UFC Fight Night 262: Bekoev vs. Belgaroui takes place October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. This middleweight clash pits rising Russian finisher Azamat Bekoev against world-class Tunisian-Dutch striker Yousri Belgaroui, with top-15 implications for the winner.
Azamat Bekoev
Azamat Bekoev (20–3) is a Russian powerhouse with a well-rounded arsenal of knockouts and submissions, each accounting for eight of his wins. After a dominant run in LFA and international promotions, Bekoev made an explosive UFC debut with back-to-back first-round stoppages over Zachary Reese (KO) and Ryan Loder (TKO, earning Performance of the Night).
Bekoev thrives on relentless pressure, swarming clinch entries, and opportunistic ground finishes. His strength lies in mixing wrestling with powerful ground-and-pound and slick submissions. He’s shown toughness, stamina, and fight IQ in championship-length bouts, losing only twice by decision and once by submission.
Azamat Bekoev – Last 5 Fights:
Win – Ryan Loder | TKO (Punches) | UFC on ESPN 67 | May 3, 2025
Win – Zachary Reese | KO (Punches) | UFC 311 | Jan 18, 2025
Win – Chauncey Foxworth | KO (Punch) | LFA 186 | June 22, 2024
Win – Lucas Fernando | Decision | LFA 173 | Dec 15, 2023
Win – Dylan Budka | Decision | LFA 160 | June 16, 2023
Keys for Bekoev: maintain forward pressure, mix levels and takedowns, exploit Belgaroui’s inexperience on the ground, and capitalize on every grappling exchange.
Yousri Belgaroui
Yousri Belgaroui (8–3 MMA, 27–7 Kickboxing) is a decorated kickboxing standout and three-time Glory middleweight title challenger. The Amsterdam-based striker brings elite hands, fast kicks, and dynamic knees, combined with high-level fight IQ earned over years against world-class opponents like Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, and Donovan Wisse.
Belgaroui joined the UFC after dominating on Dana White’s Contender Series and regional promotions. He is most dangerous at range, using technical striking to pick opponents apart. His takedown defense has improved but remains a potential vulnerability against aggressive wrestlers like Bekoev.
Yousri Belgaroui – Last 5 MMA Fights:
Win – Taiga Iwasaki | TKO (Punches) | DWCS 71 | Sep 10, 2024
Win – Ahmed Sami | Decision | Levels Fight League 11 | Feb 18, 2024
Win – Giorgi Kvelidze | TKO (Knee/Punches) | LFL 10 | Oct 29, 2023
Loss – Marco Tulio Silva | Decision | DWCS 60 | Aug 29, 2023
Win – Stefan Pretorius | TKO (Knee/Punches) | UAE Warriors 35 | Feb 24, 2023
Keys for Belgaroui: control distance, use precision striking and knees, avoid being dragged into grappling exchanges, and look for an early finish.
Fight Breakdown
Bekoev will look to push the pace, engage in the clinch, and seek takedowns to dominate on the ground. Belgaroui, in contrast, will try to maintain range, counter with knees and punches, and find a highlight-reel knockout opportunity. If Bekoev can implement consistent wrestling, he’ll control the fight; if Belgaroui lands early power shots or keeps it standing, he can swing momentum in his favor.
Bekoev’s grind and versatility versus Belgaroui’s striking pedigree sets the stage for a high-stakes clash between two rising middleweights.
Prediction
Bekoev’s relentless pressure, UFC momentum, and diverse finishing skills should allow him to wear down Belgaroui after early exchanges.
Prediction: Azamat Bekoev def. Yousri Belgaroui via TKO (Round 2)
A Bekoev win solidifies his rise as a dark-horse contender in the middleweight division, while a Belgaroui upset would make waves internationally and announce him as a top-tier striking threat in the UFC.