Bekzat Almakhan (UFC 1-2) will face Jean Matsumoto (UFC 3-2) at UFC Baku on June 27. Almakhan announced the matchup on his social media channels. Both fighters are looking to improve their UFC records, with Almakhan seeking his second promotional victory and Matsumoto aiming for his fourth. The bout represents an important opportunity for both fighters to gain momentum in their respective UFC careers. No weight class or position on the card was specified in the announcement.
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. No weight class or card position was specified in the announcement.
Almakhan, known as "The Turan Warrior," carries a professional record of 12-4 and sits at 1-2 inside the UFC. The 28-year-old from Kazakhstan trains out of Triumph Fights and competes as an orthodox fighter. Standing five-foot-seven with a 68-inch reach, he lands 1.61 significant strikes per minute at a 34 percent accuracy rate. A win at UFC Baku would be just his second promotional victory, making this a critical moment in his effort to establish himself on the roster.
Matsumoto enters the bout with an overall record of 18-2 and has gone 3-2 in the UFC. The 26-year-old Brazilian, representing Inside MMA, is also orthodox and matches Almakhan's 68-inch reach at five-foot-six. His numbers tell the story of a far more active striker, averaging 5.37 significant strikes per minute at 39 percent accuracy. Matsumoto also adds a grappling dimension, averaging three takedowns per 15 minutes and half a submission attempt per 15 minutes, giving him a well-rounded threat profile. A fourth promotional win would push him firmly into contention within his division.
Why it matters
- Almakhan is on a two-fight UFC losing streak and badly needs a win to secure his place on the roster
- Matsumoto at 3-2 is hovering near the divisional bubble himself, making this a pivotal fight for both men's UFC futures
- The stylistic contrast is stark: Matsumoto's high-volume striking and takedown game against Almakhan's more measured approach sets up an intriguing tactical battle
- UFC Baku marks a rare card in Azerbaijan, raising the profile of any fighter featured on it
