Allan Nascimento Vs Mitch Raposo: Will The Flyweight Grudge Match Finally Materialize?

The UFC flyweight division remains one of the most competitive and fast-moving landscapes in mixed martial arts as we progress through 2026. Among the lingering matchups that fans still clamor to see is the unresolved clash between Brazilian submission wizard Allan Nascimento and highly touted American prospect Mitch Raposo. Originally scheduled to lock horns in the past, injuries and promotional shifts have kept these two 125-pounders apart, leaving unfinished business inside the Octagon.

Unfinished Business in the UFC Flyweight Division

The history between Allan Nascimento and Mitch Raposo is a classic tale of what could have been. The two flyweights were initially slated to clash at UFC 302 back in June 2024, a fight that promised to establish a clear rising contender in the 125-pound division. However, Nascimento was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury, leaving Raposo to face André Lima on short notice.

Since that canceled booking, both fighters have navigated different paths within the promotion. Nascimento, representing the famed Chute Boxe Diego Lima camp alongside former champion Charles Oliveira, remains one of the most feared submission threats in the division. His lethal guard play and sharp Muay Thai make him a difficult puzzle for any up-and-coming fighter.

On the other side, Raposo has continued to refine his craft under the radar. The New England native boasts explosive wrestling, crisp boxing, and a relentless pace that challenges opponents from the opening bell. With both athletes looking to make a decisive run in 2026, re-igniting this rivalry makes perfect matchmaking sense for the UFC.

Stylistic Clash and Keys to Victory

An actualized matchup between these two flyweights presents an incredibly compelling stylistic contrast. Nascimento thrives when he can drag his opponents into deep water on the mat, using his long limbs to lock up submissions from transition.

To counter this, Raposo must rely heavily on his high-amplitude wrestling defense and athletic scrambling ability. If Raposo can keep the fight standing, his hand speed and volume striking could give him a distinct advantage over the course of three rounds.

• Nascimento's Path: Establish the jab early, force clinch exchanges against the fence, and hunt for back-control during transitions.
• Raposo's Path: Utilize lateral movement to avoid the cage, deploy heavy defensive hips to deny takedowns, and land high-volume punching combinations.
• The X-Factor: Cardio over fifteen minutes, especially if the fight features heavy grappling scrambles in the early rounds.

Broadcast Access and How to Watch the Flyweights

When the UFC officially re-books this matchup, fans can expect the bout to feature on a high-profile Fight Night card or a major Pay-Per-View preliminary stream. Historically, flyweight showcases of this caliber serve as crucial action-builders for main cards.

For viewers looking to catch the action live, the broadcast structure remains consistent across major regions:

• United States: Live streaming is exclusively available via ESPN+, with select main cards broadcast on ESPN.
• United Kingdom: Fans can tune in via TNT Sports or the discovery+ streaming app.
• International: Access is provided through UFC Fight Pass depending on local market blackouts.