Fight results

Badou is an awkward opponent for anyone. When necessary, he drags his opponent into clinch fighting. When needed, he explodes with activity on the inside, landing heavy shots.

Adjusting to a fighter like him is extremely difficult.

Mikaelian operates differently.

He usually moves around the ring, controls his opponent with the jab, meets him with punches, and dictates everything concerning distance.

Control of distance will be one of the key factors in this fight.

Jack is 41 years old, Mikaelian is 34.

Considering Badou’s nearly two-year layoff, this factor could prove decisive.

After all, coming back after 40 is much tougher.

Both fighters throw roughly the same number of punches — but they do it very differently:

At different ranges, at completely different tempos.

The key will be who manages to force the opponent to fight at his preferred pace.

Both last fought in 2023.

Both defeated Ilunga Makabu — and both did it by knockout.

Jack dragged Makabu into his kind of fight, found his shots on the inside, and finished him off — in the 12th round.

Mikaelian dominated Makabu from a distance, caught him, and stopped him — in the 3rd round.

Since then, neither Badou nor Noel has stepped into the ring.

Neither can be called a true knockout artist, but both know how to punch hard.

Visually, Jack’s punches look heavier and more aimed at producing knockouts.

However, whether Badou still has the explosive power needed to sustain it through the fight — given his age and inactivity — remains unclear.

Badou last lost by stoppage back in 2014.

Mikaelian has never been knocked out at all.

Both fighters have proven durability, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the fight goes the distance.

Since 2021, Jack has been fighting outside the United States — first in Dubai, then in Saudi Arabia.

This will be his third fight in Saudi Arabia.

For Mikaelian, it will be his first fight in Saudi Arabia.

Considering how warmly Badou is received in the region, Noel might find himself in less comfortable conditions.

A championship fight right after a long break is a major challenge for both.

The winner will become the top target for Gilberto Ramírez or Jai Opetaia — or the winner of their possible matchup.

Meaning: victory almost immediately positions the winner for a shot at undisputed championship.

There’s definitely a lot on the line.