Bekzat Almakhan (1-2 UFC) and Jean Matsumoto (3-2 UFC) will fight on June 27 at UFC Baku. Almakhan announced the matchup on his social media channels. Both fighters enter the bout looking to improve their UFC records. Almakhan is coming off a 1-2 start in the promotion, while Matsumoto holds a 3-2 record. The fight will take place as part of the UFC's event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
A bantamweight or featherweight clash between Bekzat Almakhan and Jean Matsumoto has been made official for UFC Baku on June 27, with Almakhan announcing the matchup through his social media channels.
Almakhan, known as "The Turan Warrior," carries a 12-4-0 overall record into the fight, sitting at 1-2 inside the Octagon. The 28-year-old orthodox fighter from Kazakhstan represents Triumph Fights and stands five-foot-seven with a 68-inch reach. His UFC output has been measured, averaging 1.61 significant strikes landed per minute with a 34 percent striking accuracy rate.
Matsumoto brings considerably more offensive volume to the matchup. The 26-year-old Brazilian holds an 18-2-0 professional record and a 3-2 mark in the UFC, fighting out of Inside MMA. At five-foot-six with an identical 68-inch reach, the orthodox standout averages an eye-catching 5.37 significant strikes landed per minute at 39 percent accuracy. He also contributes on the ground, averaging three takedowns per 15 minutes along with 0.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a genuine mixed threat.
Why it matters
- Both fighters are positioned near the bubble of UFC roster viability, giving each man added urgency to secure a win.
- Matsumoto's high strike output and takedown activity present a diverse stylistic challenge for Almakhan, who has shown lower offensive numbers in his UFC tenure.
- A victory for either man would meaningfully strengthen his case for a longer stay on the roster and a step up in competition.
- The bout adds depth to an already internationally flavored card in Baku, Azerbaijan, with fighters from Kazakhstan and Brazil meeting on European soil.
