UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22, 2025 features an intriguing style matchup as longtime Scandinavian contender Jack Hermansson moves down to 170 pounds to face Kyrgyz finisher Myktybek Orolbai. This battle pairs Hermansson’s veteran grappling craft with Orolbai’s explosive wrestling and fast finishing ability, creating a clash between a seasoned technician and a surging newcomer.
Jack Hermansson
Jack Hermansson (24–9) has been a fixture in the UFC middleweight top tier and now makes the drop to welterweight for the first time. He is known for his Greco-Roman wrestling base, strong top control, and punishing ground and pound. Hermansson owns wins over elite names such as Joe Pyfer, Chris Curtis, and Kelvin Gastelum. He is usually durable, although he suffered a knockout loss to Gregory Rodrigues in June 2025 after more than a year away from competition. His relentless pressure, submission awareness, and ability to carry out disciplined game plans have allowed him to handle a wide range of styles.
Jack Hermansson – Last 5 Fights:
• Loss vs. Gregory Rodrigues, KO (Punch), UFC 317, Jun 28, 2025
• Win vs. Joe Pyfer, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night 236, Feb 10, 2024
• Loss vs. Roman Dolidze, TKO (Punches), UFC on ESPN 42, Dec 3, 2022
• Win vs. Chris Curtis, Decision (Unanimous), UFC Fight Night, Jul 23, 2022
• Loss vs. Sean Strickland, Decision (Split), UFC Fight Night 200, Feb 5, 2022
Keys: Hermansson’s path to victory is to rely on his wrestling advantage, pressure Orolbai against the fence, and control the fight from top position. If he manages the early tempo and dictates where the fight takes place, his experience and grappling depth should allow him to take over as the rounds progress.
Myktybek Orolbai
Myktybek Orolbai (14–2–1) is a rapidly rising talent from Kyrgyzstan with aggressive takedown entries, quick finishes, and a dangerous submission arsenal. He has demonstrated his finishing ability in the UFC with a neck crank against Uroš Medić and a recent first-round kimura against Tofiq Musayev. He dropped a close, action-filled decision to Mateusz Rebecki and has dealt with weight issues, but he bounced back with a high-pace win that showed resilience and late-fight composure. Orolbai is explosive in the opening rounds, although he has yet to compete against a veteran technician like Hermansson.
Myktybek Orolbai – Last 5 Fights:
• Win vs. Tofiq Musayev, Submission (Kimura), UFC on ABC 8, Jun 21, 2025, Catchweight 165 pounds
• Loss vs. Mateusz Rebecki, Decision (Split), UFC 308, Oct 26, 2024, Catchweight 160 pounds
• Win vs. Elves Brener, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 301, May 4, 2024
• Win vs. Uroš Medić, Submission (Neck Crank), UFC Fight Night 232, Nov 18, 2023
• Win vs. Hayward Charles, KO (Punch), LFA 170, Oct 27, 2023
Keys: Orolbai needs to rely on his youth, energy, and fast-twitch athleticism. His best chance is to pressure Hermansson early, create scrambles, and chase quick submission opportunities whenever the veteran’s defenses open up.
Fight Breakdown
Hermansson thrives on methodical wrestling, positional control, and steady ground and pound. Orolbai brings explosive entries, powerful transitions, and strong finishing instincts. The fight could hinge on how Hermansson handles the cut to 170 pounds and how Orolbai deals with a larger, more seasoned grappler who is accustomed to grinding battles.
Prediction
Orolbai is likely to come out aggressive, but if Hermansson withstands the early surge and settles the fight into his preferred rhythm, his experience and control can gradually take over.
Prediction: Jack Hermansson defeats Myktybek Orolbai by Unanimous Decision.
A win would introduce Hermansson as an immediate factor at welterweight. A breakout performance from Orolbai could solidify him as the division’s most promising new contender.