MMA Analysis and Explainers
Rankings, title pictures and what actually happened in the cage — how the UFC builds its cards and who is next in line.
First-Fight Winners Have Won 59 Percent of UFC Rematches, 67 Percent for a Title
The winner of the first fight has won 104 of 176 UFC rematches, 59 percent, and 67 percent of title rematches. Plus immediate rematches and every trilogy.
Younger Fighters Win 57 Percent of UFC Fights, 70 Percent With a 10-Year Edge
The younger fighter has won 57 percent of 8,522 UFC fights, and 70 percent with an age gap of 10 years or more. By age, weight class, method and champion.
Southpaws Win 53 Percent of UFC Fights Against Orthodox Opponents
Southpaws have won 53 percent of 2,445 UFC fights against orthodox opponents. The edge by weight class, method and era, plus switch fighters and champions.
The Longer Reach Wins 52 Percent of UFC Fights, and Big Gaps Win More
The longer-reach fighter has won 52 percent of 6,628 UFC fights, and 60 percent with a gap of 7 inches or more. By weight class, method, height and champion.
One in Three New UFC Champions Loses the Belt in the First Defense
Of the 126 UFC champions who fought a first title defense since 1997, 42 lost it, 33 percent. Plus defenses per reign, the records and the 2026 champions.
Nearly a Thousand UFC Fights, Counted Round by Round
Almost half of all UFC fights go to the judges, and three in ten are over inside the opening round. We counted 987 of them across 89 cards, one by one.
Everything UFC on Vertize Sports
How to read the UFC schedule on Vertize Sports: every event with its full card, main event first, winners marked, plus how rounds, judging and finishes work.