Azat Maksum Archives - Cageside Press

Mitch Raposo Wins at UFC 321, Says He ‘Faced Demons’ Before Breakthrough Victory

Dave Noseworthy and Eddie Law — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:47:41 +0000

Mitch Raposo’s long-awaited breakthrough finally came under the bright lights of UFC 321 on Saturday night, as the former Contender Series standout secured his first UFC victory with a composed and gritty performance against Azat Maksum.

“The demons I had to face. I was so scared all week,” Raposo told reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum.

“I was contemplating like what am I gonna do if I lose this fight? What’s my backup plan? It seems like I can’t get it done. Now I got to fly across the world. Kid misses weight, almost a 4-to-1 underdog, and that wasn’t aggressive enough.”

Raposo (10-3) admitted the win didn’t come without internal battles, acknowledging that shaking off the pressure of his UFC debut stage was part of the challenge. Still, he viewed the performance as an important mental step forward — especially in terms of trusting himself in big moments.

“I just had to break through that barrier and I’m going to get better next time. I just has to get through this. Not aggressive enough, but definitely more aggressive than usual,” he said.

Despite the breakthrough win, Raposo revealed he didn’t leave the Octagon completely unscathed. He noted a minor injury he’ll need to address before making his return.

“My right hand’s a little banged up. When I rocked him I kind of landed with my thumb so I just want to get that healed up,” he said.

“Be active, get back in there whenever I can. I have a little suspension, but I’m going to get back in there soon as the UFC wants me. Shoutout to Mick Maynard for giving me another opportunity.”

Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Mitch Raposo above.

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Mitch Raposo Outworks Azat Maksum, Secures Breakthrough Victory at UFC 321

Eddie Law — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 15:10:09 +0000

Azat Maksum and Mitch Raposo are set for a high-stakes flyweight clash at UFC 321 on Saturday in a matchup between two surging prospects hungry to break into the rankings.

Maksum (15-2) is looking to rebound after back-to-back losses to Charles Johnson and Tagir Ulanbekov. A win in Abu Dhabi would put him right back on track toward cracking the flyweight rankings.

Raposo (9-3) has endured a tough start to his UFC run, dropping his first two fights since debuting last June. The New England Cartel product now heads into UFC 321 determined to right the ship.

Round 1 –

Raposo came out firing, landing big shots early and immediately putting Maksum on notice. Maksum looked to slow the pace and keep his opponent at range with kicks, but Raposo kept finding openings to unleash heavy, power-loaded punches.

The game plan for Raposo was clear, land the overhand right on the taller Maksum, though his first few attempts grazed the shoulder. Sensing the pressure, Maksum adjusted and began attacking the lead leg with calf kicks to disrupt Raposo’s forward movement.

Maksum then shot for a takedown and secured it briefly, but Raposo refused to settle. Even after Maksum laced the legs, Raposo posted and worked his way back to his feet, forcing Maksum to hang onto his back in a standing position. Maksum broke off in the final seconds of the round and swung to finish strong, but nothing clean landed before the horn.

Round 2 – Raposo opened the round with aggressive forward pressure, landing powerful right hands, one of which appeared to stun Maksum momentarily. While Maksum tried to pick his shots from the outside, Raposo’s athleticism allowed him to dart into range and land cleanly before exiting.

Continuing to trust his power, Raposo willingly risked return fire to land that right hand again. Maksum then shot for a slow telegraphed takedown, which Raposo easily saw coming and stuffed.

With momentum building, Raposo found his rhythm landing big shots and slipping out of danger with confidence. But Maksum adjusted and eventually timed a takedown, securing it on his second attempt after lacing the legs. Raposo briefly threatened an omoplata from his back, but Maksum quickly shut it down with solid defense.

Round 3 – Raposo came out firing once again, but Maksum quickly shot in and secured a takedown. Raposo worked back to his feet, only for Maksum to stay glued to him against the fence.

Maksum continued to relentlessly hunt for takedowns, lifting and dumping Raposo multiple times, but he couldn’t hold him down for long. Each time Raposo escaped, he reentered striking range and resumed throwing heavy offense.

Despite being controlled in spots, Raposo stayed busy and refused to accept positions, repeatedly forcing Maksum to stand. Maksum wasn’t offering much damage on the ground, more control than offense.

In a key moment, Raposo attacked a no-arm guillotine during a scramble when Maksum blatantly grabbed the fence, leading to a referee timeout and a point deduction.

Even with the penalty likely in his favor, Raposo didn’t coast. He stayed aggressive, even attempting a takedown of his own to flip the script. Maksum reversed it late, but Raposo stayed in the fight until the final horn.

Mitch Raposo scored his first official UFC victory.

Official Result: Mitch Raposo def. Azat Maksum via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)

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Tagir Ulanbekov Survives Short Notice Maksum To Take UD

Eddie Law — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 17:28:21 +0000

UFC flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov was supposed to face a big name at UFC Baku on Saturday, but an injury took that away and Azat Maksum stepped up on short notice.

Ulanbekov (16-2) was set to welcome back Kyoji Horiguchi to the UFC, but an injury nixed the fight just weeks out of the event. A pupil of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov he’s gone 5-1 in his UFC run so far. A win over Horiguchi may have pushed the #12 ranked flyweight into title contention.

Maksum (15-1) stepped in on short notice to replace Horiguchi. The 30-year-old Kazakhstani has not fought since last August and jumped on the chance to fight Ulanbekov.

Round 1 Ulanbekov came out firing with a leg kick and Maksum answered with a jab. Maksum rushed in and out looking to land the jab, and a big right hand behind it. Ulanbekov tried to grab Maksum and control him every time he rushed in.

Ulanbekov flew in with a big right hand, dropped for a shot, double leg grips were in, Maksum defended well. Ulanbekov picked him up and tried to slam him down, but Maksum defended that as well. Ulanbekov bailed on the shot.

With the takedowns stuffed Maksum took some confidence from it, but Ulanbekov then began to land on the feet. Maksum continued to try to land a right hand, but kept eating stinging right hands on the entry.

Ulanbekov snuck in a head kick behind a clean 1-2, and then the round ended with both throwing in close.

Round 2 Ulanbekov put his foot on the gas a bit more landing shots up top. Maksum backed up but not much as he accepted striking against his opponent. Ulanbekov showed a high-level striking at one point slipping a jab and landing a clean right hand on Maksum.

Ulanbekov allowed Maksum to make the first move for much of the second round and just stayed in range and countered. Maksum still wasn’t able to do much offensively, but was able to defend takedowns pretty well.

Near the end of the round Ulanbekov shot in for a takedown, Maksum took control, lifted him up and would have slammed him had Ulanbekov not grabbed the fence. Maksum was still able to get him down, and then again as time ran out on the round.

Round 3 Maksum kept that confidence from the second round and stood his ground throwing on Ulanbekov. Almost like he was fresher in this round than the first. Ulanbekov landed two big right hands and then shot in for a takedown.

Ulanbekov stayed on the takedown quite a while until the ref gave them some encouragement to do something with the position. Unable to get him down Ulanbekov disengaged, but Maksum got right in his face landing big shots on him and forcing another takedown attempt.

Stuffing the takedown Maksum landed on Ulanbekov and then shot in for his own takedown but got stuffed. They got into the clinch and traded shots in close. Knees, uppercuts, hooks.

Official Result: Tagir Ulanbekov def. Azat Maksum via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

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Kyoji Horiguchi Out of UFC Return, Tagir Ulanbekov Gets Azat Maksum Instead

Staff — Mon, 19 May 2025 23:30:07 +0000

A major bummer for flyweight fans, and fans of Japanese MMA, as former UFC title challenger, Bellator MMA and RIZIN FF champ Kyoji Horiguchi has dropped out of his return to the promotion.

Horiguchi had been scheduled to face Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Baku on June 21, 2025. However, as first reported by Red Corner MMA, Horiguchi is out of the bout, replaced by Azat Maksum.

Multiple sources confirmed the booking on Monday, with Maksum also posting the news on his Instagram Story.

The reason behind Horiguchi’s withdrawal has yet to be disclosed.

Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2) will enter UFC Baku on a three-fight win streak. The Dagestani flyweight has been looked at as a future contender since joining the UFC in 2020 and has gone 5-1 inside the octagon. His lone loss in the promotion came against Tim Elliott at UFC 272.

Maksum (15-1) has not been seen since his Fight of the Night effort against Charles “InnerG” Johnson in February of 2024. Losing a decision against Johnson dropped the Kazakh to 1-1 in the UFC; Maksum had been booked against CJ Vergara last August, only for both athletes to withdraw from the fight.

UFC Baku represents the promotion’s debut in the country of Azerbaijan, and takes place June 21, 2025 at the Baku Crystal Hall. The following match-ups have been reported for the card:

Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Rafael Fiziev vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Muhammad Naimov vs. Bogdan Grad
Nazim Sadykhov vs. Nikolas Motta
Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Kyoji Horiguchi
Irina Alekseeva vs. Klaudia Syguła
Melissa Mullins vs. Daria Zheleznyakova
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Mohammed Usman
Ismail Naurdiev vs. Park Jun-yong
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
Tofiq Musayev vs. Myktybek Orolbai

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Molly McCann, Randy Brown Among Bonus Winners at UFC Vegas 85

Jay Anderson — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 13:33:20 +0000

UFC Vegas 85 felt like an afterthought despite the UFC having skipped the previous week, a fact unscored by the news that Dana White took in a Matchroom Boxing card instead of attending his own Fight Night event.

There were still some impressive showings on the night, including Molly McCann debuting as a strawweight, pulling off a nasty arm-bar submission in her rematch with Diana Belbita. Given McCann had herself been submitted in her last two fights, the finish was absolutely a statement by the Liverpool, England native.

With the win, McCann snapped her two-fight skid, which had seen her tap to Julija Stoliarenko and Erin Blanchfield. She also picked up one of two Performance of the Night bonuses at UFC Vegas 85.

The other went to Randy Brown, who starched Muslim Salikhov on the main card. Their fight had been a long time coming, with a Brown illness postponing the fight that had initially been booked for UFC 296 this past December.

Randy Brown and Molly McCann earning performance bonuses closed the door for Themba Gorimbo, who was in the running thanks to a big preliminary card finish of Pete Rodriguez.

Fight of the Night at UFC Vegas 85 went to flyweights Charles “Inner G” Johnson and Azat Maksum. All four bonus-winning fighters will pocket an extra $50,000 for their efforts.

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UFC Vegas 85: Charles Johnson Snaps Losing Skid, Hands Azat Maksum His First Pro Loss

Jamie Theodosi — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 23:46:30 +0000

Flyweight Charles Johnson was looking to get out of the Apex, but on Saturday he was back at the UFC’s own private venue, paired up with Azat Maksum in a preliminary card fight at UFC Vegas 85.

This marked Johnson’s sixth fight in a row to take place in the UFC Apex.

Both fighters started off fast as the action began, trading blows. Maksum landed a big right hand straightaway, dropping Johnson to his back. “Qazaq” followed him down to the ground where he sunk in a d’arce choke, but Johnson carried on wriggling around to try and stay out of danger. Johnson did well to shake off the submission attempt and subsequently made it back to his fight. Maksum looked the faster boxer of the two, catching Johnson with every jab he threw. Again Maksum hurt Johnson with his lightening fast hands, with “InnerG” uncomfortable with every strike he was eating. Johnson began trying to control the pace of the fight by pushing Maksum back with some strikes, and began landing some strikes to the Kazakh’s body. The former LFA flyweight champion did well to get back into the fight after a disappointing start, and did well to make it into round two.

As round two began, Charles Johnson looked to be more active coming out throwing a leg kicks, but again, the speed of Maksum cause havoc for the 33-year-old. Just over a minute into the second round, Johnson landed a great right hand, ducked under the return shot from Maksum and took the back of “Qazaq”. Maksum did well to shake off Johnson though and ended up in a more dominant position. They made it back to their feet and Maksum continued being the one who pressed forward with the more accurate strikes. Johnson began making the fight scrappy, trying to use his experience to overwhelm Maksum who is four years his younger. The horn sounded for the end of round two, with the fight looking more competitive.

At the beginning of round three, Maksum looked to have caught a second wind. A minute and a half into the final round, Maksum secured a single leg takedown, but Johnson did well again to pop back up to his feet. The two separated and began trading strikes again. The right hand of Azat Maksum continued to find a home on Johnson’s chin, with two minutes left, it was seemingly his fight to lose. Despite that, “InnerG” carried on trying to find a big shot to really hurt the 29-year-old. Johnson caught Maksum in a ninja choke against the cage and he seemed to have heavy pressure applied on the choke. Johnson decided to break the grip and it seemed as though Maksum wobbled as though he was about to fall unconscious. To finish the fight, Johnson secured a double leg takedown and finished the fight on top.

The fight ended with it being up in the air who’s name would be called the victor. Turns out, it was Charles Johnson, who then called for a spot on UFC 300.

Official Result: Charles Johnson def. Azat Maksum by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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Charles Johnson Irritated With Stretch Of Apex Fights, Looking To Show New Version Of Himself

Jamie Theodosi — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:57:57 +0000

After an extremely active 2023, Charles Johnson returns to the Octagon this coming weekend at UFC Vegas 85, as he takes on the undefeated 17-0 Kazakh, Azat Maksum.

“InnerG” competed four times under the UFC banner in 2023, and that resulted in him being the second most drug tested athlete in the UFC throughout the year. Unfortunately for the 33-year-old, it was a year to forget as he finished it 1-3.

Despite that, Johnson is excited to show the UFC fans a new version of himself this weekend, and a version of himself that he has been ‘tinkering’ with.

Johnson told Cageside Press: “This sport tests you mentally, a lot, and physically. There were somethings as far as skill that I thought I was more proficient at that in fights it was just small things, and flyweight is the weight class that it’s going to be seen the most because it’s the most skilled weight class.

“For me it’s just moments in fights, places I can be a better fighter and they get shown to me after losses. Like ‘ok I could’ve done this here, I will do this here next time’. My choice of words recently has been ‘tinkering’, I’ve been tinkering with myself as a martial artist lately.”

Charles Johnson hasn’t fought in front of a live crowd since his UFC debut fight against Muhammad Mokaev, which took place in London. His upcoming fight with Azat Maksum will mark his sixth fight in a row, to take place in the confines of the UFC Apex.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 14: (R-L) Charles Johnson punches Jimmy Flick in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on January 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Fighting in the Apex isn’t something Johnson is fond of, for several reasons. One of which that not even his wife can go and watch him fight, due to the UFC not providing family tickets.

“For a time I enjoyed it, but now I’m just like irritated with it because I feel like I haven’t been afforded the full UFC experience, my whole (UFC) career is going to be in the f*cking Apex.

“I can’t even get my wife in there and my baby girl because the tickets are f*cking $1600+ and they say they don’t have any tickets every time I fight to give me one ticket for my wife so it’s pretty irritating. That’s the most irritating aspect of it. For it to be in-house I feel like you could give one seat for my wife or a family member.

“Outside of that it’s always this one heckler guy in there that’s always heckling people, a*sshole guy got money so he can be in there. I like the intimacy of it like being able to hear everything and stuff, but after being in the arena in Toronto and Jacksonville, there’s something about it. I just love the fans man, I love that energy. When I’m in the Apex, it just feels like a spar session.”

Check out the full interview with Charles Johnson above

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UFC Vegas 77: Debuting Azat Maksum Stays Undefeated in Close Split Decision Win Over Tyson Nam

Shawn Bitter — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:33:15 +0000

Flyweight action on the UFC Vegas 77 preliminary card saw the arrival of 16-0 Azat Maksum, paired up with longtime veteran Tyson Nam.

The undefeated Maksum was getting a tough test in his first UFC outing, but was also one of the best-looking signings of the year.

When the fight kicked off it was a slow start for the first little bit. Maksum was more aggressive but wasn’t landing anything. Nam was looking to counter and his right hand was glancing a few times. Maksum tried twice for a takedown but never came close to getting Nam down. Nam a few times landing a few leg kicks that took the legs out from underneath Maksum twice. With a minute left Maksum picked up the pace and started to land more with his right hand and a few kicks. He closed the round getting a takedown and Nam got back up right at the bell.

In round two both fighters were more loosened up and started off opening up more. In an exchange Maksum wobbled Tyson Nam briefly with a right hand. Nam took it no problem and answered back with a combination. Nam was doing a good job picking his shots but Maksum started to pull away as the round went on. Maksum was throwing a lot and using more of his full range of weapons including his kicks, knees, and hands.

Into the final round, Maksum landed early with a stunning right-left. Nam had some damage on the right eye due to the quick jab Maksum was landing. As the final frame went on Maksum did a good job of letting his hands go throwing much more than Nam. Nam was doing well when he was pressing forward and started to get some traction towards the end of the round. The pressure from Nam caused Maksum to shoot for a takedown but he couldn’t get it. Nam landed a right hand and a chopping leg kick and Maksum ended the round getting two big slams.

The scorecards reflected the close fight that played out in the cage, with Maksum getting the nod in a split decision — improving to 17-0.

Official Result: Azat Maksum def. Tyson Nam by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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Welcome to the UFC: Azat Maksum

Shawn Bitter — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:00:04 +0000

The UFC is back in the Apex this Saturday with a full 13-fight card at UFC Vegas 77. The show is filled with a bunch of fighters looking to get their first UFC win, plus Holly Holm vs. Mayra Bueno Silva headlining. In the early prelims, we have the debut of Azat Maksum. He will be debuting against veteran Tyson Nam.

Azat Maksum
Standing at five-foot-eight
Fighting at 125 lbs (flyweight)
28-years-old
Fighting out of Kaskelen, Kazakhstan
Training out of ???
A pro record of 16-0
5 KO/TKOs, 6 Submissions

How will Maksum fare in the UFC:

Maksum is one of the best signings the UFC has made this year. They’ve done a great job building the flyweight division in the last six months bringing in top prospects. Maksum is impressively 16-0 and has built that beating above-average competition.

Maksum on his feet is capable of ending it with his power or just putting his hands on someone for fifteen minutes. He never fully strikes a full fight because he’s mixing in takedowns throughout the fight. He does an excellent job blending his takedowns behind his striking. He’s a better wrestler than a striker though. Maksum sets up his takedown entries well but can adjust and chain wrestle when needed. Maksum has stopped the fight six times due to submission as he’s good at working front headlocks. Getting a hold of the front locks he’s good at snap downs to circle onto the back. Even better than his submission base is the ground and pound he rains down. Maksum actively throws ground and pound posturing up and landing a ton of damaging blows. You can’t ask much more in terms of the ground game as a whole for Maksum.

On the feet, Maksum has the power to sleep his opponents with one punch. His right hand is his power hand but it’s complimented but all the little things he does well. Maksum is an excellent long striker the will pump the jab throwing double and triple jabs before coming across with the right hand. He does a wonderful job using feints and traps setting up his right hand.

Maksum is legit and is definitely a bright spot on one of the weaker fight cards of the year. I believe he’s easily top 15 level and possibly even top 10. We have to see how he does against UFC-level guys but has the well-rounded ability to do well.

How he matches up with Nam:

Nam has been around for a while fighting ever since 2006. He’s been in the UFC for almost five years. Nam is a seven-fight UFC veteran with a shaky record of 3-4. Nam is still UFC-level and he’s the best fighter Maksum has fought. Maksum is the younger guy with a ton of momentum. Nam is nearing 40 and is starting to not cause as much of a threat. Nam is known for his low volume but high knockout power at 125. Although it’s there his inability to set a pace loses him minutes. Maksum is better in every area outside of power. He could even knock Nam out due to the age. I like Maksum as he’s the busier fighter, faster, and his ground game is on another level.

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Undefeated Azat Maksum Draws Tyson Nam for UFC Debut on July 15

Jay Anderson — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 03:49:53 +0000

An undefeated flyweight prospect from Kazakhstan is set to debut for the UFC later this year.

Azat Maksum (16-0) will make his promotional debut opposite veteran Tyson Nam (21-13-1) at a Fight Night event on July 15, 2023.

Iridium Sports Agency, who represent Nam, revealed the booking on Tuesday.

The promotion no doubt hopes to see the sort of success at 125lbs with Maksum that they’ve seen from countryman Shavkat Rakhmonov at welterweight. Both fighters remain undefeated in their pro careers.

Five of Maksum’s last six fights have ended inside the distance. The 27-year old competed for Oktagon MMA and Brave CF prior to inking a deal with the UFC.

Tyson Nam took the long road to get to the UFC, debuting as a pro in 2006 and fighting all over the globe. Along the way, he’s made stops for Elite XC, King of the Cage, the World Series of Fighting, and Fight Nights Global. Since finally signing on with the UFC in 2019, Nam has posted a 3-4 record, with two Performance of the Night bonuses to his name.

In his most recent outing, Nam, 39, was submitted by Bruno “Bulldog” Silva.

The UFC’s July 15, 2023 Fight Night card does not yet have a venue, location, or broadcast plan officially announced. The only other fight reported for the card thus far sees heavyweight Walt Harris set to return to action against Josh Parisian.

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