Unbeaten 'Bakal' Abdullaev Tests Mairon Santos' Lightweight Ascent

December 5 is shaping up to be a night of high stakes and explosive matchups, with a particular spotlight on the Lightweight division where undefeated phenom Akbar 'Bakal' Abdullaev makes his highly anticipated UFC debut against the formidable Mairon 'The Legend' Santos. This clash promises fireworks as two aggressive finishers look to solidify their standing in one of the promotion's most competitive weight classes.

Lightweight Firepower: Abdullaev vs. Santos

Akbar Abdullaev, boasting a pristine 14-0 professional record with a staggering 100% finish rate, enters the Octagon as a true force of nature. His record includes 13 knockouts and one submission, showcasing a versatile yet devastating offensive arsenal. Abdullaev earned his UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series, a testament to his undeniable talent. Facing him is Mairon Santos, an equally dangerous striker with an 18-1 record and an impressive 4-0 run in the UFC. Santos, known for his 'Legend' moniker, has secured nine knockouts in his career, proving his own ability to end fights decisively. Our model, after extensive analysis, slightly favors Akbar Abdullaev in this contest, predicting his relentless pressure and finishing instincts could be the difference-maker against Santos's established UFC experience. The betting market has seen a notable line move towards Abdullaev in the past week, indicating growing confidence in the undefeated newcomer.

Heavyweight Gauntlet: Pinto, Spivac, Tuchalov, Cutelaba, Satybaldiev, Gnizditskiy

The Heavyweight division is set for multiple seismic encounters. Undefeated Portuguese sensation Mario Pinto, with a flawless 13-0 record and a #15 ranking, faces the #9 ranked Moldovan grappler Serghei 'Polar Bear' Spivac. Pinto has finished nine of his thirteen victories, with eight coming by knockout. Spivac, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, holds an 18-7 record and is renowned for his exceptional grappling, boasting the second-highest takedown accuracy in UFC Heavyweight history. This is a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup, and our model sees Serghei Spivac as the clear favorite, believing his wrestling pedigree will neutralize Pinto's striking power. Intriguingly, MODEL DISAGREES WITH THE MARKET: our model favors Spivac more strongly than current odds suggest, positioning him as a potential value pick.

Another compelling Heavyweight bout pits the undefeated Magomed 'Wild' Tuchalov against the veteran Ion 'The Hulk' Cutelaba. Tuchalov, 7-0 with a UFC debut win, brings a Dagestani wrestling background and powerful striking. Cutelaba, with a 20-12-1 record and extensive UFC experience, is known for his aggressive, often wild, striking and Sambo background. This fight promises chaos, and our model gives Magomed Tuchalov a strong edge, citing his undefeated momentum and well-rounded skill set.

Rounding out the Heavyweight action, Uran 'Gorilla' Satybaldiev (9-1) takes on the debuting, undefeated Ivan 'Samurai' Gnizditskiy (7-0). Gnizditskiy enters the UFC with a 100% finish rate, all by knockout or submission. Satybaldiev, a Kyrgyz grappler, will look to test the newcomer's all-around game. Our model favors Satybaldiev's experience against the untested Gnizditskiy, but acknowledges the raw finishing power of the 'Samurai'.

Middleweight and Bantamweight Battles

In the Middleweight division, Modestino 'The Slenderman' Rodrigues (8-1), a Brazilian knockout artist with a perfect finishing record in his wins, meets Matthieu Duclos (11-3), a French former Hexagone MMA champion on a five-fight winning streak. This promises to be a stand-up war between two potent strikers. Our model slightly leans towards Duclos, whose recent UFC experience and championship pedigree could be key. Also at Middleweight, Marco Tulio (14-3) clashes with JunYong 'Iron Turtle' Park (19-7). Park is known for his relentless pressure and record-breaking ground strikes, while Tulio brings a diverse martial arts background. The money went heavily on JunYong Park, shifting the line significantly, reflecting confidence in his grinding style.

The Bantamweight division also features two intriguing matchups. Abdul 'Abba' Hussein (16-2), a Finnish submission specialist and former IMMAF world champion, faces the well-rounded Spaniard Hecher 'Guanche Warrior' Sosa (15-1). Both fighters are coming off UFC debut wins, setting up a pivotal contest. Our model favors Abdul Hussein's submission prowess in this bantamweight showdown. Elsewhere in the division, the undefeated Moldovan Pavel Andrusca (9-0) takes on Mahammadali 'The Ineffable' Osmanli (13-2). Osmanli, an Azerbaijani submission expert, will test Andrusca's perfect record in what could be a grappling chess match.

Flyweight Finishers: Silva vs. Filho

Finally, the Flyweight division delivers a guaranteed barnburner as Bruno 'Bulldog' Silva (15-9-2, 1 NC) takes on Jafel 'Pastor' Filho (17-5). Both Brazilians are known for their finishing abilities, with Silva holding six knockouts and five submissions, and Filho boasting five knockouts and eleven submissions. Filho, an elite submission grappler from Nova União, has a 100% finish rate in his UFC wins. This fight is almost certainly not going the distance, and the betting line has seen a slight move towards Jafel Filho, reflecting public anticipation for his submission-heavy attack.

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Chimaev vs. Covington Headlines RAF Abu Dhabi Championship Night

The desert sands of Abu Dhabi, UAE, will once again become the battleground for elite wrestling as Real American Freestyle (RAF) presents a thrilling card on November 14, 2026. Headlining the event is a Cruiserweight Crossover Championship Match between the reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev, and the challenger, Colby Covington.

The Main Event: Chimaev vs. Covington

Khamzat Chimaev, representing the UAE at 32 years old, enters this championship bout with a perfect 4-0 RAF record. His journey through RAF has seen him defeat notable opponents such as Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley, Gilbert Burns, and Robbie Lawler, all in main event or co-main event slots. Chimaev’s wrestling roots run deep, having started at age five in the Chechen Republic, Russia, and later becoming a three-time Swedish national champion in freestyle wrestling. His MMA career in the UFC, where he is a former Middleweight Champion, also showcases his grappling prowess, with UFC wrestling averages of 1.7 takedowns landed per fight at 61% accuracy, stopping 76% of takedown attempts, and maintaining 3.1 minutes of control per fight.

Challenging for the title is the USA's Colby Covington, 38 years old, who also boasts an undefeated 5-0 RAF record. Covington, from Clovis, California, is the inaugural RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Champion, having secured victories over Luke Rockhold, Dillon Danis, Chris Weidman, Arman Tsarukyan, and Belal Muhammad. His extensive wrestling background includes a 2007 national junior college title with a 34-0 record, two Pac-10 Conference championships, and All-American honors at Oregon State University. He also won a gold medal at the 2013 FILA Grappling no-gi world championships. In his UFC career, Covington averaged 3.7 takedowns landed per fight at 47% accuracy, stopping 40% of takedown attempts, and controlling opponents for 6.4 minutes per fight.

Championship Showdowns

The card features three other championship matches, showcasing some of the best pure wrestlers in the world.

In a Cruiserweight Championship match, current RAF Cruiserweight Champion Kyle Dake, a 35-year-old American from Lansing, New York, will put his 6-0 RAF record on the line. Dake is a legendary figure in wrestling, being a four-time NCAA Division I National Champion, the only one to do so in four different weight classes without a redshirt season. He is also a four-time World Champion and a two-time Olympic bronze medalist. He will face Alp Arslan Begenjov, a 20-year-old from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, who is making his RAF debut.

The Light Heavyweight Championship will see Kyle Snyder, the 30-year-old American from Woodbine, Maryland, defend his title. Snyder, with a 5-0 RAF record, is one of the most decorated wrestlers in history, being the youngest ever to win world, NCAA, and Olympic championships in the same year. He is a two-time NCAA heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. He famously defeated Abdulrashid Sadulaev at the 2017 World Championships. Snyder will meet Shamil Erdogan, a 36-year-old from Dagestan, Russia, who is making his RAF debut.

For the Middleweight Championship, Kennedy Blades, a 23-year-old American from Chicago, Illinois, brings her perfect 6-0 RAF record to the mat. Blades is the current RAF Women's Middleweight Champion, with four successful title defenses. She is a 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Champion, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, and a 2025 World Championship bronze medalist. She will face Bella Mir, a 23-year-old American from Las Vegas, Nevada, who holds a 1-1 RAF record.

Stacked Crossover and Wrestling Bouts

Beyond the titles, RAF Abu Dhabi offers a compelling lineup of crossover and traditional wrestling matches.

A Catchweight Crossover bout features Arman Tsarukyan, a 30-year-old Armenian, with an 8-1 RAF record, including a victory over Urijah Faber. Tsarukyan, a Master of Sports in wrestling, has a strong MMA background in the UFC, averaging 2.7 takedowns landed per fight at 41% accuracy. He will face Neiman Gracie, a 37-year-old Brazilian, making his RAF debut after a loss at RAF Moscow. Gracie, a fourth-generation member of the famed Gracie family, is a highly accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with a professional MMA career in Bellator MMA and PFL.

In a Welterweight Crossover match, Zabit Magomedsharipov, a 35-year-old Russian from Dagestan, makes his RAF debut. A former ACB Featherweight Champion and a four-time Russian Sanda champion, Magomedsharipov had a notable UFC career, averaging 5.2 takedowns landed per fight at 55% accuracy. He will face Giga Chikadze, a 38-year-old Georgian, also making his RAF debut. Chikadze, a former kickboxer, has a UFC record that shows a preference for striking, with an average of 0.2 takedowns landed per fight.

A Light Heavyweight bout pits Abdulrashid Sadulaev, the 30-year-old Russian wrestling phenom with a 1-1 RAF record, against Dauren Kurugliev, a 34-year-old Russian-born Greek wrestler making his RAF debut. Sadulaev, known as the "Russian Tank," is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time World Champion. Kurugliev is a three-time European champion and a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist.

The Lightweight Crossover bout sees Umar Nurmagomedov, a 30-year-old Russian making his RAF debut, against Urijah Faber, a 47-year-old American with an 0-2 RAF record. Nurmagomedov, a combat sambo world champion, has a UFC wrestling average of 3.8 takedowns landed per fight at 50% accuracy. Faber, an NCAA wrestler and UFC Hall of Famer, averaged 1.5 takedowns landed per fight in his UFC career.

Jordan Burroughs, the 38-year-old American wrestling legend, holds a 2-1 RAF record and will compete in a Middleweight bout against Azamat Nurykau, a 36-year-old from Dagestan, Russia, making his RAF debut. Burroughs is a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and six-time World Champion, with two NCAA Division I national championships.

A Catchweight Crossover bout presents a rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Marlon Moraes. Dvalishvili, a 35-year-old Georgian and American, holds a 2-1 RAF record and is the former UFC Bantamweight Champion, known for his record-breaking 7.0 takedowns landed per fight in the UFC. Moraes, a 38-year-old Brazilian making his RAF debut, is a former WSOF Bantamweight Champion. Their previous encounter in the UFC saw Dvalishvili win by TKO.

Other bouts include Zahid Valencia, a 29-year-old American with a 4-1 RAF record and a two-time NCAA Division I national champion, facing Khidir Saipudinov, a 23-year-old Russian-born Bahraini wrestler with an 0-1 RAF record, in a Cruiserweight match. A Middleweight Crossover bout features Diana Avsaragova, a 28-year-old Russian with an 0-1 RAF record, against Julianna Peña, a 37-year-old American making her RAF debut. Avsaragova is a Master of Sports in wrestling, while Peña is a former two-time UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion. Additionally, a Light Heavyweight Crossover match will see Murtaza Talha from Dagestan, Russia, and Osama Elsaidy from Cairo, Egypt, both making their RAF debuts, and a Lightweight bout will feature Hamza Kooheji from Bahrain and Ali AlQaisi from Jordan, both also making their RAF debuts.

RAF ABU DHABI — full card

Weight	Athlete	Athlete
MAIN Cruiserweight Crossover	Khamzat Chimaev	Colby Covington
Cruiserweight	Kyle Dake	Alp Arslan Begenjov
Light Heavyweight	Kyle Snyder	Shamil Erdogan
Middleweight	Kennedy Blades	Bella Mir
Catchweight Crossover	Arman Tsarukyan	Neiman Gracie
Welterweight Crossover	Zabit Magomedsharipov	Giga Chikadze
Light Heavyweight	Abdulrashid Sadulaev	Dauren Kurugliev
Lightweight Crossover	Umar Nurmagomedov	Urijah Faber
Middleweight	Jordan Burroughs	Azamat Nurykau
Light Heavyweight Crossover	Murtaza Talha	Osama Elsaidy
Middleweight Crossover	Diana Avsaragova	Julianna Peña
Light Heavyweight	Osama Elsaidy	Murtaza Talha
Catchweight Crossover	Merab Dvalishvili	Marlon Moraes
Cruiserweight	Zahid Valencia	Khidir Saipudinov
Lightweight	Hamza Kooheji	Ali AlQaisi
Lightweight	Ali AlQaisi	Hamza Kooheji
Middleweight	Julianna Peña	Diana Avsaragova

Card and athlete details from Real American Freestyle. RAF records count bouts on RAF cards only.

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UFC Fight Night: Underdogs Reign as Walker, Schmid Score Major Upsets

UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker delivered a night of unexpected outcomes, with underdogs defying the odds across the card. While Johnny Walker’s main event knockout sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division, it was Ollie Schmid’s unanimous decision victory over the heavily favored Keiichiro Nakamura that stood out as the night’s most significant upset, rewriting the script for the featherweight prospect.

Johnny Walker Stuns Waldo Cortes Acosta with Third-Round Knockout

Johnny Walker (9-7-0 -> 10-7-0) delivered a pivotal performance in the main event, knocking out Waldo Cortes Acosta (10-4-0 -> 10-5-0) in the third round at 2:27. Walker, entering the bout as a 2.0-to-1 underdog, faced a Cortes Acosta who was a clear favorite with the bookmakers. The fight, which took place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, saw Walker secure his second win at heavyweight. This victory not only improved his record but also reset his career trajectory in the division, derailing Cortes Acosta's push towards the top five.

Ollie Schmid Defies Odds in Unanimous Decision Over Keiichiro Nakamura

In what was undeniably the biggest upset of the night, Ollie Schmid (0-1-0 -> 1-1-0) defeated Keiichiro Nakamura (1-0-0 -> 1-1-0) by unanimous decision after three rounds. Schmid entered the cage as a substantial 3.1-to-1 underdog against Nakamura, who was a heavy favorite. The featherweight contest saw Schmid, a taller southpaw, utilize his range and set traps, while Nakamura, an elusive Japanese prospect, employed sharp kicks and unpredictable attacks. The opening round was a tactical kicking battle, with Schmid making better reads with his hands and landing a clean uppercut and left hook combination. Nakamura adjusted in the second, inviting Schmid to throw to counter, but Schmid's kicks, particularly a question mark kick, continued to be effective. The third round saw Nakamura increase his aggression, pressing forward and landing a powerful left hook that dropped Schmid. Nakamura followed with ground strikes, and Schmid lost his mouthguard, appearing close to being finished. However, Schmid showed remarkable resilience, surviving the barrage and using a desperate takedown to interrupt the attack. Despite Nakamura's late-round surge, Schmid's work in the earlier rounds and his ability to withstand the knockdown proved decisive, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in his favor.

Andre Petroski Delivers Knockout Blow to Mantas Kondratavicius

Andre Petroski (8-5-0 -> 9-5-0) pulled off a significant upset in the middleweight division, stopping Mantas Kondratavicius (1-0-0 -> 1-1-0) by knockout due to punches in the second round at 4:39. Petroski was a considerable 2.9-to-1 underdog against Kondratavicius, who was a heavy favorite. Petroski led in several tracked fight-stat categories, securing the TKO victory.

Mitch Raposo Outworks Marcos Degli for Unanimous Decision

Mitch Raposo (2-2-0 -> 3-2-0) secured a unanimous decision victory over Marcos Degli (0-0-0 -> 0-1-0) after three rounds in their flyweight clash. Raposo, a 2.2-to-1 underdog, overcame a favored Degli. Despite Degli taking the first round on all three judges' scorecards, Raposo's consistent pressure and output were key. He increased his significant strike output in the second round, leveling the scores. Even after suffering a cut in the final round, Raposo continued to advance, ultimately earning 29-28 scores from all three judges.

Elijah Smith Dominates Davey Grant with First-Round Knockout

Elijah Smith (3-0-0 -> 4-0-0) made a powerful statement in the bantamweight division, delivering a first-round knockout victory over Davey Grant (9-7-0 -> 9-8-0) just one minute into the fight. Smith, a heavy favorite, clipped Grant with a counter check hook, dropped him with a left hook near the fence, and landed a right hand on the ground to secure the stoppage. This marked the first time in Grant's 13-year UFC career that he had been knocked out. Smith's impressive performance earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus and came on the final fight of his current UFC contract, prompting him to declare himself a free agent after the bout.

Tatiana Suarez Grinds Out Decision Over Virna Jandiroba

Tatiana Suarez (9-1-0 -> 10-1-0) earned a unanimous decision victory over Virna Jandiroba (9-4-0 -> 9-5-0) after three rounds in their women's strawweight bout. Suarez, who was favored in the matchup, utilized her wrestling to control and frustrate Jandiroba throughout the fight. All three judges scored the fight in favor of Suarez, with two judges seeing it 30-27 and one 29-28. This co-main event victory was a crucial step for Suarez, who made her case for a shot at the 115-pound title.

Undercard Delivers Action and More Upsets

The undercard of UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker also featured a series of compelling matchups, including another upset as Murtazali Magomedov (1-0-0 -> 2-0-0) defeated the favored Jose Delano (1-0-0 -> 1-1-0) by unanimous decision in a featherweight contest. Jose Souza (1-0-0 -> 2-0-0) secured a first-round knockout victory over Jonny Parsons (1-0-0 -> 1-1-0) in their welterweight bout. Karine Silva (5-3-0 -> 6-3-0), a favorite, earned a unanimous decision win against Gabriella Fernandes (3-3-0 -> 3-4-0) in women's flyweight action. Lucas Fernando (1-0-0 -> 2-0-0), a heavy favorite, defeated Billy Elekana (3-1-0 -> 3-2-0) by unanimous decision in a light heavyweight clash. Austin Bashi (1-2-0 -> 2-2-0), another heavy favorite, submitted Carlos Calderon (0-0-0 -> 0-1-0) with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their featherweight fight. Thomas Petersen (3-4-0 -> 4-4-0) delivered a third-round knockout over Gabriel Lorenco (0-0-0 -> 0-1-0) in a heavyweight bout. Seokhyeon Ko (2-1-0 -> 3-1-0), a heavy favorite, secured a unanimous decision victory against Wellington Turman (3-6-0 -> 3-7-0) in their welterweight matchup. Finally, Nina Milosevic (1-0-0 -> 2-0-0) scored a second-round knockout with elbows against Priscila Cachoeira (5-9-0 -> 5-10-0) in a women's bantamweight contest.

UFC Fight Night: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker — full results

Winner	Defeated	How
Johnny Walker UPSET	Waldo Cortes Acosta	KO/TKO R3
Ollie Schmid UPSET	Keiichiro Nakamura	Decision
Andre Petroski UPSET	Mantas Kondratavicius	KO/TKO R2
Mitch Raposo UPSET	Marcos Degli	Decision
Elijah Smith	Davey Grant	KO/TKO R1
Tatiana Suarez	Virna Jandiroba	Decision
Murtazali Magomedov UPSET	Jose Delano	Decision
Jose Souza	Jonny Parsons	KO/TKO R1
Karine Silva	Gabriella Fernandes	Decision
Lucas Fernando	Billy Elekana	Decision
Austin Bashi	Carlos Calderon	Submission R1
Thomas Petersen	Gabriel Lorenco	KO/TKO R3
Seokhyeon Ko	Wellington Turman	Decision
Nina Milosevic	Priscila Cachoeira	KO/TKO R2

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

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Light Heavyweight: Unpacking the Highest Elo Ratings

Our latest analysis of UFC Light Heavyweight fighters reveals Magomed Ankalaev as the current leader in our proprietary Elo rating system, holding a score of 1194. This Elo rating is a dynamic numerical measure of a fighter's skill, computed exclusively from their UFC results. Every fighter begins at 1000 points, gaining or losing points after each fight, with the magnitude of the change weighted by the opponent's rating. A higher Elo score signifies a stronger performance history against the competition faced.

To qualify for this leaderboard, fighters must have had at least three UFC fights and competed within the last two years. Out of 205 Light Heavyweight fighters on record, 38 met these criteria.

The Top Contenders

Magomed Ankalaev leads the division with an Elo rating of 1194. His UFC record stands at 13-2 across 15 fights, with his last bout on 25 Jul 2026. At 34 years old, Ankalaev's consistent performance against a range of opponents has solidified his position at the top of this metric, reflecting a strong win-loss ratio over a significant number of contests.

Following Ankalaev is Carlos Ulberg, who holds an Elo rating of 1173. Ulberg's UFC record is 10-1 from 11 fights, with his most recent appearance on 11 Apr 2026. At 36 years old, his high rating and impressive win rate, with only one loss, indicate a very strong run of form. The 21-point gap between Ankalaev and Ulberg suggests a clear, though not insurmountable, difference in their accumulated performance scores.

Dominick Reyes occupies the third spot with an Elo rating of 1117. His UFC record is 11-5 over 16 fights, and he last competed on 24 Oct 2026. At 37 years old, Reyes's rating places him firmly in the top tier, despite having more losses than the top two. His score reflects a history of competing at a high level against strong opponents.

Just below Reyes is Paulo Costa, with an Elo rating of 1114. Costa's UFC record is 8-4 from 12 fights, and his last fight was on 11 Apr 2026. At 36 years old, his rating is very close to Reyes's, indicating a similar level of performance according to the Elo system.

Rounding out the top five is Jan Blachowicz, with an Elo rating of 1107. Blachowicz has a UFC record of 12-9 across 21 fights, making him the most experienced fighter in the top 10 by number of UFC bouts. His last fight was on 01 Aug 2026. At 44 years old, his sustained presence in the top five highlights a long career of competitive performances, though it is worth noting that career totals can sometimes favor long-serving fighters who accumulate many results.

The Rest of the Top 10

A cluster of fighters follows the top five, with Elo ratings ranging from 1090 down to 1075. Alonzo Menifield is 6th with 1090 (12-6, 18 fights, last fought 19 Sep 2026, age 39), closely followed by Dustin Jacoby at 7th with 1088 (10-7, 17 fights, last fought 25 Jul 2026, age 39). Azamat Murzakanov is 8th with 1087 (6-2, 8 fights, last fought 24 Oct 2026, age 38).

Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev stands out at 9th with an Elo rating of 1080. His UFC record is an undefeated 4-0 from only 4 fights, with his last bout on 24 Oct 2026. At 26 years old, this is a high rating for a fighter with a limited number of UFC appearances. While impressive, it is worth noting that Elo ratings derived from a small number of fights can be more susceptible to fluctuation due to the limited data points. Finally, Nikita Krylov is 10th with 1075 (12-11, 23 fights, last fought 24 Oct 2026, age 35).

Light Heavyweight — highest elo rating now

Fighter	Elo	UFC fights
1. Magomed Ankalaev	1194	15 fights
2. Carlos Ulberg	1173	11 fights
3. Dominick Reyes	1117	16 fights
4. Paulo Costa	1114	12 fights
5. Jan Blachowicz	1107	21 fights
6. Alonzo Menifield	1090	18 fights
7. Dustin Jacoby	1088	17 fights
8. Azamat Murzakanov	1087	8 fights
9. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev	1080	4 fights
10. Nikita Krylov	1075	23 fights

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

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Adesanya vs. Magomedov, Garry vs. Amosov Set for UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has officially booked two significant matchups for its upcoming Fight Night event in Saudi Arabia: Israel Adesanya will face Sharabutdin Magomedov in the main event, and Ian Machado Garry will take on Yaroslav Amosov in the co-main event. The event is scheduled to take place on December 5 in Riyadh.

Adesanya Seeks to Reverse Skid Against Magomedov

Former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya (UFC record: 13-6-0) is set to headline the card against Sharabutdin Magomedov. Adesanya, who stands at six feet, four inches tall with an eighty-inch reach and fights with a switch stance, enters this bout looking to snap a four-fight losing streak. His last victory came in April 2023 at UFC 287, where he defeated Alex Pereira by KO/TKO Punch in the second round. Since then, Adesanya has experienced a series of defeats, including a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland in September 2023, a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis in August 2024, and consecutive second-round KO/TKO losses to Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025 and Joe Pyfer in March 2026.

Adesanya's official UFC ranking is #9 in the middleweight division. Our internal Elo rating for him after his last fight was 1113. Throughout his UFC career, Adesanya has demonstrated strong takedown defense, thwarting 73% of attempts against him. His offensive grappling has been minimal, averaging 0.1 takedowns per fight with a 5% accuracy.

Machado Garry Faces Amosov in Welterweight Co-Main

In the co-main event, #1 ranked welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry (UFC record: 10-2-0) will square off against Yaroslav Amosov. Machado Garry, who is six feet, three inches tall with a seventy-four-inch reach and fights from an orthodox stance, is coming off a loss in August 2026 at UFC 330, where he faced Islam Makhachev and lost by unanimous decision in a five-round welterweight title fight. Prior to that title challenge, Machado Garry had secured two consecutive victories, including a unanimous decision win over Belal Muhammad in November 2025 and a unanimous decision win over Carlos Prates in April 2025. He also suffered a unanimous decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024.

Our UFC Elo rating for Ian Machado Garry after his last fight was 1130. His takedown accuracy in the UFC stands at 44%, averaging 0.9 takedowns per fight, complemented by a solid 79% takedown defense. Yaroslav Amosov, a former Bellator Welterweight Champion, has made a successful transition to the UFC, holding a 2-0 record within the promotion, with both victories coming via submission.

The UFC officially announced these bookings during the UFC Vegas 124 broadcast, according to MMA News. This event marks the promotion's third visit to Riyadh.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Israel Adesanya	13-6-0	Middleweight #9
Ian Machado Garry	10-2-0	Welterweight #1

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

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Stephen Thompson Announces Retirement After UFC 334 Bout

Stephen Thompson, a long-standing presence in the UFC welterweight division, has announced that his upcoming bout at UFC 334 will mark his final appearance in mixed martial arts. The 14-year veteran and former title challenger confirmed to MMA reporter James Lynch of Ozoon that his November 14 fight against Charles Radtke at Madison Square Garden will be his last before retirement.

Thompson, known widely as “Wonderboy,” cited a significant shift in his personal life as the primary reason for his decision to step away from active competition. He became a father to a baby girl in September, an event he noted has changed his perspective. Thompson told Lynch, "It's my last one, brother. And what better place than having it than Madison Square Garden, New York City?"

A Career Defined by Striking and Longevity

Thompson's UFC tenure spans 21 fights, with his UFC record standing at 12-9-0. He made his promotional debut in 2012 and quickly established himself as a unique and dangerous striker in the welterweight division. Over his career, he has faced many of the division's top contenders and champions, earning two shots at the welterweight title.

At 42 years old at his last fight, Thompson has maintained a high level of competition for years. His next booked UFC fight is against Charles Radtke at UFC 334: Gane vs. Hokit, taking place in New York. This event will serve as the backdrop for his farewell.

Recent Octagon Appearances

Thompson enters his final fight following a challenging period in his career. His most recent outing in July 2025 saw him lose to Gabriel Bonfim by split decision at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira. Prior to that, in October 2024, he suffered a knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307: Pereira vs. Rountree Jr. His fight before that, in December 2023, ended in a submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov via rear-naked choke at UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington. His last victory came in December 2022, when he defeated Kevin Holland by technical knockout at UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland.

Throughout his career, Thompson has been recognized for his exceptional striking and defensive grappling. He boasts a UFC takedown defense rate of 75% before his last fight, demonstrating his ability to keep fights standing where his striking prowess could shine. Despite his decision to retire from MMA, Thompson indicated to James Lynch that he still feels physically capable of competing and did not entirely rule out the possibility of engaging in other forms of competition, such as freestyle wrestling, in the future once his daughter is older.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Stephen Thompson	12-9-0	unranked

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

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Whittaker-Guskov Heavyweight Clash Leads Feb 6 UFC Card

The UFC has unveiled a compelling lineup of fights set for February 6, 2027, with a surprising heavyweight clash headlining the new bookings. Fans can anticipate explosive action across multiple divisions as established veterans face off against dangerous rising talents.

Heavyweight Intrigue: Guskov Meets Whittaker

Perhaps the most unexpected announcement sees former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker stepping up to heavyweight to face the formidable Bogdan Guskov. Whittaker, known as 'The Reaper,' has long been a staple of the middleweight division, where he once held the undisputed title. While he has recently competed at light heavyweight, his move to the sport's heaviest division against a natural light heavyweight like Guskov adds a fascinating layer to this contest. Whittaker brings a professional record of 28-9-0, built on crisp, technical striking and remarkable durability, backed by black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, and Karate.

Bogdan 'Czarevitch' Guskov, with an 18-4-1 professional record, is a powerful light heavyweight known for his devastating finishing ability, boasting 15 knockouts and three submissions among his victories, with none of his wins ever going to a decision. Guskov, a Master of Sport in both boxing and MMA, and a brown belt in BJJ, promises to test Whittaker's chin and grappling prowess in a big way. This heavyweight booking, while unusual for both fighters' typical weight classes, guarantees a high-impact affair.

Lightweight Showdown: Salkilld vs. Saint Denis

A high-stakes lightweight battle is set between the surging Australian Quillan Salkilld and France's 'God of War,' Benoit Saint Denis. Salkilld, holding an impressive 13-1-0 professional record with a perfect 6-0-0 in the UFC, has quickly made a name for himself with five Performance of the Night bonuses in his six UFC appearances. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Salkilld is a finisher with five knockouts and five submissions to his name. He enters this bout on a remarkable four-fight finishing streak, all in the first round.

Benoit Saint Denis, a former French Army Special Forces soldier, brings a relentless, aggressive style to the Octagon, reflected in his 17-4-0 (1 NC) professional record. Ranked #8 in the Meta UFC lightweight rankings, Saint Denis is a submission specialist with 11 victories by tap-out, complemented by six knockouts. With a brown belt in BJJ and a black belt in Judo, his grappling credentials are undeniable. This matchup pits two highly dangerous finishers against each other in a fight that is unlikely to see the judges' scorecards.

Featherweight Firefights

The featherweight division also gets two exciting additions to the February 6 card. First, Australia's Kaan 'Genghis' Ofli (15-4-1) is slated to meet Brazil's Joanderson 'Tubarão' Brito (20-5-1). Ofli, a submission specialist with seven victories by tap-out, has shown resilience throughout his career and is currently on a three-fight win streak. Brito, known for his relentless, finish-hunting pressure, boasts an impressive 85% finish rate, with nine knockouts and eight submissions among his 20 professional wins. His heavy-handed striking and opportunistic submission game make him a constant threat.

In another featherweight clash, Marwan 'Freaky' Rahiki (9-1-0) will face JooSang 'Zombie Jr.' Yoo (9-2-0). Rahiki enters the bout with a perfect finishing record in his nine professional wins, demonstrating significant striking power with 6.69 significant strikes landed per minute. Yoo, a South Korean talent who began his combat sports journey in Taekwondo and boxing, brings a well-rounded game with four knockouts and one submission among his victories. Both fighters will be looking to make a statement in this competitive division.

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UFC Fight Night 293: Cortes Acosta vs. Walker Main Event Details Unveiled

Information regarding the UFC Fight Night 293 main event, featuring Waldo Cortes Acosta and Johnny Walker, has been released, including fight details, stylistic breakdowns, predictions, and betting insights. The heavyweight clash is set to headline the event on November 7, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. This main event was arranged on relatively short notice after Sean Brady withdrew from his scheduled welterweight bout against Gabriel Bonfim due to a staph infection in his knee, according to reports from multiple outlets.

The Heavyweight Headliners

Waldo Cortes Acosta, who holds an official UFC ranking of #6 in the heavyweight division, enters this bout with a UFC record of 10 wins and 4 losses. The 34-year-old orthodox fighter stands 6 feet 4 inches tall with a 78-inch reach. Cortes Acosta is looking to rebound from two consecutive unanimous decision losses, first against Alexander Volkov in May 2026, and then against Curtis Blaydes in September 2026. Prior to these setbacks, he secured three consecutive knockout victories in 2025 and January 2026, including a second-round TKO over Derrick Lewis at UFC 324. His takedown defense stands at 84%.

Johnny Walker, also 34 years old and fighting from an orthodox stance, will be making a quick turnaround for this main event. He boasts a UFC record of 9 wins and 7 losses from his 16 UFC fights. Walker, who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall with an 82-inch reach, recently made his heavyweight debut in October 2026 at UFC 332, securing a first-round knockout victory over Mick Parkin. This win came after a split decision loss to Dominick Reyes in April 2026 at light heavyweight. Walker's takedown defense is recorded at 47%.

Fight Breakdowns and Predictions

Outlets have provided detailed analyses of the upcoming matchup. Sherdog highlighted the fight as a "hugely entertaining heavyweight match-up." Yahoo Sports released a breakdown and prediction for the fight. SportsLine MMA expert Daniel Vithlani released his picks and predictions for the event, including the Cortes Acosta vs. Walker main event. Pickswise also offered its best bets for UFC Fight Night 293.

Analyses suggest a stylistic contrast between the two heavyweights. Cortes Acosta is often described as a pressuring boxer with significant knockout power, while Walker is noted for his rangy, unorthodox striking and creative offense. A prediction from one outlet favors Cortes Acosta to win by KO/TKO, suggesting that Walker may struggle with Cortes Acosta's power. Conversely, another breakdown from Before You Bet noted Walker's size, reach, and unpredictable attacks as potential factors for an upset, though it also acknowledged his history of knockout losses and the five-round distance as concerns. Sports Outbreak provided a technical breakdown, examining the striking, footwork, and defensive aspects of both fighters.

Betting Information

Betting information for UFC Fight Night 293 has been released by various sportsbooks. Early betting lines indicate that Waldo Cortes Acosta is favored in the main event. SportsLine reported the betting odds, with Cortes Acosta listed as the favorite. MyBookie also released odds for the event, showing Cortes Acosta as favored against Walker. FanDuel Sportsbook has also made various betting markets available for the bout. The event is scheduled to stream on Paramount+.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Waldo Cortes Acosta	10-4-0	Heavyweight #6
Johnny Walker	9-7-0	unranked

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

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Conor McGregor Targets BKFC Move After Final UFC Bout

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has publicly stated his intention to join Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) after fulfilling the final fight on his current UFC contract. McGregor, who is also a part-owner of BKFC, indicated that his last appearance in the UFC octagon would serve not as a retirement announcement from combat sports, but as a declaration of his move to bare-knuckle boxing.

The Irishman made these remarks during an appearance at HYPE Fighting Championship in Rome, where he expressed a strong affinity for the bare-knuckle format. He described the sport as "very exciting, very dangerous and it takes more courage." McGregor also notably commented on the physical toll of the sport, stating, "Teeth come and go, just like a nose. It means nothing."

McGregor's Recent Octagon History

McGregor's combat sports future has been a frequent topic of discussion, particularly following his recent activity in the UFC. His last outing was in July 2026 at UFC 329, where he faced Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch. McGregor, who was 37 years old at the time, lost the bout by KO/TKO in the first round at one minute and nine seconds. The pre-fight market had placed his chances of winning at 28%.

This defeat marked his third consecutive loss in the UFC. Prior to the Holloway rematch, McGregor suffered back-to-back lightweight losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021. The first encounter in January 2021 at UFC 257 saw him lose by KO/TKO punches in the second round, followed by another KO/TKO loss in July 2021 at UFC 264. His most recent victory in the UFC came in January 2020 at UFC 246, where he defeated Donald Cerrone by KO/TKO punches in just 40 seconds of the first round, also at welterweight.

Throughout his UFC career, McGregor has compiled a UFC record of 10-5-0 across 15 fights. A southpaw with a 74-inch reach and standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, his striking has long been a hallmark of his style. His grappling statistics show an average of 0.4 takedowns per fight with 36% accuracy, alongside a 60% takedown defense rate prior to his last fight.

Recovery and Future Outlook

Currently, McGregor is recovering from ACL surgery after sustaining a knee injury during his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 329. While he has one fight remaining on his UFC contract, there is no next booked UFC fight on our schedule. McGregor has reportedly targeted International Fight Week in July 2027 for his final UFC bout, though no opponent or specific date has been officially confirmed by the UFC.

BKFC chairman Dave Feldman has publicly expressed his belief that McGregor will indeed transition to bare-knuckle boxing. Feldman indicated that a move to BKFC is highly probable, provided McGregor emerges from his final UFC commitment without another significant injury.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Conor McGregor	10-5-0	unranked

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

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Middleweight: Best Opponents Beaten by Elo

In the Middleweight division, Dricus Du Plessis leads the pack in a unique metric: the average Elo of opponents he has beaten. This statistic measures the strength of a fighter's victories by calculating the average Elo rating of all the opponents they have defeated within the UFC. A higher number indicates that a fighter has consistently overcome more highly-rated competition. To qualify for this list, a fighter must have at least three UFC fights, with 229 fighters meeting this criterion out of 354 on record in this group. Fighters are categorized by their current weight class.

The Top Contenders

Dricus Du Plessis stands at the top with an average beaten opponent Elo of 1098. His UFC record is 10-1 across 11 fights, with his last bout on 18 Jul 2026 at age 33. This leading figure reflects a career marked by significant wins against high-caliber opponents, demonstrating his consistent ability to overcome strong competition throughout his UFC tenure.

Closely following is Israel Adesanya, ranked second with an average of 1095. With a UFC record of 13-6 over 19 fights, last fighting on 28 Mar 2026 at age 37, Adesanya has faced and defeated a substantial number of highly-rated adversaries. His extensive fight history in the UFC against top-tier competition contributes to his high placement on this list.

Khamzat Chimaev secures the third position with an average beaten opponent Elo of 1092. His UFC record stands at 9-1 from 10 fights, with his last appearance on 09 May 2026 at age 32. Chimaev’s rapid ascent and strong record against notable opponents have quickly placed him among the division's elite in this metric, indicating that his victories have come against strong competition.

Rounding out the top five are Clifford Starks at 1088 and Jason Day at 1087. Both fighters hold a UFC record of 1-2 from 3 fights. Starks last fought on 20 Apr 2013 at age 46, and Day on 07 Mar 2009 at age 46. Their high ranking despite limited UFC appearances and negative records is notable, suggesting that their single victories came against particularly strong opponents. It is worth noting that rate statistics derived from a small number of fights can be more susceptible to fluctuation.

Historical Figures and Notable Profiles

Further down the list, we find a mix of historical figures and active fighters. Cung Le, at sixth with 1086, holds a 2-2 UFC record from 4 fights, last fighting on 23 Aug 2014 at age 54. His presence highlights the quality of opponents he defeated during his relatively brief UFC career.

Kamaru Usman, at seventh with 1082, has an impressive UFC record of 16-4 over 20 fights, last competing on 18 Jul 2026 at age 40. While primarily known for his dominance in another division, his inclusion here demonstrates the high caliber of fighters he has overcome, now being listed in the Middleweight division.

Gegard Mousasi, eighth at 1081, with a 9-3 UFC record from 12 fights, last fought on 08 Apr 2017 at age 41. His consistent performance against strong competition during his UFC tenure is reflected in this statistic.

Armen Petrosyan, at ninth with 1080, has a UFC record of 3-4 from 7 fights, last fighting on 08 Mar 2025 at age 36. His inclusion is interesting given his overall losing record, indicating that his three victories were against opponents with high average Elo ratings.

Finally, Michael Page closes out the top ten with 1079. He holds a 5-1 UFC record from 6 fights, last competing on 05 Sep 2026 at age 40. His relatively recent entry into the UFC and strong start against quality opponents have quickly placed him on this leaderboard.

Middleweight — best opponents beaten by elo

Fighter	Beaten Elo	UFC fights
1. Dricus Du Plessis	1098	11 fights
2. Israel Adesanya	1095	19 fights
3. Khamzat Chimaev	1092	10 fights
4. Clifford Starks	1088	3 fights
5. Jason Day	1087	3 fights
6. Cung Le	1086	4 fights
7. Kamaru Usman	1082	20 fights
8. Gegard Mousasi	1081	12 fights
9. Armen Petrosyan	1080	7 fights
10. Michael Page	1079	6 fights

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

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Liberati Steps Up to Ultra-Heavy at São Paulo BJJ Pro 2026

Vinicius Liberati, the reigning Super-Heavyweight world champion, is set to make a significant statement at the São Paulo BJJ Pro IBJJF Championship 2026, scheduled for November 21 at the Ginásio Poliesportivo José Correa in Barueri. Liberati has officially entered the Ultra-Heavy division, signaling a bold move up in weight class following a stellar year at Super-Heavyweight. His entry, alongside those of formidable female black belts Giovanna Jara de Souza and Giovanna Xavier Carneiro, promises to ignite the competitive spirit of this prestigious event.

Liberati's Ultra-Heavy Challenge

Vinicius Liberati, representing Soldiers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, arrives in Barueri with an impressive competitive resume and a current Elo rating of 1563, placing him as the world's 155th-ranked competitor. His career boasts 45 gold medals out of a total of 71. Liberati earned his black belt on the podium steps of the Brazilian Nationals in May 2022, a fitting recognition for a competitor who had already secured World, South American, and Brazilian National gold medals in lower belt divisions.

The 2026 season has been particularly remarkable for Liberati, who was introduced as the reigning European, Brazilian National, and world champion at Super-Heavyweight. His triumphs this year include winning the European and Brazilian National titles, and securing the World Championship at Super-Heavyweight, in addition to a runner-up finish at the Pan Championship. His competitive style, characterized by a blend of open guard expertise and relentless top pressure, has seen many of his black belt submission victories come from chokes from the back and arm-triangle chokes. This move to Ultra-Heavy, a division with no upper weight limit, presents a new challenge for Liberati, who has previously competed at Heavyweight and Super-Heavyweight. It will be compelling to see how his refined technique translates against potentially larger opponents.

Giovanna Jara de Souza: A Heavyweight Contender

The female Heavy division will feature the formidable presence of Giovanna Jara de Souza, a top-tier black belt from Dream Art BJJ. Rated at 1745 Elo and ranked 55th globally, Jara de Souza is a significant force in her category. Her career highlights include 42 gold medals and a total of 50 medals. Promoted to black belt by her mother, Lucinha Jara, in May 2023, Giovanna Jara de Souza has been a standout competitor since her juvenile days, securing two Brazilian National titles. Her success continued through the colored belts, with IBJJF World Championship titles at blue and purple belt, and a Pan Championship at purple belt. She even achieved the rare feat of qualifying for the ADCC World Championships as a purple belt in 2022. Her recent form includes a first-place finish at the Sul-Americano 2025 and third-place finishes at both the Brasileiro and European IBJJF Championships in 2025 in the Heavy division. Her entry into the São Paulo BJJ Pro signals her intent to continue her dominance and add another prestigious title to her growing collection.

Giovanna Xavier Carneiro: GFTeam's Medium-Heavy Threat

Also gracing the mats at the São Paulo BJJ Pro IBJJF Championship 2026 is Giovanna Xavier Carneiro, a highly skilled black belt from GFTeam Redentor. Ranked 206th in the world with an Elo rating of 1507, Carneiro brings a wealth of experience and a strong competitive drive to the Female Medium-Heavy division. With 46 career gold medals and a total of 62 medals, she has consistently proven her ability to reach the top of the podium. Giovanna Xavier Carneiro, who received her black belt from her father, Itagiba Carneiro, has an impressive track record from her colored belt days, including IBJJF World Championship titles at purple and brown belt, and a Pan Championship at purple belt. More recently, as a black belt, she secured gold at the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals NOGI in 2024 and the IBJJF BJJ Pro Curitiba in 2024. Her recent victory at the Manaus International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 in the Middle division further underscores her current form and readiness for high-level competition. Her presence in the Medium-Heavy division promises exciting matchups and a challenging bracket for all contenders.

Anticipation Builds for São Paulo

The São Paulo BJJ Pro IBJJF Championship 2026 is shaping up to be a must-watch event, with these elite black belts leading a strong field of competitors. While Liberati's move to Ultra-Heavy will undoubtedly be a central storyline, the formidable talents of Giovanna Jara de Souza and Giovanna Xavier Carneiro ensure that the female divisions will be equally compelling. As these athletes prepare to showcase their skills, the jiu-jitsu community eagerly anticipates the high-stakes battles and potential new champions that will emerge from Barueri.

Entry list — elite black belts

Athlete	Event	Division
Giovanna Souza	São Paulo BJJ Pro	Heavy
Vinicius Liberati	São Paulo BJJ Pro	Ultra-Heavy
Giovanna Xavier Carneiro	São Paulo BJJ Pro	Medium-Heavy

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

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Raul Rosas Jr. Submits Colby Covington in Grappling Match, McGregor Reacts

UFC bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr. submitted former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington in a grappling match held at Hype FC in Rome, Italy, on November 3, 2026. Rosas Jr. stepped in on short notice to replace Dillon Danis, who withdrew from the event. The match concluded swiftly, with Rosas Jr. securing a rear-naked choke in approximately 40 to 43 seconds, forcing Covington to tap out.

The event garnered additional attention due to the presence of Conor McGregor at ringside. Following the quick finish, videos circulated online appearing to show McGregor laughing at the outcome. However, McGregor later addressed these clips, stating on X that the footage was "false and fully edited." He clarified that while he had an enjoyable time at the event, the placement of his laughter in the video was misleading, emphasizing his respect for all competing athletes.

Rosas Jr.'s Rapid Ascent

Raul Rosas Jr., at 21 years old, continues to make headlines in the combat sports world. His UFC record stands at 7-1-0 across eight fights, showcasing a strong start to his professional career. Rosas Jr. entered this grappling contest on a five-fight UFC win streak, with his most recent victory coming in September 2026 against Raoni Barcelos, where he won by KO/TKO in the fifth round. His grappling prowess is evident in his UFC statistics, boasting an average of 4.3 takedowns per fight with 67% accuracy, alongside a 60% takedown defense rate. Rosas Jr. is currently ranked #10 in the UFC Bantamweight division.

Covington's Grappling Outing

Colby Covington, 36, a seasoned UFC veteran with a UFC record of 12-5-0 across 17 fights, is primarily known for his elite wrestling background. His UFC takedowns per fight average 3.7 at 47% accuracy, though his takedown defense stands at 40%. Covington's last UFC fight was in December 2024, a loss to Joaquin Buckley by KO/TKO in the third round. Prior to that, he lost to Leon Edwards by unanimous decision in December 2023. While Covington has no immediate UFC fights scheduled, he is booked for a Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling match against Khamzat Chimaev in November 2026. Rosas Jr. is also scheduled to make his RAF debut against Clay Guida later in November 2026.

The submission victory by Rosas Jr. over a grappler of Covington's caliber, particularly on short notice, marks a significant moment for the young bantamweight. Covington acknowledged the outcome, stating that it was his first time doing jiu-jitsu in years and that he came out a little slow.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Colby Covington	12-5-0	unranked
Raul Rosas Jr.	7-1-0	Bantamweight #10

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

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Grant Dawson's Ranking Puzzle in Latest UFC Update

Grant Dawson finds himself in a perplexing position in the latest UFC rankings, moving down from 15th to unranked in the Lightweight division despite securing a victory at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. This unusual shift, where a fighter drops in the rankings after a win, stands out as the most intriguing development in the updated divisional lists.

Against the Result: Grant Dawson's Unexplained Drop

The Lightweight division sees a significant head-scratcher with Grant Dawson's departure from the top 15. Dawson, who held the 15th spot, has been removed from the rankings entirely, despite his recent triumph over Nurullo Aliev at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. UFC rankings are determined by a media panel, and while the exact reasoning behind such a move is not publicly disclosed, a fighter moving down after a victory is a rare occurrence that goes directly against their in-cage performance.

Head-to-Head Showdowns Reshape Bantamweight

In the Women's Bantamweight division, a direct encounter led to a swap in positions. Luana Santos climbs two spots, from 7th to 5th, after a decisive head-to-head victory over Yana Santos at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan. Consequently, Yana Santos moves down one place, from 6th to 7th, reflecting her loss in that bout. This direct exchange highlights the immediate impact of ranked fighters facing off in the Octagon.

Victories Propel Nolan and Tarin Up the Ranks

Two fighters saw their stock rise following impressive wins. Tom Nolan makes a notable ascent in the Lightweight division, moving from 14th to 13th. His climb is a direct result of his dominant performance at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan, where he defeated Renato Moicano via KO/TKO with elbows. Similarly, Regina Tarin advances in the Women's Flyweight rankings, climbing from 15th to 14th. Tarin earned her promotion by securing a unanimous decision victory over JJ Aldrich at Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado.

Bumped Without a Fight: Dariush, Fernandes, and Andrade

Several fighters experienced downward movement in the rankings without stepping into the cage themselves, a common occurrence when active competitors make their mark. Dan Hooker drops one spot in the Lightweight division, from 13th to 14th, as he was bumped by the new entry of Beneil Dariush. Gabriella Fernandes also falls one position in the Women's Flyweight category, from 14th to 15th, due to Regina Tarin's ascent. In the Women's Strawweight division, Jéssica Andrade moves from 10th to 11th, bumped by the rise of Tabatha Ricci.

Unexplained Shifts: Beneil Dariush's Re-entry and Tabatha Ricci's Rise

The latest rankings also feature movements that lack a clear, immediate fight-related explanation. Beneil Dariush re-enters the Lightweight rankings at the 15th spot after previously being unranked. While our data indicates no recent fight on record directly preceding this re-entry, Dariush has faced a challenging period with recent losses, including a TKO defeat to Quillan Salkilld in May 2026 and a KO loss to Benoit St. Denis in November 2025. Reports suggest Dariush has been inactive since May 2026 and is prioritizing coaching, considering his future in the sport, and potentially a move to welterweight. His re-entry into the top 15 at this juncture, without a recent victory, suggests a re-evaluation by the media panel, rather than a performance-based climb.

Similarly, Tabatha Ricci moves up one spot in the Women's Strawweight division, from 11th to 10th. Despite our internal data showing no fight on record in the immediate window to explain this rise, external records indicate Ricci has been active, though with recent losses. She suffered a unanimous decision loss to Fatima Kline in July 2026 and a unanimous decision loss to Virna Jandiroba in April 2026. Given these recent results, her upward movement in the rankings has no obvious explanation tied to a recent win or a period of inactivity that might lead to a re-assessment.

Every change in this update

Division	Fighter	Move
Women's Bantamweight	Luana Santos	▲ 7 → 5
Lightweight	Dan Hooker	▼ 13 → 14
Lightweight	Tom Nolan	▲ 14 → 13
Women's Bantamweight	Yana Santos	▼ 6 → 7
Women's Flyweight	Regina Tarin	▲ 15 → 14
Women's Flyweight	Gabriella Fernandes	▼ 14 → 15
Women's Strawweight	Tabatha Ricci	▲ 11 → 10
Women's Strawweight	Jéssica Andrade	▼ 10 → 11
Lightweight	Beneil Dariush	▲ — → 15
Lightweight	Grant Dawson	▼ 15 → —

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

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Dan Hooker Criticizes Charles Oliveira, UFC Over BMF Title's Demise

Dan Hooker has openly criticized Charles Oliveira and the UFC, asserting that the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title has lost its significance following Oliveira's emotional victory and subsequent celebration. Hooker's comments, widely reported by outlets like MMA Fighting and MMANews.com, suggest that Oliveira's reaction to winning the belt at UFC 326 'killed' what made the title special.

Hooker's Stance on the BMF Title

The controversy stems from Charles Oliveira's unanimous decision win over Max Holloway at UFC 326 in March 2026, where Oliveira secured the BMF championship. Following the fight, Oliveira became visibly emotional while receiving the belt, a moment that drew criticism from Hooker. According to Sportskeeda, Hooker took to social media to express his disapproval, stating that Oliveira's emotional outburst was not fitting for a BMF champion. He further suggested, as reported by The Times of India, that the belt had lost its meaning after such an emotional celebration. This isn't the first time Hooker has voiced skepticism about the BMF title; in June 2023, he remarked that he would likely put the belt 'under the bed or something' if he won it, viewing it as distinct from a world title.

Oliveira's Response and Fighter Context

Charles Oliveira, an Orthodox stance fighter with a UFC record of 25-11-0 across 36 UFC fights, responded to Hooker's remarks by advising him to concentrate on his own career. Oliveira, currently ranked #3 in the lightweight division, is coming off a significant win against Max Holloway in March 2026, where he utilized a grappling-heavy strategy to secure the BMF title. Before that victory, he held a one-fight UFC win streak. His next scheduled bout is against Diego Lopes at UFC 335: Oliveira vs. Lopes on December 12, 2026, in a lightweight contest.

Dan Hooker, who fights with a Switch stance and holds a UFC record of 14-11-0 over 25 UFC fights, is currently ranked #13 in the lightweight division. His recent performances include a loss to Salahdine Parnasse by KO/TKO punch in the first round in September 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Hooker vs. Parnasse. Prior to that, he also suffered losses to Benoit Saint Denis in January 2026 and Arman Tsarukyan in November 2025. Hooker's next challenge is booked against Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night: Prochazka vs. Stirling on November 21, 2026, in a lightweight matchup. The exchange between Hooker and Oliveira also has a history, with previous tension in 2025 regarding a disputed fight offer.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Dan Hooker	14-11-0	Lightweight #13
Charles Oliveira	25-11-0	Lightweight #3

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

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Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026: New Champions Emerge, Golden Score Drama

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026, held from October 29th to 31st, delivered a weekend of intense judo action, marked by several athletes claiming their inaugural Grand Slam gold medals, dramatic golden score victories, and established champions reinforcing their positions. The event saw lower-rated athletes triumph over seasoned veterans in several categories, adding an element of unpredictability to the podium finishes.

Men's Categories

In the Men -60 kg category, Balabay Aghayev (AZE), a multiple Grand Slam gold medallist, secured his sixth title at this level. He defeated Loiq Kudbudinov (TJK) in the final with a swift Ippon (Seoi-nage) at 1:20. Talgat Orynbassar (KAZ) and Kamoliddin Bakhtiyorov (UZB) earned the bronze medals.

The Men -66 kg division saw Sukhrob Boqiev (BRN), who had no prior senior medals at these tiers, clinch his first Grand Slam gold. Boqiev, with a pre-event Elo of 971, defeated the higher-rated Iago Abuladze (RUS), a 2021 World Champion with a pre-event Elo of 1293. Boqiev scored a Yuko (O-goshi) at 0:23. Abuladze received a shido for False-Attack at 1:13. Iskandar Mahmadkhojazoda (TJK) and Rashad Yelkiyev (AZE) were the bronze medallists.

Hassan Doukkali (MAR) claimed his first Grand Slam gold in the Men -73 kg category. Doukkali, who previously held continental championship medals, defeated Ahmadzod Masudi (TJK) in the final with a Yuko (Ko-soto-gake) at 0:57. Karen Galstian (RUS) and Hidayat Heydarov (AZE) secured the bronze medals.

The Men -81 kg final saw Petru Pelivan (MDA) earn his first Grand Slam gold, adding to his previous three silver and two bronze medals at this level. He defeated Eetu Ihanamaki (FIN) with a Yuko (Ko-uchi-gari) at 1:29. Pelivan received shidos for Non-Combativity at 1:17 and 3:41, while Ihanamaki was penalised for False-Attack at 2:11. Dimitri Gochilaidze (GEO) and Igor Tsurkan (SLO) were the bronze medallists.

In the Men -90 kg category, Ivaylo Ivanov (BUL) secured his second Grand Slam gold in a comeback performance. Mihail Latisev (MDA) initially scored a Yuko (Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame, hold-down) at 1:16, followed by a Waza-ari (Seoi-nage) at 1:57. Ivanov responded with a Waza-ari (Ko-uchi-gari) at 2:30, then secured the Waza-ari-awasete-ippon with Seoi-nage at 2:55. Mansur Lorsanov (RUS) and Kenny Komi Bedel (ITA) took the bronze medals.

Idar Bifov (RUS) claimed his second Grand Slam gold in the Men -100 kg division. Aurelien Diesse (FRA) took the silver medal, while Anton Savytskiy (UKR) and Marat Baikamurov (KAZ) earned bronze. No score sequence data was provided for this final.

In the Men +100 kg category, Irakli Demetrashvili (GEO) secured his second Grand Slam gold. Ushangi Kokauri (AZE) earned the silver medal, and Denis Batchaev (RUS) and Saba Inaneishvili (GEO) were the bronze medallists. No score sequence data was provided for this final.

Women's Categories

Konul Aliyeva (AZE) earned her first senior medal at this level, taking Grand Slam gold in the Women -48 kg category. She defeated Merve Azak (TUR) with a Waza-ari (Kata-Guruma) at 2:58. Aliyeva also scored a Yuko with Tani-otoshi at 2:04 and another Yuko with Sumi-otoshi at 2:35. Azak had an earlier Yuko (Ko-uchi-gari) at 1:11. Both athletes received a shido for Hold-Sleeve-Ends at 1:53. Marina Vorobeva (RUS) and Sila Ersin (TUR) secured the bronze medals.

A significant result unfolded in the Women -52 kg category, where Tihea Topolovec (CRO) achieved her first senior medal at this level by winning Grand Slam gold. Topolovec, with a pre-event Elo of 1082, defeated the highly decorated Amandine Buchard (FRA), who holds an Olympic silver and multiple World Championship bronze medals and a pre-event Elo of 1594. Topolovec secured the win with a Waza-ari (Uchi-mata) at 3:23. Buchard received a shido for Non-Combativity at 0:57. Topolovec was penalised for False-Attack at 2:19 and 3:55. Gefen Primo (ISR) and Roza Gyertyas (HUN) earned the bronze medals.

Martha Fawaz (FRA) secured her second Grand Slam gold in the Women -57 kg final. Shirlen Nascimento (BRA) initially scored a Waza-ari (Ippon-seoi-nage) at 1:38, which was subsequently cancelled at 2:20. Nascimento then scored a Yuko (Ippon-seoi-nage) at 2:35. Fawaz then secured the Waza-ari-awasete-ippon with O-uchi-gari at 2:50. Ana Viktorija Puljiz (CRO) and Mimi Huh (KOR) took the bronze medals.

In the Women -63 kg category, Angelika Szymanska (POL) earned her second Grand Slam gold. She defeated Anna Kriza (HUN) with a Yuko (Uchi-mata-sukashi) at 3:12, having previously scored a Waza-ari (O-uchi-gari) at 1:51. Kriza scored a Yuko (Uchi-mata) at 3:55. Kriza received shidos for Non-Combativity at 0:57 and for Avoid-Grip at 1:45, where Szymanska also received a shido for Avoid-Grip. Laura Fazliu (KOS) and Kaja Kajzer (SLO) were the bronze medallists.

Tais Pina (POR) claimed her second Grand Slam gold in the Women -70 kg division, defeating Kaillany Cardoso (BRA) by Ippon at 3:56. Luana Carvalho (BRA) and Aoife Coughlan (AUS) secured the bronze medals.

The Women -78 kg final was decided in golden score, with Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE), the reigning 2026 World Champion, securing her third Grand Slam gold. She defeated Patricia Sampaio (POR) with a Waza-ari (Tani-otoshi) at 3:02 in golden score, bringing the total fight time to 7:07. Sampaio received shidos for Non-Combativity at 1:37 and for Hold-Trouser-Leg at 1:05 in golden score. Lytvynenko received shidos for Non-Combativity at 0:43 in golden score and for Illegal-Grip-Breaking at 2:35 in golden score. Yael Van Heemst (NED) and Emma Reid (GBR) took the bronze medals.

Helena Vukovic (CRO) earned her first Grand Slam gold in the Women +78 kg category, having previously secured three bronze medals at this level. Vukovic, with a pre-event Elo of 1140, defeated the higher-rated Raz Hershko (ISR), an Olympic silver and multiple World Championship bronze medallist with a pre-event Elo of 1369. The final was decided in golden score by Hansoku-make at 1:24, due to Hershko receiving a third shido for Non-Combativity, bringing the total fight time to 5:24. Both athletes received shidos for Non-Combativity at 1:02 in regular time. Hershko also received a shido for False-Attack at 0:39 in golden score. Asya Tavano (ITA) and Erica Simonetti (ITA) were the bronze medallists.

Notable Performances and Early Exits

Beyond the medal contests, several other top-rated athletes faced early challenges. Diyora Keldiyorova (UZB, pre-event Elo #24 active) lost to Gefen Primo (ISR) in the Round of 16. Lara Cvjetko (CRO, pre-event Elo #69 active) placed 7th, losing to Samira Bock (GER) in the Repechage. Christian Parlati (ITA, pre-event Elo #70 active) placed 5th, losing to Kenny Komi Bedel (ITA) in the Bronze medal contest. Elisavet Teltsidou (GRE, pre-event Elo #83 active) lost to Samira Bock (GER) in the Round of 16. Yeldos Smetov (KAZ, pre-event Elo #89 active) placed 5th, losing to Talgat Orynbassar (KAZ) in the Bronze medal contest. Vedat Albayrak (TUR, pre-event Elo #93 active) lost to Dimitri Gochilaidze (GEO) in the Round of 16.

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026 -- gold and silver

Category	Gold	Silver
Men -60	Balabay Aghayev	Loiq Kudbudinov
Men -66	Sukhrob Boqiev	Iago Abuladze
Men -73	Hassan Doukkali	Ahmadzod Masudi
Men -81	Petru Pelivan	Eetu Ihanamaki
Men -90	Ivaylo Ivanov	Mihail Latisev
Men -100	Idar Bifov	Aurelien Diesse
Men +100	Irakli Demetrashvili	Ushangi Kokauri
Women -48	Konul Aliyeva	Merve Azak
Women -52	Tihea Topolovec	Amandine Buchard
Women -57	Martha Fawaz	Shirlen Nascimento
Women -63	Angelika Szymanska	Anna Kriza
Women -70	Tais Pina	Kaillany Cardoso
Women -78	Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko	Patricia Sampaio
Women +78	Helena Vukovic	Raz Hershko

Results from the IJF; bronze medallists and how each final was won are in the article. Names link to full profiles on projudo.xyz.

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