Bekzat Almakhan (UFC record 1-2) and Jean Matsumoto (UFC record 3-2) will fight on June 27 at UFC Baku. The bout was announced by Almakhan on his social media accounts. Both fighters are looking to improve their positions in the UFC roster with Almakhan needing a win to avoid potential release after starting his UFC career 1-2, while Matsumoto seeks to build on his winning record. No weight class or specific placement on the card was mentioned in the announcement. UFC Baku represents the promotion's continued expansion into international markets.
Bekzat Almakhan and Jean Matsumoto will collide at UFC Baku on June 27, with Almakhan announcing the matchup through his social media channels. No weight class or card placement was specified in the announcement.
Almakhan, nicknamed "The Turan Warrior," enters the bout carrying a 1-2 UFC record against an overall professional mark of 12-4. The 28-year-old orthodox fighter from Kazakhstan represents Triumph Fights and stands five-foot-seven with a 68-inch reach. His UFC tenure has been a difficult one so far, and another loss could put his roster spot in jeopardy. His output inside the octagon has been measured, averaging 1.61 significant strikes per minute at a 34 percent accuracy rate.
Matsumoto brings considerably more momentum into the fight. The 26-year-old Brazilian, fighting out of Inside MMA, holds a 3-2 UFC record and an 18-2 overall mark that reflects a career built largely on finishing opponents. He stands five-foot-six with a matching 68-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. His numbers inside the octagon stand out — he averages 5.37 significant strikes per minute at 39 percent accuracy, and he also mixes in a grappling threat, averaging three takedowns per 15 minutes along with 0.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Almakhan faces significant roster pressure at 1-2 in the UFC, making this a near must-win situation for the Kazakh prospect
- Matsumoto's high strike output and takedown activity present a well-rounded stylistic challenge
- The bout adds to UFC Baku's role as part of the promotion's ongoing push into new international markets
- Both men share identical reach measurements, making physical advantages within the fight negligible and placing the emphasis squarely on technique and pace
