Key Highlights
- Mitch Raposo secured his first official UFC victory against Azat Maksum at UFC 321.
- The fight was a grueling three-round affair, with both fighters showcasing their skills and determination.
- Raposo outworked Maksum throughout the match, securing an unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27).
The Rise of Mitch Raposo: A Fighter on the Ascend
Mitch Raposo, a promising fighter hailing from New England Cartel, made his mark in UFC 321. Debuting with two consecutive losses since June 2024, Raposo aimed to turn things around against Azat Maksum at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025.
Raposo’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Despite the early setbacks, he brought his A-game to Abu Dhabi, determined to prove himself in the spotlight. His strategy was clear: land heavy overhand right punches and maintain offensive pressure against Maksum, who stands taller at 6’0″ but has a lower weight class.
Round by Round Analysis
Raposo came out firing in round one, immediately putting Maksum on notice with powerful shots. Maksum tried to slow the pace and maintain range with kicks, but Raposo kept finding openings. Despite adjusting his tactics, Maksum found himself under sustained pressure. The first round ended without a clean finish as the horn sounded.
Round two saw Raposo opening with aggressive forward pressure, landing powerful right hands that momentarily stunned Maksum. Maksum attempted to pick his shots from the outside but was unable to match Raposo’s athleticism and power.
The second round concluded with both fighters showing no signs of letting up.
Round three saw a pivotal moment when Raposo attacked a no-arm guillotine during a scramble, leading to a referee timeout and point deduction for Maksum. Raposo maintained his aggressive stance even after the penalty, forcing Maksum into control positions but refusing to accept them. Despite being controlled in spots, Raposo stayed busy and refused to accept positions.
Conclusion
A Turning Point for Mitch Raposo
In securing a unanimous decision over Azat Maksum, Mitch Raposo has turned the page on his professional record. His performance at UFC 321 not only secured his first official victory but also marked him as a rising star in the flyweight division. With this victory, he moves closer to cracking the rankings and cementing his place among the top prospects.
UFC fans will be watching closely as Raposo continues to build on his momentum, with many expecting him to challenge for higher-profile bouts in the coming months.
His performance against Maksum is a clear indication that he is ready to take the next step in his career. As the flyweight division sees more exciting matchups, Mitch Raposo’s rise is one to watch.
