One of the most intriguing undercard matchups at UFC Fight Night 267 on February 21, 2026 will see Ramiz Brahimaj take on Punahele Soriano in a welterweight bout that has fans debating styles, skills, and outcomes.
Both fighters have gritty backgrounds, varied paths to success, and come into this bout with plenty to prove. Let’s take a closer look at each competitor and how this fight could unfold.
Ramiz Brahimaj: Submission Specialist With UFC Experience
Ramiz Brahimaj is a 33-year-old welterweight from Dallas, Texas, known for his strong grappling and relentless submission game.
According to statistics, Brahimaj owns an impressive 13-5 record with the majority of his wins coming by way of submission.
His ground skills and ability to lock in chokeholds make him a dangerous opponent for anyone willing to trade on the mat.
Brahimaj has faced a range of high-level competition in the UFC, including decision losses and standout submission wins.
In his most recent appearances, he has shown more comfort within the octagon, securing submissions early and dominating positions when the fight hits the canvas.
At 72-inch reach, he is not the longest fighter, but his strength and grappling tempo often make up for any size disadvantages.
The Bron x-born competitor has experienced highs and lows throughout his career.
Emerging from Legacy Fighting Alliance with a strong record, Brahimaj transitioned to the UFC and delivered notable performances.
While his knockout power is limited (only one KO win on record), his deadly ground skills are what define him. In this matchup, his goal will be to impose his jiu-jitsu and take the fight off of Soriano’s feet.
Punahele Soriano: Balanced Striker and Wrestler
Opposite Brahimaj stands Punahele “Puna” Soriano, also 33, a balanced Mexican-American fighter from Oahu, Hawaii.
Soriano holds a 12-4 record with a mix of knockout power and wrestling prowess. His fights often end early thanks to his ability to land heavy strikes, but he can also dictate pace with solid takedowns and positional control.
Soriano’s last two victories have come at welterweight, showing that the shift to 170 pounds has suited him well.
At welterweight, he brings high intensity, combining crisp boxing with frequent takedown attempts.
His last outing saw him defeat Nikolay Veretennikov by unanimous decision, showcasing both endurance and strategy across three rounds.
Soriano’s style is a mix of brute force and functional wrestling. With seven KO/TKO wins on his record, he certainly has the power to stop opponents with strikes.
At the same time, his wrestling base allows him to work for takedowns or defend them effectively. This versatility is what makes Soriano a threat in multiple phases of the fight.
Comparing Their Styles
When comparing these two fighters, the narrative becomes a classic contrast of grappling pressure versus striking and wrestling balance:
- Brahimaj: Primarily a submission threat with strong jiu-jitsu. He will aim to drag Soriano to the ground and look for a quick finish.
- Soriano: Versatile striker with wrestling to back up his heavy hands. He prefers to keep the fight standing and use takedowns strategically when it suits him.
The community predictions reflect the tight nature of this matchup, with many expecting Brahimaj’s grappling to be the decisive factor.
Data suggests fighters and fans lean slightly toward Brahimaj by submission or control if the fight hits the mat. Still, Soriano’s power and balanced game mean he cannot be counted out.
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Punahele Soriano Prediction
This fight looks to be one of the more evenly matched undercard bouts of the night. Both men bring physical strength, durability, and finishing instincts.
However, the key differentiator could be where the fight takes place. If Soriano keeps it standing, his striking accuracy and power could tilt the fight in his favor.
If Brahimaj can get the fight to the ground and sustain top position, he may secure a submission or a dominant decision.
For fans of UFC and welterweight matchups, Ramiz Brahimaj vs Punahele Soriano promises technical exchanges, gritty grappling scrambles, and the kind of unpredictable action that makes MMA so compelling.