Bekzat Almakhan (1-2 UFC) will face Jean Matsumoto (3-2 UFC) on June 27 at UFC Baku. Almakhan announced the matchup on his social media. Both fighters are looking to improve their standing in the UFC, with Almakhan seeking to break his losing streak and Matsumoto aiming to build on a winning record inside the octagon. The bout represents an important opportunity for both competitors to establish momentum in their respective UFC careers. UFC Baku marks the promotion's event in Azerbaijan's capital city, though additional card details were not provided.
Bekzat Almakhan and Jean Matsumoto are set to collide at UFC Baku on June 27, with Almakhan announcing the matchup through his social media channels.
Almakhan, nicknamed "The Turan Warrior," carries a professional record of 12-4-0 and holds a 1-2 mark inside the Octagon. The 28-year-old orthodox striker from Kazakhstan trains out of 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 at a 34 percent striking accuracy, and he has yet to record a takedown attempt across his UFC appearances. He enters this bout looking to snap a two-fight skid at the UFC level.
Matsumoto, 26, brings a polished overall record of 18-2-0 and a 3-2 UFC ledger for the Brazilian representing Inside MMA. He stands five-foot-six with the same 68-inch reach as his opponent, and his striking volume is notably high, averaging 5.37 significant strikes per minute at 39 percent accuracy. He also offers a grappling dimension, averaging three takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 0.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat.
Why it matters
- Almakhan needs a win to avoid falling to 1-3 in the UFC, which would put his roster spot in jeopardy
- Matsumoto, with three UFC wins already, could push toward ranked contention with a statement performance
- The striking style matchup contrasts Almakhan's conservative output against Matsumoto's high-volume offense
- UFC Baku represents the promotion's debut in Azerbaijan, giving both fighters a high-visibility platform to make an impression
