside of UFC)
| Thursday, December 31st 2026: Rizin FF Super Rizin 6: Shiwasu no Owarinagoya Gekokujo Matsuri | |||
 [#1 W105] Natalia Kuziutina |  [#4 W105] Saori Oshima | ||
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| Last Fight Date: 9/10/2026 [Rizin Fighting Federation] Last Opponent: [#18 W105] Rena Kubota Last 5: W W W W W | Last Fight Date: 7/18/2026 [Rizin Fighting Federation] Last Opponent: [#13 W105] Ye Ji Lee Last 5: L W L W W | ||
| Sunday, December 13th 2026: Deep - 135 Impact | |||
| [#3 SW] Sukai China | [#4 SW] Jo Arai | ||
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| Last Fight Date: 5/04/2026 [DEEP] Last Opponent: [#6 SW] Sora Sugiyama Last 5: W W W W W | Last Fight Date: 9/13/2026 [DEEP] Last Opponent: [#23 SW] Daichi Kitakata Last 5: L L W L W | ||
| Sunday, December 13th 2026: Deep Tokyo Impact 2026 6th Round | |||
| [#6 SW] Sora Sugiyama | [#10 SW] Goal Makino | ||
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| Last Fight Date: 9/20/2026 [DEEP] Last Opponent: [NR] Musashi Musashi Last 5: W W W L W | Last Fight Date: 9/06/2026 [DEEP] Last Opponent: [#42 SW] Toshiya Takashima Last 5: W W W W W | ||
Featured Fighters
| [#18 W125] |  Lucia Szabova | [#1 WW] | Islam Makhachev | |
| [#18 LW] |  Renato Carneiro | [#1 FW] |  Alexander Volkanovski | |
| [#8 HW] |  Josh Hokit | [#13 LW] | Tom Nolan | |
| [#26 WW] | Jacobe Smith | [#102 W125] | Tainara Lisboa | |
| [#1 LW] | Justin Gaethje | [#2 LW] |  Ilia Topuria |
Fight Matrix 2023 Awards – Upsets of the Year
In case you didn’t know, we have our own list of annual awards we issue. They’ve all been posted for 2023.
There is a lot of fine print on that page, so please read. Furthermore, please be aware that the awards are at minimum, strongly guided by the data.
If time allows, I’d like to provide some commentary for each award in the coming weeks. This post covers the upsets of the year, of which we post four. All four are 100% objective.
Those four flavors are:
- “Most Noteworthy (FM)” – Largest difference (by subtraction) in pre-fight ratings using the standard rating points.*
- “Most Noteworthy (Glicko)” – Largest difference (by subtraction) in pre-fight ratings using the Glicko rating points.*
- “Most Noteworthy (GlickoNoReq)” – Largest difference (by subtraction) in pre-fight ratings using the Glicko rating points.
- “Most Lopsided” – Largest difference (by division) in pre-fight ratings using the standard rating points.*
#1, #2, and #4 do not include all fights (hence the asterisk). See the Awards page for more details.
How Live Streaming is Transforming Sports Betting
Technology has incredibly evolved, impacting the world in different ways. It has transformed several sectors, giving benefactors a unique and wonderful experience. Online gaming and sports betting are two areas where technological advancements have greatly influenced how things are done. Artificial Intelligence and streaming are technological and digital instruments helping with the growth of the sports betting industry.
With live streaming, ardent sports bettors can keep track of the performance of their favorite teams and engage in real-time bets. Live streaming has benefited bettors in different ways. One of these is providing them with a more exciting and immersive experience. In this article, we’ll delve into how live streaming is transforming sports betting. Let’s get right into it.
New Feature: MMA Promotions Ranking
In light of recent acquisition of Bellator MMA by the PFL, Fight Matrix has been in the news when the PFL founder Don Davis was quoted as saying: “The combined PFL Bellator roster now has 30 percent of its fighters who are ranked top 25 in the world by Fight Matrix. That’s the same as UFC has in their roster.”
While we’re not exactly sure of the accuracy of Davis’ math, by popular demand we decided to put together a page where you can compare the top MMA promotions by the best average ranking of their fighters, the highest sum or average of the fighters’ rating points, or the most ranked fighters on the roster. You can also break it down by weight division, as well as filter only promotions with a minimum number of ranked fighters, or only consider the Top 10/25/100.
Can you make more Profit Playing at Online Casinos?
There is no simple answer to the question of whether you can make more at online casinos than at physical casinos. Many factors influence the answer, such as the capabilities of players, the odds of the game, the type of game, and the casinos where the game is being played. For a common reader, it is easier to win more money at online casinos because online casinos offer better promotions and bonuses. With these added funds, players can play for a longer time and increase their chances of winning.
Both online and physical casinos have their own pros and cons. Recent trends show that the popularity of online casinos is increasing at a rapid pace due to the convenience and better rewards offered. The outcomes are random for online casinos, too. As compared to conventional casinos, online casino games are more random because no human can alter the results. Conventional casino games like slot machines also use some form of random number generator, but digital algorithms in RNGs in online casinos are way more effective and unpredictable.
Unveiling the Thrilling World of Internet Casinos: A Comprehensive Guide
In the digital era, the realm of gambling has found a new avenue of expression through Internet casinos. The allure of these online platforms lies in their accessibility, variety of games, and the enticing opportunities they offer to players worldwide.
What are Internet Casinos?
Internet casinos in Japan (ネットカジノ), also known as online casinos, are virtual platforms that allow individuals to gamble and play various games of chance over the internet. These platforms offer an extensive array of classic and modern casino games, accessible from the comfort of one’s home.
JoyCasino: A No-Deposit Bonus Opportunity
Unlocking the World of Online Gaming Without Initial Investment
In the competitive realm of online casinos, JoyCasino has carved out a niche for itself with its generous no-deposit bonus offer. Established in 2014, the platform has become a go-to destination for gaming enthusiasts, especially those venturing into the world of online casinos for the first time.
The standout feature of JoyCasino’s offer is the no-deposit bonus, which is currently set at $45. This bonus is available exclusively to new registrants, making it a perfect starting point for novices. What makes this offer even more attractive is the absence of any requirement for a bonus code or an initial deposit. Simply registering on the platform is enough to claim this bonus.