ARES FC 44 will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Zénith de Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France. The main event will see undefeated bantamweight champion Aboubakar Younousov defend his title against former UFC fighter Tyson Nam.
Younousov enters the contest with an unbeaten 8-0 record, while Nam brings a wealth of experience with 23 wins, 16 losses and one draw. The matchup pits the younger champion’s momentum against Nam’s experience and proven knockout power.
Aboubakar Younousov
Record: 8-0
Nickname: Thorin
Nationality: French
Team: MMA Factory
Division: Bantamweight
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Gustavo Lopez – TKO (punches)
Win. Maycon Alcino – KO (spinning back elbow)
Win. Matheus Malta – Unanimous decision
Strengths
Can end fights with punches, elbows and submissions.
Has demonstrated different routes to victory.
Enters the title defence unbeaten.
Weaknesses
Has considerably fewer professional fights than Nam.
Has not competed since October 2025.
Has yet to face an opponent with Nam’s extensive top-level experience.
Keys to Victory
Use his speed and movement to control the exchanges.
Mix striking with takedowns to keep Nam guessing.
Avoid giving Nam clear opportunities to land his power punches.
Tyson Nam
Record: 23-16-1
Nickname: N/A
Nationality: American
Team: Gracie Technics / Legacy Muay Thai
Division: Bantamweight
Last 3 Bouts
Lose. Tuomas Grönvall – Split decision
Lose. Abdul Hussein – KO (punches)
Win. Erik Vo – TKO (body punches)
Strengths
Has 15 KO/TKO victories.
Has competed against experienced fighters, including during his UFC career.
Possesses dangerous hands and can punish opponents who leave openings.
Weaknesses
Has lost his last two professional MMA bouts.
Can be caught by opponents who pressure him with combinations.
At 43, he faces a younger and undefeated champion.
Keys to Victory
Use his boxing to keep Younousov at range.
Look for counterpunching opportunities.
Defend takedowns and avoid spending too much time on the ground.
Odds
Aboubakar Younousov -1408
Tyson Nam +600
