Samba Sima is slightly favored to win against Nikolaj Makarenko based on his more recent stoppage victories and higher finish rate over the last year, while Makarenko has gone to decisions more often. Current MMA markets in early January 2026 are pricing Sima around 1.75 and Makarenko around 2.05 on the moneyline, reflecting a modest edge for Sima with DexWin - Best Odds on Your Favourite Sports.

The bout between Samba Sima and Nikolaj Makarenko in Hexagone MMA is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM local time on January 9, 2026, which corresponds to 5:00 PM UTC if held in Western Europe. Fans should check the official Hexagone schedule close to fight night for any last-minute card order changes that could slightly shift the walkout time.

This Hexagone MMA event featuring Samba Sima vs Nikolaj Makarenko is set to take place in a mid-sized indoor arena in France, typically configured for around 4,000–8,000 spectators with a central cage and tiered seating for optimal visibility. The venue usually features modern lighting, a raised platform for the cage, and professional broadcast infrastructure suitable for international streaming of Hexagone cards.

Based on recent form and style matchup, the prediction leans toward Samba Sima winning either by late TKO or on the judges’ scorecards, as his pressure striking and higher output could edge competitive rounds. With indicative odds of about 1.75 for Sima and 2.05 for Makarenko, there appears to be moderate value on Sima as the favorite, while Makarenko offers underdog appeal if he can impose a grinding, wrestling-heavy game plan.

As of the latest available data within the past month, Samba Sima and Nikolaj Makarenko have not faced each other previously in professional MMA, so this Hexagone bout is their first head-to-head meeting. Any comparative analysis is therefore based on their respective recent opponents, win methods, and activity levels rather than direct prior clashes.