Abe Siblings Dominate Baku 2026 World Championships

The 2026 Baku World Senior Championships, held from October 04 to 10, concluded with Japan’s Uta Abe making history by claiming her sixth World title in the -52 kg category. Her brother, Hifumi Abe, also added to his impressive collection with his fourth World gold in the -66 kg division, highlighting a dominant performance from the Japanese delegation. The event saw a mix of seasoned champions defending their crowns and new faces ascending to the top of the podium, with several finals decided in golden score or by decisive ippons.

Men's Categories

In the men's -60 kg category, Ahmad Yusifov (AZE), with a pre-event Elo of 1320, delighted the home crowd by securing his first World gold medal. Sherzod Davlatov (KAZ), pre-event Elo 1271, earned the silver. Ryuju Nagayama (JPN) and Giorgi Sardalashvili (GEO) took home bronze medals.

Hifumi Abe (JPN) continued his remarkable career in the -66 kg division, winning his fourth World title. He previously held two Olympic golds and three World golds. David Garcia Torne (ESP) secured the silver medal. Denis Vieru (MDA) and Takeshi Takeoka (JPN) were the bronze medallists.

The -73 kg category saw Ryuga Tanaka (JPN) claim his first World gold. Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov (UAE), a 2025 World bronze medallist, earned the silver. Rashid Mammadaliyev (AZE) and Dayyan Boulemtafes (FRA) were awarded bronze.

Tato Grigalashvili (GEO) demonstrated his consistent excellence in the -81 kg category, securing his fourth World title. He previously held three World golds and an Olympic silver. Zelim Tckaev (AZE), a 2025 World bronze medallist, took the silver medal. Omar Rajabli (AZE) and Mihajlo Simin (SRB) both earned bronze.

In an all-Japanese final for the -90 kg category, Sanshiro Murao (JPN) claimed his second consecutive World gold, following his 2025 title. Goki Tajima (JPN) earned silver, also his second World silver after 2025. Murad Fatiyev (AZE) and Boris Rutovic (SRB) were the bronze medallists.

Ilia Sulamanidze (GEO) secured his first World gold in the -100 kg division, upgrading his 2021 World bronze. Dota Arai (JPN) earned silver, his second World silver after 2025. Niiaz Bilalov (RUS) and Gennaro Pirelli (ITA) took bronze.

The men's +100 kg category saw Inal Tasoev (RUS) win his third World title, adding to his 2023 and 2025 golds. Ushangi Kokauri (AZE) earned the silver medal. Lukas Krpalek (CZE) and Kanan Nasibov (AZE) were the bronze medallists.

Women's Categories

In the -48 kg final, Wakana Koga (JPN), with a pre-event Elo of 1499, secured her first World gold medal, defeating Assunta Scutto (ITA, pre-event Elo 1294). Koga scored a yuko with O-uchi-gari at 1:05, then sealed the victory with an ippon via Kuzure-kesa-gatame (hold-down) at 1:41. Shirine Boukli (FRA) and Sabina Giliazova (RUS) earned bronze.

Uta Abe (JPN, pre-event Elo 1690) made history in the -52 kg category by winning her sixth World title in a hard-fought final against Ariane Toro Soler (ESP, pre-event Elo 1358). The match extended into golden score. Abe received a shido for False-Attack at 0:53 in regular time, and another for Unorthodox kumi-kata too long at golden score +2:09. Toro Soler received shidos for False-Attack at 1:55 and 3:09 in regular time, and then a third shido for False-Attack at golden score +3:28, resulting in hansoku-make for Abe. Ayumi Leiva Sanchez (ESP) and Odette Giuffrida (ITA) took bronze.

Akari Omori (JPN, pre-event Elo 1438) claimed her first World title in the -57 kg category, overcoming Eteri Liparteliani (GEO, pre-event Elo 1435) in golden score. Omori received a shido for Defensive-Posture at 2:35 and another for Non-Combativity at golden score +0:00. Liparteliani had received a shido for Defensive-Posture at 1:25. Omori secured the yuko with Yoko-shiho-gatame (hold-down) at golden score +2:06 to win the final.

Haruka Kaju (JPN, pre-event Elo 1469) successfully defended her 2025 World title in the -63 kg category, defeating Kerem Primo (ISR, pre-event Elo 1102). Kaju scored a yuko with Seoi-otoshi at 0:42, followed by another yuko with Yoko-shiho-gatame (hold-down) at 1:11, and then secured the ippon with Tate-shiho-gatame (hold-down) at 2:03. Renata Zachova (CZE) and Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) won bronze.

Ai Tsunoda Roustant (ESP, pre-event Elo 1369) earned her first World gold in the -70 kg category, defeating Michaela Polleres (AUT, pre-event Elo 1317) in golden score. Both athletes received a shido for Non-Combativity at 2:33. Polleres received a second shido for Non-Combativity at 3:28, and then a third shido for Non-Combativity at golden score +3:20, resulting in hansoku-make for Tsunoda Roustant. Giovanna Scoccimarro (GER) and Madina Taimazova (RUS) were bronze medallists.

Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko (UAE, pre-event Elo 1268) secured her first World gold in the -78 kg category, defeating Kaila Issoufi (FRA, pre-event Elo 1247). Both athletes received a shido for Non-Combativity at 1:19. Lytvynenko scored a waza-ari (Cancel Yuko) at 2:09, then followed up with a waza-ari-awasete-ippon via O-uchi-gari at 2:53. Kurena Ikeda (JPN) and Anna Monta Olek (GER) earned bronze.

Hyeonji Lee (KOR, pre-event Elo 1273) won her first World gold in the +78 kg category, defeating Romane Dicko (FRA, pre-event Elo 1484). Lee received a shido for Non-Combativity at 1:51. She then scored a waza-ari with Ashi-guruma at 2:16, followed by a waza-ari-awasete-ippon with Kesa-gatame (hold-down) at 2:30. Mariia Ivanova (RUS) and Raz Hershko (ISR) took bronze.

Other Top-Rated Athletes

Beyond the medallists, several other top-rated athletes faced early exits or tough challenges. Jessica Klimkait (CAN), ranked pre-event #14 active, lost to eventual champion Haruka Kaju (JPN) in the Round of 32. Shiho Tanaka (JPN), pre-event #23 active, was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Giovanna Scoccimarro (GER). Sarah Leonie Cysique (FRA), pre-event #24 active, placed 5th, losing to Ana Viktorija Puljiz (CRO) in a bronze medal match. Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA), pre-event #25 active, finished 7th, losing to Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo (MGL) in the Repechage. Ayub Bliev (RUS), pre-event #35 active, placed 5th, while Momo Tamaoki (JPN), pre-event #36 active, finished 7th, losing to Marica Perisic (SRB) in the Repechage.

Baku World Senior Championships 2026 Individuals -- gold and silver

Category	Gold	Silver
Men -60	Ahmad Yusifov	Sherzod Davlatov
Men -66	Hifumi Abe	David Garcia…
Men -73	Ryuga Tanaka	Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov
Men -81	Tato Grigalashvili	Zelim Tckaev
Men -90	Sanshiro Murao	Goki Tajima
Men -100	Ilia Sulamanidze	Dota Arai
Men +100	Inal Tasoev	Ushangi Kokauri
Women -48	Wakana Koga	Assunta Scutto
Women -52	Uta Abe	Ariane Toro…
Women -57	Akari Omori	Eteri Liparteliani
Women -63	Haruka Kaju	Kerem Primo
Women -70	Ai Tsunoda…	Michaela Polleres
Women -78	Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko	Kaila Issoufi
Women +78	Hyeonji Lee	Romane Dicko

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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Yan and Dvalishvili Set for Bantamweight Trilogy at UFC 333

The bantamweight division is set for a pivotal clash as Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili prepare to complete their trilogy at UFC 333 on October twenty-fourth, two thousand twenty-six.

Trilogy History and Fighter Reactions

The rivalry between Yan and Dvalishvili stands at one win apiece. Dvalishvili secured the first victory via unanimous decision in March two thousand twenty-three. Yan then evened the score at UFC 323 in December two thousand twenty-five, defeating Dvalishvili by unanimous decision in a five-round contest to regain the title.

The upcoming trilogy has drawn significant attention, including comments from fellow bantamweight contender Sean O'Malley. O'Malley has openly expressed his support for Petr Yan in the upcoming bout, stating that a Yan victory would position him back in the title picture. According to CBS Sports, O'Malley also suggested that Yan's performance in their second fight may have 'broken' Dvalishvili. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski also weighed in, picking Yan to win, citing Yan's dominant performance in their last fight.

Merab Dvalishvili, for his part, has indicated he is ready for the challenge. In an interview with Din Thomas, Dvalishvili stated, "I have tools I haven't shown" for the trilogy bout.

Tactical Previews and Fighter Data

Analysis leading into UFC 333 suggests that Petr Yan's success will hinge on maintaining the tactics that proved effective in their second fight. MMA Sucka highlighted the importance of Yan countering Dvalishvili's relentless pressure, effectively trapping his lead hand, landing body shots, and utilizing intercepting sidekicks to control distance and disrupt takedown attempts. In their last fight, Yan successfully defended twenty-seven of Dvalishvili's twenty-nine takedown attempts, demonstrating his strong takedown defense.

Petr Yan enters UFC 333 as the reigning Bantamweight champion and is ranked fourth in the Men's Pound-for-Pound rankings. His UFC record stands at 12-4-0. Before his victory over Dvalishvili at UFC 323, Yan was on a three-fight UFC win streak. His takedown defense is an impressive eighty-six percent.

Merab Dvalishvili, ranked as the number one contender in the bantamweight division and ninth in the Men's Pound-for-Pound rankings, holds a UFC record of 14-3-0. Prior to his loss to Yan in December two thousand twenty-five, Dvalishvili was on an extensive fourteen-fight UFC win streak. Known for his grappling prowess, Dvalishvili averages 7.3 takedowns per fight with a forty-three percent accuracy.

The bantamweight championship bout between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 is scheduled for October twenty-fourth, two thousand twenty-six, with the series tied and the title on the line.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Petr Yan	12-4-0	Bantamweight champion
Merab Dvalishvili	14-3-0	Bantamweight #1

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

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Undefeated Chopurov Challenges Thicknesse; Vagaev Meets Malkoun

The fight calendar for October 24, 2026, is heating up with the announcement of two intriguing bouts that promise to deliver action across the bantamweight and middleweight divisions. Fans can look forward to seeing the undefeated Asaf Chopurov put his perfect record on the line against Colby Thicknesse, while Abubakar Vagaev is set to face Jacob Malkoun in a middleweight clash.

Chopurov's Unbeaten Streak Meets Thicknesse's Grit

In the bantamweight division, the highly touted Asaf Chopurov, boasting an unblemished professional record of 11-0-0, prepares for a significant challenge against Colby Thicknesse, who holds a respectable 9-1-0 record. Chopurov, often referred to as "Honey Badger," has been a force to reckon with, demonstrating a remarkable ability to finish fights, with five wins by knockout or TKO and another five by submission. His aggressive style and high finishing rate have made him a fighter to watch, having signed with the UFC with his perfect record intact.

Colby Thicknesse, with a professional record of 9-1-0, enters this contest coming off a May 2026 unanimous decision victory over Vince Morales. Thicknesse, who has secured two wins by knockout and two by submission in his career, will undoubtedly aim to be the first to hand Chopurov a professional loss. Our BJJ Metrics model, which provides unique insights into fighter performance, has observed a notable shift in the betting line for this bantamweight encounter. The line for Colby Thicknesse moved from 25% to 19% this week, indicating that the money has moved against him as fight night approaches.

Vagaev and Malkoun Set for Middleweight Showdown

The middleweight division will also see a compelling matchup as Abubakar Vagaev (25-4-0) steps into the octagon against Jacob Malkoun (10-3-0). Vagaev, a veteran with an extensive professional record, last competed in July 2026, securing a victory over Saygid Izagakhmaev. Known for his methodical approach, a significant majority of Vagaev's wins, 20 of his 25, have come by way of decision, showcasing his ability to control fights over the distance.

Facing him is Jacob Malkoun, who holds a professional record of 10-3-0. Malkoun is currently on a three-fight winning streak, a run that began in 2024 and extends into 2026. His last outing was in May 2026. Malkoun's fighting style often sees him land an average of 5.39 takedowns per 15 minutes, highlighting his strong grappling pedigree and intent to control opponents on the mat. This clash of styles, with Vagaev's decision-heavy victories and Malkoun's grappling prowess, sets the stage for a strategic battle in the middleweight division.

Both fights are scheduled for October 24, promising an exciting night for fight enthusiasts as these athletes look to make their mark on the UFC landscape.

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Livia Barasine Correa and Roberto de Abreu Filho Secure Multiple Golds

Livia Barasine Correa, a formidable presence in the adult black belt division with an Elo rating of 1836 and a world rank of #32, continued her golden streak at the Rio Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 on October 17. Representing Fabin Rosa Rio de Janeiro, Correa achieved a double gold, dominating both the Medium Heavy and Open Class divisions. This impressive feat adds two more golds to her already stellar record of 45 career golds from 47 medals.

Correa's Double Gold Run in Rio Gi

Correa’s path to double gold involved six hard-fought matches. In the Medium Heavy division, she advanced to the final after her semi-final opponent, Leticia Lamonica Salvador Caliman (Elo 935; rank #154150), was disqualified. She then secured the gold by defeating unrated Ana Clara Caetano de Souza in the final. While the win over Caliman was a routine victory given the opponent's ranking, it demonstrated Correa's consistent presence at the top.

Her Open Class campaign saw her navigate a four-match bracket. Correa began by defeating unrated Thayene Faria de Lira in the opening round. She then secured a routine win over Ivhalaynie Ferreira Meira (Elo 970; rank #139252) in the quarter-final. Her semi-final match saw her overcome unrated Jhenifer Barboza dos Santos Canezin, leading to a final showdown where she defeated unrated Natacha Amanda Ribeiro da Silva to claim her second gold of the day. This double gold performance further solidifies her position as one of the sport's elite, building on recent golds at the Rio Spring No-Gi 2026 (Medium Heavy), Curitiba Summer 2026 (Medium Heavy), Curitiba Summer 2026 (Open Class), and Rio Summer No-Gi 2026 (Open Class).

Roberto de Abreu Filho's Fort Lauderdale Double Golds

Roberto de Abreu Filho, an adult black belt with an Elo rating of 1613 and a world rank of #107, delivered a commanding performance at the Fort Lauderdale International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 on October 17, securing double gold in the Ultra Heavy and Open Class divisions. This brought his career gold count to 52 from 78 medals. His dominance continued at the Fort Lauderdale International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 (Gi), also on October 17, where he once again achieved double gold in the Ultra Heavy and Open Class divisions.

Abreu Filho's No-Gi Dominance

At the No-Gi event, Abreu Filho won four matches to claim both titles. In the Ultra Heavy division, he secured routine wins over Luccas Lira Costa (Elo 1255; rank #1203) in the semi-final and Christiano Tayfour Troisi Moreira (Elo 967; rank #145571) in the final. His Open Class bracket mirrored this success, with routine wins over Christiano Tayfour Troisi Moreira in the final and Luccas Lira Costa in the semi-final. The smaller field in these divisions highlights his ability to consistently close out brackets against established competitors.

Abreu Filho's Gi Double Gold

The Gi championship saw Abreu Filho win five matches en route to his double gold. In the Ultra Heavy division, he defeated Leonardo Amora Gosling (Elo 1112; rank #5386) on the way to gold, before securing a routine win over Abraham J Marte Messina (Elo 1192; rank #2217) in the final. His Open Class journey included a quarter-final victory over unrated Alexander William Morales, a semi-final win against unrated Igor Nascimento da Costa Feliz, and a final triumph over Luccas Lira Costa (Elo 1255; rank #1203), marking another routine win. These back-to-back double golds underscore Abreu Filho's consistent high-level performance, adding to a list of recent golds that includes Ft. Lauderdale 2026 (Open Class), Ft. Lauderdale 2026 (Ultra Heavy), Ft. Lauderdale No-Gi 2026 (Ultra Heavy), Ft. Lauderdale No-Gi 2026 (Open Class), and Miami Winter 2026 (Ultra Heavy).

Correa's No-Gi Gold

The day before her double gold performance, Livia Barasine Correa also competed at the Rio Spring International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2026 on October 16. Here, she secured a gold medal in the Medium Heavy division, winning three matches. Her route to gold included a victory over Leticia Lamonica Salvador Caliman (Elo 935; rank #154150) by disqualification and a final win against unrated Ana Clara Caetano de Souza. While she secured a routine win over Angela Paz Correa Alarcon (Elo 1009; rank #61975) in the Open Class quarter-final, her run for a second gold was halted in the semi-final by unrated Julia Kalliane da C dos Santos. Despite not achieving double gold in the No-Gi event, her consistent medal-winning performances continue to cement her status as a top-tier competitor.

Livia Barasine Correa — route to gold

Round	Opponent	Result
Semi-final	Leticia Lamonica…	Won
Final	Ana Clara…	Won
Opening round	Thayene Faria…	Won
Quarter-final	Ivhalaynie Ferreira…	Won
Semi-final	Jhenifer Barboza…	Won
Final	Natacha Amanda…	Won

Roberto de Abreu Filho — route to gold

Round	Opponent	Result
Semi-final	Luccas Lira…	Won
Final	Christiano Tayfour…	Won
Final	Christiano Tayfour…	Won
Semi-final	Luccas Lira…	Won

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

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Youth Movement: Analyzing the Youngest Fighters in UFC Women's Divisions

Across all women's divisions in the UFC, Alice Pereira currently stands as the youngest fighter on our leaderboard. This statistic identifies the youngest active female athletes who have established a significant presence in the octagon, specifically those with at least three UFC fights and who have competed within the last two years. By focusing on fighters who have already accumulated a minimum of three bouts, the list provides a snapshot of the youthful talent that has begun to build a professional record within the promotion, rather than just those making their debut. Out of 271 women on record, 110 qualified for this specific analysis.

The Youngest of the Young

Alice Pereira leads the list at 20.8 years old. Her current age places her notably ahead of the field, being four years younger than the next fighter on the list. With a UFC record of 2-1 across three fights, she has secured more wins than losses. Her most recent octagon appearance was on October 10, 2026, when she was 21 years old.

Iasmin Lucindo, at 24.8 years, holds the second position. Her profile differs from Pereira's with a more extensive UFC record of 5-2 from seven fights, suggesting a greater volume of experience within the promotion. She last competed on August 9, 2025, at the age of 25.

Closely following is Tereza Bleda, 24.9 years old. Her UFC record stands at 1-2 from three fights, matching Pereira's fight count but with a different win-loss ratio. Her last fight took place on December 13, 2025, when she was 25.

Mid-Twenties Cluster

Fatima Kline, at 26.3 years, is fourth on the list. She possesses a strong UFC record of 4-1 from five fights, indicating a high win rate. Her most recent bout was on July 18, 2026, at age 26.

Luana Santos, 26.5 years old, rounds out the top five. Her impressive UFC record is 6-1 from seven fights. She last competed on June 20, 2026, at age 26, and is currently booked for a fight against Yana Santos on October 31, 2026.

The remainder of the top ten includes Denise Gomes (26.8 years, 7-2 record, 9 fights), Stephanie Luciano (26.8 years, 3-1 record, 4 fights), Erin Blanchfield (27.5 years, 8-1 record, 9 fights), Yazmin Jauregui (27.6 years, 4-2 record, 6 fights), and Carli Judice (27.6 years, 4-1 record, 5 fights). This group shows a concentration of fighters in the mid-to-late 20s, with several having accumulated a substantial number of UFC bouts, such as Gomes and Blanchfield with nine fights each. Carli Judice is also booked for an upcoming fight against Maycee Barber on December 12, 2026.

A notable observation from this leaderboard is the significant age gap between Alice Pereira and the rest of the top ten, highlighting her unique position as the youngest fighter with a qualifying record. The cluster of fighters in their mid-20s, particularly between 24.8 and 27.6 years, suggests a common age range for female athletes establishing themselves in the UFC. It is important to note that statistics based on a smaller number of fights, such as those with only three bouts, can be more susceptible to variability compared to records built over a longer career.

All women — youngest fighters

Fighter	Age	UFC fights
1. Alice Pereira	20.8 years	3 fights
2. Iasmin Lucindo	24.8 years	7 fights
3. Tereza Bleda	24.9 years	3 fights
4. Fatima Kline	26.3 years	5 fights
5. Luana Santos	26.5 years	7 fights
6. Denise Gomes	26.8 years	9 fights
7. Stephanie Luciano	26.8 years	4 fights
8. Erin Blanchfield	27.5 years	9 fights
9. Yazmin Jauregui	27.6 years	6 fights
10. Carli Judice	27.6 years	5 fights

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

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Mike Malott Secures Highlight-Reel Knockout Over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton

Mike Malott secured a highlight-reel knockout victory over Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Edmonton on October 17, 2026. The decisive finish came in the second round, with Malott landing a perfectly timed knee that sent Buckley to the canvas at 2:32 of the round. The impact of the knee was such that Buckley's mouthpiece was visibly dislodged and sent flying across the cage.

Fighter Reactions to the Knockout

The brutal knockout elicited strong reactions from the mixed martial arts community. Several fighters, including Gilbert Burns, Tatiana Suarez, Arnold Allen, and Kenny Florian, expressed amazement at Malott’s performance, according to MMA Fighting. UFC featherweight Kai Kamaka also reacted to the finish, specifically expressing concern for Joaquin Buckley’s condition. Kamaka posted on social media, “Praying for Buckley,” in response to Buckley’s collapse after the knockout.

Malott's Ascent in the Welterweight Division

The victory marks a significant moment for Mike Malott, who now holds a UFC record of 7-1-0 across eight UFC fights. Prior to this bout, Malott was on a three-fight UFC win streak, which he has now extended to four. His last fight before facing Buckley was in April 2026, where he won against Gilbert Burns by KO/TKO with punches in round three at 2:08 in a welterweight contest. The pre-fight market had Malott at 71% to win that fight. Other recent victories for Malott include a unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland in October 2025, a KO/TKO punch victory against Charles Radtke in May 2025, and a unanimous decision win over Trevin Giles in November 2024. His only UFC loss came in January 2024 against Neil Magny. Following his win over Buckley, Malott's UFC Elo rating stands at 1121, and he is officially ranked as the #13 welterweight in the UFC. Malott, who is 34 years old, stands 6 feet 1 inch tall with a 73-inch reach and fights from an Orthodox stance. He has demonstrated a takedown accuracy of 58% with 1.1 takedowns per fight before this bout, though his takedown defense was 17%.

Buckley's Recent Challenges

For Joaquin Buckley, this defeat adds another challenge to his recent welterweight run. Buckley, who is 32 years old, has a UFC record of 11-6-0 across 17 UFC fights. He stands 5 feet 10 inches tall with a 76-inch reach and fights from a Southpaw stance. Before this fight, Buckley was ranked #10 in the welterweight division. This loss marks his third consecutive defeat, following unanimous decision losses to Sean Brady in May 2026 and Kamaru Usman in June 2025. Prior to these losses, Buckley had secured notable victories, including a KO/TKO win over Colby Covington in December 2024 and a KO/TKO punch victory against Stephen Thompson in October 2024. His UFC Elo rating after the fight is 1114. Buckley's takedown accuracy before the fight was 36% with 1.2 takedowns per fight, and his takedown defense stood at 73%. There are no next booked UFC fights on record for either fighter.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Mike Malott	7-1-0	Welterweight #13
Joaquin Buckley	11-6-0	Welterweight #10

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

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Chandler Stuns Croden in Massive UFC Fight Night Upset

Chelsea Chandler delivered the most significant upset of UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott, submitting heavy favorite Melissa Croden in a stunning first-round finish. The women's bantamweight bout saw Chandler defy overwhelming odds, delivering a performance that immediately reshaped her career trajectory.

Chelsea Chandler Submits Melissa Croden

Chelsea Chandler pulled off the biggest shocker of the night, securing a first-round submission victory over Melissa Croden. Entering the bout as a substantial 3.1-to-1 underdog, Chandler faced a Melissa Croden whom the betting market had made a heavy favorite at 75%. The dramatic finish came late in the opening round, at four minutes and fifty-two seconds, via a Kimura submission. This pivotal win advanced Chandler's professional record to 4-3-0, while Croden's fell to 2-2-0.

SuYoung You Upsets Cody Chovancek

Another notable upset unfolded in the bantamweight division as SuYoung You secured a third-round submission victory over Cody Chovancek. You, who was a slight 1.1-to-1 underdog with Chovancek favored at 53%, managed to finish the fight with a Kimura submission at four minutes and nineteen seconds of the third round. The victory improved SuYoung You's record to 4-1-0, marking a tough professional debut for Cody Chovancek, whose record now stands at 0-1-0.

Katlyn Cerminara Delivers First-Round Knockout

Katlyn Cerminara showcased her power in the women's flyweight division, securing a first-round knockout victory over Mackenzie Stiller. Cerminara, who was the betting favorite at 69%, finished the fight with punches at four minutes and forty-six seconds of the opening round. This dominant performance advanced Cerminara's record to 12-6-0, while Stiller's professional debut ended in a loss, bringing her record to 0-1-0.

Undercard Action

On the undercard, Steven Koslow defeated Chad Anheliger by submission with a Rear Naked Choke in the third round at four minutes and thirty-one seconds, improving his record to 1-1-0 as Anheliger's fell to 2-4-0. In the heavyweight division, Joel Faglier made a successful professional debut, stopping Javad Mahjoub by knockout with punches in the second round at two minutes and eleven seconds, moving his record to 1-0-0 while Mahjoub's dropped to 0-1-0.

UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott — full results

Winner	Defeated	How
Chelsea Chandler UPSET	Melissa Croden	Submission R1
SuYoung You UPSET	Cody Chovancek	Submission R3
Katlyn Cerminara	Mackenzie Stiller	KO/TKO R1
Steven Koslow	Chad Anheliger	Submission R3
Joel Faglier	Javad Mahjoub	KO/TKO R2

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

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Jaqueline Amorim Accepts Six-Month Suspension for UFC Anti-Doping Violation

UFC strawweight Jaqueline Amorim has accepted a six-month suspension for violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, following the detection of low levels of ostarine in two out-of-competition tests. The Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) agency, which administers the UFC’s anti-doping program, determined that the positive findings were consistent with exposure to a contaminated supplement rather than intentional use.

Details of the Violation

Amorim's samples, collected on July 29 and August 17, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, revealed the presence of ostarine, a prohibited non-Specified Substance classified as an Anabolic Agent. Ostarine is banned at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.

According to a statement from CSAD, as reported by NDTV Sports and MMA Weekly, an investigation into the matter concluded that the findings were consistent with contamination. Factors contributing to this determination included Amorim's testing history, the low concentrations of ostarine found in both samples, her use of multiple dietary supplements that had not undergone third-party testing and certification, and the known prevalence of ostarine contamination in dietary supplements globally. The agency also noted that the evidence did not suggest Amorim's exposure provided her with any significant performance advantage.

Amorim's period of ineligibility commenced on August 17, 2026, the date she was notified of her provisional suspension. Her six-month suspension is set to conclude on February 17, 2027.

Amorim's UFC Career

Jaqueline Amorim, who was 30 years old at the time of her last fight, holds a UFC record of 5-2-0 across seven UFC fights. Known for her grappling prowess, Amorim has secured several impressive victories within the Octagon. Her most recent outing was in May 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Song vs. Figueiredo, where she defeated Loma Lookboonmee by submission via armbar in the first round, at four minutes and four seconds. The pre-fight market had placed her chances of winning that bout at 56%.

Prior to this, Amorim had a unanimous decision loss to Mizuki in October 2025 at UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane. However, she had built a strong submission streak before that, including a second-round rear-naked choke victory over Polyana Viana in April 2025 and first-round armbar finishes against Vanessa Demopoulos in September 2024 and Cory McKenna in March 2024. Her offensive grappling statistics reflect her style, with an average of 1.3 takedowns per fight at a 71% accuracy rate before her last fight.

Currently, Jaqueline Amorim does not have a next booked UFC fight on the schedule, and she will be eligible to return to competition in mid-February 2027.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Jaqueline Amorim	5-2-0	unranked

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

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Buckley and Malott Make Weight for UFC Edmonton Headliner

The weigh-ins for UFC Edmonton concluded with all fighters successfully making their contracted weights, including headliners Joaquin Buckley and Mike Malott. The event, set to take place in Edmonton, Canada, saw both welterweight contenders step onto the scale without issue, as reported by multiple outlets including MMA Fighting and MMA Junkie. The main event fighters also participated in a face-off, building anticipation for their bout.

Buckley's Recent Form and Ranking

Joaquin Buckley, currently ranked #10 in the UFC welterweight division, enters this contest with a UFC record of 11-6-0 across seventeen UFC fights. The 32-year-old southpaw, standing 5' 10" with a 76-inch reach, has experienced a mixed run in his most recent outings. In May 2026, at UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland, Buckley lost a unanimous decision to Sean Brady in a welterweight bout, where pre-fight markets had him at 38% to win. This followed another unanimous decision loss in June 2025 against Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night: Usman vs. Buckley. Prior to these two losses, Buckley had secured three consecutive victories, including a knockout/technical knockout win over Colby Covington in December 2024 at UFC Fight Night: Covington vs. Buckley, and another KO/TKO punch victory against Stephen Thompson in October 2024 at UFC 307: Pereira vs. Rountree Jr. His takedown defense stands at 73%, while he averages 1.2 takedowns per fight with 36% accuracy.

Malott's Momentum and Welterweight Standing

Mike Malott, the #13 ranked welterweight, brings a UFC record of 7-1-0 from eight UFC fights into the main event. The 34-year-old orthodox fighter, who is 6' 1" with a 73-inch reach, was on a three-fight UFC win streak before his last fight. His most recent performance in April 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Malott saw him defeat Gilbert Burns by KO/TKO punches in the third round, with pre-fight markets favoring him at 71% to win. This victory extended a streak that included a unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland in October 2025 and a second-round KO/TKO punch victory against Charles Radtke in May 2025 at UFC 315: Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena. Malott's sole UFC loss came in January 2024 at UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis against Neil Magny by KO/TKO punches. His grappling statistics show an average of 1.1 takedowns per fight with 58% accuracy, though his takedown defense is 17%.

Pre-Fight Commentary

Ahead of the welterweight clash, fellow UFC welterweight Sean Brady, who defeated Buckley in May, offered his perspective, picking Joaquin Buckley to upset Mike Malott at UFC Edmonton. This main event marks a significant opportunity for both fighters to solidify their positions within the competitive welterweight division.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Joaquin Buckley	11-6-0	Welterweight #10
Mike Malott	7-1-0	Welterweight #13

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

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RAF14 Preview: Tsarukyan vs Danis Headlines Las Vegas Card

Real American Freestyle (RAF) is set to electrify Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 23, 2026, with RAF14, headlined by a highly anticipated Middleweight Championship bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis.

Middleweight Championship: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dillon Danis

In the main event, Arman Tsarukyan, representing Armenia and Russia, will challenge Dillon Danis of the United States for the Middleweight Championship. Tsarukyan enters this contest with a strong RAF record of 7-1, having defeated Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas twice (including a main event at RAF07), Urijah Faber, Mugzy, Tony Ferguson, and Kuat Khamitov. His sole RAF loss came against Colby Covington at RAF11 in a main event. Danis, from Parsippany, New Jersey, will be looking for his first RAF victory, currently holding an 0-2 record with losses to Colby Covington at RAF07 and Khamzat Chimaev at RAF10 in a main event. This bout carries an extra layer of history, as a previously scheduled grappling match between Tsarukyan and Danis at Hype FC in May 2026 was cancelled.

Tsarukyan, 30, brings a deep background in freestyle wrestling, achieving Master of Sports rank. His extensive MMA career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) includes 13 fights, where his wrestling averages show him landing 2.7 takedowns per fight with 41% accuracy, stopping 85% of takedown attempts against him, and accumulating 5.2 minutes of control time per fight.

Dillon Danis, 33, has a background rooted in high school wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning his black belt at 21. He is known in the MMA community for his association with Conor McGregor. His MMA career includes Bellator MMA and Misfits MMA, where he holds a championship. In grappling, Danis has competed in high-level tournaments like Metamoris and Polaris Pro Grappling, holding an overall grappling record of 18 wins and 16 losses, with 11 of his wins coming by submission.

Strawweight Championship: Lucia Yepez vs. Sarah Hildebrandt

The Strawweight Championship will see Ecuador's Lucia Yepez, 25, defend her title against Sarah Hildebrandt, 33, from Granger, Indiana. Yepez boasts an undefeated RAF record of 4-0, having beaten Everest Leydecker, Cameron Guerin, Kendra Ryan (to win the interim title by technical fall at RAF10), and Felicity Taylor (by technical fall at RAF11). She was subsequently promoted to undisputed champion. Hildebrandt, a former RAF Women's Strawweight Champion, holds a 1-0 RAF record, having defeated Zeltzin Hernandez Guerra at RAF01 to become the inaugural champion.

Lucia Yepez is a highly decorated Ecuadorian freestyle wrestler, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, a 2025 World Wrestling Championships silver medalist, and a four-time winner of the Pan American Wrestling Championships.

Sarah Hildebrandt is an American freestyle wrestler with an equally impressive resume, a 2024 Olympic gold medalist and a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist. She has earned four medals at the World Wrestling Championships and is a seven-time gold medalist at the Pan American Wrestling Championships.

Lightweight Championship: Jordan Oliver vs. Ridge Lovett

In the Lightweight Championship bout, Jordan Oliver, 36, from Easton, Pennsylvania, will face Ridge Lovett, 26, from Post Falls, Idaho. Oliver maintains a perfect 4-0 RAF record, with victories over Real Woods (twice), Beau Bartlett, and Mike Vanbrill. Lovett holds a 1-0 RAF record, having defeated Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia at RAF09.

Jordan Oliver is a renowned American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler. He is a two-time U.S. national champion in freestyle and a two-time NCAA Division I national champion in folkstyle, competing for Oklahoma State. He was also a four-time Big 12 Conference champion.

Ridge Lovett is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler. His folkstyle achievements include being an NCAA Champion, a three-time All-American, and a two-time Big 10 Tournament Champion for Nebraska. In freestyle, Lovett won the U.S. Open championship at 70 kilograms in April 2026.

Featured Bouts

The RAF14 card features a compelling Catchweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Robbie Lawler. Khamzat Chimaev, 32, representing the UAE, holds a perfect 3-0 RAF record, with dominant wins over Dillon Danis, Tyron Woodley, and Gilbert Burns. Chimaev is a Russian-Emirati professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler, a three-time Swedish national champion. In his 10 UFC fights, his wrestling averages include 1.7 takedowns landed per fight at 61% accuracy, stopping 76% of takedown attempts, and 3.1 minutes of control time. Robbie Lawler, 44, from Bettendorf, Iowa, will make his RAF debut. A former UFC Welterweight Champion, Lawler's background includes high school wrestling and training in taekwondo and karate. In his 25 UFC fights, Lawler's wrestling averages show 0.7 takedowns landed per fight at 68% accuracy, stopping 62% of takedown attempts, and 1.3 minutes of control time.

A Featherweight clash will pit Sebastian Rivera, 28, from Toms River, New Jersey, against Vito Arujau, 27, from Homieĺ, Belarus. Rivera holds a 1-0 RAF record, having defeated Haji Aliyev. Arujau also has a 1-0 RAF record, with a win over Soslan Ramonov. Rivera is a Stateside Puerto Rican freestyle wrestler, a 2023 World silver medalist, and represented Puerto Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Arujau is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, a 2023 World Champion and two-time World medalist in freestyle, and a two-time NCAA Division I national champion in folkstyle.

Two MMA veterans will make their RAF debuts in a Cruiserweight bout: Alexander Shlemenko, 42, from Omsk, Russia, and Michael Page, 39, from Westminster, London. Shlemenko is a Russian mixed martial artist and former Bellator Middleweight World Champion, with a background in Greco-Roman wrestling and ARB (army hand-to-hand combat). Michael Page, known as "MVP," is a British professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer, recognized for his unorthodox style derived from freestyle kickboxing, where he won ten world championships. In his 6 UFC fights, Page has no takedowns landed, stops 73% of takedown attempts, and has 0.9 minutes of control time.

Middleweight action will feature Jordan Burroughs, 38, from Moorestown, New Jersey, against Michael Caliendo, 23, from Geneva, Illinois. Burroughs holds a 2-0 RAF record. Caliendo has a 1-1 RAF record. Burroughs is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestling legend, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and a six-time World Champion in freestyle. He also won two NCAA Division I national championships in collegiate wrestling.

In the Bantamweight division, Nathan Tomasello, 32, from Cleveland, Ohio, will meet Roman Bravo-Young, 27, from Tucson, Arizona. Tomasello, a former RAF Bantamweight Champion, has a 2-1 RAF record. Bravo-Young will be making his RAF debut. Tomasello is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, an NCAA champion and four-time Big Ten Conference champion in folkstyle. Bravo-Young is a Mexican-American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler who represented Mexico at the 2024 Summer Olympics and is a two-time NCAA Division I National champion in folkstyle.

A Heavyweight bout will see Yonger Bastida, 27, from Trinidad, Cuba, take on Greg Kerkvliet, 25, from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Bastida holds an 0-1 RAF record. Kerkvliet will make his RAF debut. Bastida is a Cuban freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, a U23 and U20 World Championship medalist in freestyle, and a two-time NCAA Division I All-American in folkstyle. Kerkvliet is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, the 2024 NCAA champion in folkstyle, and a Cadet World Champion in freestyle.

Another Cruiserweight RAF debut will feature Mekhi Lewis, 27, against Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov, 36. Lewis is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, the 2018 Junior World Champion in freestyle, and an NCAA Division I champion in folkstyle. Gadzhimagomedov is a Russian former freestyle wrestler, a 2018 World bronze medalist, and a 2018 European champion.

In a Middleweight bout, Bella Mir, 23, from Las Vegas, Nevada, will face Hope Chase, 27, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mir has an 0-1 RAF record. Chase will be making her RAF debut.

A Catchweight bout features Pat Downey, 34, from Baltimore, Maryland, against Magomed Magomedkerimov, 35, from Dagestan, Russia. Downey has a 1-3 RAF record. Magomedkerimov will make his RAF debut. Downey is an American wrestler and professional mixed martial artist, a 2019 Pan American Games medalist and 2019 US Open national champion in freestyle. Magomedkerimov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist with a background in pankration and Muay Thai, and was the 2018 PFL Welterweight Tournament winner.

Brendan Allen, 30, from Covington, Louisiana, will make his RAF debut in a Catchweight bout against Alexander Shlemenko, 42, from Omsk, Russia, who is also making his RAF debut. Allen is an American professional mixed martial artist, a former Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Champion. In his 20 UFC fights, Allen's wrestling averages include 1.3 takedowns landed per fight at 45% accuracy, stopping 54% of takedown attempts, and 3.2 minutes of control time. Shlemenko's background is detailed in his Cruiserweight bout preview.

Two Featherweight bouts will see Juan Archuleta, 39, from Hesperia, California, make his RAF debut against Dylan Ragusin, 25, from Elk Grove Village, Illinois, who is also making his RAF debut. Archuleta is an American mixed martial artist, a former Bellator Bantamweight World Champion and Rizin Bantamweight Champion, with a folkstyle wrestling background. Ragusin will also face Nick Suriano, 29, from Paramus, New Jersey, who is making his RAF debut. Suriano is an American freestyle and folkstyle wrestler, a two-time NCAA Division I national and Big Ten Conference champion. Ragusin's background is detailed in his earlier Featherweight bout preview.

RAF14 — full card

Weight	Athlete	Athlete
MAIN Middleweight	Arman Tsarukyan	Dillon Danis
Strawweight	Lucia Yepez	Sarah Hildebrandt
Lightweight	Jordan Oliver	Ridge Lovett
Catchweight	Khamzat Chimaev	Robbie Lawler
Featherweight	Sebastian Rivera	Vito Arujau
Cruiserweight	Alexander Shlemenko	Michael Page
Middleweight	Jordan Burroughs	Michael Caliendo
Bantamweight	Nathan Tomasello	Roman Bravo-Young
Heavyweight	Yonger Bastida	Greg Kerkvliet
Cruiserweight	Mekhi Lewis	Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov
Middleweight	Bella Mir	Hope Chase
Catchweight	Pat Downey	Magomed Magomedkerimov
Catchweight	Brendan Allen	Alexander Shlemenko
Featherweight	Juan Archuleta	Dylan Ragusin
Featherweight	Nick Suriano	Dylan Ragusin

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

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Israel Adesanya Reportedly Booked Against Shara Magomedov for December 5 UFC Saudi Arabia Event

Former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya is reportedly slated to return to the octagon against Shara Magomedov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on December 5, 2026. Prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani was the first to report the news, indicating the middleweight clash is expected to headline the promotion's event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As of this report, the UFC has not yet officially confirmed the matchup or the event date.

Adesanya Seeks to End Losing Skid

Israel Adesanya, aged 36, will enter this potential bout with a UFC record of 13-6-0 across 19 UFC fights. He is currently on a four-fight losing streak, a significant turn in his career trajectory. His most recent defeat occurred in March 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Pyfer, where he lost to Joe Pyfer by KO/TKO punches in the second round at four minutes and eighteen seconds. The pre-fight market had Adesanya at 56% to win that bout. Prior to that, in February 2025, he lost to Nassourdine Imavov by KO/TKO punch in the second round, and in August 2024, he was defeated by Dricus Du Plessis via submission with a rear naked choke in the fourth round. His losing streak began in September 2023, when he lost to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision over five rounds. Adesanya's last victory was in April 2023 at UFC 287, where he won against Alex Pereira by KO/TKO punch in the second round. Adesanya, who stands six feet, four inches tall with an eighty-inch reach and fights in a switch stance, holds an official UFC ranking of Middleweight #9. His UFC Elo rating after his last fight was 1113. Before his last fight, his takedowns per fight averaged 0.1 at 5% accuracy, with a takedown defense of 73%.

Reports also indicate that Adesanya has made a change in his training environment, having left his longtime team at City Kickboxing earlier this year. He is now reportedly training alongside Alexander Volkanovski and Mauricio Ruffy.

Magomedov Aims for Breakthrough

Shara Magomedov, aged 32, holds a UFC record of 6-1-0 from seven UFC fights. He is currently ranked Middleweight #15. Magomedov, known as 'Shara Bullet,' has openly expressed interest in facing Adesanya, having called him out after his victory over Michel Pereira in June 2026. Adesanya previously reacted to a callout from Magomedov in 2024, stating, "Keep my name out of your f—ing mouth."

Magomedov's most recent fight was in June 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Michel Pereira after three rounds. The pre-fight market had Magomedov at 79% to win that contest. This win extended his UFC win streak to one, following a unanimous decision victory over Marc-Andre Barriault in July 2025. His sole UFC loss came in February 2025 against Michael Page by unanimous decision. Magomedov, who is six feet, two inches tall with a seventy-three-inch reach and fights in an orthodox stance, has a UFC Elo rating of 1086 after his last fight. Before his last fight, his takedowns per fight averaged 0.0 at 0% accuracy, with a takedown defense of 76%.

This reported main event matchup in Saudi Arabia would mark a significant opportunity for Magomedov to test himself against a former champion and potentially climb further up the middleweight rankings. For Adesanya, it represents a critical chance to snap his four-fight losing streak and reassert his position among the division's elite.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Israel Adesanya	13-6-0	Middleweight #9
Shara Magomedov	6-1-0	Middleweight #15

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

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Farid Basharat Criticizes UFC After Undefeated Departure

Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat has confirmed his departure from the UFC, releasing a statement on social media that included criticism of the organization. Basharat’s exit comes after his contract concluded, and he was not offered a new deal by the promotion, despite maintaining a perfect record in the Octagon. His statement, widely reported by outlets such as Heavy.com and MMA Fighting, indicated a belief that the UFC is moving in a different direction from its past.

Basharat's Statement and Departure Details

Basharat took to social media to address the news of his removal from the UFC roster. He expressed pride in his accomplishments within the organization, noting his stainless record upon departure. According to Heavy.com, Basharat stated that his departure had nothing to do with his fighting capabilities. He also clarified that he was never offered a contract or an opponent since his last fight and had never declined a fight during his tenure with the promotion.

In his statement, Basharat directly addressed his view of the organization's current state, saying, “Unfortunately the organisation just isn't what it used to be. They're heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.” This sentiment was echoed across various MMA news outlets, including Cageside Press and Bloody Elbow, highlighting the fighter's strong feelings regarding his unexpected release.

His departure follows a trend seen with other fighters whose contracts have expired without renewal. Basharat is now a free agent and is able to sign with any other combat sports promotion. His brother, Javid Basharat, who was also previously released by the UFC, has since joined PFL/MVP MMA, suggesting a potential path for Farid.

An Undefeated Record in the Octagon

Farid Basharat leaves the UFC with an unblemished UFC record of 7-0-0, having competed in seven fights for the promotion. His last bout took place in July 2026 at UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over John Garza in the bantamweight division. The pre-fight market had favored Basharat significantly, giving him an 85% chance to win that contest.

Before his departure, Basharat was ranked #13 in the official UFC bantamweight rankings. At the time of his last fight, he was 28 years old, standing 5' 8'' with a reach of 71 inches, fighting out of an Orthodox stance. His UFC win streak before his last fight stood at six consecutive victories, a notable achievement in the competitive bantamweight division.

Throughout his UFC career, Basharat demonstrated strong grappling capabilities, averaging 3.0 takedowns per fight with a 51% accuracy. His takedown defense stood at 49%. His wins included unanimous decision victories over Jean Matsumoto in February 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira, and Chris Gutierrez in October 2025 at UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2. He also secured a unanimous decision win against Victor Hugo in October 2024 at UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway, competing at featherweight for that bout, before returning to bantamweight.

Basharat's next booked UFC fight is currently none on the schedule, confirming his status as a free agent in the mixed martial arts landscape.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Farid Basharat	7-0-0	Bantamweight #13

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

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Middleweight Activity: Brunno Ferreira Leads in Fights Over Three Years

In the competitive landscape of the UFC Middleweight division, Brunno Ferreira stands out as the most active fighter, having competed in 9 fights over the last three years. This statistic measures a fighter's activity level by counting the number of UFC bouts they have participated in within the specified three-year period. To qualify for this list, fighters must have had at least one UFC fight in the last two years and are grouped by their current weight class. Out of 351 fighters on record, 84 qualified for this specific analysis.

The Most Active Middleweights

Leading the charge with 9 fights is **Brunno Ferreira**. His record in the UFC stands at 6-5 across 11 total UFC fights, with his most recent bout on 19 September 2026. At 34 years old, Ferreira's consistent presence in the Octagon, averaging three fights per year, highlights a readiness to compete frequently. This high level of activity, even with a slightly losing UFC record over his career, demonstrates a fighter who is consistently taking opportunities to step into the cage.

Tied with Ferreira for the top spot is **Christian Leroy Duncan**, also with 9 fights in the last three years. Duncan boasts a stronger UFC record of 8-3 from his 11 total UFC fights, last competing on 10 October 2026. At 31 years old, Duncan's activity combined with a winning record suggests a fighter who is not only willing to fight often but is also finding success in those outings. His consistent performance and frequent appearances make him a notable figure in the division.

Following closely with 8 fights is **Brendan Allen**. Allen's UFC record of 16-4 across 20 total UFC fights is particularly impressive. His last fight was on 10 October 2026, and he is 31 years old. While having one less fight than the top two, Allen's significantly higher total UFC fight count and dominant winning record indicate a long-standing career marked by both high activity and consistent victories. His ability to maintain such a strong record over many fights underscores a high level of performance.

Also with 8 fights in the last three years is **Zach Reese**. Reese holds a UFC record of 4-4 from his 8 total UFC fights, having last fought on 11 July 2026 at age 33. Reese's profile shows that all of his UFC fights have occurred within this three-year window, suggesting a relatively recent start to his UFC career that has been characterized by immediate and sustained activity, even if his record is currently even.

The Active Cluster

A significant cluster of fighters follows, each with 7 fights in the last three years. This group includes **Michal Oleksiejczuk**, **Edmen Shahbazyan**, **Gregory Rodrigues**, **Cody Brundage**, **Andre Petroski**, and **Shara Magomedov**. This density of fighters with similar activity levels highlights a common pace of competition within the Middleweight division, where many athletes aim for two to three fights annually.

• **Michal Oleksiejczuk** (age 32) has a UFC record of 10-8 across 18 UFC fights, last fighting on 27 June 2026. His consistent activity adds to a lengthy UFC career.
• **Edmen Shahbazyan** (age 29) has a UFC record of 10-6 from 16 UFC fights, last fighting on 19 September 2026. As the youngest fighter on this list, his activity suggests a fighter in his prime.
• **Gregory Rodrigues** (age 35) holds a strong UFC record of 11-3 from 14 UFC fights, last fighting on 22 August 2026. His high activity paired with a dominant record is notable.
• **Cody Brundage** (age 32) has a UFC record of 6-8 from 14 UFC fights, last fighting on 16 May 2026. His consistent activity persists despite a challenging record.
• **Andre Petroski** (age 35) has a UFC record of 8-5 from 13 UFC fights, last fighting on 16 May 2026. He is already booked for another fight on 31 October 2026, indicating continued high activity.
• **Shara Magomedov** (age 32) has a UFC record of 6-1 from 7 UFC fights, last fighting on 27 June 2026. All of his UFC fights fall within this three-year period, showcasing a rapid rise in activity since his debut.

It is important to note that while this statistic effectively measures a fighter's activity, it does not account for the quality of opponents faced or the win/loss ratio of those fights. A high number of fights indicates a willingness to compete frequently, which can be valuable for both the fighter and the promotion, but it does not directly reflect a fighter's standing in the division or their overall success rate.

Middleweight — most fights in the last three years

Fighter	Fights	UFC fights
1. Brunno Ferreira	9 fights	11 fights
2. Christian Leroy	9 fights	11 fights
3. Brendan Allen	8 fights	20 fights
4. Zach Reese	8 fights	8 fights
5. Michal Oleksiejczuk	7 fights	18 fights
6. Edmen Shahbazyan	7 fights	16 fights
7. Gregory Rodrigues	7 fights	14 fights
8. Cody Brundage	7 fights	14 fights
9. Andre Petroski	7 fights	13 fights
10. Shara Magomedov	7 fights	7 fights

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

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Farid Basharat Exits UFC Roster Despite Undefeated Record

Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat has reportedly been removed from the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster, despite maintaining a perfect record within the promotion. The news, initially reported by Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, indicates that Basharat's departure stems from the expiration of his contract, with the UFC opting not to offer him a new deal.

Basharat, who holds an unblemished professional mixed martial arts record of 16-0, had compiled a 7-0 UFC record during his tenure. His last outing was a unanimous decision victory over John Garza at UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 in July 2026.

Contract Expiration Leads to Departure

Sources indicate that Basharat's contract concluded after his win against Garza. Prior to that bout, the 28-year-old fighter was aware it was the final fight on his existing agreement. According to MMA Fighting, Basharat had expressed his desire to re-sign with the promotion, stating before UFC 329, “If it were up to me, I’d re-sign straight away because ultimately the UFC is where everybody wants to be. I love being here.”

His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also weighed in on the situation, telling Bloody Elbow that it would be "crazy" if the UFC did not re-sign Basharat, emphasizing his client's standing as one of the best bantamweights globally.

An Undefeated Run in the Octagon

Farid Basharat joined the UFC after earning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series in 2022. He quickly established himself in the bantamweight division, accumulating seven consecutive victories. His UFC record stands at 7-0-0, with notable wins against opponents such as Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Taylor Lapilus. Before his last fight, Basharat was on a six-fight UFC win streak, which extended to seven with his win over Garza. He was officially ranked #13 in the UFC bantamweight division at the time of his reported removal.

His last fight against John Garza at UFC 329 in July 2026 saw him secure a unanimous decision after three rounds. The pre-fight market had favored Basharat significantly, giving him an 85% chance to win. Earlier in 2026, in February, he defeated Jean Matsumoto by split decision, where he was favored at 73% to win. In October 2025, he secured another unanimous decision against Chris Gutierrez at UFC 320.

While Basharat's record is perfect, six of his seven UFC victories came by decision. This aspect has been highlighted by outlets like Heavy, which suggested that the UFC's preference for fighters who secure finishes, coupled with the potential for a higher contract due to his undefeated status, might have influenced the decision not to renew his deal. Basharat's fighting style included an average of 3.0 takedowns per fight with 51% accuracy, alongside a 49% takedown defense rate.

Basharat now enters free agency, becoming a notable figure available to other promotions. This situation mirrors that of his brother, Javid Basharat, who also departed the UFC after a victory and subsequently signed with the PFL.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Farid Basharat	7-0-0	Bantamweight #13

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

Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc for more.

Volkanovski Confident Ahead of UFC 333 Title Defense Against Undefeated Evloev

Volkanovski, currently ranked as the Men's Pound-for-Pound #2 and the Featherweight champion, believes he presents a challenging matchup for Evloev. He told Paramount+ that while he considers Evloev the best in the division outside of himself, stylistically, it is one of the better matchups for him. Volkanovski further elaborated, stating that Evloev's skills, which pose problems for many fighters, do not trouble him.

The champion also commented on Evloev's fighting approach, noting that the challenger has secured all ten of his UFC victories by decision. Volkanovski asserted that it would be a difficult task for anyone to defeat him over 25 minutes, suggesting that Evloev's typical path to victory would not be effective against him. He even proposed that Evloev's best strategy might be to attempt a knockout rather than rely on his wrestling, anticipating that his own takedown defense would neutralize Evloev's grappling plans.

Movsar Evloev, the #1 ranked Featherweight contender, offered a direct response to Volkanovski's assessment. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Evloev called Volkanovski's approach "a little illogical" and declared, "I will do anything I want. Whenever I decide to take him down, I will take him down". Evloev, who maintains a perfect 10-0-0 UFC record, also highlighted improvements in his striking and expressed belief that his time to become champion is approaching.

Fighter Data Insights

Alexander Volkanovski enters UFC 333 with a UFC record of 15-3-0 across eighteen fights. The 37-year-old champion is coming off a unanimous decision win against Diego Lopes in January 2026 at UFC 325, following another unanimous decision victory over Lopes in April 2025. These wins followed two losses in 2024 and 2023, one by KO/TKO to Ilia Topuria in February 2024 and another by KO/TKO to Islam Makhachev in October 2023 in a Lightweight bout. Volkanovski boasts a 70% takedown defense rate.

Movsar Evloev, aged 32, holds an unblemished 10-0-0 UFC record over ten fights and is currently on a nine-fight UFC win streak. His most recent victory was a majority decision over Lerone Murphy in March 2026. Evloev is known for his wrestling prowess, averaging 4.7 takedowns per fight with 57% accuracy, and maintaining a 74% takedown defense. The upcoming bout marks his first championship opportunity.

The stylistic clash has drawn attention from other fighters. Dustin Poirier, for instance, has favored Evloev, citing Volkanovski's age and Evloev's current momentum. Former opponent Islam Makhachev also leans towards the challenger. Volkanovski's coach, Joe Lopez, reportedly acknowledged that Evloev's defensive grappling could present a favorable style for the champion to overcome.

UFC 333, featuring Volkanovski vs. Evloev for the Featherweight title, is scheduled to take place on October 24, 2026, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Alexander Volkanovski	15-3-0	Featherweight champion
Movsar Evloev	10-0-0	Featherweight #1

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

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Alex Pereira Alleges UFC, Daniel Cormier Manipulated Gane-Hokit Narrative

Alex Pereira, a prominent figure in the UFC, has publicly accused the promotion and former two-division champion Daniel Cormier of manipulating public opinion to generate support for a heavyweight clash between Ciryl Gane and Josh Hokit. Pereira voiced his concerns during an interview with Laerte Viana, suggesting that the UFC actively worked to shape the narrative around the matchup.

According to Pereira, the UFC utilized influential figures, including Daniel Cormier, to promote the Gane versus Hokit fight before its official announcement. He claimed the strategy was to make the public receptive to the bout, thereby presenting it as a fan-driven decision rather than a promotional choice. Pereira recounted that the UFC informed him they had conducted a poll indicating fan preference for Gane against Hokit. However, Pereira stated he never saw such a poll and believes the process was manipulated.

Pereira also recalled a past conversation with Cormier that left him questioning the former champion's perspective on his heavyweight title aspirations. Pereira stated that when he asked Cormier if he would be considered a champion if he defeated Gane, Cormier responded, "Well, I don't think so; you have to win". Pereira interpreted this and similar comments from other figures as an attempt to influence public perception.

Pereira's Recent Heavyweight Journey and Future

The accusation from Alex Pereira comes after a significant period in his career, marked by a move to the heavyweight division. Pereira, who holds a UFC record of 10-3-0, last competed in June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250, where he faced Ciryl Gane. In that bout, Pereira lost to Gane by KO/TKO via punches in the second round at one minute and twenty-seven seconds. Despite the loss, the pre-fight market had Pereira at a fifty-one percent chance to win. At the time of that fight, Pereira was thirty-eight years old, standing six feet, four inches tall with a seventy-nine-inch reach, fighting from an Orthodox stance.

Following his loss to Gane, Pereira was reportedly expecting a rematch, especially after vacating his Light Heavyweight title earlier in the year to pursue a third divisional championship. Currently, Alex Pereira is ranked as the Men's Pound-for-Pound #10 fighter and the #3 contender in the Light Heavyweight division. His next scheduled UFC fight is against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335: Oliveira vs. Lopes, set for December 12, 2026, in the Heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane is slated to defend his title against Josh Hokit at UFC 334.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Alex Pereira	10-3-0	Light Heavyweight #3

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

Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc for more.