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.
Follow bjjmetrics.com/ufc for more.
No comments:
Post a Comment