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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Renato Moicano Announces Intent to End UFC Career After Controversial Loss

Renato Moicano has announced his intention to conclude his UFC career once his current contract, which has three fights remaining, is fulfilled. The declaration follows his recent and controversial loss to Tom Nolan at UFC Vegas 123 on October thirty-first.

Controversial Loss at UFC Vegas 123

Moicano, who was thirty-seven years old at the time of the bout, faced Tom Nolan in a lightweight contest that ended in a third-round knockout via elbows for Nolan at one minute and twenty-eight seconds. The pre-fight market had Moicano favored at fifty-three percent to win. The fight was marked by a contentious referee decision in the second round. Moicano had secured back control on Nolan and was actively working for a submission, a position he maintained for significant portions of the first two rounds. However, referee Dan Miragliotta controversially stood the fighters up, citing a lack of action.

This stand-up proved to be a pivotal moment. Immediately after the restart, Nolan capitalized, landing strikes that visibly hurt Moicano and nearly finished the round. Nolan then secured the TKO victory in the third round. Moicano later addressed the referee's decision on The Ariel Helwani Show, stating, "Dan, I think he made a mistake. I was in a very hard position to get." He suggested that crowd booing might have influenced the referee's call. Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier also criticized the stand-up, calling it "one of the WORST EVER" and believing it cost Moicano the fight. Tom Nolan, for his part, clarified that he did not ask the referee for the stand-up during the bout.

Moicano's Career and Future Plans

Renato Moicano currently holds a UFC record of thirteen wins and eight losses across twenty-one UFC fights. Before his recent loss to Nolan, he was on a one-fight UFC win streak, having secured a submission victory over Chris Duncan by rear-naked choke in the second round in April 2026. His recent career has seen mixed results, including losses to Beneil Dariush by unanimous decision in June 2025 and Islam Makhachev by D'Arce choke submission in the first round in January 2025. He is currently ranked as the number twelve lightweight in the official UFC rankings.

Moicano's decision to retire after his contract is primarily driven by financial considerations. He indicated on The Ariel Helwani Show that he believes the UFC will not offer him sufficient compensation to continue fighting in mixed martial arts. He expressed a desire to transition into influencer boxing, aiming for matchups against individuals who are not professional fighters. Moicano also cited a desire to avoid a prolonged decline in his career, explicitly mentioning Tony Ferguson as a cautionary example of a fighter who continued competing into his forties on a significant losing streak.

With three fights remaining on his current UFC deal, Moicano's immediate future involves fulfilling these contractual obligations. He has no next booked UFC fight on our schedule.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Renato Moicano	13-8-0	Lightweight #12

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

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Menifield Drops Despite Win, Yan Climbs P4P in Latest UFC Rankings

Alonzo Menifield experiences a rare downward movement in the Light Heavyweight division despite securing a victory in his last outing, a standout anomaly in the UFC's freshly updated rankings. This intriguing shift comes amidst a flurry of activity across the men's and women's pound-for-pound lists, as well as several divisional shake-ups.

Pound-for-Pound Shifts

The Women's Pound-for-Pound rankings saw considerable movement, with Jasmine Jasudavicius making a notable ascent from number eleven to number nine. This jump comes after her impressive head-to-head victory over Erin Blanchfield at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott. Intriguingly, Erin Blanchfield also moved up four spots, from fourteenth to tenth, despite her loss to Jasudavicius. This unusual rise for Blanchfield, following a defeat, marks a significant point of discussion in the updated rankings. The ripple effect of these changes saw several fighters drop places without competing. Virna Jandiroba moved down two spots from tenth to twelfth, Julianna Peña fell from ninth to eleventh, Rose Namajunas slipped from twelfth to thirteenth, and Raquel Pennington descended from thirteenth to fourteenth, all due to being bumped by the active movements above them.

On the Men's Pound-for-Pound list, Petr Yan climbed one position from fourth to third after a dominant unanimous decision victory over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. This upward trajectory for Yan consequently saw Justin Gaethje drop one spot from third to fourth, as he was bumped by Yan's rise. Khamzat Chimaev also saw a minor adjustment, moving up one place from twelfth to eleventh. Our data indicates no specific fight on record within the ranking window to explain this particular movement, suggesting it may be a re-evaluation or a subtle adjustment by the ranking panelists.

Light Heavyweight's Curious Case and Other Divisional Moves

The most peculiar shift in this update belongs to Alonzo Menifield in the Light Heavyweight division. Despite securing a victory over Iwo Baraniewski at UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2, Menifield surprisingly moved down one spot, from twelfth to thirteenth. Such movements, where a fighter drops in the rankings despite a win, are rare and often spark discussion among observers of the sport's official standings, which are determined by a media panel vote.

Elsewhere in the Light Heavyweight division, Dominick Reyes made a positive move, climbing from eighth to seventh after defeating Azamat Murzakanov in a head-to-head clash at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. Murzakanov, as a result of that loss, dropped three places from seventh to tenth. Bogdan Guskov also saw a significant jump, moving two spots from tenth to eighth, with no immediate fight data to explain the specific reason for his ascent. The division also welcomed a new contender as Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev entered the rankings at number twelve, following his impressive knockout victory over Nikita Krylov at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. This new entry led to Muhammad Saidov dropping out of the rankings entirely from his previous thirteenth spot, having been bumped by Yakhyaev's arrival.

Middleweight and Welterweight Adjustments

The Middleweight division saw Abus Magomedov climb one spot from twelfth to eleventh after submitting Cam Rowston with a guillotine choke at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. This pushed Jared Cannonier down one place from eleventh to twelfth, as he was bumped by Magomedov's activity.

In the Welterweight division, Mike Malott advanced from tenth to ninth after his head-to-head victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott. Consequently, Buckley dropped one position from twelfth to thirteenth. The Welterweight ranks also saw a new face with Kevin Holland entering the list at number fifteen. Similar to Khamzat Chimaev and Bogdan Guskov, our data does not indicate a recent fight or specific event to explain Holland's entry, suggesting a re-evaluation of the unranked pool. This addition meant Neil Magny dropped out of the top fifteen, having been bumped by Malott's movement and Holland's entry.

Lightweight's New Contender

Finally, the Lightweight division welcomed Grant Dawson into the rankings at number fifteen. Dawson earned his spot after securing a unanimous decision victory over Nurullo Aliev at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev. His entry resulted in Beneil Dariush dropping out of the top fifteen, having been bumped by Dawson's impressive performance.

Every change in this update

Division	Fighter	Move
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Erin Blanchfield	▲ 14 → 10
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Virna Jandiroba	▼ 10 → 12
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Jasmine Jasudavicius	▲ 11 → 9
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Julianna Peña	▼ 9 → 11
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Justin Gaethje	▼ 3 → 4
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Petr Yan	▲ 4 → 3
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Khamzat Chimaev	▲ 12 → 11
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Rose Namajunas	▼ 12 → 13
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Raquel Pennington	▼ 13 → 14
Light Heavyweight	Azamat Murzakanov	▼ 7 → 10
Light Heavyweight	Bogdan Guskov	▲ 10 → 8
Light Heavyweight	Alonzo Menifield	▼ 12 → 13
Light Heavyweight	Dominick Reyes	▲ 8 → 7
Middleweight	Jared Cannonier	▼ 11 → 12
Middleweight	Abus Magomedov	▲ 12 → 11
Welterweight	Mike Malott	▲ 10 → 9
Welterweight	Joaquin Buckley	▼ 12 → 13
Light Heavyweight	Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev	▲ — → 12
Light Heavyweight	Muhammad Saidov	▼ 13 → —
Lightweight	Grant Dawson	▲ — → 15
Lightweight	Beneil Dariush	▼ 15 → —
Welterweight	Kevin Holland	▲ — → 15
Welterweight	Neil Magny	▼ 15 → —

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

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Pundits Debate Islam Makhachev's GOAT Status and Potential Triple-Champ Run

Recent discussions among mixed martial arts pundits and a UFC Hall of Famer have centered on Islam Makhachev's standing as the greatest of all time (GOAT), his current two-division reign, and the possibility of him pursuing a third UFC title at 185 pounds.

GOAT Debate Ignited

Streamer SNEAKO recently asserted that Islam Makhachev has surpassed Khabib Nurmagomedov in the GOAT conversation. According to MMA Sucka, SNEAKO highlighted Makhachev's achievement of becoming a two-division champion and his greater number of title defenses compared to Nurmagomedov as key factors in his assessment. UFC President Dana White also commented on Makhachev's GOAT status following his record-breaking win streak at UFC 330 in August 2026.

Chasing a Third Title at 185 Pounds

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has publicly advocated for Islam Makhachev to attempt to become a three-division champion by moving up to the middleweight division. Bisping, speaking on his podcast and reported by outlets like MMA Sucka and Heavy.com, expressed his belief that Makhachev has earned the opportunity to challenge for a third belt at 185 pounds. Bisping cited Alex Pereira's recent move to heavyweight as a precedent for such a high-profile opportunity, stating, “Then moving up to 185 and trying to become the triple champ, I like the sound of that. And if anyone deserves it, it is Islam Makhachev”. This potential move, Bisping suggested, would follow Makhachev successfully defending his welterweight title against the winner of the upcoming interim bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.

Makhachev's Dominant Run

Islam Makhachev, currently ranked as the Men's Pound-for-Pound Champion and the Welterweight champion, boasts an impressive UFC record of 18-1-0. His last fight in August 2026 at UFC 330 saw him defeat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision in a welterweight contest, where he was favored by the pre-fight market at 75% to win. This victory extended his UFC win streak to 17, building on a streak of 16 wins before that fight. Prior to this, in November 2025, Makhachev secured another unanimous decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, also in the welterweight division. His path to becoming a two-division champion included a submission win via D'Arce Choke against Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311 in January 2025, which marked a lightweight title defense. Makhachev, who was 34 years old at his last fight, stands 5' 10" tall with a 70" reach and fights from a Southpaw stance. His grappling prowess is evident in his 2.1 takedowns per fight at 54% accuracy and a strong 77% takedown defense.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Islam Makhachev	18-1-0	Welterweight champion

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

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All Women: Most UFC Wins Leaderboard

Jessica Andrade currently holds the top spot for most UFC wins among all women fighters, a testament to her enduring presence and consistent performance in the octagon. This list measures the total number of victories a fighter has accumulated in their UFC career, providing insight into their longevity and effectiveness within the organization. The data includes 272 qualified fighters, with individuals grouped by their current weight class. It is important to note that career total statistics like this naturally favor fighters who have competed for a longer duration in the UFC.

The Top Contenders

Leading the pack is Jessica Andrade with an impressive 17 wins. Her UFC record stands at 17-13 across 30 UFC fights, indicating a career marked by frequent activity and a willingness to face a wide range of opponents. Andrade, who last fought on August 16, 2025, at age 35, has consistently been a fixture in multiple divisions, demonstrating both durability and a high-volume fighting style that has allowed her to accumulate more victories than any other woman in the UFC.

In second place is Amanda Nunes, with 16 wins. Nunes achieved these victories in a remarkably efficient 18 UFC fights, holding a dominant UFC record of 16-2. Her career, while featuring fewer total bouts than Andrade's, showcases a higher win percentage, reflecting a period of significant championship reign and dominance. Nunes last competed on June 10, 2023, and is booked to fight Kayla Harrison on November 14, 2026, at age 38, indicating a planned return to active competition.

Closely following is Valentina Shevchenko, who has secured 15 wins. Like Nunes, Shevchenko has achieved her wins with high efficiency, boasting a 15-3 UFC record over 18 fights. Her consistent performance and long tenure at the top of her division are evident in these numbers. Shevchenko last fought on November 15, 2025, at age 39, continuing to add to her legacy.

Sharing the fourth and fifth spots with 14 wins each are Gillian Robertson and Angela Hill. Robertson, at age 32, has compiled her 14 wins across 21 UFC fights, holding a 14-7 record. Her last fight was on August 15, 2026, suggesting an active career with potential for more additions to her win tally. Angela Hill, at age 42, also has 14 wins, but achieved them over a significant 30 UFC fights, matching Andrade's total fight count. Her UFC record stands at 14-16. Hill’s profile is particularly notable, as her high number of wins despite a negative overall record underscores extreme longevity and a consistent willingness to compete against top-tier opposition over many years, last fighting on May 30, 2026.

The Rest of the Top 10

The remainder of the top 10 features several familiar names who have consistently performed over extended periods. Raquel Pennington sits at 13 wins, with a 13-6 record over 19 UFC fights, last competing on October 5, 2024, at age 38. A cluster of fighters follows with 12 wins: Rose Namajunas (12-7 record in 19 fights, last fought January 24, 2026, age 34), Mackenzie Dern (12-5 record in 17 fights, last fought August 15, 2026, age 34), and Katlyn Cerminara (12-6 record in 18 fights, last fought October 17, 2026, age 38). Rounding out the top 10 is JJ Aldrich with 11 wins, holding an 11-7 record over 18 UFC fights, last seen in the octagon on September 12, 2026, at age 34.

This leaderboard highlights the dedication, resilience, and consistent performance required to accumulate a high number of victories in the demanding environment of the UFC. The top positions are occupied by fighters who have not only won frequently but have also maintained long and active careers within the organization.

All women — most ufc wins

Fighter	Wins	UFC fights
1. Jessica Andrade	17 wins	30 fights
2. Amanda Nunes	16 wins	18 fights
3. Valentina Shevchenko	15 wins	18 fights
4. Gillian Robertson	14 wins	21 fights
5. Angela Hill	14 wins	30 fights
6. Raquel Pennington	13 wins	19 fights
7. Rose Namajunas	12 wins	19 fights
8. Mackenzie Dern	12 wins	17 fights
9. Katlyn Cerminara	12 wins	18 fights
10. JJ Aldrich	11 wins	18 fights

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

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Conor McGregor Declares Next UFC Bout His Last, Challenges Canelo Alvarez Sales

Conor McGregor has announced that his next appearance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon will mark his final professional fight. The former two-division champion also made comments comparing the potential sales of his farewell bout to those of boxing star Canelo Alvarez, asserting his own drawing power in combat sports.

McGregor took to social media, specifically X, to question the commercial metrics of Alvarez’s recent fight, which saw the Mexican boxer reclaim the WBC super middleweight title against Christian Mbilli. According to reports, McGregor wrote, “How many views did the Canelo fight get? How many in attendance? Gate? Man I outdo ALL of these people in sales. Majorly. EVERY SINGLE ONE. With ease. Maybe even combined. I don't even be trying.” He further indicated his intention to actively promote his final fight to generate record-breaking numbers, stating, “I'm going to actually try to sell the fight for my next one. My final fight. See what numbers I can generate. Keep outdoing my own records.”

McGregor's Recent Octagon History

This announcement follows a period of inactivity and a series of challenging bouts for McGregor. His last fight, UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, saw him face Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch, which he lost by KO/TKO in the first round at one minute and nine seconds. At the time of that fight, McGregor was 37 years old. The pre-fight market had placed his chances of winning against Holloway at 28%.

McGregor’s UFC record stands at 10-5-0 across 15 UFC fights. His recent history in the octagon includes three consecutive losses prior to the Holloway rematch. Before the loss to Holloway, he suffered back-to-back KO/TKO defeats to Dustin Poirier in July 2021 at UFC 264 and in January 2021 at UFC 257, both in the lightweight division. His last victory came in January 2020 at UFC 246, where he defeated Donald Cerrone by KO/TKO punches in 40 seconds of the first round, also at welterweight. Before that, he lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission via rear naked choke in the fourth round of their lightweight title bout at UFC 229 in October 2018.

Currently, no opponent or date has been booked for McGregor's next UFC fight, which he has stated will be his last. His current UFC Elo rating after his last fight is 1117. Throughout his UFC career, he has averaged 0.4 takedowns per fight with a 36% accuracy, while maintaining a takedown defense rate of 60%.

McGregor's declaration sets the stage for what he intends to be a commercially significant conclusion to his professional MMA career, with a focus on surpassing previous sales records.

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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Miragliotta's Stand-Up Sparks Outcry in Moicano-Nolan Bout

The main event of UFC Vegas 123 on October thirty-first, two thousand twenty-six, saw Tom Nolan defeat Renato Moicano by TKO, but the victory was overshadowed by a controversial stand-up call from referee Dan Miragliotta. The decision, which occurred late in the second round, drew immediate criticism from many within the mixed martial arts community.

The Controversial Call

During the second round of the lightweight bout, Renato Moicano, a veteran with a UFC record of 13-8-0, had secured a dominant position on Tom Nolan, maintaining back control with a body triangle and actively seeking a rear-naked choke. Despite Moicano's control, referee Dan Miragliotta intervened, standing the fighters up. Moments after the restart, Nolan landed a significant knee strike that visibly hurt Moicano, nearly ending the fight before the second round concluded. Nolan, who was twenty-six years old at the time of the fight, ultimately finished the thirty-seven-year-old Moicano with elbows and punches via TKO at one minute and twenty-eight seconds of the third round.

Fighter Reactions

Following the fight, Renato Moicano addressed his performance but notably refrained from blaming the referee for the controversial stand-up. According to MMA Mania, Moicano refused to 'start a war' over the call. Instead, he congratulated Tom Nolan, acknowledging him as a 'beast,' and offered a candid assessment of his own showing. Moicano stated on social media that he had a 'terrible performance,' despite being well-trained, and admitted he couldn't inflict damage from back control because Nolan defended effectively.

Tom Nolan, for his part, clarified his interaction with the referee prior to the stand-up. Nolan stated to MMA Junkie that he was not requesting a stand-up, but rather was alerting Miragliotta to illegal punches to the back of his head from Moicano. Nolan expressed that he was comfortable with potentially losing the round on the ground and had no influence on the referee's decision to separate them, simply following instructions. He issued a statement, as reported by Yahoo Sports, emphasizing that his role is to fight, and he can only control his own actions, not those of the referee.

Analyst and Broadcast Team Commentary

The decision by Dan Miragliotta drew widespread condemnation from analysts and the broadcast team. Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier was particularly vocal, stating, “I just don't think a ref should take anybody out of mount, ever. Should never take anybody off the back like that. I just don't think you take those type of positions and change it. They're just too dominant.” Other analysts and fighters echoed similar sentiments, with MMA Fighting's live blog calling the stand-up a 'travesty' and 'unacceptable reffing.' Lightweight fighter Joe Solecki went further, calling for an investigation into Miragliotta's performance and suggesting he should lose his job, arguing that back control with a body triangle should not be broken.

Context from Fighter Data

The bout at UFC Vegas 123 pitted two ranked lightweights against each other, with Moicano holding the #12 ranking and Nolan at #14. Before this fight, Moicano had a UFC win streak of one, having secured a submission victory over Chris Duncan in April two thousand twenty-six. His overall UFC record stood at 13-8-0. The pre-fight market had Moicano favored to win at fifty-three percent. Nolan entered the fight on a five-fight UFC win streak, with his most recent victory being a unanimous decision over Fares Ziam in June two thousand twenty-six. His UFC record improved to 6-1-0 with the TKO win over Moicano. Neither fighter currently has a next booked UFC fight on the schedule.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Renato Moicano	13-8-0	Lightweight #12
Tom Nolan	6-1-0	Lightweight #14

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

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Nolan Stops Moicano, Erosa Delivers Emotional KO at UFC Fight Night

Julian Erosa delivered a storybook ending to his professional mixed martial arts career at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan, silencing heavy favorite JeongYeong Lee with a spectacular first-round knockout. The emotional victory was the highlight of a night that saw multiple underdogs defy expectations and deliver thrilling finishes inside the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

Tom Nolan Claims Main Event Victory Over Renato Moicano

In the night's main event, Australia's Tom Nolan secured the biggest win of his career, defeating former lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano by TKO in the third round. The stoppage came at one minute and twenty-eight seconds of the round, marking a significant step forward for Nolan in the lightweight division.

The fight began with Moicano attempting to impose his grappling, successfully taking Nolan to the mat in the opening round and working for a rear-naked choke. However, Nolan weathered the early storm, demonstrating resilience against the veteran's submission attempts. As the fight progressed, Nolan began to find his rhythm, showcasing his striking and turning the tables on the Brazilian.

The decisive moment arrived in the third round when Nolan unleashed a torrent of ground-and-pound, forcing the referee to intervene and award him the TKO victory. This impressive performance against a perennial contender like Moicano (21-7-1) moves Nolan's professional record to 41-11, signaling his intent to climb the divisional rankings.

Julian Erosa Caps Career with Stunning Upset

In what was announced as his final professional bout, Julian Erosa (9-9-0 before the fight) pulled off the biggest upset of the night, knocking out JeongYeong Lee (2-2-0 before the fight) in the featherweight division. Lee entered the bout as a heavy 78% betting favorite, making Erosa a considerable 3.4-to-1 underdog. The fight, which lasted just one minute and thirty-one seconds into the first round, saw Erosa initially stunned by a powerful overhand right from Lee. However, "Juicy J" quickly recovered and delivered a "humongous right hand" that sent Lee crashing to the canvas, followed by a few decisive follow-up shots to secure the knockout victory. Erosa's remarkable finish earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, providing a memorable conclusion to his career and improving his record to 10-9-0.

Dakota Hope Defies Odds Against Francis Marshall

Another featherweight bout saw Dakota Hope (0-1-0 before the fight) secure his first UFC victory by defeating Francis Marshall (4-3-0 before the fight) via split decision after three rounds. Hope entered the Octagon as a 1.9-to-1 underdog against Marshall, who was favored at 65%. Marshall started strong, landing a nasty calf-kick and securing a takedown in the first round. However, Hope rallied in the second, connecting with a multi-punch combination and maintaining pressure through the final round, ultimately earning the split decision with scorecards of 28-29, 29-28, and 29-28. Hope's record now stands at 1-1-0, while Marshall falls to 4-4-0.

Piera Rodriguez Dominates Talita Alencar

In a women's strawweight contest, Piera Rodriguez (5-2-0 before the fight) earned a unanimous decision victory over Talita Alencar (4-1-0 before the fight) after three rounds, with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27 in her favor. Rodriguez, the betting favorite at 73%, showcased superior striking output throughout the fight. The bout was briefly interrupted by a power outage at the Meta APEX, but both fighters continued to compete, with Rodriguez's consistent offense proving the difference-maker. Her record improves to 6-2-0, while Alencar's drops to 4-2-0.

Undercard Delivers Finishes and Decisions

The undercard featured a mix of exciting finishes and hard-fought decisions. Joe Kropschot (0-0-0 before the fight) made a successful UFC debut, submitting Nick Klein (0-2-0 before the fight) with an inverted triangle armbar in the second round at one minute and twenty-five seconds of their middleweight clash, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. Zach Reese (4-4-0 before the fight) secured a unanimous decision victory over Mickey Gall (6-7-0 before the fight) in a middleweight bout, with scorecards of 29-27 across the board, despite Reese being deducted a point for an accidental eye poke in the first round. Rodrigo Sezinando (0-1-0 before the fight) picked up his first UFC win in the welterweight division, defeating Theodor Berggren (0-1-0 before the fight) by TKO due to a doctor's stoppage at the end of the second round, after a nasty elbow caused a significant cut. Finally, Lucia Szabova (0-0-0 before the fight) made a dominant UFC debut in the women's flyweight division, stopping Tainara Lisboa (2-2-0 before the fight) by TKO with ground strikes in the third round at three minutes and twenty seconds, also earning a Performance of the Night bonus for her impressive performance.

UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan — full results

Winner	Defeated	How
Julian Erosa UPSET	JeongYeong Lee	KO/TKO R1
Dakota Hope UPSET	Francis Marshall	Decision
Piera Rodriguez	Talita Alencar	Decision
Joe Kropschot	Nick Klein	Submission R2
Zach Reese	Mickey Gall	Decision
Rodrigo Sezinando	Theodor Berggren	KO/TKO R2
Lucia Szabova	Tainara Lisboa	KO/TKO R3

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

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UFC's Oldest Active Fighters: Clay Guida Leads the Veteran Ranks

In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, age is often a central topic of discussion. Our latest analysis from the Kimono Fighter blog focuses on the UFC's oldest active male fighters, with Clay Guida leading the list at 44.9 years old. This statistic measures the current age of fighters who have competed in the UFC within the last two years and have a minimum of three UFC fights on their record. Out of 2401 fighters on record, 521 qualified for this group, providing a clear snapshot of the sport's enduring veterans.

The Top Veterans

Clay Guida, at 44.9 years, stands as the oldest fighter on this list. With an extensive UFC record of 18-19 across 37 fights, Guida has been a consistent presence in the octagon. His last recorded fight was on December 7, 2024, at the age of 45, demonstrating his continued commitment to competition. Guida's profile is marked by a high volume of fights, indicating a long and active career within the promotion.

Following closely is Stipe Miocic, 44.2 years old, with a UFC record of 14-5 from 19 fights. Miocic's record shows a strong winning percentage, distinguishing him as a highly successful veteran. His last fight took place on November 16, 2024, when he was 44 years old. Miocic's career, while having fewer fights than Guida, reflects a high level of performance at an advanced age for the sport.

Vinc Pichel, aged 43.9 years, holds the third spot. His UFC record stands at 7-5 over 12 fights. Pichel's last octagon appearance was on March 29, 2025, at the age of 44. His profile, with fewer total fights compared to Guida and Miocic, indicates a more measured pace of competition while still meeting the criteria for active status.

Sharing the fourth and fifth positions are Stephen Thompson and Jan Blachowicz, both 43.7 years old. Thompson has a UFC record of 12-9 from 21 fights, with his last fight on July 12, 2025, at age 44. He is currently booked to fight Charles Radtke on November 14, 2026. Blachowicz also has a 12-9 UFC record from 21 fights, with his last bout on August 1, 2026, at age 44. The identical age and record for these two fighters at this stage of their careers is a notable point of convergence.

Further Down the List

The list continues with other long-serving fighters. Jim Miller, at 43.2 years, stands out with the highest number of UFC fights on this leaderboard, totaling 46, and the most wins at 28, against 18 losses. His last fight was on May 9, 2026, at age 43, and he is booked to fight Terrance McKinney on November 14, 2026. Miller's career is a testament to longevity and consistent activity. Cub Swanson, 43.0 years old, has a UFC record of 16-10 across 26 fights, last competing on April 11, 2026, at age 43.

Jared Cannonier, 42.6 years, holds an 11-10 UFC record from 21 fights. His last fight was on July 18, 2026, at age 43, and he is booked to fight Ikram Aliskerov on November 21, 2026. Darren Elkins, 42.5 years, has a 19-12 UFC record from 31 fights, with his last appearance on August 8, 2026, at age 42. Rounding out the top ten is Muslim Salikhov, 42.4 years old, with a UFC record of 9-6 from 15 fights, last fighting on September 12, 2026, at age 42.

This leaderboard highlights a group of fighters who have maintained active careers well into their forties, a period when many athletes in combat sports have typically retired. The number of career fights and wins for some of these individuals, such as Jim Miller and Clay Guida, underscores their extensive time within the UFC. It is important to note that career totals, like the number of UFC fights, naturally favor long-serving fighters, which is a characteristic of this particular statistic focusing on longevity.

All men — oldest fighters

Fighter	Age	UFC fights
1. Clay Guida	44.9 years	37 fights
2. Stipe Miocic	44.2 years	19 fights
3. Vinc Pichel	43.9 years	12 fights
4. Stephen Thompson	43.7 years	21 fights
5. Jan Blachowicz	43.7 years	21 fights
6. Jim Miller	43.2 years	46 fights
7. Cub Swanson	43.0 years	26 fights
8. Jared Cannonier	42.6 years	21 fights
9. Darren Elkins	42.5 years	31 fights
10. Muslim Salikhov	42.4 years	15 fights

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

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Fedor Emelianenko Addresses Ngannou Fight Rumors, Criticizes Dana White

Fedor Emelianenko recently addressed speculation about a potential fight with Francis Ngannou, clarifying that his comments about facing the former UFC heavyweight champion were in the context of a boxing match and not mixed martial arts. Emelianenko also used the opportunity to voice strong criticism of UFC CEO Dana White regarding past contract negotiations between himself and the promotion.

Ngannou Fight Rumors Clarified

Reports emerged following Emelianenko's remarks to Ushatayka, as translated by Red Corner MMA, where he discussed a hypothetical boxing match with Francis Ngannou. Emelianenko stated that while he would be interested in fighting Ngannou under boxing rules, his body could no longer handle the rigors of MMA competition due to numerous injuries. He emphasized that this was a 'dream scenario' he had mentioned when asked by a fan, and not an indication of active negotiations.

Francis Ngannou, known for his formidable striking power, concluded his UFC tenure with a UFC record of 12-2-0 across 14 fights. His last five UFC victories, prior to his departure, were all decisive, including a unanimous decision win over Ciryl Gane in January 2022 at UFC 270, and a knockout victory against Stipe Miocic in March 2021 at UFC 260. Ngannou, who was 35 years old at the time of his last UFC fight, stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall with an 83-inch reach and fights from an Orthodox stance. His impressive UFC win streak before his final fight stood at five, demonstrating his dominance in the heavyweight division. Ngannou has since transitioned to professional boxing, engaging in high-profile bouts.

Criticism of Dana White

Beyond the fight rumors, Emelianenko sharply criticized Dana White, accusing the UFC executive of inconsistency and a lack of integrity in business dealings. Speaking to Ushatayka, Emelianenko claimed that White 'simply doesn't stand by his words' and that his approach to business 'doesn't sit well' with him. Emelianenko recounted that the UFC frequently showed interest in signing him only when he was already under contract with rival promotions, such as Strikeforce, and not when he was a free agent.

According to Emelianenko, this pattern suggested that the UFC's intent was not always to genuinely sign him, but rather to potentially hinder his ability to compete for other organizations or draw him into legal disputes. He specifically referenced a meeting in 2009, after his victory over Brett Rogers, where he felt the UFC's actions were aimed at pressuring him rather than securing a legitimate deal. Emelianenko, who officially retired from MMA in February 2023 after a loss to Ryan Bader at Bellator 290, expressed his preference for business partners who honor their word without needing extensive contracts.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Francis Ngannou	12-2-0	unranked

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

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Flyweight King Joshua Van Faces Manel Kape in January Title Defense

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to kick off 2027 with a bang, as newly announced bookings reveal a pivotal Flyweight Championship showdown between reigning king Joshua Van and the formidable Manel Kape. This highly anticipated clash headlines a series of intriguing matchups that promise to shape the landscape of multiple divisions.

Flyweight Gold on the Line: Van vs. Kape

Joshua Van, the current UFC Flyweight Champion, will defend his title against the explosive Manel Kape on January 30, 2027. Van, known as 'The Fearless,' boasts an impressive professional MMA record of 18-2-0, with 11 of those wins coming in the UFC. He is recognized as the second-youngest UFC Champion in history. His challenger, Manel 'StarBoy' Kape, enters the octagon with a 23-7-0 professional record and is currently ranked as high as #1 in the UFC Flyweight division. Kape, a former Rizin Bantamweight Champion, has secured 15 of his victories by knockout. This promises to be a high-octane affair, and our model favours Kape, with the line moving towards him as well.

Welterweight Interim Title: Prates vs. Morales

Also slated for January 30, 2027, is a crucial welterweight bout featuring Carlos 'The Nightmare' Prates against the undefeated Michael Morales. Prates, with a professional record of 24-7-0, has been on a tear in the UFC, securing all seven of his Octagon victories by knockout, each earning him a Performance of the Night bonus. His opponent, Michael Morales, remains flawless in his professional career with a perfect 19-0-0 record, including a 7-0 run in the UFC. Morales is currently ranked #3 in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings. This contest has significant divisional implications, and our model favours Prates by a significant margin, a pick that MODEL DISAGREES WITH THE MARKET after early money came in on Morales.

Lightweight Contests Set for November

The lightweight division will see action sooner, with two compelling matchups booked for November 14, 2026. Evan 'The Phenom' Elder (10-2-0 professional, 3-2 UFC) is set to face Samuel 'The Prodigy' Sanches (11-1-0 professional). Elder is on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC and is known for his willingness to step in on short notice. Sanches, with eight knockouts in his 11 wins, has only suffered one professional loss, a heel hook in 2022, and is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak. Our model favours Elder in this clash of rising lightweights.

In another lightweight pairing on the same card, Jared Gordon (21-9-0 professional, 9-8-0 UFC) will take on Melquizael 'The Dalmatian' Costa (26-8-0 professional, 7-3-0 UFC). Gordon has a balanced attack with eight knockouts, two submissions, and eleven decisions to his name. Costa, a southpaw, brings a wealth of experience with 26 wins, split evenly between knockouts, submissions, and decisions. Our model favours Gordon in what is expected to be a gritty encounter.

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Joselyne Edwards Named Official Backup for Harrison-Nunes at UFC 334

Multiple sources, including MMA Fighting, confirmed that Edwards will weigh in as a potential replacement should either Harrison or Nunes be unable to compete on November 14. The news was widely reported by outlets such as Sherdog and Yahoo Sports, highlighting the significance of a contingency plan for such a pivotal title bout.

Edwards' Ascent to Backup Role

Edwards, currently ranked as the #2 contender in the Women's Bantamweight division, has earned this crucial standby position on the strength of an impressive four-fight UFC win streak. Her recent performances have showcased her evolving skill set and determination inside the Octagon. In her most recent outing in April 2026, Edwards secured a unanimous decision victory over Norma Dumont at UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal. Notably, pre-fight market odds had Edwards at 35% to win that contest, underscoring her ability to overcome challenging matchups.

Prior to her win against Dumont, Edwards had demonstrated her finishing prowess. In February 2026, she defeated Nora Cornolle via submission with a rear-naked choke in the second round at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez. Her 2025 campaign saw two first-round stoppages: a knockout/technical knockout by punch against Priscila Cachoeira in August and another knockout/technical knockout by punches against Chelsea Chandler in April. Her current UFC record stands at 9-4-0 across 13 UFC fights, reflecting a significant turnaround in her career trajectory, particularly with her five consecutive UFC wins dating back to October 2024.

The Championship Main Event

The main event Edwards is backing up features the reigning Women's Bantamweight champion, Kayla Harrison, defending her title against the returning legend Amanda Nunes. Harrison, with an undefeated UFC record of 3-0-0 in three UFC fights, captured the championship and has quickly established herself as a dominant force in the division. Her last fight in June 2025 at UFC 316 saw her defeat Julianna Pena by submission via Kimura in the second round. Harrison, who stands 5 feet 8 inches tall with a 66-inch reach, has also demonstrated exceptional grappling, boasting a 100% takedown defense rate in her UFC career.

The addition of a formidable and in-form fighter like Joselyne Edwards as the official backup ensures that the bantamweight championship picture remains robust, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Joselyne Edwards	9-4-0	Women Bantamweight #2
Kayla Harrison	3-0-0	Women Bantamweight champion

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

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