UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs Nolan: Francis Marshall vs Dakota Hope · Featherweight (per UFC.com), three rounds · Saturday, Oct 31, 2026 · Meta APEX, Las Vegas · Prelims 5 PM ET, main card 8 PM ET (UFC.com)
Francis Marshall (10-3; 4-3 UFC) meets short-notice replacement Dakota Hope (11-2; 0-1 UFC), who stepped in after Gastón Bolaños withdrew (MMA Junkie). It is grappling against volume: Marshall wins with takedowns and the back, Hope with pace and clinch work. This breakdown sticks to the numbers and does not call a winner.
Marshall vs Hope at a glance
- Frame: Marshall is 5'9" with a 72" reach. Hope is 5'6" with a 68" reach (Tapology).
- Marshall's grappling: 4:47 of control per 15 minutes and five pro rear-naked choke wins.
- Marshall's defense: 8 of 9 UFC takedown attempts stopped.
- Hope's debut: 106 significant strikes landed against Kai Kamaka III in a split decision loss.
- Weight note: UFC.com bills the fight at featherweight. Hope's only UFC fight was at lightweight.
Marshall vs Hope stats and styles
UFC fights only unless noted, from UFCStats.com via the FightingStats matchup report (records from UFC.com and Sherdog).
- Francis Marshall: Takedowns and back control, 41.7% takedown accuracy. He finished Erik Silva with a rear-naked choke in Round 1 in February 2026.
- Marshall's weak spot: Low striking output, 2.34 landed per minute at 29.3%. He has been out-landed in six of seven UFC fights.
- Dakota Hope: Volume and early power. Against Kamaka, 40.6% of his landed strikes went to the body and 41.5% came from the clinch, with a Round 1 knockdown.
- Hope's unknown: Takedown defense against a UFC grappler. Both of his pro losses are decisions.
What to watch in Marshall vs Hope
- Marshall's first takedown. If it lands early, Hope's clinch output turns into a scramble.
- Volume on the feet. Marshall has been out-landed in six of seven UFC fights, and Hope landed 106 significant strikes on debut.
- Short notice and weight. Hope took the fight in early October and may be moving down from lightweight.
Marshall vs Hope recent form
- Francis Marshall, last three: W Lucas Brennan, unanimous decision (Apr 25, 2026) · W Erik Silva, rear-naked choke R1 2:29 (Feb 28, 2026) · L Mairon Santos, split decision (Mar 8, 2025).
- Dakota Hope, last three: L Kai Kamaka III, split decision (Apr 4, 2026) · W Mauricio Gomez, KO R1 1:59, Fury FC 116 (Feb 20, 2026) · W Damion Nelson, unanimous decision, Fury FC (Nov 21, 2025).
The FightingStats Tape Index lists 13 career bouts for Marshall (10 with film) and 13 for Hope (8 with film).
Go deeper: Marshall vs Hope stats comparison · Tape Index: every career bout on the card, with film · Full Marshall vs Hope matchup report (PDF) · Main event: Moicano vs Nolan breakdown · Results
Marshall vs Hope FAQ
Why is Dakota Hope fighting Francis Marshall?
Hope replaced Gastón Bolaños on short notice in early October, per MMA Junkie. It is his second UFC fight after a split decision loss to Kai Kamaka III.
What weight class is Marshall vs Hope?
UFC.com lists the fight at featherweight. Hope's UFC debut was at lightweight, and some listings show 155 pounds, so check the official weigh-in results.
When is Marshall vs Hope?
Saturday, Oct 31, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, on UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs Nolan. UFC.com lists the prelims at 5 PM ET and the main card at 8 PM ET.
Fight week on Fighting Stats: Follow along on Patreon for member posts through fight week.
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