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.

Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc for more.

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.

Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc/rankings for more.

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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Undefeated Chopurov Challenges Thicknesse; Vagaev Meets Malkoun

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

Chopurov's Unbeaten Streak Meets Thicknesse's Grit

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

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

Vagaev and Malkoun Set for Middleweight Showdown

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

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

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

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Livia Barasine Correa and Roberto de Abreu Filho Secure Multiple Golds

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

Correa's Double Gold Run in Rio Gi

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

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

Roberto de Abreu Filho's Fort Lauderdale Double Golds

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

Abreu Filho's No-Gi Dominance

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

Abreu Filho's Gi Double Gold

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

Correa's No-Gi Gold

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

Livia Barasine Correa — route to gold

Round	Opponent	Result
Semi-final	Leticia Caliman	Won
Final	Ana Souza	Won
Opening round	Thayene Lira	Won
Quarter-final	Ivhalaynie Ferreira Meira	Won
Semi-final	Jhenifer Canezin	Won
Final	Natacha Silva	Won

Roberto de Abreu Filho — route to gold

Round	Opponent	Result
Semi-final	Luccas Lira Costa	Won
Final	Christiano Moreira	Won
Final	Christiano Moreira	Won
Semi-final	Luccas Lira Costa	Won

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

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

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

The Youngest of the Young

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

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

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

Mid-Twenties Cluster

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

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

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

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

All women — youngest fighters

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

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

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

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

Fighter Reactions to the Knockout

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

Malott's Ascent in the Welterweight Division

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

Buckley's Recent Challenges

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

By the numbers

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

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

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Chandler Stuns Croden in Massive UFC Fight Night Upset

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

Chelsea Chandler Submits Melissa Croden

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

SuYoung You Upsets Cody Chovancek

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

Katlyn Cerminara Delivers First-Round Knockout

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

Undercard Action

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

UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott — full results

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

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

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

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

Details of the Violation

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

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

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

Amorim's UFC Career

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

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

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

By the numbers

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

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

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