UFC Fight Night 292: Moicano vs. Nolan Fight Card and Viewing Details Released

UFC Fight Night 292, also known as UFC Vegas 123, is set to take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will be headlined by a lightweight clash between Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan, with the full fight card and viewing information now available to the public.

Main Event Spotlight: Moicano vs. Nolan

Renato Moicano, currently ranked #12 in the lightweight division, brings a wealth of experience with 20 UFC fights and a UFC record of 13-7-0. His opponent, Tom Nolan, ranked #14, is a rising star with a UFC record of 5-1-0 across six UFC bouts.

Moicano, at 36 years old, stands 5 feet 11 inches tall with a 72-inch reach and fights from an orthodox stance. His last outing in April 2026 saw him secure a victory over Chris Duncan via submission with a rear-naked choke in the second round, a fight where the pre-fight market had him at 44% to win. He has also notched significant wins against Benoit Saint Denis in September 2024 and Jalin Turner in April 2024, though he faced losses to Beneil Dariush in June 2025 and Islam Makhachev in January 2025. Moicano's grappling prowess is evident in his 1.1 takedowns per fight at 40% accuracy, complemented by a 75% takedown defense rate.

On the other side, the 26-year-old Tom Nolan, a southpaw, measures 6 feet 3 inches with a 73-inch reach. Nolan enters this main event riding a five-fight UFC win streak. His most recent victory came in June 2026, a unanimous decision over Fares Ziam, where the pre-fight market had him at 28% to win. Prior to that, he secured a submission win against Charlie Campbell in September 2025 and unanimous decision victories over Viacheslav Borshchev in February 2025 and Alex Reyes in August 2024. Nolan's takedown statistics show 0.4 takedowns per fight at 56% accuracy, coupled with a strong 87% takedown defense.

Fight Card and Viewing Information

Beyond the main event, UFC Fight Night 292 features a compelling lineup of bouts. The main card includes Randy Brown facing Jacobe Smith, Yana Santos taking on Luana Santos, and Ode' Osbourne clashing with Cody Durden. Other main card attractions include Zachary Reese against Mickey Gall, and Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani battling Farman Hasanov. Notably, Jacobe Smith stepped in as a replacement for Carlos Leal in his welterweight bout against Randy Brown.

For fans looking to tune in, the main card of UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET. Viewers in the United States can catch all the action live on Paramount+.

Early Outlook

Early betting lines for the main event indicate a close contest. SportsLine MMA expert Kyle Marley has offered his predictions for the card, noting that Tom Nolan is an early favorite at -115, with Renato Moicano close behind at -105. Additionally, the Combat Edge model, which computes win probabilities based on Elo ratings, records, and matchup data, projects Tom Nolan to win with a 71% probability.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Renato Moicano	13-7-0	Lightweight #12
Tom Nolan	5-1-0	Lightweight #14

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

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Sean O'Malley Pushes for Petr Yan Rematch, Calls it 'Biggest Bantamweight Fight'

Following Petr Yan's successful title defense at UFC 333, Sean O'Malley has intensified his campaign for a bantamweight championship rematch, declaring it would be the biggest fight in the division's history. O'Malley, the current number two ranked bantamweight, wasted no time in sending a direct message to the champion after his victory, stating, “Petr Yan! You're out there celebrating your victory. I'm training, in the rain.”

O'Malley's Persistent Challenge

O'Malley has been vocal about his desire for a second encounter with Yan, a sentiment he has expressed consistently, including in the lead-up to UFC 333. According to MMA Sucka, O'Malley believes a rematch would surpass previous division records in terms of numbers and gate revenue. This push for a title shot comes after Yan, the reigning bantamweight champion, secured a unanimous decision victory over Merab Dvalishvili in a five-round contest at UFC 333 in October 2026. Yan, who is 33 years old, now holds a UFC record of 13-4-0, and extended his UFC win streak to four fights with that win.

The initial clash between O'Malley and Yan at UFC 280 in October 2022 resulted in a split decision win for O'Malley, a verdict that generated considerable debate among fans and pundits alike. Many observers felt the decision could have gone the other way, adding a layer of unresolved tension to their rivalry. Since that contested bout, O'Malley, who is 31 years old, has compiled a UFC record of 12-3-0. His most recent outing saw him defeat Aiemann Zahabi by KO/TKO punches in the second round at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026, a fight where the pre-fight market had him at an 80% chance to win. Prior to that, in January 2026, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong at UFC 324.

Champion's Perspective and UFC Considerations

Petr Yan, whose official UFC ranking places him as the Bantamweight champion and fourth in the Men's Pound-for-Pound rankings, has also shown interest in a rematch. Before his recent defense at UFC 333, Yan told MMA Fighting in October that given their history, a fight with O'Malley would be a logical next step. His last fight against Merab Dvalishvili was a hard-fought battle, with the pre-fight market giving Yan a 48% chance to win, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest. Yan's takedown defense stands at 87%, a significant factor in his grappling exchanges, while O'Malley's takedown defense is 69%.

UFC CEO Dana White has acknowledged the strong contenders vying for the next bantamweight title opportunity. Following UFC 333, White revealed that discussions had centered on two primary candidates for Yan's next opponent: Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong. While the UFC has yet to officially announce the next challenger, O'Malley's consistent call-outs and recent performances are clearly positioning him for a potential championship showdown.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Sean O'Malley	12-3-0	Bantamweight #2
Petr Yan	13-4-0	Bantamweight champion

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

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Volkanovski KOs Evloev, Thicknesse Stuns Chopurov at UFC 333

UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev, held on October 24, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, proved to be a night of unexpected turns and thrilling finishes, with several underdogs defying the odds. While Alexander Volkanovski retained his featherweight title in the main event, the most significant upset of the evening saw Colby Thicknesse hand the highly-touted, previously undefeated Asaf Chopurov his first professional loss.

Alexander Volkanovski Defends Featherweight Title in Thrilling Upset

Alexander Volkanovski, entering the cage as a slight 1.1-to-1 underdog against the undefeated Movsar Evloev, delivered a stunning performance to retain his featherweight championship. The Australian icon secured a knockout victory via punches late in the second round, at four minutes and fifty-four seconds. This emphatic win marked Evloev's first professional defeat, shifting his record to 10-1-0, while Volkanovski improved to 16-3-0.

The fight was anticipated to be a tight and intense affair, but Volkanovski ended it in remarkable fashion, flooring the Russian challenger with a series of heavy hits before the referee intervened with just six seconds left in the round. Commentators lauded Volkanovski's performance, with Paul Felder calling it "unreal" and Jon Anik declaring him "one of the greatest of all time". Daniel Cormier described the fight as a "shut out, a no-hitter," noting that Volkanovski sustained only a minor face cut.

Volkanovski's victory, especially in such dominant fashion, can keep his Hall of Fame-worthy career flourishing, defying expectations that a defeat might end his run. He expressed satisfaction with the finish, stating he had promised his wife a "quick one" for their wedding anniversary. Evloev, despite the loss, remained gracious, calling Volkanovski a "great champion" and an honor to share the cage with.

Colby Thicknesse Stuns Undefeated Asaf Chopurov

In what was undeniably the biggest upset of UFC 333, Colby Thicknesse defeated Asaf Chopurov by a split decision after three rounds, with judges scoring it 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in favor of Thicknesse. Chopurov, making his UFC debut with a perfect 0-0-0 record (and a lengthy amateur career), was a heavy favorite at 70%, but Thicknesse, a 2.3-to-1 underdog, spoiled his professional debut. The bantamweight contest saw Thicknesse attempt a guillotine choke in the first round, which Chopurov escaped, and also landed elbows and knees from the clinch in the second. The final round featured more grappling exchanges, with both fighters still attacking until the final horn. The split decision, particularly a controversial 10-9 scorecard in the first round for Thicknesse from one judge, sparked debate among fans, as many believed Chopurov had controlled the opening frame. Thicknesse's record improved to 3-1-0, while Chopurov's perfect professional record was blemished to 0-1-0.

Dominick Reyes Delivers First-Round Knockout Against Azamat Murzakanov

Dominick Reyes, a significant 1.8-to-1 underdog, made a resounding statement by defeating Azamat Murzakanov with a first-round knockout at two minutes and forty seconds. Reyes, who entered the bout with a 10-5-0 record, improved to 11-5-0, while Murzakanov's record fell to 6-2-0. Reyes targeted Murzakanov's lead leg with low kicks early in the fight, then capitalized on his opponent's anticipation of another low kick by unleashing a high kick that wrapped around Murzakanov's head. Though Murzakanov attempted to mask his distress, Reyes followed up with a powerful left straight that floored him, leading to ground-and-pound and the referee's stoppage. This victory marked Reyes' second consecutive win, signaling a potential revitalization of his career after a challenging period.

Petr Yan Wins Trilogy Bout Against Merab Dvalishvili

Petr Yan successfully defended his bantamweight title, defeating Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision after five rounds, with all three judges scoring the bout 48-47. Yan, who was a slight 1.1-to-1 underdog, improved his record to 13-4-0, while Dvalishvili's record moved to 14-4-0. This victory settled their trilogy, with Yan now holding a 2-1 advantage in their series. Dvalishvili started strong, relying on his wrestling and takedown attempts to control the opening two rounds. However, Yan made a significant comeback from the third round onwards, stuffing takedowns and landing impactful strikes, including a liver kick that visibly hurt Dvalishvili. Yan's ability to defend takedowns and land cleaner strikes ultimately secured him the unanimous decision.

Alexander Volkov Dominates Rizvan Kuniev

Alexander Volkov, a heavy favorite at 86%, secured a unanimous decision victory over Rizvan Kuniev after three rounds, with scorecards reading 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27. Volkov, improving his record to 15-5-0, demonstrated control and technical striking throughout the fight, keeping Kuniev at range and mixing in kicks and punches. He even showcased his grappling skills late in the third round, attempting a rear-naked choke. This win extends Volkov's winning streak to three and led him to call for a heavyweight title shot in his post-fight interview. Kuniev's record now stands at 2-2-0.

Grant Dawson Earns Decision Over Nurullo Aliev

Grant Dawson, a slight favorite at 51%, defeated Nurullo Aliev by unanimous decision after three rounds. Dawson's record advanced to 13-2-0, while Aliev's first professional loss brought his record to 4-1-0. Both fighters are known for their grappling, and the bout was anticipated to be a grappling chess match. Aliev, who had landed 14 takedowns in his previous four UFC appearances, faced a tough challenge in Dawson's proven wrestling and submission game.

The undercard also featured several notable finishes and upsets. Daniel Santos, a 1.3-to-1 underdog, defeated Bolaji Oki by unanimous decision, improving his record to 5-2-0. Abus Magomedov secured a first-round submission via guillotine choke against Cam Rowston, moving his record to 6-3-0. Kody Steele delivered a first-round knockout with punches against Noah Gugnon, bringing his record to 2-1-0. Abubakar Vagaev earned a unanimous decision victory over Jacob Malkoun, pushing his record to 2-0-0. Iasmin Lucindo defeated Nicolle Caliari by unanimous decision, with Lucindo's record now 6-2-0. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev stopped Nikita Krylov with a first-round knockout via knee, advancing his record to 4-0-0. Aaron Pico secured a first-round knockout with punches against Losene Keita, improving to 2-1-0. Finally, Lone'er Kavanagh delivered a first-round knockout with punches against Ramazan Temirov, moving his record to 4-2-0.

UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev — full results

Winner	Defeated	How
Alexander Volkanovski UPSET	Movsar Evloev	KO/TKO R2
Colby Thicknesse UPSET	Asaf Chopurov	Decision
Dominick Reyes UPSET	Azamat Murzakanov	KO/TKO R1
Petr Yan UPSET	Merab Dvalishvili	Decision
Alexander Volkov	Rizvan Kuniev	Decision
Grant Dawson	Nurullo Aliev	Decision
Daniel Santos UPSET	Bolaji Oki	Decision
Abus Magomedov	Cam Rowston	Submission R1
Kody Steele	Noah Gugnon	KO/TKO R1
Abubakar Vagaev	Jacob Malkoun	Decision
Iasmin Lucindo	Nicolle Caliari	Decision
Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev	Nikita Krylov	KO/TKO R1
Aaron Pico	Losene Keita	KO/TKO R1
Lone'er Kavanagh	Ramazan Temirov	KO/TKO R1

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

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Alexander Volkov Defeats Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333, Calls for Title Shot

Alexander Volkov earned a unanimous decision victory over Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2026. Following his win, Volkov publicly called for a shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

The heavyweight contest saw Volkov control the action, ultimately securing the win with judges' scores of 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27. Throughout the three-round bout, Volkov effectively utilized his significant reach advantage, working at range with a consistent jab and various kicks. In the third round, he intensified his attack, attempting rear-naked chokes. After the official decision was announced, Volkov addressed UFC President Dana White, expressing his desire for a heavyweight title shot, according to Yahoo Sports.

Volkov's Ascent in the Heavyweight Division

Alexander Volkov, standing at 6 feet 7 inches with an 80-inch reach, entered this fight as the official UFC Heavyweight #2 contender. Before this contest, the orthodox fighter had compiled a UFC record of 14 wins and 5 losses across 19 UFC fights. He was on a one-fight UFC win streak, having last competed in May 2026 at UFC 328: Chimaev vs. Strickland, where he defeated Waldo Cortes Acosta by unanimous decision. In that bout, the pre-fight market had Volkov at a 56% chance to win. Prior to that, in October 2025 at UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane, he secured a split decision victory over Jailton Almeida. His only loss in his last five outings before this fight came in December 2024 at UFC 310: Pantoja vs. Asakura, where he dropped a split decision to Ciryl Gane. Volkov, who was 37 years old at his last fight before facing Kuniev, has demonstrated solid defensive grappling, boasting a 77% takedown defense rate before this fight, alongside an average of 0.6 takedowns per fight with 61% accuracy.

Kuniev's Journey to the Top 10

Rizvan Kuniev, 34 years old at his last fight before UFC 333, came into this bout as the official UFC Heavyweight #7 contender. The 6-foot-4-inch orthodox fighter, with a 76-inch reach, held a UFC record of 2 wins and 1 loss over 3 UFC fights before this event. He was also on a one-fight UFC win streak, having most recently fought in July 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov, where he defeated Tyrell Fortune by KO/TKO in the third round. The pre-fight market for that contest had Kuniev as a significant favorite, with a 97% chance to win. In February 2026, at UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira, Kuniev secured a unanimous decision victory over Jailton Almeida, a fight where the pre-fight market had him at a 38% chance to win. His sole UFC loss before facing Volkov was a split decision to Curtis Blaydes in June 2025 at UFC Fight Night: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. Kuniev's takedown defense before this fight stood at an impressive 93%, though he had not recorded any takedowns per fight in his UFC career prior to this contest.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
Alexander Volkov	14-5-0	Heavyweight #2
Rizvan Kuniev	2-1-0	Heavyweight #7

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

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Flyweight's Enduring Presence: Analyzing Longest UFC Careers

Kyoji Horiguchi leads the Flyweight division in career longevity, a statistic that measures the time elapsed since a fighter's first UFC bout. This analysis focuses on fighters who have competed in the UFC within the last two years, have at least three UFC fights, and are currently listed in the Flyweight division. Out of 137 fighters on record in this group, 43 qualified for this specific measure, showcasing the sustained presence required to make this list.

The Enduring Leader: Kyoji Horiguchi

Topping the list is Kyoji Horiguchi, with an impressive 13.0 years since his UFC debut. This substantial tenure highlights a career that has spanned over a decade in the organization. Horiguchi holds a UFC record of 9-2 across 11 fights. His last fight was on 20 Jun 2026, and he is currently booked to face Asu Almabayev on 2026-11-21, demonstrating continued activity at 36 years of age. His lead of nearly three years over the next closest fighter underscores a remarkable period of sustained relevance in the sport.

Consistent Contenders: Moreno and Pantoja

Following Horiguchi are Brandon Moreno and Alexandre Pantoja, both with extensive careers. Brandon Moreno sits at 10.1 years of tenure, having compiled a UFC record of 12-7 across 19 fights. His last fight was on 12 Sep 2026, and he is booked to fight Charles Johnson on 2026-12-12, indicating his ongoing presence at 33 years old. Alexandre Pantoja is close behind with 9.7 years, holding a UFC record of 14-5 from 19 fights. Pantoja, at 36 years old, last fought on 19 Sep 2026. Both Moreno and Pantoja have maintained high activity levels throughout their careers, as evidenced by their identical fight counts of 19 UFC bouts, which is the highest on this leaderboard.

Veteran Presence with Varied Profiles

Joseph Morales occupies the fourth spot with 9.2 years of tenure. His profile is notable for his longevity combined with a more modest fight count and record: 3-3 across 6 UFC fights. Morales, aged 32, last competed on 12 Sep 2026. This demonstrates that sustained presence on the roster can come with different levels of activity and win-loss ratios. Alex Perez follows with 8.9 years, holding an 8-7 UFC record from 15 fights. Perez, 35, last fought on 29 Aug 2026, showcasing a consistent, albeit challenging, run in the division.

Rounding Out the Top Ten

The remainder of the top ten features fighters who have also demonstrated significant staying power in the UFC Flyweight division. Sumudaerji and Kai Kara-France are closely grouped, both with 7.9 years of tenure. Sumudaerji has a 7-4 record from 11 fights and last fought on 29 Aug 2026 at age 31. Kai Kara-France holds an 8-5 record from 13 fights, with his last bout on 28 Jun 2025 at age 34. Ode Osbourne has been in the UFC for 6.8 years, with a 5-7 record from 12 fights. Osbourne, 35, last fought on 09 Aug 2025 and is booked for 2026-10-31. Bruno Silva has 6.6 years of tenure, a 5-6 record from 11 fights, and last competed on 06 Jun 2026 at age 37. Finally, Brandon Royval rounds out the top ten with 6.4 years, an 8-5 record from 13 fights, and his last fight on 11 Jul 2026 at age 34.

This leaderboard highlights the dedication and resilience required to maintain a presence in the UFC's Flyweight division over many years. While this statistic measures endurance, a fighter's activity level and win-loss record within that timeframe also contribute to their overall profile.

Flyweight — longest ufc careers

Fighter	In the UFC	UFC fights
1. Kyoji Horiguchi	13.0 years	11 fights
2. Brandon Moreno	10.1 years	19 fights
3. Alexandre Pantoja	9.7 years	19 fights
4. Joseph Morales	9.2 years	6 fights
5. Alex Perez	8.9 years	15 fights
6. Sumudaerji	7.9 years	11 fights
7. Kai Kara-France	7.9 years	13 fights
8. Ode Osbourne	6.8 years	12 fights
9. Bruno Silva	6.6 years	11 fights
10. Brandon Royval	6.4 years	13 fights

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

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Elite Black Belts Fellipe Andrew, Ffion Davies, Funegra Enter Fall IBJJF Opens

Fellipe Andrew Leandro Silva is set to bring his formidable talent to the Orange County Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, entering the highly competitive Black / Adult / Male / Heavy division. His entry marks a significant return to IBJJF competition for the elite black belt, rated at an impressive 1815 Elo and ranked #41 globally. Andrew, representing Del Mar Jiu Jitsu Club, boasts an incredible 95 career gold medals and 123 total medals, a testament to his consistent dominance on the mats. Known for his dynamic guard game and a vicious submission attacking style, Andrew is a multiple-time IBJJF gold medalist, with World Championship titles in both absolute and weight divisions, as well as numerous European and Pan American championships. His presence in Costa Mesa is sure to electrify the Heavy division, as he looks to reassert his position among the sport's top competitors following a period of absence from IBJJF events.

Orange County Open Welcomes Another Elite Talent

Joining Andrew at the Orange County Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 is Ashlee Funegra, who will compete in the Black / Adult / Female / Feather division. Funegra, an American black belt from the renowned AOJ academy, holds an Elo rating of 1556 and is ranked #164. Despite being a relatively recent black belt promotion in May 2025, she has quickly amassed an impressive record of 39 career gold medals and 68 total medals. Funegra is a product of the highly successful AOJ Kids program, where she, alongside her twin sister Mia, developed a technically precise game. Her recent achievements include significant victories at the IBJJF World No-Gi Championship in 2025, the European Championship in 2026, and the Asian Championship in 2025, demonstrating her rapid ascent through the black belt ranks. Funegra is particularly recognized for her strong top game and effective passing, making her a formidable opponent in any bracket. While both Andrew and Funegra will be competing at the same event in Costa Mesa, their distinct divisions mean fans will follow their individual journeys through their respective brackets.

Ffion Davies Heads to Paris for Fall International Open

Across the Atlantic, Welsh sensation Ffion Eira Davies has officially entered the Paris Fall International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026, where she will compete in the Black / Adult / Female / Light division. Davies, rated 1669 Elo and ranked #81, represents Arma and brings a wealth of experience and an impressive medal haul to the French capital, with 33 career gold medals and 39 total medals. A multiple IBJJF World Champion, including a double gold performance at the 2023 No-Gi World Championship, Davies is celebrated for her unique blend of a strong judo background and a submission-first philosophy. She holds the distinction of being the first European competitor to win the Brazilian Nationals and the lightest athlete ever to claim the IBJJF European absolute title. Davies has often expressed a preference for gi jiu-jitsu, valuing the technical depth and strategic opportunities it offers over the strength-focused aspects sometimes seen in no-gi. Her entry into the Paris Open promises to be a highlight, as she continues to showcase her exceptional skill set and tactical prowess in one of Europe's premier IBJJF events.

Anticipation Builds for Upcoming IBJJF Action

The entries of Fellipe Andrew, Ashlee Funegra, and Ffion Eira Davies into these upcoming IBJJF International Open championships underscore the continued vibrancy and competitive depth of the black belt divisions. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing Andrew's powerful return to the mats in Costa Mesa, Funegra's continued rise as a top-tier competitor in her featherweight division, and Davies' technical mastery on display in Paris. Each athlete brings a unique style and an impressive track record, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and memorable performances as the fall competition season unfolds.

Entry list — elite black belts

Athlete	Event	Division
Fellipe Silva	Orange County Fall	Heavy
Ffion Eira Davies	Paris Fall	Light
Ashlee Funegra	Orange County Fall	Feather

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

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Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026: Olympic & World Medalists Converge

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026 is set to commence on 29 October 2026, bringing together 402 athletes from 60 countries. As of 22 October 2026, 22 of these judoka rank within the active top 100 on our Elo rating system, promising a high level of competition across all weight categories. With entries still subject to change and the draw yet to be made, the anticipation builds for this significant event on the international judo calendar.

Men's Categories

-60 kg: This category sees 29 entrants, with four athletes in our active top 100. Leading the charge is Balabay Aghayev of Azerbaijan, ranked #65 on our Elo. Born in 1999, Aghayev, who favors Osaekomi-waza, has accumulated an impressive six Grand Slam gold medals, one silver, and three bronze, alongside a continental championships silver and a World Masters bronze from 2022. He is coached by Farhad MAMMADOV. Aghayev also secured a silver medal at the 2024 European Judo Championships and a gold at the 2021 Islamic Solidarity Games. Kazakhstan's Yeldos Smetov, our #86, is a reigning Olympic champion from 2024, having also earned Olympic silver in 2016 and bronze in 2021. Smetov, born in 1993, is known for his Uchi-mata and is coached by Mr.JILGILDIYEV Galymzhan. He also holds a 2015 World Championships gold. France's Romain Valadier Picard, our #95, is the reigning World Championships silver medalist from 2025. Born in 2003, Valadier Picard employs Sumi-Otoshi from a right-handed stance and has one Grand Slam gold medal.

-66 kg: With 33 athletes entered, this category features France's Walide Khyar as the highest-rated entrant at #93 on our Elo. Khyar, born in 1996, utilizes Uchi-mata from a right-handed stance and is coached by LE BLOUCH. His senior medal haul includes a 2023 World Championships bronze, a 2022 World Masters bronze, one Grand Slam gold, two silver, and five bronze medals, in addition to a continental championships gold. Iago Abuladze of Russia, our #149, is a 2021 World Champion and has one Grand Slam gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. Ruslan Pashayev of Azerbaijan, our #173, has one Grand Slam gold and two bronze medals.

-73 kg: The largest men's category with 41 entrants, this division is topped by Akil Gjakova of Kosovo, our Elo #115. Gjakova, born in 1996, prefers Ouchi-gari from a right-handed stance and is coached by DRITON KUKA. He has one Grand Slam gold, three silver, and one bronze, along with two continental championships gold medals. Gjakova was also a gold medalist at the 2018 Mediterranean Games and the 2021 European Judo Championships. Joan-Benjamin Gaba of France, our #141, is the reigning World Champion from 2025 and a 2024 Olympic silver medalist. Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov, representing UAE and ranked #160, is the reigning World Championships silver medalist from 2026, also holding a 2025 World Championships bronze and two Grand Slam gold medals.

-81 kg: Among the 38 entrants, Turkey's Vedat Albayrak is the highest-rated at #88 on our Elo. Albayrak, born in 1994, is known for his Uchi-mata-sukashi from a right-handed stance and is coached by Irakli UZNADZE. His extensive medal collection includes a 2018 World Championships bronze, two World Masters bronze medals, five Grand Slam gold, four silver, and two bronze, plus two continental championships gold. Omar Rajabli of Azerbaijan, our #211, is the reigning World Championships bronze medalist from 2026. Rajabli, born in 2004, uses Uchi-mata and has one Grand Slam gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Arnaud Aregba of France, our #243, is also entered.

-90 kg: This category features 35 entrants, with four in our active top 100. Italy's Christian Parlati, our Elo #56, leads the group. Born in 1998, Parlati favors Yama-arashi from a left-handed stance and is coached by Giuseppe Maddaloni. He earned a 2022 World Championships silver, one Grand Slam gold, two silver, and three bronze, plus a continental championships gold. Davlat Bobonov of Uzbekistan, our #61, is a 2022 World Champion and a 2021 Olympic bronze medalist. He has two Grand Slam gold medals and a 2023 World Masters bronze. Ivaylo Ivanov of Bulgaria, our #83, has one Grand Slam gold, five silver, and three bronze medals, along with a 2021 World Masters bronze.

-100 kg: With 37 entrants, this division is headed by Michael Korrel of the Netherlands, our Elo #82. Korrel, born in 1994, employs Uchi-mata and is coached by Theo Meijer. He has two World Championships bronze medals (2019, 2022), a 2019 World Masters gold, and five Grand Slam gold medals. Jorge Fonseca of Portugal, our Elo 1329, is a two-time World Champion (2019, 2021) and a 2021 Olympic bronze medalist. Fonseca, born in 1993, is known for his Osoto-gari. Dzhafar Kostoev, representing UAE and ranked #219, has two Grand Slam gold medals and three continental championships silver medals.

+100 kg: The heavyweight category has 26 entrants. Jelle Snippe of the Netherlands, our Elo 1246, is the highest-rated. Born in 1999, Snippe uses Uchi-mata-sukashi and is coached by Edwin Steringa. He has one Grand Slam gold, one silver, and three bronze medals, in addition to a continental championships bronze. Denis Batchaev of Russia, our #264, born in 2005, has one Grand Slam gold and three bronze medals. Kayhan Ozcicek-Takagi of Australia, our #283, holds one continental championships gold and one bronze medal.

Women's Categories

-48 kg: This category features 22 entrants. Marina Vorobeva of Russia, our Elo #129, leads the field. Born in 2002, Vorobeva's favorite technique is Uchi-mata from a left-handed stance. She has one Grand Slam gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, plus a continental championships bronze. Kristina Dudina of Russia, our #233, born in 2005, is a 2024 European champion. Dudina, who uses Tai-Otoshi from a left-handed stance, has one Grand Slam silver and two bronze medals. Merve Azak of Turkey, our #362, is also entered.

-52 kg: Among the 28 entrants, two are in our active top 100. Amandine Buchard of France, our Elo #4, is one of the highest-rated active seniors in judo. Born in 1996, Buchard, who prefers Kata-guruma from a right-handed stance, is coached by MOUETTE. Her impressive record includes a 2021 Olympic silver and a 2024 Olympic bronze, five World Championships bronze medals, two World Masters gold, and nine Grand Slam gold medals. Diyora Keldiyorova of Uzbekistan, our #20, is the reigning Olympic champion from 2024 and a two-time World Championships silver medalist (2023, 2024). Keldiyorova, born in 1999, is the first Uzbek woman to win an Olympic judo gold. Reka Pupp of Hungary, our #127, has three Grand Slam gold medals and a 2022 World Masters bronze.

-57 kg: This category has 23 entrants, with one in our active top 100. Mimi Huh of South Korea, our Elo #30, is the reigning World Champion from 2024 and a 2024 Olympic silver medalist. Born in 2003, Huh, who employs Uchi-mata from a left-handed stance, also has three Grand Slam gold medals. Chelsie Giles of Great Britain, our #101, is a 2021 Olympic bronze medalist and a 2022 World Championships silver medalist. Giles, born in 1997, is known for her Uchi-mata and has two Grand Slam gold medals. Martha Fawaz of France, our #133, has one Grand Slam gold, one silver, and two bronze medals.

-63 kg: With 24 entrants, two are in our active top 100. Joanne Van Lieshout of the Netherlands, our Elo #47, is the reigning World Champion from 2024, also holding a 2023 World Championships bronze. Born in 2003, Van Lieshout's favorite technique is Uchi-mata-sukashi, and she is coached by Angelique van Wegberg. She has two Grand Slam silver and seven bronze medals. Angelika Szymanska of Poland, our #51, is the reigning World Championships silver medalist from 2024. Szymanska, born in 2000, uses Uchi-mata and has two Grand Slam gold medals. Laura Fazliu of Kosovo, our #147, is a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and a two-time World Championships bronze medalist (2024, 2025).

-70 kg: This category sees 26 entrants, with three in our active top 100. Lara Cvjetko of Croatia, our Elo #49, is the reigning World Championships silver medalist from 2025, also earning a 2022 World Championships silver. Born in 2002, Cvjetko prefers Seoi-nage and is coached by Dragan Crnov. She has one Grand Slam gold and two World Masters bronze medals. Elisavet Teltsidou of Greece, our #67, has five Grand Slam gold medals and a 2023 World Masters silver. Sanne Van Dijke of the Netherlands, our #89, is a 2021 Olympic bronze medalist and a three-time World Championships bronze medalist (2021, 2022, 2025).

-78 kg: Among the 26 entrants, two are in our active top 100. Patricia Sampaio of Portugal, our Elo #72, is a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and the reigning World Championships bronze medalist from 2025. Born in 2000, Sampaio employs Tai-Otoshi from a left-handed stance and is coached by Igor Sampaio. She has two Grand Slam gold medals. Yelyzaveta Lytvynenko, representing UAE and ranked #79, is the reigning World Champion from 2026. Lytvynenko, born in 2004, uses Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi from a right-handed stance and has two Grand Slam gold medals. Madeleine Malonga of France, our #159, is a 2021 Olympic silver medalist and a 2019 World Champion.

+78 kg: The heaviest women's category has 14 entrants, with one in our active top 100. Raz Hershko of Israel, our Elo #90, is the reigning World Championships bronze medalist from 2026 and a 2024 Olympic silver medalist. Born in 1999, Hershko, known as 'Hershkules', favors Kata-guruma and is coached by hershko. She has seven Grand Slam gold medals and two continental championships gold medals. Asya Tavano of Italy, our #174, has two Grand Slam gold medals and four continental championships bronze medals. Helena Vukovic of Croatia, our #252, has three Grand Slam bronze medals.

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2026 -- highest-rated entrant by category

Category	Top entrant	Elo
Men -60	Balabay Aghayev	Elo 1366
Men -66	Walide Khyar	Elo 1340
Men -73	Akil Gjakova	Elo 1318
Men -81	Vedat Albayrak	Elo 1346
Men -90	Christian Parlati	Elo 1370
Men -100	Michael Korrel	Elo 1351
Men +100	Jelle Snippe	Elo 1246
Women -48	Marina Vorobeva	Elo 1308
Women -52	Amandine Buchard	Elo 1592
Women -57	Mimi Huh	Elo 1445
Women -63	Joanne Van Lieshout	Elo 1387
Women -70	Lara Cvjetko	Elo 1382
Women -78	Patricia Sampaio	Elo 1356
Women +78	Raz Hershko	Elo 1345

Entries as of 22 Oct 2026 from the IJF; entries can change. Elo is projudo.xyz's rating from past IJF results, not a forecast. Names link to full profiles on projudo.xyz.

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Women's Strawweight: The UFC's Top Submission Artists

This analysis focuses on the Women's Strawweight division and identifies the fighters with the most submission victories recorded in their UFC careers. The statistic measures wins secured by submission within the UFC only. To qualify for this list, a fighter must have competed in at least three UFC bouts. The data includes 84 qualified fighters out of 109 on record for this group, with fighters grouped by their current weight class.

The Top of the Leaderboard

Leading the pack is Gillian Robertson, who has amassed seven submission wins in the UFC. Her record stands at 14-7 across 21 UFC fights, with her last bout on August 15, 2026, at age 31. Robertson's consistent ability to finish fights on the ground distinguishes her in the division, demonstrating a persistent threat once a fight enters the grappling exchanges.

Following Robertson are Tatiana Suarez and Mackenzie Dern, both tied with five submission victories. Tatiana Suarez holds a UFC record of 9-1 over 10 fights, last competing on April 11, 2026, at age 36. Her high submission count relative to her total fights highlights an efficient and dominant ground game. Suarez is currently booked to face Virna Jandiroba on November 7, 2026. Mackenzie Dern, also with five submissions, has a UFC record of 12-5 from 17 fights. Her last fight was on August 15, 2026, at age 34. Dern's background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is reflected in her finishing ability, making her a significant submission threat in the division.

Notable Profiles and the Rest of the Top 10

Jaqueline Amorim stands out with four submission wins in only seven UFC fights, holding a record of 5-2. Her last fight was on May 30, 2026, at age 31. This ratio indicates a strong finishing rate early in her UFC career. Virna Jandiroba, who is booked to fight Tatiana Suarez, has three submission victories from 13 UFC fights, with a record of 9-4. Her last fight was on April 4, 2026, at age 38.

The next cluster of fighters each have three submission wins. Jessica Andrade has three submissions, but notably, this comes from a career total of 30 UFC fights, where her record is 17-13. Her last fight was on August 16, 2025, at age 35. This profile shows a different submission rate compared to those with fewer fights. Cynthia Calvillo also has three submissions from 12 UFC fights, with a record of 6-6. Her last recorded fight was on April 8, 2023, at age 39. Polyana Viana rounds out this group with three submissions from 12 UFC fights, holding a record of 4-8. She last fought on May 16, 2026, at age 34.

Rounding out the top ten are Felice Herrig and Amanda Lemos, both with two submission victories. Felice Herrig has a UFC record of 5-5 across 10 fights, with her last fight on June 4, 2022, at age 42. Amanda Lemos has two submissions from 16 UFC fights, holding a record of 9-7. Her last fight was on August 8, 2026, at age 39.

It is worth noting that career total statistics, such as submission wins, tend to favor fighters with longer tenures in the UFC. Conversely, a high submission count from fewer fights can indicate a strong finishing ability early in a career, but such rate statistics can be more volatile with a smaller sample size.

Women's Strawweight — most submission wins in the ufc

Fighter	Submissions	UFC fights
1. Gillian Robertson	7 submissions	21 fights
2. Tatiana Suarez	5 submissions	10 fights
3. Mackenzie Dern	5 submissions	17 fights
4. Jaqueline Amorim	4 submissions	7 fights
5. Virna Jandiroba	3 submissions	13 fights
6. Jessica Andrade	3 submissions	30 fights
7. Cynthia Calvillo	3 submissions	12 fights
8. Polyana Viana	3 submissions	12 fights
9. Felice Herrig	2 submissions	10 fights
10. Amanda Lemos	2 submissions	16 fights

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

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Jose Aldo Suggests Cutting Undefeated Movsar Evloev After First Loss

Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo recently ignited debate by suggesting that undefeated contender Movsar Evloev should be cut from the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster if he ever suffers a loss. Aldo's comments, made to MMAFighting.com's Guilherme Cruz, centered on the entertainment value and marketability of fighters within the promotion.

Aldo's Rationale for Roster Cuts

Aldo, a revered figure in the sport, argued that the UFC operates as both a ranking system and an entertainment business. He emphasized that a fighter's position in the rankings should not be the sole determinant for opportunities, especially title shots. According to Aldo, Evloev, despite his top ranking, does not generate sufficient fan interest. "I'd wait for him to lose for the first time and then cut him because he's a guy who doesn't sell, a guy who puts on boring fights, a guy who doesn't draw attention, who just stays inactive," Aldo stated, explaining his perspective on why he would remove Evloev from the roster if he were in a position of authority.

Evloev's Undefeated Streak and Style

Movsar Evloev currently holds an unblemished UFC record of 10-0-0, making him one of the most dominant fighters in the featherweight division. His consistent winning streak has propelled him to the official UFC ranking of #1 in the featherweight division. Evloev, who was thirty-two years old at his last fight, has secured all ten of his UFC victories by decision, a fact that appears to be central to Aldo's criticism regarding his fighting style. His last win, a majority decision over Lerone Murphy, occurred in March 2026 at UFC Fight Night: Evloev vs. Murphy, where pre-fight market odds favored him at sixty-nine percent to win.

A Look at Evloev's Dominance and Upcoming Challenge

Evloev's path to the top of the featherweight rankings has been marked by a series of impressive decision victories against high-caliber opponents. Before his last fight, he was on a nine-fight UFC win streak. In December 2024, he defeated Aljamain Sterling by unanimous decision at UFC 310: Pantoja vs. Asakura. Prior to that, he secured a unanimous decision win against Arnold Allen in January 2024 at UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis. Other notable decision victories include a unanimous decision over Diego Lopes in May 2023 at UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo and a unanimous decision win against Dan Ige in June 2022 at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Rozenstruik. His wrestling prowess is evident in his statistics, averaging 4.7 takedowns per fight with a fifty-seven percent accuracy, complemented by a robust seventy-four percent takedown defense. His Kimono Fighter Elo rating after his last fight stands at 1128.

Evloev is now set to face his biggest challenge yet, a championship bout against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev.

By the numbers

Fighter	UFC record	Ranking
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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Jasudavicius Shakes Up P4P & Flyweight, Unexpected Ranking Moves

Jasmine Jasudavicius makes a significant impact in the latest UFC rankings, entering the Women's Pound-for-Pound list at number 12 and climbing to number 4 in the Women's Flyweight division. Her impressive performance has rippled through multiple weight classes, leading to notable shifts and even some unexpected movements against recent fight results.

Pound-for-Pound Updates

The Men's Pound-for-Pound list sees a minor adjustment as Tom Aspinall moves up one spot from eighth to seventh. No specific fight on record within the ranking window provides an obvious explanation for this rise. Similarly, Tatiana Suarez climbs from ninth to eighth in the Women's Pound-for-Pound rankings without a recent fight on record to account for the change.

The Women's Pound-for-Pound division experienced more substantial shifts. Jasmine Jasudavicius's entry at number 12 is a direct result of her head-to-head victory over Erin Blanchfield at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott. This win also caused Blanchfield to drop from eighth to ninth. Rose Namajunas and Raquel Pennington each fell one spot, from twelfth to thirteenth and thirteenth to fourteenth respectively, as they were bumped down by Jasudavicius's ascent without having competed recently. Maycee Barber, who also did not fight, dropped out of the top fifteen entirely, making way for Jasudavicius.

Against the Grain: Unexpected Ranking Moves

Perhaps the most intriguing aspects of this ranking update are the movements that defy recent fight outcomes. Denise Gomes, despite securing a victory over Yan Xiaonan at UFC Fight Night: Nurmagomedov vs. Song, finds herself dropping one spot from fourteenth to fifteenth in the Women's Pound-for-Pound rankings. This move goes against her recent win, a rare occurrence in the sport's official standings.

In the Bantamweight division, Raoni Barcelos moved up one position from fifteenth to fourteenth, even after suffering a loss to Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos. This upward trajectory despite a defeat is another instance where the rankings diverge from a fighter's most recent result.

Similarly, Norma Dumont advanced from fifth to fourth in the Women's Bantamweight division, despite her loss to Ailin Perez at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos. This upward movement for a fighter coming off a defeat highlights the complex nature of the ranking panel's decisions.

The Women's Flyweight division also saw Regina Tarin drop from fourteenth to fifteenth, despite her victory over JJ Aldrich at Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado. These instances where a fighter's ranking moves contrary to their recent performance underscore that the official UFC rankings are determined by a media panel and can sometimes reflect factors beyond a single fight result.

Divisional Dynamics: Head-to-Head Battles and New Faces

Jasmine Jasudavicius's impact extends to the Women's Flyweight division, where her head-to-head victory over Erin Blanchfield at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott propelled her two spots up from sixth to fourth. Blanchfield, consequently, dropped from fourth to fifth. Rose Namajunas and Maycee Barber also experienced drops in the Women's Flyweight rankings, moving from fifth to sixth and sixth to seventh respectively, as they were bumped by Jasudavicius's rise. Gabriella Fernandes also saw a one-spot climb from fifteenth to fourteenth in the Women's Flyweight division, with no specific fight on record explaining the change.

In the Welterweight division, Mike Malott made a significant leap, moving three places from thirteenth to tenth after his head-to-head victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott. Buckley, as a direct consequence of this loss, dropped two spots from tenth to twelfth.

The Bantamweight division welcomed Bryce Mitchell as a new entry at number fifteen, though no specific fight on record is cited for his inclusion. Marcus McGhee climbed one spot from fourteenth to thirteenth after his knockout victory over Anthony Romero at UFC 332: Silva vs. Wang. This move caused Aiemann Zahabi to drop one spot from eighth to ninth, as he was bumped by McGhee's ascent. David Martinez also advanced one position, from ninth to eighth, following his unanimous decision win over Dan Ige at Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado. Farid Basharat, who did not compete, dropped out of the top fifteen in the Bantamweight division.

The Women's Bantamweight division also saw new talent emerge. Chelsea Chandler entered the rankings at number fourteen after her head-to-head victory over Melissa Croden at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott, which resulted in Croden dropping out of the rankings. Alice Pereira also made her debut in the rankings at number fifteen, having beaten Daria Zhelezniakova head-to-head at UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Duncan, leading to Zhelezniakova's exit from the top fifteen.

Heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis moved up one spot from thirteenth to twelfth, with no recent fight on record cited as the reason for his climb.

Every change in this update

Division	Fighter	Move
Men's Pound-for-Pound	Tom Aspinall	▲ 8 → 7
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Tatiana Suarez	▲ 9 → 8
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Raquel Pennington	▼ 13 → 14
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Rose Namajunas	▼ 12 → 13
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Erin Blanchfield	▼ 8 → 9
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Denise Gomes	▼ 14 → 15
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Jasmine Jasudavicius	▲ — → 12
Women's Pound-for-Pound	Maycee Barber	▼ 15 → —
Welterweight	Mike Malott	▲ 13 → 10
Welterweight	Joaquin Buckley	▼ 10 → 12
Women's Flyweight	Jasmine Jasudavicius	▲ 6 → 4
Bantamweight	Marcus McGhee	▲ 14 → 13
Bantamweight	Aiemann Zahabi	▼ 8 → 9
Bantamweight	Raoni Barcelos	▲ 15 → 14
Bantamweight	David Martinez	▲ 9 → 8
Heavyweight	Derrick Lewis	▲ 13 → 12
Women's Bantamweight	Norma Dumont	▲ 5 → 4
Women's Bantamweight	Raquel Pennington	▼ 4 → 5
Women's Flyweight	Regina Tarin	▼ 14 → 15
Women's Flyweight	Gabriella Fernandes	▲ 15 → 14
Women's Flyweight	Maycee Barber	▼ 6 → 7
Women's Flyweight	Erin Blanchfield	▼ 4 → 5
Women's Flyweight	Rose Namajunas	▼ 5 → 6
Bantamweight	Farid Basharat	▼ 13 → —
Bantamweight	Bryce Mitchell	▲ — → 15
Women's Bantamweight	Chelsea Chandler	▲ — → 14
Women's Bantamweight	Alice Pereira	▲ — → 15
Women's Bantamweight	Melissa Croden	▼ 14 → —
Women's Bantamweight	Daria Zhelezniakova	▼ 15 → —

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

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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 Torne
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 Soler
Women -57	Akari Omori	Eteri Liparteliani
Women -63	Haruka Kaju	Kerem Primo
Women -70	Ai Tsunoda Roustant	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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