No UFC? Here's 2 Major MMA Events you can watch before the New Year

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 8:57 AM ET

RIZIN FF

Just because there's no UFC until the new year, it doesn't mean there isn't any quality MMA.

Among countless smaller promotions, the premier organizations from Europe and Asia are putting on some incredible events before the new year begins.

Here's what you need to know.

OKTAGON 65 - December 29

OKTAGON

OKTAGON's (OKMMA) final event of the year is arguably their most impressive. Featherweight champ Losene Keita is considered one of the top prospects outside of the UFC, and he aims for double-champ status against reigning lightweight king Ronald Paradeiser.

The event also features the debut of Igor Severino, who is infamous for being kicked out of the UFC for biting.

Date: Saturday, December 29
Time: 12 PM ET
Where to watch: OKTAGON TV
Event page on Tapology

Full card

Not in bout order, subject to change

Jakub Batfalsky vs. Dominik Toporcer
Marco Novak vs. Eemil Kurhela
Cecilie Bolander vs. Sara Luzar Smajic
Jakub Tichota vs. Ozan Aslaner
Mateusz Legierski vs. Agy Sardari
Rodovan Uskrt vs. Daniel Schwindt
Jonas Magard vs. Igor Severino
Lucie Pudilova vs. Lucia Szabova; Bantamweight Championship
Karlos Vemola vs. Will Fleury; Light Heavyweight Championship
Ronald Paradeiser vs. Losene Keita; Lightweight Championship

RIZIN 49/ RIZIN DECADE - December 31

RIZIN FF

Japanese MMA promotion RIZIN Fighting Federation hosts some of the best striking talent in Asia. This event will take place in a ring similar to a boxing ring, and the RIZIN ruleset allows knees and kicks to the head of a grounded opponent.

RIZIN DECADE originally featured the failed exhibition bout between Ryan Garcia and Rukiya Anpo.