UFC 323: The Three Performances That Changed Everything
This weekend's card delivered three masterclasses across three different divisions—and we're breaking down every stat, every moment, and what it means for the title picture.
🇷🇺 PETR YAN'S WRESTLING MASTERCLASS — How he stuffed 27 takedowns and reclaimed the bantamweight throne with pure tactical excellence. 60% striking accuracy. Watch how Yan completely neutralized "The Machine" Merab's game plan.
🇯🇵 TATSURO TAIRA'S STATEMENT FINISH — The undefeated prospect just delivered the first stoppage of Brandon Moreno's UFC career. 12 unanswered ground strikes. Elite ground control from a fighter who's about to enter title contention.
🇺🇸 PAYTON TALBOTT'S GENERATIONAL DOMINANCE — Out-landed an Olympic gold medalist by 74 strikes while ALSO winning the wrestling. This is what the future of 135 looks like.
Which performance was YOUR favorite? Drop your takes in the comments below 👇
This wasn't just another Fight Night card—UFC Qatar produced three performances that legitimately shifted the title landscape in their divisions. Let's break down what we witnessed:
🇦🇲 ARMAN TSARUKYAN vs DAN HOOKER
Tsarukyan delivered a masterclass that screams "I'm ready for gold." The numbers tell the story of complete domination:
-70% significant strike accuracy (42 of 60 landed)
-2 knockdowns (Hooker had zero)
-7:09 control time (Hooker had 0:00)
-3 takedown attempts, 1 landed
-Arm triangle finish at 3:34 of Round 2
This wasn't just out-wrestling a striker—Arman out-struck Hooker 4-to-1 and landed crushing ground-and-pound before securing the submission. At 23-3 with 9 KOs and 6 subs, he's evolved from "elite wrestler" to complete mixed martial artist. The post-fight callout of Ilia Topuria might actually happen—this performance puts him in legitimate title-shot position, likely one top-5 win away or potentially direct if the UFC leans into the storyline.
Where he stands: True lightweight title contender. Expect a #1 contender matchup next or direct push toward Topuria.
🇯🇵 KYOJI HORIGUCHI vs TAGIR ULANBEKOV
Nine years away from the UFC, and Horiguchi looked like he never left. This was a veteran's clinic:
-64% significant strike accuracy (49 of 77 landed vs Ulanbekov's 6 of 27)
-2 knockdowns (Ulanbekov had zero)
-5:34 control time in the final two rounds
-Rear-naked choke at 2:18 of Round 3
After Ulanbekov won Round 1 with a takedown and control, Horiguchi completely flipped the script. He out-landed Tagir 33-1 in significant strikes across Rounds 2-3, adding punishing ground-and-pound before sinking in the choke. At 35-5 (15 KOs, 6 subs), the former Bellator and RIZIN champion proved his championship pedigree translates immediately back to the UFC octagon.
His callout of teammate Alexandre Pantoja creates an interesting "friend vs champion" narrative the UFC could capitalize on.
Where he stands: Immediate top-10, arguably top-5 flyweight. Next fight should be a title eliminator against another ranked contender.
🇨🇭 VOLKAN OEZDEMIR vs ALONZO MENIFIELD
"No Time" lived up to his nickname with an explosive 87-second demolition:
-37% strike accuracy but 92% to the head (10 of 29)
-1 knockdown
-Fight-ending knee + punches at 1:27 of Round 1
-Zero takedowns attempted—pure standup violence
At 36 years old with serious mileage (21-8 record), Oezdemir proved his timing and explosiveness are still elite. This marks his third first-round KO in his last five fights. The way he punished Menifield's aggressive pocket entries with that short knee and killer instinct follow-up was vintage striker's IQ—experience beating youth.
Where he stands: Back in or just outside the top-10 at 205. Likely gets a ranked top-10 opponent next as a litmus test for rising contenders. Still one of the division's most dangerous early finishers.
Swipe through for the complete visual breakdown of all three fights—advanced stats, control metrics, and divisional impact.
Drop your answers below:
-Who had the most impressive performance?
-What should each fighter's next matchup be?
-Does Tsarukyan get a title shot or one more fight first?
UFC 322: The flyweight belt is on the line as Valentina Shevchenko faces Zhang Weili!
🇰🇬 Shevchenko’s defensive mastery vs 🇨🇳 Zhang’s relentless attack.
Who makes history at Madison Square Garden?
Comment your pick below!
🔥 Fight IQ Picks: UFC Vegas 111 🔥 This weekend brings three fights that could shake up the UFC rankings:
🥋 Bonfim vs Brown — Submission artist vs rangy striker 💣 Simon vs Barcelos — Technique and pace collide 🔥 Bueno Silva vs Cavalcanti — A next-gen test in women’s bantamweight
This weekend, the Octagon becomes a battlefield. Tom Aspinall’s lightning offense meets Ciryl Gane’s surgical defense in Abu Dhabi. The rivalry of nations continues — but only one will leave with gold.
Fight fans — want to experience the action LIVE? 💥
We’re giving 5 winners the chance to enjoy 2 tickets and bring a friend to the upcoming Nextreme MMA event this October!
Here’s how to enter the challenge:
1️⃣ Follow @fightiqchannel + @nextreme_mma 👊
2️⃣ Like at least one reel labeled “FightIQ x Nextreme” 🔥
➕ Each extra reel you like = another chance to win!
3️⃣ Comment on at least one reel with your most creative nickname for the fighter featured — and tag @fightiqchannel + @nextreme_mma in the comment.
➕ Each extra reel you comment on = another chance to win!
4️⃣ (Optional) Share the reels to your Story and tag both accounts — this boosts your chances to win even more 📲
💡 Fighters will even check out your nicknames — who knows, your idea might stick!
👉 Winners will be announced October 6th.
Each winner = 2 tickets (you + a friend) 🎉
BE CREATIVE BUT RESPECTFUL ➡ a disrespectful nickname gets you kicked out! ❌
⚡ Don’t miss your chance — follow, like, comment, share, and see you at Nextreme MMA October 11th!
💥 This Saturday’s UFC Fight Night just got more exciting.
🇯🇵 Tatsuro Taira vs. 🇰🇷 Hyun Sung Park headlines the event after Albazi pulled out. Park takes the fight on short notice — and somehow, this main event feels even better now 👀 🔥 Two elite flyweight prospects. Apex. Las Vegas. Don’t blink.
FightIQ
🟥 NEW SERIES: VIRTUAL FIGHTER CARDS 🟥
Kicking off the #FightIQLegends collection with Petr Yan – “No Mercy”.
Community question:
– What rarity would you give this card (Common / Rare / Legendary / Mythic)?
– Who should be Card 002 in the series?
Drop your picks and alter ego ideas below – this series is being built WITH you. 💬
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 5
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FightIQ
UFC 323: The Three Performances That Changed Everything
This weekend's card delivered three masterclasses across three different divisions—and we're breaking down every stat, every moment, and what it means for the title picture.
🇷🇺 PETR YAN'S WRESTLING MASTERCLASS — How he stuffed 27 takedowns and reclaimed the bantamweight throne with pure tactical excellence. 60% striking accuracy. Watch how Yan completely neutralized "The Machine" Merab's game plan.
🇯🇵 TATSURO TAIRA'S STATEMENT FINISH — The undefeated prospect just delivered the first stoppage of Brandon Moreno's UFC career. 12 unanswered ground strikes. Elite ground control from a fighter who's about to enter title contention.
🇺🇸 PAYTON TALBOTT'S GENERATIONAL DOMINANCE — Out-landed an Olympic gold medalist by 74 strikes while ALSO winning the wrestling. This is what the future of 135 looks like.
Which performance was YOUR favorite? Drop your takes in the comments below 👇
#UFC323 #MMA #FightIQ #PetrYan #TatsuroTaira #PaytonTalbott #UltimateFightingChampionship
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3
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FightIQ
🚨 FEATHERWEIGHT FIRE ALERT 🔥
UFC 324 | January 24 — T-Mobile Arena, Vegas
#11 Jean Silva "Lord Assassin" vs #6 Arnold Allen "Almighty"
🇧🇷 SILVA (16-3, UFC 5-1)
93.8% FINISH RATE | 12 KOs + 3 Subs
Bouncing back from 1st UFC loss (Lopes spinning elbow, Sep 2025)
Had 13-fight win streak before that
Explosive finishing machine 💣
🏴 ALLEN (20-3, UFC 12-2)
#6 Ranked | Ends 18-month layoff
Last fight: Won vs Giga Chikadze (Jul 2024)
Former 12-fight UFC win streak (ended by Max Holloway)
Technical striker with championship cardio 💨
🔥 THE VIBE:
Silva's pressure & aggression vs Allen's technique & experience
Striker vs Striker — This won't go to decision.
Winner likely gets TOP 5 next. This is a MUST WATCH fight!
Who's taking the W? Silva's finishing power or Allen's ring IQ?
#UFC324 #JeanSilva #ArnoldAllen #UFC #MMA #Featherweight #VegasShowdown #FightAnalysis #MMAAnalysis #ContenderFight #FeatherweightBanger #MMAContent #FightBreakdown #MustWatch #TheHypeTrain
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 3
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FightIQ
UFC QATAR: THREE FIGHTERS MADE MAJOR STATEMENTS
This wasn't just another Fight Night card—UFC Qatar produced three performances that legitimately shifted the title landscape in their divisions. Let's break down what we witnessed:
🇦🇲 ARMAN TSARUKYAN vs DAN HOOKER
Tsarukyan delivered a masterclass that screams "I'm ready for gold." The numbers tell the story of complete domination:
-70% significant strike accuracy (42 of 60 landed)
-2 knockdowns (Hooker had zero)
-7:09 control time (Hooker had 0:00)
-3 takedown attempts, 1 landed
-Arm triangle finish at 3:34 of Round 2
This wasn't just out-wrestling a striker—Arman out-struck Hooker 4-to-1 and landed crushing ground-and-pound before securing the submission. At 23-3 with 9 KOs and 6 subs, he's evolved from "elite wrestler" to complete mixed martial artist. The post-fight callout of Ilia Topuria might actually happen—this performance puts him in legitimate title-shot position, likely one top-5 win away or potentially direct if the UFC leans into the storyline.
Where he stands: True lightweight title contender. Expect a #1 contender matchup next or direct push toward Topuria.
🇯🇵 KYOJI HORIGUCHI vs TAGIR ULANBEKOV
Nine years away from the UFC, and Horiguchi looked like he never left. This was a veteran's clinic:
-64% significant strike accuracy (49 of 77 landed vs Ulanbekov's 6 of 27)
-2 knockdowns (Ulanbekov had zero)
-5:34 control time in the final two rounds
-Rear-naked choke at 2:18 of Round 3
After Ulanbekov won Round 1 with a takedown and control, Horiguchi completely flipped the script. He out-landed Tagir 33-1 in significant strikes across Rounds 2-3, adding punishing ground-and-pound before sinking in the choke. At 35-5 (15 KOs, 6 subs), the former Bellator and RIZIN champion proved his championship pedigree translates immediately back to the UFC octagon.
His callout of teammate Alexandre Pantoja creates an interesting "friend vs champion" narrative the UFC could capitalize on.
Where he stands: Immediate top-10, arguably top-5 flyweight. Next fight should be a title eliminator against another ranked contender.
🇨🇭 VOLKAN OEZDEMIR vs ALONZO MENIFIELD
"No Time" lived up to his nickname with an explosive 87-second demolition:
-37% strike accuracy but 92% to the head (10 of 29)
-1 knockdown
-Fight-ending knee + punches at 1:27 of Round 1
-Zero takedowns attempted—pure standup violence
At 36 years old with serious mileage (21-8 record), Oezdemir proved his timing and explosiveness are still elite. This marks his third first-round KO in his last five fights. The way he punished Menifield's aggressive pocket entries with that short knee and killer instinct follow-up was vintage striker's IQ—experience beating youth.
Where he stands: Back in or just outside the top-10 at 205. Likely gets a ranked top-10 opponent next as a litmus test for rising contenders. Still one of the division's most dangerous early finishers.
Swipe through for the complete visual breakdown of all three fights—advanced stats, control metrics, and divisional impact.
Drop your answers below:
-Who had the most impressive performance?
-What should each fighter's next matchup be?
-Does Tsarukyan get a title shot or one more fight first?
1 month ago | [YT] | 5
View 1 reply
FightIQ
UFC 322: The flyweight belt is on the line as Valentina Shevchenko faces Zhang Weili!
🇰🇬 Shevchenko’s defensive mastery vs 🇨🇳 Zhang’s relentless attack.
Who makes history at Madison Square Garden?
Comment your pick below!
#UFC322 #FightIQ #WMMA #FightIQSpotlight
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
View 1 reply
FightIQ
UFC 322 – Welterweight Title Fight at Madison Square Garden 🔥
Jack Della Maddalena defends his throne against Islam Makhachev, who steps up to 170 looking to become a two-division legend.
Punching precision vs grappling mastery.
A champion vs a conqueror.
The kind of matchup that defines eras.
Who you got? 👇
#UFC322 #FightIQ #MMA #FightIQSpotlight
1 month ago | [YT] | 2
View 1 reply
FightIQ
🔥 Fight IQ Picks: UFC Vegas 111 🔥
This weekend brings three fights that could shake up the UFC rankings:
🥋 Bonfim vs Brown — Submission artist vs rangy striker
💣 Simon vs Barcelos — Technique and pace collide
🔥 Bueno Silva vs Cavalcanti — A next-gen test in women’s bantamweight
💭 Who makes the biggest statement this Saturday?
#FightIQ #FightIQSpotlight #UFCVegas111 #MMA
1 month ago | [YT] | 3
View 1 reply
FightIQ
UFC 321 – Heavyweight Title Showdown 🇬🇧🇫🇷
This weekend, the Octagon becomes a battlefield.
Tom Aspinall’s lightning offense meets Ciryl Gane’s surgical defense in Abu Dhabi.
The rivalry of nations continues — but only one will leave with gold.
🔥 Stay tuned!
#UFC321 #FightIQ #AspinallvsGane
2 months ago | [YT] | 5
View 1 reply
FightIQ
IN 2 TICKETS to NEXTREME MMA OCTOBER 11th! 🎟
Fight fans — want to experience the action LIVE? 💥
We’re giving 5 winners the chance to enjoy 2 tickets and bring a friend to the upcoming Nextreme MMA event this October!
Here’s how to enter the challenge:
1️⃣ Follow @fightiqchannel + @nextreme_mma 👊
2️⃣ Like at least one reel labeled “FightIQ x Nextreme” 🔥
➕ Each extra reel you like = another chance to win!
3️⃣ Comment on at least one reel with your most creative nickname for the fighter featured — and tag @fightiqchannel + @nextreme_mma in the comment.
➕ Each extra reel you comment on = another chance to win!
4️⃣ (Optional) Share the reels to your Story and tag both accounts — this boosts your chances to win even more 📲
💡 Fighters will even check out your nicknames — who knows, your idea might stick!
👉 Winners will be announced October 6th.
Each winner = 2 tickets (you + a friend) 🎉
BE CREATIVE BUT RESPECTFUL ➡ a disrespectful nickname gets you kicked out! ❌
⚡ Don’t miss your chance — follow, like, comment, share, and see you at Nextreme MMA October 11th!
3 months ago | [YT] | 5
View 1 reply
FightIQ
💥 This Saturday’s UFC Fight Night just got more exciting.
🇯🇵 Tatsuro Taira vs. 🇰🇷 Hyun Sung Park headlines the event after Albazi pulled out.
Park takes the fight on short notice — and somehow, this main event feels even better now 👀
🔥 Two elite flyweight prospects. Apex. Las Vegas. Don’t blink.
#UFCVegas #TairaPark #UFCFightNight #FightIQ #FightIQSpotlight #MMANews
4 months ago | [YT] | 3
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