Stephen Thompson Announces Retirement After UFC 334 Bout

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

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

A Career Defined by Striking and Longevity

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

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

Recent Octagon Appearances

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

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

By the numbers

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

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

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Whittaker-Guskov Heavyweight Clash Leads Feb 6 UFC Card

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

Heavyweight Intrigue: Guskov Meets Whittaker

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

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

Lightweight Showdown: Salkilld vs. Saint Denis

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

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

Featherweight Firefights

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

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

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

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

The Heavyweight Headliners

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

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

Fight Breakdowns and Predictions

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

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

Betting Information

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

By the numbers

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

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

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Conor McGregor Targets BKFC Move After Final UFC Bout

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

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

McGregor's Recent Octagon History

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

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

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

Recovery and Future Outlook

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

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

By the numbers

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

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

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Middleweight: Best Opponents Beaten by Elo

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

The Top Contenders

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

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

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

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

Historical Figures and Notable Profiles

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

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

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

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

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

Middleweight — best opponents beaten by elo

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

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

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

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

Liberati's Ultra-Heavy Challenge

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

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

Giovanna Jara de Souza: A Heavyweight Contender

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

Giovanna Xavier Carneiro: GFTeam's Medium-Heavy Threat

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

Anticipation Builds for São Paulo

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

Entry list — elite black belts

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

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

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

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

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

Rosas Jr.'s Rapid Ascent

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

Covington's Grappling Outing

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

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

By the numbers

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

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

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Grant Dawson's Ranking Puzzle in Latest UFC Update

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

Against the Result: Grant Dawson's Unexplained Drop

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

Head-to-Head Showdowns Reshape Bantamweight

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

Victories Propel Nolan and Tarin Up the Ranks

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

Bumped Without a Fight: Dariush, Fernandes, and Andrade

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

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

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

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

Every change in this update

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

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

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

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

Hooker's Stance on the BMF Title

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

Oliveira's Response and Fighter Context

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

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

By the numbers

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

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

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

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

Men's Categories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women's Categories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notable Performances and Early Exits

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

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026 -- gold and silver

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

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

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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.

Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc/rankings for more.

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.

Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc for more.

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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