Bekzat Almakhan (1-2 UFC) and Jean Matsumoto (3-2 UFC) will fight on June 27 at UFC Baku. Almakhan announced this bout on his social media channels. The post includes a poll asking readers to predict the winner between Almakhan and Matsumoto. Both fighters carry losing UFC records and will be looking to gain momentum with a victory. This matchup represents an opportunity for both to climb back into contention within their division.
Bekzat Almakhan and Jean Matsumoto have been confirmed to meet at UFC Baku on June 27, with Almakhan announcing the matchup through his social media channels alongside a fan poll asking followers to predict the outcome.
Almakhan, known as "The Turan Warrior," enters the contest carrying a 12-4-0 overall record and a 1-2 mark inside the UFC. The 28-year-old from Kazakhstan trains out of Triumph Fights and stands five-foot-seven with a 68-inch reach. Fighting out of an orthodox stance, Almakhan lands 1.61 significant strikes per minute at a 34 percent accuracy rate, and he has recorded no takedown or submission activity during his UFC run.
Matsumoto brings a notably fuller overall record to the cage, sitting at 18-2-0 across his career despite a 3-2 stint in the UFC. The 26-year-old Brazilian out of Inside MMA stands five-foot-six and shares Almakhan's 68-inch reach. He is considerably more active on the feet, landing 5.37 significant strikes per minute at 39 percent accuracy, and adds a wrestling dimension with three takedowns per 15 minutes and half a submission attempt per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Both fighters hold losing UFC records and need a win to avoid being cut from the roster
- Matsumoto's high striking volume and takedown activity contrast sharply with Almakhan's more measured output, creating a clear stylistic clash
- A victory for either man would provide meaningful momentum and strengthen their case to remain in divisional contention
