Askren and Masvidal Revisit Historic UFC 239 Flying Knee Knockout

Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal recently reunited to discuss their historic flying knee knockout from UFC 239, an event that remains one of the fastest finishes in UFC history. The two fighters sat down for a conversation, revisiting the moments leading up to and immediately following the iconic five-second bout.

The Historic Encounter Revisited

The reunion saw Askren and Masvidal break down the legendary flying knee that ended their fight in July 2019. According to MMA Fighting, the discussion highlighted the unique nature of the knockout, with one participant remarking, "Never, ever seen anyone do it like that." Masvidal, an Orthodox stance fighter with a 74-inch reach, executed the strike just five seconds into the welterweight contest. This swift finish caught Askren off guard, leading to an immediate and decisive knockout.

Masvidal had reportedly studied Askren closely before their fight, a detail he revealed during their recent discussion. The knockout not only showcased Masvidal's striking prowess but also significantly elevated his standing in the sport. Askren, for his part, has previously stated that he does not recall the knockout itself but has watched the footage.

Masvidal's Career Trajectory

The UFC 239 victory over Ben Askren marked a pivotal moment in Jorge Masvidal's career. At the time of the fight, Masvidal had already accumulated 22 UFC fights, holding a UFC record of 12-10-0. His career in the UFC had seen him compete consistently in the welterweight division. Before this memorable knockout, Masvidal's takedown defense stood at 66%, and he averaged 0.8 takedowns per fight with 59% accuracy, showcasing a well-rounded, though primarily striking-focused, skill set.

Following the win against Askren, Masvidal continued his momentum, securing a victory against Nate Diaz by KO/TKO in round three at five minutes during UFC 244 in November 2019. This period represented a significant surge in his career. However, his subsequent fights saw a challenging run, including four consecutive losses. He lost to Kamaru Usman twice, first by unanimous decision at UFC 251 in July 2020, and then by KO/TKO punch in round two at one minute and two seconds at UFC 261 in April 2021. He also faced defeats against Colby Covington by unanimous decision at UFC 272 in March 2022 and Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision at UFC 287 in April 2023. Masvidal was 38 years old at the time of his last fight and currently has no next booked UFC fight on our schedule.

The Lasting Impact

The reunion between Askren and Masvidal underscores the lasting impact of their UFC 239 bout on both their careers and the sport of mixed martial arts. The flying knee remains a highlight-reel moment, frequently discussed and analyzed. The recent conversation between the two fighters allowed them to reflect on the event from a new perspective, years after the intense rivalry that preceded their clash. The discussion provided insights into the preparation and aftermath of one of the UFC's most iconic knockouts.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Jorge Masvidal	12-10-0	unranked

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

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Correa Leads Charge with Dual Entries at Rio Spring Open

Livia Barasine Correa, a formidable force in the female medium-heavyweight division, is set to embark on a demanding dual challenge at the Rio Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026. The highly-rated black belt, with an Elo of 1841 and ranked #32 globally, has entered both the gi and no-gi competitions, scheduled for October 16th at the Centro Esportivo Miécimo da Silva in Rio de Janeiro. This ambitious move by the Fabin Rosa Rio de Janeiro representative, who boasts an impressive 42 career golds out of 43 total medals, immediately sets a high bar for the event and signals her intent to dominate across both disciplines. Correa, who received her black belt in May 2026 at just 17 years old, is known for her rapid rise through the ranks and her success in major tournaments as a juvenile and colored belt, including multiple World and Pan Championship titles.

The Dual Discipline Gauntlet

Correa is not alone in embracing the rigorous test of competing in both gi and no-gi within a tight timeframe. This strategic decision by elite athletes to stack events in a short window often defines their season, showcasing their versatility and endurance. Diogo Pinheiro dos Reis, an AGR Jiu Jitsu standout with an Elo of 1678 and ranked #78, is also taking on a dual challenge at the same Rio Spring International Open. Dos Reis, who has accumulated 33 career golds from 42 medals, will compete in the Black / Adult / Male / Feather division for the No-Gi Championship and the Black / Adult / Male / Light-Feather division for the Gi Championship. His decision to navigate a different weight class for his gi entry adds another layer of complexity to his already challenging schedule, highlighting his adaptability and competitive spirit. Known as "Baby Shark," Reis is a highly decorated grappler who has achieved success in both gi and no-gi formats, including ADCC titles and IBJJF Pan and European championships.

Further north, Roberto de Abreu Filho of Fight Sports is preparing for his own double header at the Fort Lauderdale International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 on October 17th. Abreu Filho, rated 1587 Elo and ranked #135, is a seasoned competitor with 48 career golds and a remarkable 74 total medals. He will be a significant presence in the Black / Adult / Male / Ultra-Heavy division for both the gi and no-gi championships at the Broward County Convention Center. Known affectionately as "Cyborg," Abreu is an ADCC absolute champion and multiple-time IBJJF World No-Gi champion, recognized for his innovative "tornado guard" and his success in the ultra-heavyweight division. His recent dominant return to IBJJF competition at the 2026 Pan Championship, where he captured double gold, suggests he is in peak form for Fort Lauderdale.

No-Gi Worlds Beckons

Looking ahead to December, the prestigious World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 in Las Vegas will feature another elite black belt entry: Maria Malgorzata Malyjasiak. Representing Abmar Barbosa Association, Malyjasiak, with an Elo of 1570 and ranked #151, is a highly decorated athlete with an astounding 53 career golds and 91 total medals. Her entry into the Black / Adult / Female / Medium-Heavy division at the Las Vegas Convention Center on December 10th signals her intent to vie for one of the sport’s most coveted titles. Malyjasiak, a Polish judoka and BJJ black belt, has a strong track record in both gi and no-gi competitions, including silver medals at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and multiple gold medals at the European and Pan Championships. Her recent performances in 2023 and 2024, including a silver medal at the 2023 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and a bronze at the 2023 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship, demonstrate her continued high-level performance. The No-Gi Worlds always promises high-octane action, and Malyjasiak’s participation ensures that the female medium-heavyweight bracket will be one to watch closely.

What These Entries Mean

The upcoming IBJJF calendar is shaping up to be an exciting one, with these elite black belt entries setting the stage for intense competition. The commitment of athletes like Livia Barasine Correa, Diogo Pinheiro dos Reis, and Roberto de Abreu Filho to compete in both gi and no-gi within days of each other speaks volumes about their dedication and the evolving demands of professional jiu-jitsu. These multi-discipline entries not only test their technical prowess across different rule sets but also their physical and mental fortitude. For fans, it promises a thrilling display of skill and strategy as these top-tier competitors push their limits in pursuit of gold.

While no direct matchups between these specific athletes are currently on the cards given their differing divisions or events, their presence elevates the competitive landscape of each tournament. The Rio Spring International Open, the Fort Lauderdale International Open, and the No-Gi Worlds are all poised to deliver memorable performances as these top-ranked grapplers seek to add more accolades to their already impressive careers. The anticipation builds for October and December, as the jiu-jitsu world watches to see who will rise to the occasion and claim victory in these high-stakes championships.

Entry list — elite black belts

Athlete	Event	Division
Livia Barasine…	Rio Spring International…	Medium-Heavy
Livia Barasine…	Rio Spring International…	Medium-Heavy
Diogo Pinheiro…	Rio Spring International…	Feather
Diogo Pinheiro…	Rio Spring International…	Light-Feather
Roberto de…	Fort Lauderdale International…	Ultra-Heavy
Roberto de…	Fort Lauderdale International…	Ultra-Heavy
Maria Malgorzata…	World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu…	Medium-Heavy

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

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Welterweight: Biggest Elo Gain in 12 Months

In the Welterweight division, Uros Medic leads the pack with the biggest Elo gain over the last twelve months, marking a +64 increase. This statistic measures how much a fighter's Elo rating has risen over the past year. Elo is a rating system that assesses a fighter's skill level relative to others, with wins against higher-rated opponents resulting in larger gains, and losses against lower-rated opponents causing larger drops. A significant gain indicates a period of strong performance against challenging competition, where a fighter has consistently defeated opponents or secured notable victories.

Our analysis considered only fighters with a UFC fight in the last two years and at least two UFC fights to qualify. Out of 436 fighters on record, 39 met these criteria, with fighters grouped by their current weight class. It is important to note that our Elo system exclusively tracks UFC fights, meaning performances outside the organization do not contribute to these specific ratings.

The Top Performers

Leading the Welterweight division for Elo gain is Uros Medic, with an impressive +64 increase. At 34 years old, Medic holds a UFC record of 8-3 across 11 UFC fights. This substantial gain suggests a period of strong victories, potentially against well-regarded opponents, which has significantly elevated his standing within the division. His last fight was on August 1, 2026, and he is currently booked to face Kevin Holland on November 14, 2026, indicating continued high-level competition.

Following Medic is Daniil Donchenko, who recorded a +54 Elo gain. Donchenko, aged 25, boasts an undefeated UFC record of 4-0 across 4 UFC fights. This rapid rise is particularly notable for a fighter with fewer bouts, as each win can have a substantial impact on their Elo rating, especially if they are consistently performing above expectations. His last fight was on September 5, 2026, showcasing recent activity and success.

In third place is Carlos Prates, with a +45 Elo gain. Prates, aged 33, has a strong UFC record of 7-1 over 8 UFC fights. This significant gain reflects a sustained period of successful performances, placing him firmly among the division's most improved in terms of Elo. His last fight took place on May 2, 2026.

The fourth spot is held by Gabriel Bonfim, who achieved a +44 Elo gain, closely trailing Prates. Bonfim, aged 29, also holds an excellent UFC record of 7-1 across 8 UFC fights, mirroring Prates's success rate. His last fight was on June 6, 2026, and he is booked to fight Sean Brady on November 7, 2026, indicating a continued push against established talent.

Rounding out the top five is Mike Malott, with a +39 Elo gain. Malott, aged 35, shares the same impressive UFC record of 7-1 over 8 UFC fights as Bonfim and Prates. This cluster of fighters with similar records and significant Elo gains highlights a group of Welterweights who have been consistently winning and improving their standing. Malott last fought on April 18, 2026, and is booked to face Joaquin Buckley on October 17, 2026.

Further Down the List

The rest of the top ten also features notable performances. Jeremiah Wells, at 40 years old, shows a +38 Elo gain with a 6-2 record over 8 UFC fights, demonstrating that significant improvement can occur at various stages of a career. Jacobe Smith, aged 31, has an undefeated 4-0 record over 4 UFC fights, resulting in a +37 Elo gain, similar to Donchenko's rapid ascent with fewer fights. Charles Radtke, aged 36, gained +32 Elo with a 5-2 record over 7 UFC fights, and is booked against Stephen Thompson on November 14, 2026. Yaroslav Amosov, aged 33, shows a +26 gain from an undefeated 2-0 record over 2 UFC fights, a smaller sample size but a strong start. Finally, Jonathan Micallef, aged 28, rounds out the top ten with a +22 Elo gain from his 3-0 record over 3 UFC fights.

The leaderboard reveals a competitive Welterweight division where several fighters have made substantial strides in their Elo ratings over the past year, with a notable cluster of fighters in the top five showing very similar records and Elo gains.

Welterweight — biggest elo gain in 12 months

Fighter	Elo gain	UFC fights
1. Uros Medic	+64	11 fights
2. Daniil Donchenko	+54	4 fights
3. Carlos Prates	+45	8 fights
4. Gabriel Bonfim	+44	8 fights
5. Mike Malott	+39	8 fights
6. Jeremiah Wells	+38	8 fights
7. Jacobe Smith	+37	4 fights
8. Charles Radtke	+32	7 fights
9. Yaroslav Amosov	+26	2 fights
10. Jonathan Micallef	+22	3 fights

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

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Sean Strickland Challenges UFC Pay Structure, Gains Masvidal's Backing

UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has publicly voiced strong criticism regarding the promotion's fighter compensation, labeling the current pay structure as "predatory" and unfair when compared to other major sports leagues. Strickland's comments have resonated within the MMA community, drawing support from fellow fighter Jorge Masvidal, even as the outspoken champion faces implicit warnings about the potential consequences of such a public dispute.

Strickland's Stance on Fighter Compensation

Strickland, known for his unfiltered opinions, asserted that the disparity between athlete pay and the UFC's earnings is indefensible. He suggested that the UFC should allocate a percentage of its profits to fighters comparable to what leagues like the NFL provide to their players. The reigning middleweight champion dismissed the UFC's recent increase in fight night bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000, arguing that such adjustments do little to address the broader inequities in fighter compensation.

In interviews, Strickland elaborated on the financial realities faced by many fighters, explaining that a $20,000 fight purse can be significantly reduced to as little as $7,000 or $8,000 after accounting for taxes, management fees, and training expenses. He also expressed concern that the current pay model could deter American talent from pursuing MMA careers, potentially leading to a decline in the domestic roster as prospects seek better-compensated sports. Strickland's frustration escalated to the point where he openly contemplated vacating his middleweight title, moving to the light heavyweight division, and fulfilling his contract to pursue a lucrative boxing match against Jake Paul, citing the substantial earnings of figures like Conor McGregor as a point of comparison. His absence from the UFC 335 card in December was reportedly due to an inability to reach an agreement with the promotion regarding his pay.

Masvidal Offers Support Amidst Warnings

Jorge Masvidal, a veteran of 22 UFC fights, publicly backed Strickland's demands for improved fighter payouts. Masvidal suggested that the UFC, with its substantial annual revenues, is financially capable of meeting Strickland's requests. He highlighted Strickland's merits as a deserving candidate for a pay raise, pointing to his controversial persona, entertainment value, and dedicated following within the sport. Masvidal, who holds a UFC record of 12-10-0, last competed in April 2023 at UFC 287, where he lost to Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision. Prior to that, he had faced a series of losses, including unanimous decisions against Colby Covington in March 2022 and Kamaru Usman in July 2020, and a knockout loss to Usman in April 2021. His last victory came in November 2019 against Nate Diaz by KO/TKO.

Despite the vocal support, publicly challenging the UFC's pay structure is often met with caution. History suggests that such disputes with the promotion can be challenging for fighters, with the UFC known for its firm stance on contract negotiations.

Strickland's Recent Octagon Performance

Sean Strickland, the current Men's Middleweight champion and ranked #7 in the Men's Pound-for-Pound division, has a UFC record of 18-7-0 across 25 fights. At 35 years old, Strickland stands 6' 1" with a 76" reach and fights from an Orthodox stance. His last fight in May 2026 at UFC 328 saw him secure a split decision victory over Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout, extending his UFC win streak to one. Before that, in February 2026, he defeated Anthony Hernandez by KO/TKO with punches in the third round at UFC Fight Night. His grappling statistics show a takedown accuracy of 68% with 0.8 takedowns per fight and a takedown defense rate of 78%. Strickland does not currently have a next booked UFC fight on the schedule.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Sean Strickland	18-7-0	Middleweight champion
Jorge Masvidal	12-10-0	unranked

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

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Alex Pereira's UFC 335 Heavyweight Clash Fuels Retirement Speculation

Reports from outlets like MMA Sucka suggest that this fight could potentially be Pereira's last in the sport.

Pereira and Pavlovich React to Booking

The co-main event booking for December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was confirmed following a promotional video. Both fighters acknowledged the matchup on social media. Alex Pereira, known as "Poatan," shared an AI-generated video and a brief caption, stating, "See you soon," indicating his focus on the upcoming December meeting. Sergei Pavlovich responded with similar brevity, writing, "Back in action soon." UFC commentator Joe Rogan also weighed in, noting Pereira's determination to pursue a heavyweight title and his reluctance to return to light heavyweight, despite the formidable challenge posed by Pavlovich.

Pereira, age 38, enters this contest with a UFC record of 10-3-0. His last fight in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250 resulted in a second-round knockout loss to Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut. Prior to that, in October 2025, he secured a first-round knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at light heavyweight. Pereira is currently ranked #10 in the Men's Pound-for-Pound rankings and #3 in the Light Heavyweight division, but is moving up to heavyweight for this bout. His opponent, Sergei Pavlovich, is ranked #2 in the heavyweight division. Early betting lines indicate Pereira as a slight underdog in this matchup.

Oliveira vs. Lopes for the BMF Title

Headlining UFC 335 is a BMF title bout between Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes. Charles Oliveira, age 36, holds a UFC record of 25-11-0. He is currently on a one-fight win streak, having defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision in March 2026 at UFC 326. Before that, in October 2025, he secured a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot. Oliveira is ranked #3 in the Lightweight division. Early betting lines favor Oliveira in this contest.

Diego Lopes, age 31, will be making his lightweight debut for this BMF title challenge. He holds a UFC record of 7-3-0 and is coming off a second-round knockout win against Steve Garcia in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250. Lopes is officially ranked #2 in the Featherweight division. His last two losses were both against Alexander Volkanovski, by unanimous decision in January 2026 and April 2025. This move up in weight class to face a highly-ranked lightweight like Oliveira presents a significant challenge for Lopes.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Charles Oliveira	25-11-0	Lightweight #3
Diego Lopes	7-3-0	Featherweight #2
Alex Pereira	10-3-0	Light Heavyweight #3

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

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Women's Bantamweight: The Longest Layoffs – Days Since Last Fight

In the dynamic world of the UFC, fighter activity is a key indicator of a division's pulse. Our latest statistical deep dive for the Kimono Fighter blog focuses on the Women's Bantamweight division, specifically examining the longest time since a fighter's last UFC bout. This metric measures the number of days that have passed since a fighter last competed in the Octagon. To qualify for this list, a fighter must have at least three UFC fights under their belt, and those more than five years out are considered retired and excluded. Out of 72 fighters on record in this group, 44 qualified for this analysis. Leading this particular leaderboard is Alexis Davis, with 1704 days since her last fight.

The Top Contenders for Longest Layoff

Alexis Davis holds the top spot, having accumulated 1704 days since her last UFC appearance on 05 Feb 2022. At 42 years old, Davis has a substantial UFC record of 8-6 across 14 fights, indicating a long and active career within the promotion. Her extended absence places her significantly ahead of the rest of the field, marking a considerable period away from competition.

Following closely is Sara McMann, with 1655 days since her last fight on 26 Mar 2022. McMann, aged 46, also boasts a veteran's record of 7-6 over 13 UFC fights. Like Davis, her presence at the top of this list highlights a lengthy career that has now seen a significant pause in action.

Aspen Ladd sits in third place, with 1641 days since her last bout on 09 Apr 2022. Ladd, at 32 years old, is notably younger than the top two. Her UFC record stands at 4-3 across 7 fights. While her time away is substantial, her age suggests a different context compared to the more seasoned veterans above her.

Wu Yanan is fourth, with 1508 days since her last fight on 20 Aug 2022. Aged 30, Yanan has a UFC record of 1-5 over 6 fights. Her inclusion on this list, given her age and record, presents a different profile from the long-tenured fighters, indicating a period of inactivity after a challenging run in the promotion.

Rounding out the top five is Ramona Pascual, with 1431 days since her last fight on 05 Nov 2022. Pascual, 38, has a UFC record of 0-3 from her 3 fights, which is the minimum required to qualify for this list. Her appearance here reflects a complete absence from the Octagon since her initial run.

The Rest of the Top 10

The leaderboard continues with several other notable fighters. Lina Lansberg, aged 45, has 1326 days since her last fight on 18 Feb 2023, holding a 4-7 record over 11 UFC fights. Jessica-Rose Clark, 39, has been out for 1242 days since 13 May 2023, with a 4-5 record across 9 fights.

A particularly interesting entry is Amanda Nunes, who is listed at 1214 days since her last fight on 10 Jun 2023. Nunes, 38, holds an impressive UFC record of 16-2 over 18 fights. She stands out on this list because she is currently booked for a fight against Kayla Harrison on 2026-11-14. This indicates a planned return to competition, distinguishing her from others on the list whose future activity is not publicly scheduled.

Ashlee Evans-Smith, 39, has 1179 days since her last fight on 15 Jul 2023, with a 3-6 record over 9 fights. Finally, Stephanie Egger, 38, completes the top ten with 1032 days since her last fight on 09 Dec 2023, holding a 3-4 record over 7 fights.

It is notable that many fighters on this list, particularly at the top, are in their late 30s and 40s, suggesting that extended layoffs can be a factor for veterans in the division. The significant gaps between the top three and the rest of the list also highlight distinct periods of inactivity. This statistic focuses solely on UFC competition and does not account for any activity a fighter might have had in other promotions during their time away.

Women's Bantamweight — longest time since last fight

Fighter	Days out	UFC fights
1. Alexis Davis	1704 days	14 fights
2. Sara McMann	1655 days	13 fights
3. Aspen Ladd	1641 days	7 fights
4. Wu Yanan	1508 days	6 fights
5. Ramona Pascual	1431 days	3 fights
6. Lina Lansberg	1326 days	11 fights
7. Jessica-Rose Clark	1242 days	9 fights
8. Amanda Nunes	1214 days	18 fights
9. Ashlee Evans-Smith	1179 days	9 fights
10. Stephanie Egger	1032 days	7 fights

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

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UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Duncan Set for October 10

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has confirmed the full details for its upcoming Fight Night event, headlined by a middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Christian Leroy Duncan. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. Preliminaries are set to begin at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT, with the main card kicking off at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT. The entire event will be available for streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the United States, requiring a subscription to the service.

The Main Event: Allen vs. Duncan

The headlining bout features two ranked middleweights. Brendan Allen, currently ranked #4 in the UFC middleweight division, will face #10 ranked Christian Leroy Duncan. Allen, at 30 years old, holds a UFC record of 15-4-0 across 19 UFC fights. He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall with a 75-inch reach and fights from an Orthodox stance. Our internal UFC Elo rating for Allen after his last fight was 1175. He enters this contest on a two-fight UFC win streak.

Allen's recent performances include a unanimous decision victory over Edmen Shahbazyan in June 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfim, where pre-fight markets had him at 62% to win. Prior to that, in October 2025, he secured a KO/TKO win against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night: De Ridder vs. Allen. In July 2025, Allen defeated Marvin Vettori by unanimous decision at UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3.

Christian Leroy Duncan, also 30 years old, brings a UFC record of 8-2-0 from his 10 UFC fights. He matches Allen's height at 6 feet 2 inches but boasts a longer 79-inch reach, fighting from a Switch stance. Duncan's UFC Elo after his last fight was 1119, and he is currently on an impressive four-fight UFC win streak.

Duncan's most recent outing in July 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman saw him earn a unanimous decision win against Jared Cannonier, with pre-fight markets favoring him at 75%. In March 2026, he defeated Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Evloev vs. Murphy, where he was heavily favored at 95% to win. His win streak also includes a second-round KO/TKO punch victory over Marco Tulio in November 2025 at UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown.

Supporting Card Details

The main card for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Duncan features several other matchups. In a lightweight bout, Matheus Camilo is slated to face Jai Herbert. The women's strawweight division will see Loopy Godinez take on Ketlen Souza. Featherweights Andre Fili and Kai Kamaka III are also scheduled to compete. Additionally, a light heavyweight contest between Julius Walker and Gerald Meerschaert, and a bantamweight fight featuring Malcolm Wellmaker against Otari Tanzilovi, are part of the main card.

The preliminary card includes a lightweight bout between Francisco Prado and Ismael Bonfim, a welterweight clash with Niko Price facing Leon Shahbazyan, and a light heavyweight fight between Felipe Franco and Brendson Ribeiro. Heavyweights Allen Frye Jr. and RJ Harris are also set to compete, alongside women's bantamweights Alice Pereira and Darya Zheleznyakova, and women's flyweights Ernesta Kareckaite and Melissa Gatto.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Brendan Allen	15-4-0	Middleweight #4
Christian Leroy	8-2-0	Middleweight #10

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

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Oliveira vs. Lopes, Pyfer vs. Nickal, Pavlovich vs. Pereira Set for December

December 12, 2026, is shaping up to be a monumental night for fight fans, with three electrifying bouts officially added to the calendar. From pivotal lightweight and middleweight clashes to a heavyweight showdown, the stakes are incredibly high for all six competitors.

Middleweight Mayhem: Pyfer vs. Nickal

A compelling middleweight encounter sees rising star Joe Pyfer, boasting a 16-3-0 professional record, square off against the highly touted Bo Nickal. Pyfer, currently ranked #6 in the division, is on an impressive four-fight winning streak, with his last outing a second-round KO/TKO victory over Israel Adesanya in March 2026. Known for his finishing abilities, "Bodybagz" has secured 10 knockouts and 4 submissions in his career. His UFC record stands at 7-1-0.

Facing him is Bo Nickal, an elite wrestler who has quickly made waves in MMA with a 9-1-0 record. Nickal, ranked #14 in the middleweight division, also possesses a strong finishing rate, with 4 knockouts and 4 submissions to his name. His most recent victory came in June 2026, a first-round KO/TKO over Kyle Daukaus. With both fighters eager to climb the ranks, this middleweight clash promises explosive action.

Heavyweight Thunder: Pavlovich vs. Pereira

In a heavyweight clash that guarantees fireworks, Sergei Pavlovich meets Alex Pereira. Sergei Pavlovich, with a formidable 21-3-0 professional record, holds the #3 ranking in the heavyweight division. He is a proven finisher, with 7 of his 9 UFC wins coming by KO/TKO. Pavlovich's last fight in May 2026 saw him secure a first-round knockout victory over Tallison Teixeira. His UFC record is 9-3-0.

Across the octagon stands Alex Pereira, a fighter known for his devastating striking power. Pereira, who typically competes at light heavyweight where he is ranked #1, steps up to the heavyweight division for this bout. He holds a professional MMA record of 13-4-0, with a remarkable 11 of his wins coming by knockout. Pereira's last appearance was a loss to Ciryl Gane in June 2026. This matchup pits two of the sport's most dangerous strikers against each other, ensuring a high-octane affair.

Lightweight Legacy: Oliveira vs. Lopes

A highly anticipated lightweight battle will see former champion Charles Oliveira take on the surging Diego Lopes. Charles Oliveira, a true legend of the lightweight division, carries an impressive 37-11-0 professional record, with 10 knockouts and an incredible 22 submissions. Ranked #3 in the lightweight division, "do Bronxs" is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Max Holloway in March 2026. His UFC record stands at 37-11-0 (1 NC).

Challenging Oliveira is Diego Lopes, who makes the move to lightweight for this significant contest. Lopes, typically a featherweight where he is ranked #2, holds a professional record of 28-8-0. He is a dangerous finisher himself, with 12 knockouts and 12 submissions. Lopes's last fight in June 2026 resulted in a second-round knockout win over Steve Garcia. This bout also carries the added intrigue of the BMF Championship being on the line, with Lopes scheduled to challenge the title holder, Charles Oliveira. This promises to be a grappling and striking chess match between two highly skilled and exciting fighters.

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Sarah Galvao's Double Gold at Pan No-Gi 2026

Sarah C Firme Galvao of Atos Jiu Jitsu delivered a dominant performance at the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 on October 4, securing an impressive double gold in both the Middle and Open Class divisions. The world No. 7 ranked black belt, with an Elo rating of 2183, added two more prestigious titles to her remarkable career tally of 71 golds from 81 medals.

Galvao's Double Gold Dominance

Galvao’s path to Open Class gold saw her navigate a competitive bracket with three decisive victories. She commenced her campaign by defeating unrated opponent Sa'idah Zeinab Durkee in the opening round. Advancing to the semi-final, Galvao overcame Julia Maele, an opponent with an Elo rating of 1021 and ranked outside the top 32,000 globally, marking a routine win. In the final, Galvao clinched the Open Class title by defeating another unrated competitor, Maria Vitoria G Ruffatto-Gilpin.

In the Middle division, Galvao continued her golden run. She secured her place in the final by defeating Julia Maele in the semi-final, a routine win. On her way to securing the gold, she also overcame Nadia Frankland, who holds an Elo rating of 1096 and is ranked outside the top 6,600. These victories underscored her exceptional skill and strategic prowess across multiple divisions at the elite black belt level. Her recent gold medal haul also includes titles at the American 2026 (Light), Orange County Spring 2026 (Open Class and Light), European 2026 (Light), and Orange County Winter 2026 (Light) championships, showcasing her consistent high-level performance throughout the year.

Leyva's Light Feather Triumph

Also representing Atos Jiu Jitsu, Emily Lynn Leyva claimed gold in the Light Feather division at the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026. With an Elo rating of 1598 and a world rank of 121, Leyva demonstrated her class in a smaller bracket, securing the title with two well-fought victories. In the semi-final, she defeated Cathryn Ivy Millares, an opponent with an Elo rating of 1103 and ranked outside the top 6,000, a routine win for the seasoned black belt. Leyva then faced Karen Martinho Cerqueira Terra in the final, an opponent with an Elo rating of 1221 and ranked outside the top 1,600, securing her gold medal. This victory adds to Leyva's impressive record of 63 career golds from 95 medals. Her consistent success in the Light Feather division is evident in her recent golds, which include the CON 2026, American No-Gi 2026, American 2026, European 2026, and World 2026 championships, all in the Light Feather category.

Crevar's Super Heavy Victory

Helena Crevar, representing Kingsway Jiu Jitsu, also stood atop the podium at the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026, earning gold in the Super Heavy division. Crevar, with an Elo rating of 1591 and a world rank of 126, showcased her dominance in a smaller field, winning two matches to secure her title. Her journey to gold began with a semi-final victory over Bridgett G Brumbaugh, an opponent with an Elo rating of 838 and ranked outside the top 155,000, a routine win. In the final, Crevar defeated Sara Jeanine Resetar, who holds an Elo rating of 984 and is ranked outside the top 116,000, to claim the Super Heavy gold. Crevar's remarkable career boasts 54 golds from just 56 medals, highlighting an exceptionally high winning percentage. Her recent successes include golds at the CON No-Gi 2026 (Super Heavy), Dallas Summer No-Gi 2026 (Super Heavy and Open Class), and Austin Summer No-Gi 2026 (Open Class and Heavy) events, underscoring her versatility and consistent performance in the heavier divisions.

Sarah C Firme Galvao — route to gold

Round	Opponent	Result
Opening round	Sa'idah Zeinab…	Won
Semi-final	Julia Maele	Won
Semi-final	Nadia Frankland	Won
Semi-final	Julia Maele	Won
Semi-final	Nadia Frankland	Won
Final	Maria Vitoria…	Won

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

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Nassourdine Imavov Offers Sean Strickland $500K, Urges UFC to Strip Title

Nassourdine Imavov, the UFC's number three ranked middleweight contender, has made a public offer of $500,000 to current champion Sean Strickland for a fight in January and has urged the UFC to strip Strickland of his title if he declines the bout. The challenge comes amidst reports of stalled negotiations for a rematch between the two fighters, with a pay dispute cited as the primary obstacle.

Reports from various outlets indicate that a title rematch between Imavov and Strickland was initially anticipated for UFC 335 in December, but the event was later pushed into 2027. Sean Strickland had previously stated on social media that a rematch was close to being finalized, with the purse being the sole unresolved issue. Subsequent reports suggested that Strickland was seeking $1 million for a potential UFC 336 fight in January, while the UFC had reportedly offered $400,000 to show and an additional $400,000 to win.

Imavov responded directly to these financial discussions on October 4, posting on X: “If it's really about money, I'll put $500K of my own money on the line if you beat me in January [Sean Strickland], putting this on record. If you still don't take it, then you're just scared. I'll handle you outside. UFC, THIS is your champ? Come on, STRIP HIM.” This offer represents a direct challenge from Imavov and not a confirmed agreement with either Strickland or the UFC. As of now, Strickland has not publicly accepted the proposed wager, and no official date or venue for a rematch has been announced.

Imavov's Ascent to Contention

Nassourdine Imavov, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall with a 75-inch reach, has built a compelling case for a title shot. The 29-year-old orthodox fighter holds a UFC record of nine wins and two losses across eleven UFC fights. He is currently on an impressive five-fight win streak, showcasing significant momentum in the middleweight division. His most recent victory came in September 2025, where he defeated Caio Borralho by unanimous decision in a five-round contest. Prior to that, in February 2025, Imavov secured a notable win against Israel Adesanya via KO/TKO punch in the second round. His streak also includes unanimous decision victories over Brendan Allen in September 2024 and a KO/TKO win against Jared Cannonier in the fourth round in June 2024. Imavov's takedown defense stands at 71%.

Strickland's Championship Reign

Sean Strickland, aged 35 and standing 6 feet 1 inch tall with a 76-inch reach, is the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion and is also ranked number seven in the Men's Pound-for-Pound rankings. The orthodox fighter has a UFC record of eighteen wins and seven losses in twenty-five UFC fights. Strickland reclaimed the middleweight title in May 2026, defeating Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328. Before that, he secured a KO/TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez in the third round in February 2026. Strickland's championship journey has seen him win the title from Israel Adesanya in September 2023, lose it to Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in February 2025, and then regain it. His takedown defense is 78%.

The two fighters have met once before, in January 2023, where Strickland defeated Imavov by unanimous decision in a light heavyweight bout. With Imavov's recent challenge and the ongoing negotiations, the middleweight division awaits further developments regarding a potential rematch and the championship's future.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Nassourdine Imavov	9-2-0	Middleweight #3
Sean Strickland	18-7-0	Middleweight champion

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

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UFC 335 Set to Feature Oliveira vs. Lopes for BMF Title, Pereira vs. Pavlovich

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced significant bookings for UFC 335, scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be headlined by Charles Oliveira defending the BMF title against Diego Lopes, with a pivotal heavyweight clash between Alex Pereira and Sergei Pavlovich serving as the co-main event.

Oliveira Defends BMF Title Against Lopes

Charles Oliveira, currently ranked as the number three lightweight in the UFC, will make his first defense of the BMF title against Diego Lopes. Oliveira, 36, captured the symbolic BMF belt in March 2026 at UFC 326, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Max Holloway in a lightweight contest. This win extended Oliveira's UFC win streak to one before his next booked fight, following a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot in October 2025. Prior to that, Oliveira's UFC record stood at 25 wins and 11 losses across 36 UFC fights.

Diego Lopes, 31, enters this BMF title bout with a UFC record of 7 wins and 3 losses from 10 UFC appearances. Lopes, who is ranked as the number two featherweight, will be making his debut in the lightweight division for this championship opportunity. His most recent outing in June 2026 saw him secure a knockout victory against Steve Garcia. Before that, Lopes faced Alexander Volkanovski twice in 2025, losing both encounters by unanimous decision, in January and April respectively. Lopes, an orthodox fighter like Oliveira, possesses a reach of 72 inches, slightly less than Oliveira's 74 inches.

Pereira Faces Pavlovich in Heavyweight Showdown

In the co-main event, former two-division champion Alex Pereira will step into the octagon for a five-round heavyweight bout against Sergei Pavlovich. The booking of Pereira versus Pavlovich was revealed by UFC President Dana White during UFC 332, following a social media campaign where a joint Instagram video garnered over 28,500 comments.

Alex Pereira, 38, holds a UFC record of 10 wins and 3 losses from 13 UFC fights. He is currently ranked as the number three light heavyweight and number ten in the men's pound-for-pound rankings. Pereira's last fight in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250 marked his heavyweight debut, where he suffered a knockout loss to Ciryl Gane. Prior to that, in October 2025, Pereira secured a knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira, known for his striking, has a reach of 79 inches and maintains a takedown defense accuracy of 79%.

UFC 335 is set to conclude the year's numbered events with these high-stakes matchups in Las Vegas.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Charles Oliveira	25-11-0	Lightweight #3
Diego Lopes	7-3-0	Featherweight #2
Alex Pereira	10-3-0	Light Heavyweight #3

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

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Silva Crowned Flyweight Queen at Record-Breaking UFC 332

Natalia Silva ascended to the pinnacle of the women's flyweight division, claiming the vacant championship with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Wang Cong at UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang. The event, held in Salt Lake City, proved to be an explosive night of action, setting new records for first-round finishes and total knockouts in modern UFC history, as a cascade of stoppages lit up the Delta Center.

Natalia Silva Claims Vacant Flyweight Gold

The highly anticipated main event saw Natalia Silva defeat Wang Cong by unanimous decision, with scorecards reading 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. With Valentina Shevchenko having vacated the title due to injury, the stage was set for a new queen, and Silva, the top-ranked challenger, seized the opportunity. She entered the bout as a betting favorite, facing the eighth-ranked Wang Cong, who had previously defeated Shevchenko in a kickboxing contest years prior.

Silva established an early lead, utilizing her varied striking and superior movement to frustrate Wang Cong through the initial two rounds. While Wang mounted a late surge, finding some success in the championship rounds and pressing forward aggressively in the fifth, she was ultimately unable to bridge the gap on the judges' scorecards. Silva's impressive performance extended her UFC winning streak to nine, solidifying her reign atop the 125-pound division.

The victory marks a significant milestone for the Brazilian, who had been preparing for a title shot against Shevchenko before the former champion's withdrawal. Silva's adaptability and consistent pressure proved key in navigating the strategic shift and securing the most important win of her career.

Johnny Walker Makes Explosive Heavyweight Debut

Johnny Walker made a memorable entrance into the heavyweight division, dispatching Mick Parkin by knockout in the first round at three minutes and thirty-five seconds. Walker, who was favored at 52% against Parkin's 1.1-to-1 underdog odds, improved his record to 9-7-0, while Parkin fell to 4-2-0. Walker opened the action with outside leg kicks before engaging in a clinch. He landed an elbow, followed by a jumping knee, and then a second powerful knee that pulled Parkin in, sending him to the canvas unconscious. His emphatic performance earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

Hernandez Stops Former Champion Dos Anjos

Alexander Hernandez delivered a significant victory, defeating former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos by knockout with punches in the second round at three minutes and twelve seconds. Hernandez was a strong favorite at 71% against Dos Anjos, who was a 2.4-to-1 underdog. Dos Anjos, returning from a nearly two-year layoff and multiple knee surgeries, pressed forward in the first round, landing a hook to the body. However, Hernandez found his rhythm in the second, dropping Dos Anjos with a stiff jab early. As Dos Anjos attempted to regain his footing, Hernandez connected with a right hook that he did not see, leading to the TKO stoppage. Following the bout, Dos Anjos was observed removing his gloves, hinting at a potential retirement from the sport.

McGhee Finishes Romero in First Round

Marcus McGhee continued his impressive run, securing a first-round knockout victory with punches against UFC newcomer Anthony Romero at four minutes and fifty-eight seconds. McGhee was a heavy favorite at 82% against the 4.6-to-1 underdog Romero, who was making his promotional debut on short notice. McGhee, now 6-1-0, was sharper from the outset, landing effective kicks. While Romero managed to land a left hand and a solid right, McGhee responded with a jab that dropped him. After allowing Romero to stand, McGhee landed a clean one-two combination that sent him stumbling, before swarming with further strikes to secure the finish just before the bell.

The undercard also delivered a series of decisive finishes and notable performances. Eric Nolan earned his first UFC victory, defeating veteran Court McGee by knockout with a punch in the third round at three minutes and twenty-six seconds. McGee, competing in his retirement fight, was dropped by an elbow at the end of the first round and ultimately succumbed to Nolan's powerful overhand right and follow-up elbows in the third. Ismail Naurdiev secured a unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori after three rounds. Despite Naurdiev landing a significant right hand that briefly rocked Vettori in the second, the decision was met with some controversy, as many fans felt Vettori had done enough to win, extending his losing streak to five fights. Anthony Wint made quick work of Lucas Armand, securing a first-round knockout with punches just twenty-three seconds into their heavyweight clash, proclaiming himself a top prospect post-fight. Rounding out the early stoppages, Jacobe Smith defeated Bruce Whitehead by knockout with punches in the first round at one minute and thirty-two seconds. The fight saw controversy when Smith landed an accidental low blow, but after Whitehead chose to continue, Smith capitalized by slamming him to the ground and finishing with ground-and-pound. UFC 332 was truly a night of knockouts, with the card setting new records for finishes across the board.

UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang — full results

Winner	Defeated	How
Johnny Walker	Mick Parkin	KO/TKO R1
Alexander Hernandez	Rafael Dos…	KO/TKO R2
Marcus McGhee	Anthony Romero	KO/TKO R1
Eric Nolan	Court McGee	KO/TKO R3
Ismail Naurdiev	Marvin Vettori	Decision
Anthony Wint	Lucas Armand	KO/TKO R1
Jacobe Smith	Bruce Whitehead	KO/TKO R1

Results from UFC Stats; odds quoted in the article are the closing Polymarket prices before the card.

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Featherweight Showdown: McGhee Meets Romero, Plus October's Stacked Cards

The Octagon heats up this October with a fresh slate of fight bookings, promising high-stakes action across multiple divisions. From a featherweight clash to a host of intriguing matchups later in the month, fans have plenty to anticipate.

October 3, 2026: Featherweight Firepower

Kicking off the month, Marcus McGhee (11-2-0) faces Anthony Romero (7-2-0) in a featherweight bout. McGhee, with eight of his eleven wins coming by knockout, is known for his striking prowess. He holds a 5-1 UFC record. Across from him, Anthony “The Bully” Romero, who boasts four knockouts and two submissions among his seven victories, brings a well-rounded offensive game. This featherweight contest sets an early tone for October's fight calendar.

October 31, 2026: Halloween Havoc

Later in the month, a packed card on October 31st features several compelling matchups.

Featherweight Division

Francis “Fire” Marshall (10-3-0) takes on Gaston “The Dreamkiller” Bolanos (9-5-0). Marshall has secured five of his ten wins by submission, showcasing his grappling threat. Bolanos, a striking specialist with six knockouts on his record, is renowned for his dynamic spinning elbows, making this a classic striker-grappler encounter.

Also at featherweight, veteran Julian “Juicy J” Erosa (31-14-0) meets JeongYeong “Korean Tiger” Lee (11-3-0). Erosa's extensive record includes twelve knockouts and fourteen submissions, highlighting his finishing ability. Lee, a jiu-jitsu black belt and winner of the Road to UFC featherweight tournament, brings a strong ground game and a reputation for quick finishes.

Middleweight Division

Azamat “King Pin” Bekoev (20-5-0) squares off against Andre Petroski (13-6-0). Bekoev, a two-time LFA Middleweight champion, has an impressive sixteen finishes on his record, evenly split between knockouts and submissions. Petroski, also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has demonstrated his versatility with four knockouts and four submissions among his thirteen wins.

Welterweight Division

An undefeated Farman Hasanov (6-0-0) faces Jean-Paul “Mufasa” Lebosnoyani (11-2-0). Hasanov has finished four of his six opponents by knockout, establishing himself as a dangerous prospect. Lebosnoyani, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, has five submissions and three knockouts to his name, indicating a potent submission game.

Rodrigo Sezinando (9-2-0), a former two-belt champion on the Canadian regional circuit, takes on Theodor “Simba” Berggren (8-4-0). Sezinando's record shows a high finish rate with four knockouts and three submissions.

Closing out the welterweight action, Randy Brown (20-8-0) clashes with Carlos “The Lion” Leal (23-7-0). Brown has secured eight knockouts and five submissions in his twenty victories. Leal, a former LFA Welterweight champion, boasts eleven knockouts and two submissions, promising a high-octane striking affair.

Women's Strawweight Division

Talita “Problem Child” Alencar (8-1-1), a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and multiple World No-Gi Champion, meets Piera “La Fiera” Rodriguez (12-2-0). Rodriguez, ranked #9 in the strawweight division and a former LFA champion, has five knockouts on her record.

Bantamweight Division

Yana “Foxy” Santos (17-8-0, 1 NC) faces Luana Santos (11-2-0). Yana, a former Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion, has a wealth of experience with seven knockouts and one submission. Luana, ranked #7 in the bantamweight division, has demonstrated a strong finishing ability with one knockout and five submissions. This all-Santos showdown is set to be a highlight of the night.

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Heavyweight: Most First-Round Finishes

In the UFC Heavyweight division, the ability to end a fight quickly is a defining characteristic for many of its most memorable athletes. This analysis focuses on the statistic of most first-round finishes, which measures wins by knockout or submission in the opening round. To qualify for this list, a fighter needed at least 3 UFC fights, with 173 fighters meeting this criterion out of 278 on record in this group. Fighters are grouped by the weight class they are listed at now. Leading this group is Frank Mir, who has accumulated 11 first-round finishes.

The Top Tier: Mir's Dominance

Frank Mir stands at the top of the Heavyweight division's first-round finishes leaderboard with 11, a significant margin over his peers. Mir's UFC record stands at 16-11 across 27 UFC fights. His last professional bout was on March 19, 2016. This statistic reflects a career marked by decisive early stoppages, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities from the outset of a contest.

Following Mir is Andrei Arlovski, who holds 9 first-round finishes. Arlovski's extensive career includes a UFC record of 23-18 over 41 UFC fights, making him one of the most experienced fighters on the list. His last fight was on June 29, 2024, demonstrating remarkable longevity in the sport. Arlovski's consistent presence and ability to secure early finishes over a long career are notable.

Tied for third place are Gabriel Gonzaga and Francis Ngannou, both with 8 first-round finishes. Gabriel Gonzaga, with a UFC record of 12-10 in 22 UFC fights, last competed on April 10, 2016. His finishes often came from powerful striking. Francis Ngannou, on the other hand, achieved his 8 first-round finishes in a much shorter span, with a UFC record of 12-2 across only 14 UFC fights. His last fight was on January 22, 2022. Ngannou's high number of early finishes in fewer fights highlights an efficient approach to his victories.

The Cluster of Seven

A notable cluster of five fighters share the next position, each with 7 first-round finishes. This group includes Sergei Pavlovich, Tom Aspinall, Derrick Lewis, Cain Velasquez, and Marcos Rogerio de Lima.

Sergei Pavlovich has accumulated 7 first-round finishes in 12 UFC fights, holding a UFC record of 9-3. His last fight was on May 30, 2026, indicating recent activity. Tom Aspinall also has 7 first-round finishes, achieved in only 9 UFC fights with a UFC record of 8-1. His last fight was on July 27, 2024, making his rate of early finishes particularly high given his total fight count. Derrick Lewis, with 7 first-round finishes, has a UFC record of 20-12 across 32 UFC fights. His last fight was on June 14, 2026, showcasing his enduring power. Cain Velasquez secured 7 first-round finishes in 15 UFC fights, holding a UFC record of 12-3. His last fight was on February 17, 2019. Marcos Rogerio de Lima also has 7 first-round finishes from 18 UFC fights, with a UFC record of 11-7. His last fight was on February 17, 2024.

Rounding out the top ten is David Abbott, also with 7 first-round finishes. Abbott's UFC record was 8-10 across 18 UFC fights, and his last fight was on November 21, 2003. His inclusion on this list reflects an early career emphasis on quick finishes.

Observations on the Data

The leaderboard shows a clear leader in Frank Mir, with a two-finish gap to the next fighter. The clustering of five active or recently active fighters with 7 first-round finishes indicates a shared tendency among several top Heavyweights to seek early stoppages. It is worth noting that career totals like these often favor long-serving fighters who have had more opportunities to accumulate finishes over time. However, fighters like Francis Ngannou and Tom Aspinall demonstrate a high rate of first-round finishes relative to their total number of UFC fights, indicating efficiency in securing early victories.

Heavyweight — most first-round finishes

Fighter	Round one	UFC fights
1. Frank Mir	11 in round one	27 fights
2. Andrei Arlovski	9 in round one	41 fights
3. Gabriel Gonzaga	8 in round one	22 fights
4. Francis Ngannou	8 in round one	14 fights
5. Sergei Pavlovich	7 in round one	12 fights
6. Tom Aspinall	7 in round one	9 fights
7. Derrick Lewis	7 in round one	32 fights
8. Cain Velasquez	7 in round one	15 fights
9. Marcos Rogerio	7 in round one	18 fights
10. David Abbott	7 in round one	18 fights

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

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Natalia Silva and Wang Cong Vie for Vacant Flyweight Title at UFC 332

Natalia Silva and Wang Cong will compete for the vacant title, a development that came after reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko was forced to withdraw due to injury. Shevchenko's injury led to her vacating the belt, opening the door for a new champion to be crowned.

Silva's Undefeated UFC Run

Natalia Silva, currently ranked #1 in the women's flyweight division and #4 pound-for-pound, enters this championship opportunity with an unblemished UFC record of 8-0-0. Her impressive run includes a seven-fight win streak before her last bout, which she extended to eight with a unanimous decision victory over Rose Namajunas in January 2026 at UFC 324. Prior to that, Silva secured unanimous decision wins against Alexa Grasso in May 2025 and Jessica Andrade in September 2024, showcasing her consistent dominance in the division. The 28-year-old southpaw, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall with a 65-inch reach, has demonstrated formidable defensive grappling, boasting a UFC takedown defense rate of 96% before her last fight.

Wang Cong's Ascent to Title Contention

Challenging Silva for the gold is Wang Cong, who holds a UFC record of 5-1-0 and is ranked #8 in the women's flyweight division. The 34-year-old southpaw, who is 5 feet 6 inches tall with a 65-inch reach, is on a three-fight win streak in the UFC. Her most recent victory came in July 2026 at UFC 329, where she defeated Tracy Cortez by unanimous decision. Before that, Cong earned unanimous decision wins against Eduarda Moura in February 2026 and Ariane da Silva in June 2025. Known for her striking prowess, Cong has a background as a former world Sanda champion and world boxing silver medalist. Her UFC takedown defense stands at 92% before her last fight.

Fighter Perspectives and Outside Commentary

The change in opponent for Silva, from Shevchenko to Cong, required a strategic pivot in her training camp. According to reports, Silva expressed that while she was initially focused on Shevchenko, her attention quickly shifted to her new opponent. Wang Cong, for her part, has embraced the spotlight, emphasizing the importance of generating excitement for the fight. She told Field Level Media that both fighters need to elevate the moment and that they need to "bring the money to the show. We need to make people hype." Cong also stated, "We're going to use this performance to shut (the critics) up." The matchup has drawn some criticism from outside observers, with former fighter Brendan Schaub calling the main event a "tragedy" on his YouTube channel, arguing that other women were more deserving of the title shot.

The Championship Clash

With both fighters employing a southpaw stance, the main event is anticipated to be a strategic striking battle. Early betting lines indicate that Natalia Silva is favored to win the championship. The event marks a significant moment for the UFC, as the entire main card of a numbered event will air on CBS, a first in the promotion's history. The co-main event will feature a bantamweight clash between former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo and rising contender Payton Talbott.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Natalia Silva	8-0-0	Women Flyweight #1
Wang Cong	5-1-0	Women Flyweight #8

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

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Ailin Perez Soars in Women's Bantamweight Rankings

Ailin Perez has made a notable ascent in the latest official UFC rankings, moving up two spots to number three in the Women's Bantamweight division.

Pound-for-Pound Shifts

In the Women's Pound-for-Pound rankings, Raquel Pennington sees a slight adjustment, moving down one position from twelfth to thirteenth. This shift occurs without an immediately apparent data-backed reason within the current ranking window. Pennington's last recorded fight was a split decision loss to Julianna Pena in October 2024.

Women's Bantamweight Sees Significant Movement

The Women's Bantamweight division experienced some of the most impactful changes this week. Ailin Perez surged from fifth to third, a direct result of her head-to-head victory over Norma Dumont at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos.

Conversely, Norma Dumont dropped one spot from fourth to fifth, directly following her loss to Ailin Perez in their recent bout.

Raquel Pennington also saw a change within her division, moving down from second to third. This particular shift occurred because she did not compete and was consequently bumped by Ailin Perez's rise.

Adding to the divisional shake-up, Joselyne Edwards climbed one position from third to second. This upward movement comes after a series of impressive performances, including a unanimous decision victory over Norma Dumont in April 2026 and a submission win against Nora Cornolle in February 2026.

Bantamweight Division Adjustments

The Bantamweight division also featured several key movements, largely influenced by recent head-to-head matchups. Raul Rosas Jr. advanced one spot from twelfth to eleventh after securing a head-to-head win against Raoni Barcelos at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos.

Following his loss to Raul Rosas Jr. in their recent clash, Raoni Barcelos moved down one position from thirteenth to fourteenth.

Farid Basharat made an upward move, climbing from fourteenth to thirteenth. This rise is attributed to his recent victories, including a unanimous decision win over John Garza in July 2026 and a split decision victory against Jean Matsumoto in February 2026.

Payton Talbott experienced a one-place drop, moving from eleventh to twelfth. This change occurred because Talbott did not fight and was subsequently bumped by Farid Basharat's ascent in the rankings.

Lightweight and Flyweight Shifts

In the Lightweight division, Renato Moicano dropped one spot from eleventh to twelfth. While Moicano secured a submission victory over Chris Duncan in April 2026, and had a scheduled bout with Brian Ortega in September 2026 that was cancelled due to Ortega's injury, the specific reason for this particular ranking drop is not immediately apparent from the provided data, potentially influenced by the cancelled bout or the media panel's latest considerations.

The Women's Flyweight division saw Regina Tarin move up one position from fifteenth to fourteenth after her unanimous decision victory over JJ Aldrich at Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado.

Consequently, Gabriella Fernandes moved down one spot from fourteenth to fifteenth, as she did not compete and was bumped by Regina Tarin's climb.

Every change in this update

Division	Fighter	Move
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Raquel Pennington	▼ 12 → 13
Women's Bantamweight	Ailin Perez	▲ 5 → 3
Bantamweight	Raoni Barcelos	▼ 13 → 14
Bantamweight	Farid Basharat	▲ 14 → 13
Bantamweight	Raul Rosas…	▲ 12 → 11
Bantamweight	Payton Talbott	▼ 11 → 12
Lightweight	Renato Moicano	▼ 11 → 12
Women's Bantamweight	Raquel Pennington	▼ 2 → 3
Women's Bantamweight	Norma Dumont	▼ 4 → 5
Women's Bantamweight	Joselyne Edwards	▲ 3 → 2
Women's Flyweight	Regina Tarin	▲ 15 → 14
Women's Flyweight	Gabriella Fernandes	▼ 14 → 15

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

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Dana White Confirms Raoni Barcelos' Recovery After UFC Fight Night Scare

UFC President Dana White has delivered a positive health update regarding bantamweight contender Raoni Barcelos, who experienced a frightening scene following his knockout loss to Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos on September 26, 2026. Barcelos was immediately transported to a Level 1 trauma center after the fight and spent several nights under medical supervision.

Barcelos' Condition and White's Comments

Speaking publicly about the incident, Dana White confirmed that Barcelos is recovering well. “Thank God he's doing well. He's doing well, yeah. He's up, walking around. Talking,” White stated. This update comes after initial concerns when Barcelos remained unconscious on the canvas after the fifth-round stoppage.

The UFC had previously issued an official statement on September 27, 2026, confirming Barcelos was stable, alert, and responsive, with full movement, following a CT scan and comprehensive assessment. Reports indicate that Barcelos has since been discharged from the hospital. His coach, Davi Ramos, also provided a reassuring update, noting that Barcelos was doing well, had all his senses, and was able to move his limbs and speak.

White also commended the UFC's medical protocols and the swift response of the medical staff present at the event. He highlighted the extensive precautions taken, including six doctors and three ambulances on site, ensuring Barcelos received immediate and appropriate care. White emphasized that all pre-fight medicals were thoroughly checked, and everything was handled correctly, leading to a positive outcome for Barcelos's health.

Context of the Fight

The bout against Raul Rosas Jr. marked Barcelos's sixteenth UFC fight, where he held a UFC record of 11-5-0. Before this recent loss, the thirty-nine-year-old fighter was on an impressive five-fight UFC win streak, showcasing his veteran prowess in the bantamweight division. He entered the fight as the #14 ranked bantamweight in the official UFC rankings. The pre-fight market had given Barcelos a 42% chance to win against Rosas Jr.

The fight itself was a grueling contest, with Barcelos pushing a high pace against his younger opponent. Despite the eventual outcome, Barcelos was reportedly ahead on all judges' scorecards heading into the fifth and final round. However, at 1:38 of the fifth round, Barcelos suffered a knockout/technical knockout loss to Raul Rosas Jr. in the bantamweight clash. The finish came after a wrestling exchange that saw Barcelos go limp after a slam.

Regarding Barcelos's future in competition, Dana White stated that such considerations are secondary to the fighter's well-being. White expressed that his primary concern is Barcelos's health, not his return to the octagon. As of now, Raoni Barcelos does not have a next booked UFC fight on the schedule.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Raoni Barcelos	11-5-0	Bantamweight #14

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

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UFC Qatar: Albazi vs. Costa Headlines Stacked November Fight Card

The UFC has officially announced a series of exciting new matchups set to take place in November, bolstering an already stacked schedule. Headlining the UFC Qatar event on November 21st will be a pivotal flyweight contest between Amir Albazi and Alessandro Costa.

Flyweight Firepower and Bantamweight Battles

In another significant flyweight bout on November 21st, the surging Asu Almabayev will face the seasoned veteran Kyoji Horiguchi. Almabayev, with a professional record of 24-3-0, has been steadily climbing the ranks, while Horiguchi, a former champion in other promotions, brings a wealth of experience to the Octagon with a 36-6-0 record.

The bantamweight division also sees a compelling new addition as Aleksandre Topuria prepares to face Santiago Luna. Topuria, holding a 7-1-0 record, will look to continue his ascent against Luna, who enters the bout with an 8-1 record.

Welterweight Wars and Middleweight Clashes

The welterweight division will be on full display on November 21st, with Jake Matthews (23-8-0) set to take on Tahir Abdullayev. Matthews, a veteran of the division, will aim to leverage his experience against the less-established Abdullayev.

In a middleweight showdown, the powerful Jared Cannonier will face Ikram Aliskerov. Cannonier, a known knockout artist, will be tested by Aliskerov, who boasts an impressive 18-2-0 record and has shown a penchant for finishing fights.

Heavyweights and Featherweights Kick Off November

The action kicks off earlier in November, on the 7th, with a heavyweight bout between Gabriel Lorenco and Alvin Hines.

The featherweight division will also see action on November 7th, as Jose Delano (17-3-0) steps in to face the undefeated Murtazali Magomedov (11-0-0). Magomedov has finished all of his professional wins, making this a significant step up in competition for him.

The bantamweight division will feature Davey Grant (10-1-0) against Elijah Smith. Grant will be looking to add another win to his ledger against Smith, who has shown finishing ability with 70% of his wins coming before the final bell.

Two welterweight bouts round out the November 7th card. Jonny Parsons (9-3-0) will face Jose Souza, and Seokhyeon Ko will compete against Wellington Turman (18-8-0). Parsons, known for his striking power, will look to continue his winning ways, while Turman will aim to get back on track.

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