Raul Rosas Jr. Aims for Youngest UFC Champion Title, Eyes Retirement by 25

Raul Rosas Jr., currently 21 years old, has articulated a clear and ambitious career path, aiming to become the youngest champion in UFC history and subsequently retire from the sport by the age of 25. This goal, which would see him surpass Jon Jones' record set in 2011, has been a consistent theme in his recent interviews.

The Path to a Record-Breaking Title

Rosas Jr. has openly discussed his aspirations, telling ESPN's Brett Okamoto, “I just want to accomplish my dreams, which is to become the youngest UFC champion, have the belt, defend the belt a few times, and probably retire. So, hopefully, by 25 years old, my career is all said and done, and I'm able to enjoy time with my family and whatever I decide to do.” He reiterated this sentiment in a conversation with FullSend MMA, stating that if he accomplishes his career goals by 25, he intends to step back from the sport. The bantamweight contender believes he is currently on the right track to achieve these milestones, emphasizing the importance of his upcoming bouts.

To break Jon Jones’ record, who became champion at 23 years and 243 days old, Rosas Jr. recognizes the need for an accelerated ascent through the ranks. He has indicated a willingness to take short-notice fights and risks, aiming to make significant statements with each performance rather than simply securing wins.

Current Standing and Upcoming Challenge

Raul Rosas Jr. holds a UFC record of 6-1-0 across seven fights. His last fight in March 2026 at UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 saw him secure a unanimous decision victory over Rob Font in the bantamweight division, a fight where pre-fight market odds favored him at 72% to win. This extended his UFC win streak to four fights before that bout, now standing at five consecutive wins. He is currently ranked #12 in the official UFC bantamweight rankings.

His next challenge is scheduled for September 26, 2026, where he will face Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos in a bantamweight contest. Rosas Jr.'s recent victories include unanimous decision wins against Vince Morales in March 2025 and Aoriqileng in September 2024. Prior to these, he secured a submission victory via Rear Naked Choke against Ricky Turcios in the second round in June 2024, and a first-round knockout/TKO win with punches over Terrence Mitchell in September 2023.

A Defined Future

Beyond securing the bantamweight title, Rosas Jr.'s long-term vision includes defending the belt multiple times and potentially moving up one or even two weight classes to challenge himself further. He clarified that his decision to retire is tied to the accomplishment of his goals, rather than a strict adherence to the age of 25, suggesting that if his goals are met earlier or later, that would dictate his departure from active competition.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Raul Rosas	6-1-0	Bantamweight #12

UFC records count UFC fights only. Records and rankings from UFC Stats and ufc.com.

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Bantamweight Reach: Montel Jackson Leads the Pack

In the UFC Bantamweight division, Montel Jackson stands out with the longest reach among active fighters. Reach, in the context of combat sports, measures the distance from fingertip to fingertip when a fighter's arms are outstretched horizontally. This physical attribute indicates how far a fighter can extend their strikes and maintain distance from an opponent, potentially offering an advantage in striking exchanges and defensive positioning. The following list identifies the Bantamweight fighters with the longest reach, based on data from fighters who have competed in the UFC within the last two years. Out of 262 Bantamweight fighters on record, 100 qualified for this analysis, grouped by their current weight class.

The Top Contenders

Leading the division is Montel Jackson, with an impressive 75-inch reach. This measurement gives Jackson a notable advantage, allowing him to engage opponents from a greater distance and potentially control the range of a fight. Jackson holds a UFC record of 9-4 across 13 fights. His last fight was on 25 Apr 2026, and he is currently booked to face Ricky Simon on 2026-09-26. At 34 years old, Jackson has utilized his physical dimensions throughout a significant portion of his UFC career.

Tied for the second-longest reach at 74 inches are Santiago Luna and Josias Musasa. Santiago Luna, at 22 years old, has a UFC record of 2-1 from 3 fights, with his most recent bout on 06 Jun 2026. For fighters with very few bouts, like Luna, the impact of their reach on their record is less clear, as rate statistics from limited fight data can be noisy. Josias Musasa, 28 years old, has a UFC record of 0-2 from 2 fights, last competing on 27 Sep 2025. Despite his considerable reach, Musasa has yet to secure a victory in his nascent UFC career.

The Rest of the Top 10

Two fighters share the fourth and fifth spots with a 73-inch reach. Taylor Lapilus, 34 years old, has a UFC record of 6-2 across 8 fights, with his last appearance on 28 Sep 2024. Ode Osbourne, 35 years old, has a record of 5-7 in 12 UFC fights, last fighting on 09 Aug 2025. Both fighters have utilized their reach over multiple UFC appearances.

A cluster of five fighters rounds out the top ten, all possessing a 72-inch reach. This group includes Lawrence Lui (UFC record 1-1, 2 fights, last fought 29 Aug 2026, age 30), Kyler Phillips (UFC record 6-4, 10 fights, last fought 18 Apr 2026, age 31), and Sean O'Malley (UFC record 12-3, 15 fights, last fought 14 Jun 2026, age 32). O'Malley's reach is a well-known aspect of his striking-focused approach. Also in this group are Saimon Oliveira (UFC record 0-4, 4 fights, last fought 11 Oct 2025, age 35) and Borislav Nikolic (UFC record 1-0, 1 fight, last fought 01 Aug 2026, age 34). Nikolic, with only one UFC fight, is another example where the long-term impact of his reach is yet to be fully established.

The leaderboard highlights a clear leader in Montel Jackson, followed by a tight grouping of fighters with reaches ranging from 72 to 74 inches. While reach is a significant physical attribute in fighting, its effectiveness is always intertwined with a fighter's technique, strategy, and overall skill set.

Bantamweight — longest reach

Fighter	Reach	UFC fights
1. Montel Jackson	75"	13 fights
2. Santiago Luna	74"	3 fights
3. Josias Musasa	74"	2 fights
4. Taylor Lapilus	73"	8 fights
5. Ode Osbourne	73"	12 fights
6. Lawrence Lui	72"	2 fights
7. Kyler Phillips	72"	10 fights
8. Sean O'Malley	72"	15 fights
9. Saimon Oliveira	72"	4 fights
10. Borislav Nikolic	72"	1 fights

Career statistics from UFC Stats; Elo is bjjmetrics' own rating from UFC results. Updated twice a day.

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20th Asian Games: Judo Preview - Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, commencing on 30 September 2026, will feature a strong contingent of judokas from across the continent. As of 23 September 2026, 203 athletes from 32 countries are entered, with 14 of them currently ranked within our active top 100. Entries are subject to change, and the draw has not yet been made.

Men -60 kg

Twenty athletes are entered in the men's -60 kg category. Hayato Kondo of Japan, with an Elo rating of 1331 and ranked #97 among active seniors, leads the entered athletes. Kondo, born in 2001, stands at 164 cm and favors the Uchi-mata technique. He is coached by EBINUMA Masashi and has secured 1 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals at Grand Slam events. Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan, born in 1993, is also entered. Smetov, a 2024 Olympic champion, has an Elo of 1327 and boasts an impressive medal record including Olympic gold and silver, World Championship gold, and multiple Grand Slam medals. Harim Lee of South Korea, born in 1998, completes the top three rated entrants with an Elo of 1293. Lee, a bronze medalist at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships, favors the Seoi-nage technique.

Men -66 kg

In the men's -66 kg division, 20 judokas are set to compete. Nurali Emomali of Tajikistan, born in 2002, is the highest-rated entrant with an Elo of 1359 and ranked #70. Emomali, who stands 176 cm tall, favors Ouchi-gari and has won a silver medal at the 2025 World Championships, alongside multiple Grand Slam and continental titles. Shinsei Hattori of Japan, born in 2004, is the second highest-rated with an Elo of 1332. Hattori, who favors Uchi-mata, has achieved 3 silver and 1 bronze medals at Grand Slam events. Gusman Kyrgyzbayev of Kazakhstan, born in 1993, is also entered, holding a World Championship silver medal from 2021 and an Olympic bronze from 2024.

Men -73 kg

The men's -73 kg category features 16 entered athletes. Shakhram Ahadov of Uzbekistan, born in 1997, leads the field with an Elo of 1376 and a ranking of #56. Ahadov, who favors Ippon-seoi-nage, has won 2 gold and 6 bronze medals at Grand Slam events. Muhiddin Asadulloev of Tajikistan, born in 2006, is the second highest-rated with an Elo of 1331. Asadulloev has secured 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals at Grand Slam competitions. Tatsuki Ishihara of Japan, born in 2002, is also among the top entrants, with a silver medal from the 2024 World Championships.

Men -81 kg

Eighteen athletes are entered in the men's -81 kg class. Sotaro Fujiwara of Japan, born in 1998, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1409 and ranked #37. Fujiwara, a silver medalist at the 2018 World Championships, has won 5 gold and 5 bronze medals at Grand Slam events. Joonhwan Lee of South Korea, born in 2003, is closely rated with an Elo of 1405 and ranked #39. Lee is an Olympic bronze medalist from 2024 and has won multiple Grand Slam titles. Abubakr Sherov of Tajikistan is also entered, with Grand Slam silver and bronze medals.

Men -90 kg

Seventeen judokas are entered in the men's -90 kg category. Jonghoon Kim of South Korea, born in 2001, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1333 and ranked #94. Kim, who favors Seoi-nage, has won a gold medal at a Grand Slam event. Aidar Arapov of Kazakhstan, born in 2003, is also entered, holding a Grand Slam bronze medal. Erlan Sherov of Kyrgyzstan, born in 1999, is a bronze medalist from the 2024 World Championships.

Men -100 kg

Twelve athletes are entered in the men's -100 kg division. Said Sadrudinov of Bahrain, born in 2002, leads the entrants with an Elo of 1189. Sadrudinov has won 1 gold and 2 bronze medals at Grand Slam events. Juyeop Han of South Korea, born in 1999, is also entered, with 3 bronze medals from Grand Slam competitions. Dzhakhongir Madzhidov of Tajikistan, born in 2000, has secured 1 silver and 4 bronze medals at Grand Slam events.

Men +100 kg

In the men's +100 kg, 12 judokas are set to compete. Hyoga Ota of Japan, born in 1998, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1355 and ranked #75. Ota, who favors Okuri-ashi-harai, has an impressive record of 5 gold and 5 silver medals at Grand Slam events. Muzaffarbek Turoboyev of Uzbekistan, born in 2000, is also entered. Turoboyev is a World Champion from 2022 and an Olympic bronze medalist from 2024. Minjong Kim of South Korea, born in 2001, is a silver medalist from the 2024 Olympic Games and a gold medalist at the 2024 World Championships.

Women -48 kg

Eleven athletes are entered in the women's -48 kg category. Mitsuki Kondo of Japan, born in 2005, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1296 and ranked #140. Kondo, who favors Seoi-nage, has won 2 gold and 1 silver medal at Grand Slam events. Abiba Abuzhakynova of Kazakhstan, born in 1998, is also entered. Abuzhakynova is a silver medalist from the 2025 World Championships and has multiple Grand Slam bronze medals. Narantsetseg Ganbaatar of Mongolia, born in 1995, has a World Masters silver medal from 2019.

Women -52 kg

Fourteen judokas are entered in the women's -52 kg division. Kokoro Fujishiro of Japan, born in 2002, leads the field with an Elo of 1386 and ranked #49. Fujishiro, who favors Sode-tsurikomi-goshi, has won 2 gold and 2 silver medals at Grand Slam events. Seyun Jang of South Korea, born in 2003, is also entered, with a bronze medal from continental championships. Sita Kadamboeva of Uzbekistan, born in 2002, has secured 3 bronze medals at Grand Slam events.

Women -57 kg

Sixteen athletes are entered in the women's -57 kg category. Mimi Huh of South Korea, born in 2002, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1455 and ranked #26. Huh, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist and 2024 World Champion, favors Uchi-mata and has won 3 gold medals at Grand Slam events. Ariunzaya Terbish of Mongolia, born in 2008, is also entered, with Grand Slam silver and bronze medals. Mio Shirakane of Japan, born in 2006, has achieved Grand Slam silver and bronze medals.

Women -63 kg

Ten athletes are entered in the women's -63 kg division. Narumi Tanioka of Japan, born in 2003, leads with an Elo of 1364 and ranked #67. Tanioka, who favors Osoto-gari, has won 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze medal at Grand Slam events. Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo of Mongolia, born in 1999, is the second highest-rated with an Elo of 1358. Lkhagvatogoo is a two-time bronze medalist at the World Championships. Jisu Kim of South Korea, born in 2001, has secured 2 gold and 3 bronze medals at Grand Slam events.

Women -70 kg

Fifteen judokas are entered in the women's -70 kg category. Rin Maeda of Japan, born in 2006, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1280. Maeda, who favors Seoi-nage, has won 1 gold and 2 bronze medals at Grand Slam events. Jing Tang of China, born in 1996, is also entered, with Grand Slam silver and bronze medals. Song Hui Mun of North Korea, born in 2002, has won a gold medal at continental championships.

Women -78 kg

Twelve athletes are entered in the women's -78 kg division. Mizuki Sugimura of Japan, born in 2004, leads with an Elo of 1184. Sugimura has a bronze medal from a Grand Slam event. Minju Kim of South Korea, born in 2003, has won 1 gold and 1 silver medal at Grand Slam events. Hongtao Wu of China, born in 2000, has a gold medal from continental championships.

Women +78 kg

Ten judokas are entered in the women's +78 kg category. Hyeonji Lee of South Korea, born in 2007, is the highest-rated with an Elo of 1260. Lee is a bronze medalist from the 2025 World Championships and has multiple Grand Slam and continental medals. Xinran Niu of China, born in 2005, has won 1 gold and 1 silver medal at Grand Slam events. Miki Mukunoki of Japan, born in 2004, has secured a gold medal at a Grand Slam event.

20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya -- highest-rated entrant by category

Category	Top entrant	Elo
Men -60	Hayato Kondo	Elo 1331
Men -66	Nurali Emomali	Elo 1359
Men -73	Shakhram Ahadov	Elo 1376
Men -81	Sotaro Fujiwara	Elo 1409
Men -90	Jonghoon Kim	Elo 1333
Men -100	Said Sadrudinov	Elo 1189
Men +100	Hyoga Ota	Elo 1355
Women -48	Mitsuki Kondo	Elo 1296
Women -52	Kokoro Fujishiro	Elo 1386
Women -57	Mimi Huh	Elo 1455
Women -63	Narumi Tanioka	Elo 1364
Women -70	Rin Maeda	Elo 1280
Women -78	Mizuki Sugimura	Elo 1184
Women +78	Hyeonji Lee	Elo 1260

Entries as of 23 Sep 2026 from the IJF; entries can change. Elo is projudo.xyz's rating from past IJF results, not a forecast. Names link to full profiles on projudo.xyz.

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Paulo Costa Presents UFC with Three Contract Resolution Options

Paulo Costa has publicly stated he has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and has presented the promotion with three distinct options for its fulfillment. Costa, currently ranked sixth in the light heavyweight division, has communicated his terms through social media, indicating a desire to resolve his contractual situation swiftly.

Contractual Standoff

The core of Costa's dispute centers on the terms of his final fight. He claims his contract stipulates a three-round bout, but he has been offered a five-round fight. Costa's proposed solutions are to either have the UFC honor the original three-round agreement with any available light heavyweight opponent, or to book him for a five-round fight within six weeks with a corresponding increase in his purse. Should neither of these options be met, Costa has requested an immediate release from his contract.

UFC's Stance

UFC President Dana White has countered Costa's claims, stating that the fighter has been offered multiple fights which he has declined. White indicated that the promotion does not simply release fighters and that offers are regularly made.

Recent Performance

Costa's last Octagon appearance was a third-round knockout victory against Azamat Murzakanov on April 11, 2026, at UFC 327. Prior to that, he secured a unanimous decision win over Roman Kopylov on July 19, 2025, at UFC 318. His UFC record stands at 8-4.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Paulo Costa	8-4-0	Light Heavyweight #6

UFC records count UFC fights only. Records and rankings from UFC Stats and ufc.com.

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UFC Rankings Shake-Up: Van Claims P4P Top 10, Aspinall Enters Heavyweight Top 1

Tom Aspinall New Heavyweight King

Tom Aspinall has entered the UFC heavyweight rankings at number one. This move comes as a significant development in the division, with Aspinall now positioned at the top of the division's rankings.

Pound-for-Pound Power Shifts

The men's pound-for-pound rankings have seen considerable movement. Joshua Van makes a significant leap, moving from 11th to 6th following his victory over Alexandre Pantoja. Arman Tsarukyan also climbs, moving from 14th to 13th after his win against Mauricio Ruffy. Conversely, Tom Aspinall drops from 6th to 8th in the pound-for-pound list, while Ciryl Gane falls from 10th to 11th. Justin Gaethje moves up one spot from 4th to 3rd. Merab Dvalishvili sees a slight dip, moving from 8th to 9th. Petr Yan also moves down one place, from 3rd to 4th, and Alex Pereira drops from 9th to 10th. Carlos Ulberg enters the pound-for-pound rankings at number 15, while Charles Oliveira drops out of the top 15.

Featherweight and Lightweight Movers

In the featherweight division, Patricio Pitbull makes a move up, climbing from 15th to 14th after his victory over Dooho Choi. Brian Ortega drops two spots from 11th to 13th, and David Onama falls from 14th to 15th. Aaron Pico and Melquizael Costa both move up one spot to 11th and 12th, respectively.

The lightweight division sees significant changes as well. Mauricio Ruffy drops one spot from 7th to 8th following his loss to Arman Tsarukyan. Mateusz Gamrot moves up from 11th to 10th, while Quillan Salkilld climbs from 8th to 7th after their head-to-head bout. Rafael Fiziev falls one place from 10th to 11th, bumped by Gamrot.

Every change in this update

Division	Fighter	Move
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Joshua Van	▲ 11 → 6
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Tom Aspinall	▼ 6 → 8
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Ciryl Gane	▼ 10 → 11
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Justin Gaethje	▲ 4 → 3
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Merab Dvalishvili	▼ 8 → 9
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Arman Tsarukyan	▲ 14 → 13
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Alexandre Pantoja	▼ 13 → 14
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Petr Yan	▼ 3 → 4
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Alex Pereira	▼ 9 → 10
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Carlos Ulberg	▲ — → 15
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Charles Oliveira	▼ 15 → —
Featherweight	Brian Ortega	▼ 11 → 13
Featherweight	Patricio Pitbull	▲ 15 → 14
Featherweight	Aaron Pico	▲ 12 → 11
Featherweight	David Onama	▼ 14 → 15
Featherweight	Melquizael Costa	▲ 13 → 12
Lightweight	Mauricio Ruffy	▼ 7 → 8
Lightweight	Mateusz Gamrot	▲ 11 → 10
Lightweight	Quillan Salkilld	▲ 8 → 7
Lightweight	Rafael Fiziev	▼ 10 → 11
Heavyweight	Tom Aspinall	▲ — → 1

Changes are between two consecutive snapshots of the official UFC rankings.

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Arman Tsarukyan's Title Shot Bid Gains Momentum Against Justin Gaethje

Arman Tsarukyan's decisive first-round knockout victory at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, has significantly amplified calls for him to challenge UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje next. Tsarukyan, who defeated Mauricio Ruffy by KO/TKO with an elbow at four minutes and fifty-six seconds of the first round, immediately used his post-fight platform to advocate for a title opportunity.

Managerial and Commentary Support

The momentum for a Tsarukyan-Gaethje clash has been building, with key figures in the sport weighing in. Justin Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, indicated that Gaethje's next opponent would be someone he has not faced before, effectively ruling out an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria. This statement from Abdelaziz opens a clear path for Tsarukyan, who has never fought Gaethje in the UFC.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan also publicly supported Tsarukyan's claim to the title shot. Speaking on the UFC 331 broadcast, Rogan asserted that Tsarukyan is the undisputed number one contender, stating, “Get that man a title fight. There's nothing else to say. That is, right there, the No. 1 contender in the world.” Tsarukyan himself expressed a belief that Gaethje might be trying to avoid a matchup, considering it a difficult stylistic challenge for the champion.

Prior to his fight at UFC 331, Tsarukyan had a verbal agreement with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell that a victory over Ruffy would secure him a title shot. While UFC President Dana White acknowledged Tsarukyan's strong position after his performance, he has not yet officially committed to the title fight, noting that the decision could also depend on Gaethje's future plans.

Fighter Trajectories and Potential Matchup

Arman Tsarukyan, at twenty-nine years old, has compiled an impressive UFC record of eleven wins and two losses across thirteen fights. His recent victory over Ruffy extended his UFC win streak to six consecutive fights. His last defeat came in April 2022. Tsarukyan is currently ranked as the number two contender in the lightweight division. His grappling prowess is evident in his statistics, averaging 2.7 takedowns per fight with forty-one percent accuracy and boasting an eighty-five percent takedown defense rate.

Justin Gaethje, the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, holds a UFC record of eleven wins and five losses from sixteen fights. The thirty-seven-year-old secured the championship in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250, where he defeated Ilia Topuria by KO/TKO in the fourth round. This victory marked his third consecutive win in the UFC. Gaethje, primarily a striker, averages 0.3 takedowns per fight with thirty-three percent accuracy and has a sixty-seven percent takedown defense. The contrasting styles, with Tsarukyan's strong wrestling background and Gaethje's striking-heavy approach, present an intriguing potential matchup.

Early betting lines for a hypothetical bout between the two fighters have opened with Arman Tsarukyan as the favorite to dethrone the champion. As of now, neither fighter has a next UFC fight booked on the schedule, leaving the lightweight title picture centered on a potential clash between the number two ranked contender and the champion.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Arman Tsarukyan	11-2-0	Lightweight #2
Justin Gaethje	11-5-0	Lightweight champion

UFC records count UFC fights only. Records and rankings from UFC Stats and ufc.com.

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Giovanna Carneiro Wins Gold at Manaus International Open

Giovanna Xavier Carneiro emerged victorious at the Manaus International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, securing the gold medal in the Middle division. Carneiro, representing GF Team, demonstrated her skill with two victories on her path to the title. In the semi-final, she defeated Samir Lima de Souza Galvao by disqualification. She then went on to face Luzelya Luz Bitencourt in the final round, securing the win on the way to gold. Carneiro's current Elo rating is 1506, placing her at world rank #208. This victory adds to her impressive career total of 45 golds from 61 medals.

Giovanna Xavier Carneiro — route to gold

Round	Result	Opponent	Opp Elo	Opp team	Division
Semi-final	Won	Samir Lima de Souza Galvao	—	—	Middle
—	Won	Luzelya Luz Bitencourt	1025	Clube Sevalho	Middle

Match results and Elo from bjjmetrics. Rounds are shown where the IBJJF order of fights recorded them.

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Hungary Grand Slam 2026: Ashpiz and Hershko Claim Gold

The Hungary Grand Slam 2026, held from September 11th to 13th, saw a series of compelling contests across all weight categories. Izhak Ashpiz of Israel secured the men's -60 kg gold, while Raz Hershko of Israel dominated the women's +78 kg division. The event also featured dramatic finishes, including multiple golden score deciders and decisive ippons.

Men -60 kg

Izhak Ashpiz (ISR) claimed the gold medal in the men's -60 kg category, defeating Enzo Jean (FRA) in the final. The match was decided by an ippon from Ashpiz via Ura-nage at 00:03:51. The score sequence showed two shidos against Jean for Avoid-Grip at 0:29 and False-Attack at 2:47, before Ashpiz secured the win with his technique at 3:48. Bronze medals went to Artem Lesiuk (UKR) and David Starkel (SLO).

Men -66 kg

Boyan Yotov (BUL) earned the gold medal in the men's -66 kg division. He defeated Byambasuren Ulziibayar (MGL) in the final, which concluded with an ippon from Yotov via Ura-nage at 00:03:22. Yotov had already registered a waza-ari with Yoko-guruma at 1:57 before sealing the victory. Denis Vieru (MDA) and Ryusei Seki (JPN) took bronze.

Men -73 kg

Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE) won the men's -73 kg title, overcoming Narek Vardanian (SWE) in the final. Mammadaliyev secured the ippon with Seoi-nage at 00:03:26. Vardanian received two shidos for Non-Combativity at 1:01 and 2:32, leading to Mammadaliyev's decisive technique at 3:24. Ibrahim Demirel (TUR) and Shusuke Uchimura (JPN) were the bronze medalists.

Men -81 kg

The men's -81 kg final saw Yoshito Hojo (JPN) take gold against Mihajlo Simin (SRB). The match went into golden score and was decided by hansoku-make due to a third shido against Simin at golden score +3:30 for Outside-Contest-Area. The fight time was 00:07:31. Simin had received shidos at 2:05 (Non-Combativity) and golden score +1:47 (False-Attack), while Hojo received a shido at golden score +3:30 (Outside-Contest-Area). Murodjon Yuldoshev (UZB) and Vusal Galandarzade (AZE) won bronze.

Men -90 kg

Guilherme Schimidt (BRA) is the men's -90 kg champion. He faced Boris Rutovic (SRB) in the final. Mihail Latisev (MDA) and Lachlan Moorhead (GBR) secured bronze medals.

Men -100 kg

Gennaro Pirelli (ITA) won the men's -100 kg gold medal. Jorge Fonseca (POR) took silver, with Niiaz Bilalov (RUS) and Daniel Eich (SUI) earning bronze.

Men +100 kg

In the men's +100 kg category, Valerii Endovitskii (RUS) was crowned champion. Marek-Adrian Masak (EST) finished with silver. Losseni Kone (GER) and Dzhamal Gamzatkhanov (AZE) took bronze medals.

Women -48 kg

Sabina Giliazova (RUS) secured the women's -48 kg gold medal, defeating her compatriot Kristina Dudina (RUS) in a golden score final that ended at 00:04:55 with a hansoku-make against Dudina for her third shido (Non-Combativity) at golden score +0:54. Earlier shidos were given to both athletes at 1:09 (Non-Combativity) and to Dudina at 3:20 (Non-Combativity). Baasankhuu Bavuudorj (MGL) and Tomoka Arakawa (JPN) won bronze.

Women -52 kg

Ayumi Leiva Sanchez (ESP) won the women's -52 kg title. She defeated Barbara Twarowska (POL) in the final by yuko with O-uchi-gari at 00:04:00. Twarowska received shidos at 0:40 (False-Attack) and 2:24 (Non-Combativity), while Leiva Sanchez scored her yuko at 0:53. Odette Giuffrida (ITA) and Tereza Bodnarova (CZE) took bronze.

Women -57 kg

Haruka Funakubo (JPN) is the women's -57 kg champion. She defeated Olga Mukhina (RUS) in the final by waza-ari-awasete-ippon with Yoko-shiho-gatame (hold-down) at 00:02:30. Mukhina had scored a yuko with Yoko-otoshi at 1:03, but Funakubo responded with a yuko from Ko-soto-gari at 1:30 and then secured the decisive waza-ari with Yoko-shiho-gatame at 2:14. Seija Ballhaus (GER) and Sarah Souza (BRA) won bronze.

Women -63 kg

Megu Danno (JPN) claimed the women's -63 kg gold medal in a golden score final against Kaja Kajzer (SLO), which ended at 00:05:04. Danno secured the winning yuko with Ko-uchi-gari at golden score +1:02. Kajzer had received a shido at golden score +0:47 (Non-Combativity) after both athletes were cautioned for Non-Combativity at 1:20. Danno also received a shido at 0:35 for False-Attack. Ariela Sanchez Benitez (ESP) and Kerem Primo (ISR) took bronze.

Women -70 kg

Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE) won the women's -70 kg title. She defeated Kaillany Cardoso (BRA) in the final by waza-ari-awasete-ippon with Yoko-shiho-gatame (hold-down) at 00:01:41. Teltsidou had scored a waza-ari with Ushiro-goshi at 1:27, following an initial shido against both athletes at 0:14 for Avoid-Grip. Serafima Moscalu (ROU) and Michaela Polleres (AUT) won bronze.

Women -78 kg

Petrunjela Pavic (CRO) is the women's -78 kg champion. She beat Mao Izumi (JPN) in the final by ippon (Cancel Waza-ari) at 00:02:33. Izumi had scored a waza-ari with De-ashi-harai at 1:12 and a yuko with Yoko-shiho-gatame at 1:53, but Pavic's decisive technique at 2:26 overturned the score. Fanny Estelle Posvite (FRA) and Metka Lobnik (SLO) took bronze.

Women +78 kg

Raz Hershko (ISR) secured the women's +78 kg gold medal, defeating Celia Cancan (FRA) in the final with an ippon from Harai-goshi at 00:01:11. The decisive technique occurred at 1:07. Safa Soliman (EGY) and Emma-Melis Aktas (EST) won bronze.

Notable Performances

Among other top-rated athletes, Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) was eliminated in the Round of 64 by Benedek Toth (HUN). Lara Cvjetko (CRO) placed 7th after losing in the repechage to Ingrid Nilsson (SWE). Messaoud Redouane Dris (ALG) finished 5th, falling to Shusuke Uchimura (JPN) in the bronze medal match. Kisumi Omori (JPN) was defeated by Nicole Stakhov (GER) in the Round of 32.

Hungary Grand Slam 2026 -- medallists

Category	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Final won by
Men -60 kg	Izhak Ashpiz ISR, Elo 1343	Enzo Jean FRA, Elo 1255	Artem Lesiuk UKR, Elo 1183 David Starkel SLO, Elo 1120	Ippon (Ura-nage)
Men -66 kg	Boyan Yotov BUL, Elo 1154	Byambasuren Ulziibayar MGL, Elo 1058	Denis Vieru MDA, Elo 1261 Ryusei Seki JPN, Elo 1070	Ippon (Ura-nage)
Men -73 kg	Rashid Mammadaliyev AZE, Elo 1278	Narek Vardanian SWE, Elo 1211	Ibrahim Demirel TUR, Elo 1165 Shusuke Uchimura JPN, Elo 1274	Ippon (Seoi-nage)
Men -81 kg	Yoshito Hojo JPN, Elo 1322	Mihajlo Simin SRB, Elo 1239	Murodjon Yuldoshev UZB, Elo 1274 Vusal Galandarzade AZE, Elo 1225	Hansoku-make (third shido) in golden score
Men -90 kg	Guilherme Schimidt BRA, Elo 1326	Boris Rutovic SRB, Elo 1207	Mihail Latisev MDA, Elo 1282 Lachlan Moorhead GBR, Elo 1119	-
Men -100 kg	Gennaro Pirelli ITA, Elo 1290	Jorge Fonseca POR, Elo 1329	Niiaz Bilalov RUS, Elo 1350 Daniel Eich SUI, Elo 1329	-
Men +100 kg	Valerii Endovitskii RUS, Elo 1211	Marek-Adrian Masak EST, Elo 1100	Losseni Kone GER, Elo 1221 Dzhamal Gamzatkhanov AZE, Elo 1071	-
Women -48 kg	Sabina Giliazova RUS, Elo 1275	Kristina Dudina RUS, Elo 1245	Baasankhuu Bavuudorj MGL, Elo 1325 Tomoka Arakawa JPN, Elo 1127	Hansoku-make (third shido) in golden score
Women -52 kg	Ayumi Leiva Sanchez ESP, Elo 1215	Barbara Twarowska POL, Elo 1070	Odette Giuffrida ITA, Elo 1482 Tereza Bodnarova CZE, Elo 1222	Yuko (O-uchi-gari)
Women -57 kg	Haruka Funakubo JPN, Elo 1519	Olga Mukhina RUS, Elo 1198	Seija Ballhaus GER, Elo 1300 Sarah Souza BRA, Elo 1218	Waza-ari-awasete-ippon (Yoko-shiho-gatame, hold-down)
Women -63 kg	Megu Danno JPN, Elo 1268	Kaja Kajzer SLO, Elo 1267	Ariela Sanchez Benitez ESP, Elo 1154 Kerem Primo ISR, Elo 1149	Yuko (Ko-uchi-gari) in golden score
Women -70 kg	Elisavet Teltsidou GRE, Elo 1370	Kaillany Cardoso BRA, Elo 1141	Serafima Moscalu ROU, Elo 1176 Michaela Polleres AUT, Elo 1291	Waza-ari-awasete-ippon (Yoko-shiho-gatame, hold-down)
Women -78 kg	Petrunjela Pavic CRO, Elo 1092	Mao Izumi JPN, Elo 1259	Fanny Estelle Posvite FRA, Elo 1278 Metka Lobnik SLO, Elo 1229	Ippon (Cancel Waza-ari)
Women +78 kg	Raz Hershko ISR, Elo 1332	Celia Cancan FRA, Elo 1241	Safa Soliman EGY, Elo 1187 Emma-Melis Aktas EST, Elo 1190	Ippon (Harai-goshi)

Results and final scores from the IJF. Elo is projudo.xyz's rating after the event. Names link to full profiles on projudo.xyz.

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Ciryl Gane Crowned UFC Heavyweight Champion

Ciryl Gane is the New Heavyweight Champion

Ciryl Gane has ascended to the pinnacle of the UFC's heavyweight division, officially becoming the new UFC Heavyweight Champion. This significant shift in the division's hierarchy comes as Tom Aspinall has vacated the title due to ongoing recovery from an eye injury. Gane, who previously held the interim heavyweight title, now claims the undisputed belt.

Aspinall Vacates Title Due to Injury

Tom Aspinall has officially vacated the UFC Heavyweight Championship. The decision stems from complications with an eye injury sustained during his previous bout. Aspinall has undergone multiple surgeries and has been unable to receive medical clearance to compete. Knowing that the division was being held up in his absence, Aspinall made the difficult choice to relinquish the title, aiming to allow other fighters the opportunity to compete for championship gold. He expressed his commitment to returning to the octagon once medically cleared.

Rankings Update and Notable Moves

With Gane's elevation to champion, the UFC rankings reflect this change at the top of the heavyweight division. Tom Aspinall, no longer holding the championship, has been removed from the champion status and dropped out of the top rankings. The exact reason for Aspinall's move from champion to unranked is not explicitly stated in the provided data beyond the vacating of the title due to injury, but it is understood he was bumped by Gane's ascension to the championship.

Pound-for-Pound Landscape

While the heavyweight division sees a new champion, the pound-for-pound rankings remain largely unchanged at the very top, with Islam Makhachev continuing to hold the number one spot. Other notable fighters in the pound-for-pound top 10 include Alexander Volkanovski, Petr Yan, Justin Gaethje, and Ilia Topuria. The rankings are voted on by a panel of media members, though the UFC has also introduced an Elo-based mathematical model, the Meta UFC Rankings, to supplement the traditional system.

Division Shuffles

Beyond the headline change in the heavyweight division, the UFC rankings often see smaller, one-place shuffles across various weight classes. These movements typically occur due to recent fight results, with fighters gaining or losing positions based on wins and losses. Fighters who do not compete can also see their rankings affected as others move past them. The UFC rankings are updated following each event, reflecting the dynamic nature of mixed martial arts competition.

Every change in this update

Division	Fighter	Rank	Why
Heavyweight	Ciryl Gane	▲ 1 → C	no fight on record in the window; no data-backed reason
Heavyweight	Tom Aspinall	▼ C → —	did not fight; bumped by Ciryl Gane

Changes are between two consecutive snapshots of the official UFC rankings. Reasons come from each fighter's most recent result on record.

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Galvao, Marchand, Liberati, Evangelista: Elite Black Belts Enter IBJJF Stage

The upcoming IBJJF calendar is heating up with the registration of several elite black belts, promising thrilling matchups and high-level jiu-jitsu action across multiple prestigious events. Among the most anticipated entries is Sarah C Firme Galvao, who has officially entered the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026, scheduled for October 2 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus.

Galvao and Marchand Set for Pan No-Gi

Sarah C Firme Galvao, an adult black belt representing Atos Jiu Jitsu, will compete in the Female Middle division. Rated at an impressive 2161 Elo and ranked #7 globally, Galvao brings a formidable record of 71 career golds and 81 total medals to the mats. Promoted to black belt in June 2025 by her renowned parents, André and Angelica Galvão, she has quickly established herself as a dominant force in the sport. Her performances have been nothing short of spectacular, including a clean sweep of submission victories at the 2025 IBJJF American Nationals. Galvao has consistently completed the IBJJF Grand Slam at every colored belt, maintaining a number one ranking each season. Her entry into the Pan No-Gi Championship, considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in the no-gi circuit, elevates the stakes significantly for the female middleweight division.

Also slated for the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 is Lillian Jane Marchand, who will compete in the Female Light division. Marchand, an adult black belt from VA Jiu Jitsu Luxembourg, holds an Elo rating of 1753 and is ranked #55. She boasts a strong competitive history with 30 career golds and 46 total medals. Marchand earned her black belt in May 2025 and has already made a significant impact, including winning the IBJJF No-Gi World Championship in 2025 in the Adult Female Lightweight division. Her aggressive and direct style of jiu-jitsu, focused on submissions, has been highlighted in her past performances, making her a dangerous contender in any bracket. While both Galvao and Marchand will be showcasing their skills at the same prestigious event in Secaucus, they will be competing in different weight classes, ensuring that both the female middle and light divisions will feature top-tier talent.

Liberati Heads to Campeonato Sul-Americano

Further south, Vinicius Liberati has confirmed his participation in the Campeonato Sul-Americano de Jiu-Jitsu 2026, taking place from September 25 at the Ginásio Poliesportivo José Correa in Barueri, Brazil. Liberati, an adult black belt representing Soldiers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is rated 1570 Elo and ranked #147. He has accumulated 43 career golds and 69 total medals. Since earning his black belt on May 14, 2022, Liberati has quickly ascended to the elite ranks, securing gold medals at the IBJJF World Championship, European Championship, and Brazilian Nationals in 2026. His return to the Sul-Americano, an event he previously won as a brown belt in 2021, will undoubtedly bring a high level of competition to the Male Super-Heavy division. The Campeonato Sul-Americano is a significant regional championship, and Liberati's presence guarantees an exciting and challenging field for his opponents.

Evangelista Enters San Antonio Fall Open

Finally, veteran competitor Ricardo Ferreira Evangelista has entered the San Antonio Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, scheduled for September 27 at Mission Concepcion Sports Park in San Antonio. Evangelista, an adult black belt from Team Evangelista USA, holds an Elo rating of 1565 and is ranked #154. His extensive career is marked by an impressive 79 career golds and 116 total medals. A 4th-degree black belt, Evangelista is a seasoned ultra-heavyweight who has consistently demonstrated his competitive edge. His accolades include multiple IBJJF World Master titles in 2023 and 2024, as well as Pan American Championships in 2011 and 2019. As the founder of Team Evangelista BJJ, his leadership and experience are invaluable. Evangelista's entry into the San Antonio Open ensures that the Male Ultra-Heavy division will feature a highly experienced and decorated grappler, promising intense battles for the podium.

These recent entries by some of the world's top black belts signal an exciting period for IBJJF competition, with each athlete poised to make a significant impact in their respective divisions and events.

Entry list — elite black belts

Athlete	Team	Elo	Golds	Event	Date	Weight
Sarah C Firme Galvao	Atos Jiu Jitsu	2161	71	Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026	2026-10-02	Middle
Lillian Jane Marchand	VA Jiu Jitsu Luxembourg	1753	30	Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026	2026-10-02	Light
Vinicius Liberati	Soldiers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu	1570	43	Campeonato Sul-Americano de Jiu-Jitsu 2026	2026-09-25	Super-Heavy
Ricardo Ferreira Evangelista	Team Evangelista USA	1565	79	San Antonio Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026	2026-09-27	Ultra-Heavy

Elo and career medal counts from bjjmetrics. Entries are IBJJF black belt adult divisions only.

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UFC 331: Sharaf Stuns Steveson in Massive Upset

The biggest story at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, was undoubtedly the seismic upset delivered by Sean Sharaf, who knocked out the heavily favored Gable Steveson just twelve seconds into their heavyweight clash. This stunning result sent shockwaves through the division and immediately became the night's most talked-about moment, overshadowing even the main event.

Main Event: Van Claims Flyweight Gold Over Pantoja

In the night's headliner, Joshua Van secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Alexandre Pantoja in their flyweight championship rematch. Van, who entered the bout as the slight betting favorite, proved his mettle over five grueling rounds to retain his title. The fight showcased a tactical battle, with both fighters demonstrating resilience and skill, but ultimately, Van's performance was enough to convince the judges.

This victory further solidifies Van's position at the top of the flyweight division, marking a significant step in his career trajectory. For Pantoja, the loss represents a setback in his quest to reclaim the championship, leaving him with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses. The bout, while not a finish, was a testament to the competitive nature of the flyweight landscape.

Van's win, coming after a previous victory where he was favored, reinforces his status as a formidable champion. The rematch was highly anticipated, and Van delivered a performance that will be remembered as a key moment in his championship reign, moving his own record to 11 wins and 1 loss.

Upset Special: Sharaf Knocks Out Steveson

The most shocking moment of UFC 331 arrived early in the heavyweight division when Sean Sharaf, a massive underdog at 13.3-to-1, delivered a thunderous knockout blow to Gable Steveson just twelve seconds into the first round. Steveson, who was widely expected to dominate, was caught cold, and Sharaf capitalized with a devastating punch. This result dramatically alters the perception of both fighters, with Sharaf now holding a significant scalp and Steveson facing his first professional defeat, moving his record to 1-1-0.

Pitbull Soars Over Choi in Featherweight Clash

Patricio Pitbull, entering as a 2.5-to-1 underdog, pulled off a significant upset in the featherweight division, stopping Dooho Choi with punches in the first round at 3:28. Pitbull showcased his veteran savvy and power, overcoming the odds to secure a crucial victory. Choi, who was the betting favorite, was unable to withstand Pitbull's offense, marking a disappointing night for his camp and moving his record to 6-4-0.

Menifield Outlasts Baraniewski in Light Heavyweight Bout

Alonzo Menifield secured a split decision win over Iwo Baraniewski in a closely contested light heavyweight bout that went the distance. Menifield, who was the underdog, demonstrated grit and determination to overcome Baraniewski's challenge. The fight saw both men exchange blows over three rounds, with the judges ultimately siding with Menifield, who improves his record to 12-6-0.

Vera Finishes Jourdain in Bantamweight Showdown

Marlon Vera staged a comeback victory against Charles Jourdain, securing a knockout win in the third round at 2:02. Vera, who was the underdog in this bantamweight contest, rallied after a tough start to land a decisive blow. The finish marked a significant win for Vera, who moves his professional record to 16-11-0, while Jourdain's record slips to 9-8-0.

Tsarukyan Dominates Ruffy with First-Round KO

Arman Tsarukyan asserted his dominance in the lightweight division, dispatching Mauricio Ruffy with a spectacular elbow knockout in the first round at 4:56. Tsarukyan, the clear betting favorite, lived up to expectations with a powerful and precise finish. The victory was a statement performance from Tsarukyan, who continues to climb the lightweight rankings, improving his record to 11-2-0.

Undercard Action

The undercard of UFC 331 also featured several exciting finishes and notable performances. Joanderson Brito kicked off the night with a first-round knockout over Giga Chikadze. Ryan Gandra also secured an early finish, knocking out Ozzy Diaz in the first round. Robelis Despaigne took a decision win against Tai Tuivasa, while Casey O'Neill submitted Eduarda Moura in the first round. Edmen Shahbazyan earned a decision victory over Brunno Ferreira, and Michael Aswell Jr. also won by decision against JooSang Yoo.

UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 — full results

Winner	Defeated	Method	Finish	Pre-fight odds
Joshua Van	Alexandre Pantoja	U-DEC	R5 5:00	Favourite (58%)
Sean Sharaf UPSET	Gable Steveson	KO/TKO Punch	R1 0:12	13.3-to-1 underdog (7%)
Patricio Pitbull UPSET	Dooho Choi	KO/TKO Punches	R1 3:28	2.5-to-1 underdog (29%)
Alonzo Menifield UPSET	Iwo Baraniewski	S-DEC	R3 5:00	2.2-to-1 underdog (32%)
Marlon Vera UPSET	Charles Jourdain	KO/TKO Punch	R3 2:02	1.9-to-1 underdog (35%)
Arman Tsarukyan	Mauricio Ruffy	KO/TKO Elbow	R1 4:56	Favourite (73%)
Joanderson Brito	Giga Chikadze	KO/TKO Punches	R1 1:57	Heavy favourite (79%)
Ryan Gandra	Ozzy Diaz	KO/TKO Punch	R1 2:04	Heavy favourite (82%)
Robelis Despaigne	Tai Tuivasa	S-DEC	R3 5:00	Heavy favourite (80%)
Casey O'Neill	Eduarda Moura	SUB Armbar	R1 3:22	Favourite (68%)
Edmen Shahbazyan	Brunno Ferreira	U-DEC	R3 5:00	Favourite (64%)
Michael Aswell Jr.	JooSang Yoo	S-DEC	R3 5:00	—

Pre-fight odds are the closing Polymarket prices before the card started; percentages are market-implied win probability.

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UFC Fight Card Additions: Big Bouts Set for Fall

The UFC has been busy bolstering its upcoming fight cards with a series of exciting new matchups. Fight fans have plenty to look forward to as the fall season approaches, with several intriguing contests officially announced.

Brener vs. Harrell to Kick Off September

Kicking off the new bookings is a lightweight clash between Elves Brener and Josiah Harrell, set for September 26, 2026. Brener, with a professional record of 14-3-0, will look to continue his upward trajectory. Harrell, holding a 11-1-0 record, is known for his explosive style and will be looking to make a statement against a more experienced opponent.

October Packed with Action

October is shaping up to be a massive month for the UFC, with multiple fights added to the schedule. On October 3, 2026, fans will be treated to a stacked card featuring several notable bouts. Lightweight contender Alexander Hernandez (18-9-0) faces a stern test against the veteran Rafael Dos Anjos (31-15-0). In another lightweight contest, King Green (36-17-1) takes on Esteban Ribovics (12-1-0). The welterweight division will also see action as Khaos Williams (16-5-0) meets Roberto Soldic (22-3-0). Additionally, a heavyweight bout between Anthony Wint (8-0-0) and Lucas Armand (11-1-0) has been booked for the same date.

Heavyweight and Bantamweight Showdowns

Later in October, the heavyweight division will be in the spotlight. Alexander Volkov (40-11-0), a seasoned veteran, is slated to face Rizvan Kuniev (14-3-1) on October 24, 2026. The bantamweight division also gets some attention as Cody Chovancek (10-2-0) is set to fight SuYoung You (16-4-0) on October 17, 2026. On the same night, the heavyweight division will see Javad Mahjoub (5-0-0) face Louie Sutherland (11-6-0).

Moicano Returns Against Nolan

Rounding out the new bookings, a lightweight bout between the highly regarded Renato Moicano (17-5-1) and Tom Nolan (11-3-0) is scheduled for October 31, 2026. Moicano, known for his technical striking and grappling, will aim to solidify his position in the division, while Nolan will be looking to pull off an upset.

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October UFC Fights: A Packed Schedule

October is shaping up to be a massive month for MMA fans, with a flurry of exciting matchups officially announced. The month kicks off on October 3rd with a stacked card featuring several compelling bouts. Veteran Rafael Dos Anjos looks to continue his legacy against the dynamic Alexander Hernandez. In the heavyweight division, the always dangerous Khaos Williams steps in to face the powerful Roberto Soldic. Also on October 3rd, Marcus McGhee will face Bernardo Sopaj, King Green takes on Esteban Ribovics, and the flyweight division sees a fascinating clash between the highly-ranked Natalia Silva and the up-and-coming Wang Cong. The month continues on October 17th with Cody Chovancek meeting SuYoung You and Javad Mahjoub facing Louie Sutherland. The heavyweight division takes center stage again on October 24th when the veteran Alexander Volkov meets the formidable Rizvan Kuniev. Closing out the month on October 31st, the always exciting Renato Moicano is set to battle Tom Nolan.

Heavyweight Power and Veteran Savvy

The heavyweight division will be a focal point in October. Alexander Volkov, a seasoned contender with a wealth of experience and knockout power (40-11-0 record), faces a stern test in Rizvan Kuniev (14-3-1). Kuniev has shown his finishing ability with multiple KO victories, making this a classic striker versus grappler or power puncher matchup to watch. On the same October 3rd card, the undefeated Anthony Wint (8-0-0) will look to continue his impressive run against Lucas Armand.

Lightweight and Flyweight Showdowns

The lightweight division will see some intriguing contests. Renato Moicano (21-7-1), known for his submission skills, faces the #14 ranked Tom Nolan (11-1-0), who has shown a well-rounded game with wins by knockout, submission, and decision. In the flyweight division, the #1 ranked Natalia Silva (20-5-1) will aim to maintain her dominance against Wang Cong (10-1-0), who has a strong striking background. The October 3rd card also features King Green (36-17-1) against Esteban Ribovics, and Cody Chovancek will face SuYoung You (16-4-0) on October 17th, with You known for his grappling prowess.

Welterweight and Featherweight Action

The welterweight division will be ablaze on October 3rd as Khaos Williams (16-5-0), a dangerous finisher with a high knockout rate, takes on the powerful Roberto Soldic. This bout promises fireworks. The same October 3rd card will also showcase Rafael Dos Anjos (31-14-1) against Alexander Hernandez (11-5-0), a fight that pits a veteran legend against a hungry contender. Javad Mahjoub and Louie Sutherland will also clash on October 17th.

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October UFC Fights: New Bookings & Matchups

The UFC has been busy lining up exciting matchups for the month of October, with several intriguing bouts announced across multiple fight nights. Here's a look at the newly booked fights:

October 3rd Fights

The month kicks off with a stacked October 3rd card featuring a mix of established veterans and rising contenders. In the lightweight division, the dynamic Alexander Hernandez will face the experienced Rafael Dos Anjos. Hernandez, known for his explosive striking, will look to make a statement against the former champion Dos Anjos, who continues to prove his resilience. The bantamweight division sees the #15 ranked Marcus McGhee take on Bernardo Sopaj. McGhee, a powerful finisher, will aim to continue his climb up the rankings. Also in the welterweight division, the hard-hitting Khaos Williams is set to clash with the dangerous Roberto Soldic. Both men possess significant knockout power, promising an explosive encounter. Rounding out the early October action, King Green will face Esteban Ribovics in what is expected to be a thrilling lightweight contest.

October 17th Fights

The middle of October brings a featherweight bout between Cody Chovancek and SuYoung You. Both fighters will be looking to make their mark in a competitive division.

October 24th Fights

Heavyweight action takes center stage on October 24th as the veteran Alexander Volkov faces the powerful Rizvan Kuniev. Volkov, a former title challenger, brings a wealth of experience, while Kuniev has been steadily building his resume with impressive wins.

October 31st Fights

Closing out the month on Halloween, the lightweight division will feature a highly anticipated matchup between the skilled Renato Moicano and the promising Tom Nolan. Moicano, known for his technical striking and grappling, will face a stern test in Nolan, who has been making waves in the division.

Women's Flyweight Clash

Adding to the excitement, the #1 ranked women's flyweight, Natalia Silva, is scheduled to compete on October 3rd against Wang Cong. Silva has been dominant in her recent performances and will look to continue her impressive run.

The month of October is shaping up to be a significant one for the UFC, with these newly announced matchups offering a diverse range of styles and potential fireworks.

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