Linda Wentworth


Career development 13h
In our nail salon there’s a manicurist who keeps cutting clients and always blames the tools or the clients themselves. She’s friends with the manager, so she never gets punished.
A client complained again and all of us were fined even though it wasn’t our fault. The manager wouldn’t listen and even promoted the manicurist who caused it.
I don’t know how to keep working like this. Maybe it’s... time to change salons.

 more

  • BEN OMONDI

    6h

    Once you see a red flag make your move don't wait

Loren Davies


Career development 3d
I’m interviewing for a kindergarten teacher position. Yesterday I had an interview with the director and he asked only one question “How would you explain the color yellow to a blind person?”
I’m still in shock! Is this how he treats children? Does he think they’re blind or stupid? Or was he just messing with me?

4   

  • Sandi Newman

    7h

    He was looking for a way that you visualized words as if they were images. I don't believe it was a bad technique in fact I think it was an excellent... technique at trying to understand how you would utilize language to create imagery. more

    -1

  • Bill A

    13h

    I think he was trying to test your artistic view point. How would you describe color yellow to a blind person. "Its a bright color that is used for... making things standout." Depending on you answer it. Your patience and thinking outside of the box will be determined. more

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Career development

 13h

15+ job interviewers who rejected candidates on the spot: 'she brought her boyfriend in and the boyfriend was answering all the questions'


Candidates will show up to job interviews unprepared and on their worst behavior, then wonder why they're getting 0 offers...

Look, I don't have to tell you the job market is hard out here. Maybe you're reading this at some point in the faraway future, like 2050, or 2070, or 3000, and the job market is amazing. Everyone has jobs and also everyone is hiring. But in the mid-2020s, where we're at... now, it's just the opposite. A lot of the middle and lower-class people just aren't making that much money, so they're looking for new jobs. And, just in case you haven't heard this surprising news, a lot of job openings aren't even real. They're just posted up to make the company look profitable! I hope they fix that particular problem by the year 3000. If your same exact job listing has been up for like 2 solid years, your company just looks foolish, and we all see through the charade.

The problem isn't all with companies, though. There's a major issue with those "1-click apply" job applications. They're almost too easy -- guaranteed to net a ton of applicants, but a lot of them just won't be the right fit for the job. It's become a running joke in the meme world, especially amongst the younger crowd, that you may as well apply to be a lawyer or a doctor because hey -- it's only 1 click! What do you have to lose?

And that's not even the tip of the iceberg. Once the actual job candidates get in the room, as you'll see below, all bets are off. Reading stories like these are certain to make you feel better about your most recent interview flops. Maybe you were left with your cheeks burning after you forgot what your strengths and weaknesses were supposed to be... but that's miles better than the dude who showed up to an interview and proudly presented a portfolio full of stolen work. Who'd he steal it from? The literal interviewer. It really puts things in perspective, doesn't it? more

Career development

 16h

Genetec Named One of Canada's Top Employers for Young People


Genetec Inc., a global company in enterprise physical security software, has been named one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People for the third consecutive year. The designation is part of an annual initiative organized by MediaCorp Canada that recognizes employers offering strong workplace environments, learning opportunities and career development programs for students and young... professionals entering the workforce.

Genetec continually invests in programs that help early-career professionals gain practical experience, build technical and professional skills and transition into long-term roles within the organization. From the first day, interns and new hires contribute as full members of their teams and are supported through structured onboarding, hands-on work and access to experienced colleagues across teams.

A cornerstone of this approach is the internship program at Genetec, which welcomes approximately 300 paid interns each year across engineering, product, business and corporate functions. Interns work full time alongside permanent employees on meaningful projects, participate in team meetings and internal events and gain exposure to how teams collaborate and how products are developed and marketed.

New hires participate in thorough in-person onboarding and have ongoing access to technical and professional training through an internal learning management platform.

Departmental onboarding, inter-team workshops and cross-functional training support skill development across roles, while employee-driven initiatives, such as TechTalks, provide forums for sharing project insights and technical knowledge.

At Genetec, mentorship plays an important role in supporting young professionals. For example, the Women in Engineering mentoring program, delivered in cooperation with Concordia University, pairs eligible interns with experienced female employees. These sessions focus on career goals, workplace challenges and professional development.

As employees progress, leadership development opportunities support continued growth. Through collaboration with HEC Montréal, targeted training programs strengthen management and leadership skills at different stages of professional development.

"Young professionals bring a lot of energy and curiosity, and they often look at problems differently," said Richard Pailliere, vice president, human resources, Genetec Inc. "When those fresh perspectives are paired with experience, they lead to stronger ideas and better innovation across teams." more

Career development

 17h

New Orleans attorneys weigh in on 2026 employment law changes Louisiana employers must know | New Orleans CityBusiness


Major 2026 tax and benefits changes affect 401(k) catch-up contributions, student loan reimbursements, overtime taxes, and paid leave credits

At the beginning of every year, HR managers often find themselves navigating new and changing workplace laws. To help business leaders better understand the evolving labor and employment law landscape in 2026, New Orleans CityBusiness interviewed local L&E... attorneys about some of the top new laws, changing policies, and common compliance challenges.

A Look at New & Changing Louisiana Employment Laws and Court Decisions

Louisiana has tightened unemployment benefit eligibility under Stricter Unemployment "Work Search" Requirements Act No. 151. The new law requires unemployment claimants to complete five weekly work-search activities (up from three), such as applying for jobs, attending interviews, or updating résumés. It applies to new claims filed on or after Jan. 4, 2026.

Doris Bobadilla, L&E attorney and director at Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith, said the change expands employers' roles in enforcing the system.

"The Act empowers employers to report no-shows or interview ghosts directly to the Louisiana Workforce Commission," Bobadilla said. "It essentially 'deputizes' HR departments to act as the state's auditors. If an applicant skips an interview, the employer is now the state's eyes and ears to stop their benefits."

Louisiana's "Second Chance" Hiring Incentives SB 227 (effective Jan. 1) says that for certain formerly incarcerated individuals hired within a year of release, their work won't be treated as "employment" for unemployment‑related tax and administrative purposes for up to five years. "This makes hiring the formerly incarcerated a fiscal strategy rather than just a social one," Bobadilla said. "It lowers the cost of labor for businesses willing to help reduce recidivism."

New Orleans hospitality was impacted by a 2024 decision at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In Restaurant Law Center v. U.S. Department of Labor, the Fifth Circuit vacated the DOL's "80/20/30" rule, which had barred employers from taking a tip credit if a server spent more than 20% of their week (or 30 continuous minutes) on supporting tasks like rolling silverware or brewing coffee. The court held that the Fair Labor Standards Act applies the tip credit based on the "tipped occupation" as a whole, rejecting the Department of Labor's attempt to segment that occupation into individual "tip-producing" and "tip-supporting" tasks.

For the New Orleans restaurant industry, this is a major win for more flexible staffing, Bobadilla said. "This victory effectively dismantles what some refer to as the stopwatch culture of restaurant management, and removes a massive administrative burden and a major source of arguably nuisance class-action litigation for New Orleans restaurants," Bobadilla said.

DEI and Immigration are Hot Topic Enforcement Items at Federal Level

Sid Lewis, an L&E attorney and partner at Jones Walker, said most EEOC charges that labor and employment attorneys encounter on behalf of their employer clients fall into three categories - discrimination, leave rights, and retaliation. "It is very beneficial to train and alert supervisors to the risks in these areas," Lewis said. "They are all hot button issues in the workplace, and employers are starting to realize that discrimination, leave rights, and retaliation issues could end in costly litigation efforts."

"Reverse discrimination" has become a hot phrase in labor and employment law. "What costs my clients the most is fighting discrimination claims, potential litigation, and EEOC charges, and there will likely be an increase in reverse discrimination claims," said Rachel Wisdom, L&E attorney and member of Stone Pigman.

Wisdom referenced that EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, appointed by President Trump, encouraged white men to file complaints of workplace discrimination and has targeted DEI programs viewed as discriminatory against majority groups. "The EEOC announced its intention to vigorously pursue DEI-based discrimination and religious discrimination claims," Wisdom said, citing a $21 million EEOC settlement in 2025 with Columbia University involving antisemitism allegations.

Addressing complaints promptly and maintaining robust anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies are essential to mitigating legal risks, said Stephanie Poucher, L&E counsel at Phelps. Poucher said the U.S. Supreme Court and appellate courts have hinted through recent decisions at modifying the decades-old "pretext" standard for proving workplace discrimination that historically benefitted employers. "A relaxing of what a plaintiff must show to prove that his employer's stated reason for making an adverse employment decision is actually a pretext for unlawful discrimination may be on the horizon," Poucher said. "While the standard still applies, its time may be limited."

In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services - a ruling in which the U.S. Supreme Court did away with the "background circumstances" rule that made discrimination claims brought by members of majority groups more onerous - justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch wrote separately to criticize the "atextual" nature of applying legal standards - like showing "pretext" - that have no basis in Title VII's plain language. The two justices reiterated their criticisms of this standard in a rare dissent to the Court's denial of certiorari in Hittle v. City of Stockton.

EEOC's strategic realignment and DEI program scrutiny have led to a massive pivot from equity to merit, said Wendell Hall, special counsel at Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith. This shift has caused HR directors to reassess DEI initiatives. "In 2026, anything that can be characterized as a diversity quota is a litigation magnet rather than a corporate asset," she said. "There has been a heightened scrutiny of corporate DEI programs to ensure they are not actually reverse discrimination (Title VII violations). Employers should be proactive and audit any DEI initiatives to ensure they are litigation-proof."

Following the Hamilton v. Dallas County ruling in 2023, employees can now sue over terms and conditions like schedule changes, not just ultimate employment decisions. HR directors are concerned "equity" adjustments for one group will trigger "reverse discrimination" lawsuits from the majority, Hall said.

Immigration compliance is also of concern for employers as increased enforcement has led to raids across the country, including in New Orleans. "Employers must ensure I-9 forms are properly completed and that their workforce is lawfully authorized, particularly as heightened scrutiny has also expanded due diligence in mergers and acquisitions," Lewis said. "Even technical deficiencies can result in significant fines, legal fees, and penalties following an audit."

Immigration changes in 2026 - including expiring work permits, slower visa processing, and a new wage-weighted H‑1B lottery - may impact employers. "The cumulative effect of these changes is an increased need for policy review, proactive compliance measures, and adjusted timelines to accommodate potential Visa processing delays," Poucher said.

Multiple attorneys said one of the most consequential developments at the federal level is the Supreme Court's 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference and limited courts' obligation to defer to federal agencies. "Running a business in several states has always been complex, but the Fifth Circuit's hard line after Loper Bright is likely to increase that complexity," Bobadilla said. "While Loper Bright ended the era of courts deferring to federal agencies, 2026 is when the 5th Circuit is going to use that power to actively strike down specific labor rules."

Hall said, with the return to a traditional quorum at the National Labor Relations Board, the NLRB is expected to dismantle Biden-era standards such as Cemex and Stericycle. "We are in a pendulum swing period," she said. "Policy is shifting back toward employers, but labor relations may become more confrontational on the ground."

Wisdom agreed the shifts are becoming greater with each administration change. "One of the things that concerns employers is you don't know if any changes will last past the current administration, and that leaves employers flailing around, trying to adapt but also having to stay ahead of the new policies," Wisdom said.

A Look at Louisiana and Federal Changes on Taxes and Employee Benefits

A major change on the tax front taking effect in 2026 requires high-income employees to make any "catch-up" 401(k) contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis, a provision included in the SECURE 2.0 Act. "Catch-up" contributions can be made by older participants, on top of the normal deferral limit of $24,000 in 2026.

Anyone who made over $150,000 of social security wages with their current employer in 2025 and who is 50 or older in 2026 and wants to make catch-up contributions to their 401(k) will have to make them on a Roth (after-tax) basis, said Tim Brechtel, a partner in the tax practice group at Jones Walker. "Catch-up contributions can be up to $8,000 per year in 2026 - $11,250 for those who will be ages 60-63 on December 31, 2026," he said. "The change does not impact self-employed individuals, such as partners in a partnership."

Brechtel added there are also federal changes around tax-free employer reimbursements of student loan payments. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently allows employers to reimburse employees up to $5,250 per year in student loan payments on a pretax basis, with the limit now indexed for inflation. To qualify, reimbursements must be part of a written Section 127 educational assistance plan that meets IRS nondiscrimination rules, making this a valuable tool for supporting employees and attracting talent.

"Educational assistance programs can provide a valuable benefit to employees facing student loan expenses," Brechtel said. "Fortunately, employers can continue to offer this benefit to their employees and can expect to see the annual permitted maximum benefit amount increase over time as a result of inflation-indexing under the OBBBA."

Louisiana raised the nonresident employee income tax exemption threshold from 25 to 30 days. Nonresident employees working in Louisiana for 30 days or less during a year, who also work in other states, are exempt from Louisiana income tax withholding, except for professional athletes and entertainers. "If an employee exceeds 30 days, employers must withhold tax for all Louisiana wages earned that year, including those from the first 30 days," Poucher said.

Poucher also noted that Louisiana now treats S corporations as pass-through entities for state tax purposes, whereas Louisiana previously treated S corporations as C corporations. S corporations must file an annual informational return, which includes the income attributable to Louisiana as well as the income attributable to other states for each shareholder. "If a shareholder fails to timely pay its taxes due with respect to its share of income of the S corporation, the Louisiana Department of Revenue can collect payment directly from the S corporation," Poucher said.

Starting January 1, 2026, employers in states without mandatory leave -- or offering more than required -- can claim a permanent tax credit of 12.5-25% for providing at least two weeks of paid family and medical leave to eligible employees. The credit is available for up to 12 weeks annually, can apply to insurance premiums, and does not cover state- or locally-mandated leave.

Section 70202 of the OBBBA lets non-exempt, hourly employees deduct "qualified overtime compensation" from federal income tax. Notably, not all "overtime" is considered equal under this law. The IRS will use 2025 as a transition year for employer reporting rules, but starting in 2026, employers must track an employee's total "qualified" overtime on an updated Form W-2.

What Compliance Issues are Keeping L&E Attorneys Most Busy?

Lewis has been practicing labor and employment law for 40 years, and he said, "the most expensive employer mistakes often involve laws that have been on the books for decades."

"Unfortunately employers are not mindful of the specifics of laws that have been on the books for a long time, such as the National Labor Relations Act or the Fair Labor Standards Act, and it costs a lot to fix what they have done," Lewis said. "Old laws often create the most expensive problems for employers."

For instance, correctly classifying employees as exempt or nonexempt under the FLSA is a critical step in managing wage and hour risk, Lewis said. He recommends that employers regularly review job duties and salary thresholds to ensure alignment with FLSA standards.

"Misclassification is by far the most common mistake I see day in and day out. And classifying a nonexempt employee as exempt -- whether deliberately or not -- can be costly."

At the U.S. Supreme Court level, in E.M.D. Sales, Inc. v. Carrera, the issue is "does an employer need 'clear and convincing' evidence (high bar) or just a 'preponderance of evidence' (lower bar) to prove an employee is exempt from overtime?" "If the Court chooses the lower preponderance standard, it will make it significantly easier to defend FLSA lawsuits for New Orleans businesses," Hall said. "It transforms a legal mountain into a legal hill for employers."

Poucher agreed that proper classification, accurate timekeeping, and adherence to overtime and minimum wage requirements remain challenges for employers, especially with significant regulatory changes underway. "While thus far, attempts at the federal level to increase FLSA overtime pay exemption minimum salary thresholds and efforts at the state level to establish a state-wide minimum wage have been unsuccessful, lawmakers continue to pursue these changes which have seen an increase in popularity among voters," she said.

Poucher added that navigating the complexities of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) continues to create challenges for employers. The PWFA now eases pregnancy accommodations, allowing workers to get adjustments for pregnancy or childbirth even if they don't meet the ADA's disability standard. This requires employers to engage in an interactive process for accommodation, such as breaks, modified schedules, or light duty unless it causes undue hardship, said Poucher. Uncertainty surrounding the PWFA continues to persist, however, with the U.S. Fifth Circuit stating the full en banc court will be rehearing a Texas-based challenge to the Act that was previously rejected by a split panel of the Court.

As remote and hybrid work models evolve, adapting policies to support flexibility while staying compliant with wage, hour, and safety laws is an increasingly important concern, Poucher said. Remote work arrangements also impact disability accommodation requests.

"Specifically, while an employer's refusal to allow an employee to work remotely - deeming the requested accommodation unreasonable - was largely successful in the past, the wide-reaching remote work employees performed during the COVID pandemic has shone a light on whether remote work is feasible for many employers," she said. "Revising employee job descriptions to make clear why remote work is or is not feasible for an employer as accommodation is key for employers wanting to enforce in-office requirements." more

Career development

 18h

This interview move could land you a higher salary -- or lose you a job offer


At a recent job interview, Ceraliza couldn't help but let out a gasp when she heard the impressive salary on offer.

However, while her reaction was one of pleasant surprise - understandable given the state of wages in many industries right now - the hiring manager read it differently.

And the misunderstanding ended up paying off, with an even higher amount being placed on the table as a... result.

Sharing her experience on X, Ceraliza revealed how she used the confusion to her advantage, responding with an immediate 'yes' when she was asked if the pay was below her expectations.

The Nigerian creator was praised for her quick thinking, with some commenters going so far as to call it a 'legendary' move and a 'masterclass in negotiation' (however accidental) people should mirror in their own careers.

But as others point out, it's a 'risky' tactic that won't always have such a positive outcome -- and could actually end up going a whole lot worse.

According to Will Steward, founder of recruitment firm The SaaS Jobs, it's 'definitely not a reliable strategy'.

'On one hand, a subtle display of surprise like that could signal to the hiring manager that the offer is below expectations and potentially prompt them to reconsider, but realistically, the chances of that are so low,'he tells Metro.

'Body language and facial expressions are subjective. What one person interprets as genuine excitement, another might read as shock, disdain, or incredulity. In the worst-case scenario, it could actually create tension or just make the candidate appear unprofessional.'

Ian Nicholas, global managing director at employment agency Reed, is equally split, nothing that while it may work in theory, in practice its success would be rare, 'and only under very specific conditions.'

Not only would the candidate have to already be a top choice, the interviewer would need to have pay discretion, and the market would need to be weighted in a jobseeker's favour -- even if the stars do align though, he tells Metro, 'it's more luck than strategy'.

If your attempt at feigning disappointment doesn't land, it can come across 'manipulative' and 'entitled', which makes it an especially big gamble given 'many companies won't significantly adjust offers due to rigid salary bands.'

How to negotiate a higher salary in job interviews

If a Ceraliza-style gasp sounds far too dicey for your liking, Ian advises taking a more measured approach: the 'calibrated surprise'.

Instead of reacting emotionally, tell them outright that their offer is lower than expected, 'based on the scope [you] discussed'. This 'signals a mismatch without disrespect, invites correction and keeps the conversation professional.'

Don't forget to take some time before answering either; according to Will, this is 'a bit simpler, and much safer than a gasp', despite potentially having the same effect of prompting the employer to reassess.

Alternatively, both experts highlight the 'future-value reframe' technique, where you shift the focus to your potential by asking, 'If I were exceeding expectations six months in, what would compensation progression look like?'.

Will recommends the importance of outlining the value you could bring to the company as part of this strategy, which Ian says can 'encourage the employer to envision your success and may prompt them to offer more upfront to avoid renegotiation later.'

And if you're feeling really ballsy, he adds: 'You can also use the 'competing realities' approach 'to signal market awareness, without bluffing, by saying, "I'm seeing materially different compensation ranges for similar roles at this level, how flexible is this band?".'

And if they won't budge...

Unfortunately, even with the best will in the world, you may not always be offered the salary you expect or feel you deserve.

Before you decide to walk away from negotiations however, Will says it's worth considering total compensation, not just base salary -- for example, bonuses, equity, pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and future development opportunities.

'You should also assess this particular role's alignment with your long-term career goals,' he continues. 'A slightly lower salary than expected might still be worthwhile if the role is providing you with skills, experience, or a stepping stone to future opportunities.'

Ian adds that although an employer may be capped when it comes to, they 'often have more flexibility' with the likes of sign-on bonuses or pay reviews. All you can do is ask, right?

Do you have a story to share? more

Career development

 1d

Interviewing? Hone the art of the thank-you email


After a job interview, what should your thank-you email state?

Let's get back to basics. If you're interviewing, in my opinion, you absolutely need to thank the interviewers. It's a simple email, but it can be effective. First, it's the right thing to do; you're thanking the interviewers for their time and the opportunity to be considered. Second, you're expressing interest in the job. And... third, there's no reason not to; it truly takes two seconds.

For some employers, the difference between sending a thank you and not sending one may tip the scales when it comes to extending a job offer. According to data from Accountemps, 80% of human resources managers said thank-you messages are factored into hiring decisions.

If you're wondering whether to send something on social media or an email, go with an email. During the interview if you don't have the interviewer's email addresses, ask if it's OK to reach out if you have any questions. In case you're wondering if snail mail is still a thing, as long as you know the interviewer isn't working remotely and they're working from the office location, do both. Send an email, because it's immediate, then send a handwritten note via the mail.

When I worked in recruiting, I only received two handwritten thank-you notes. That said, they went a long way! Days after the interview, one of the cards remained perched on my desk for weeks. It was a nice gesture. While a thank-you note won't necessarily automatically grant you a job offer, overall, it leaves a nice sense of gratitude with the employer, and can help slightly set you apart from others. Every time I glanced at that note, it kept the candidate top of mind.

There's no excuse not to send one. For email, send it within 24 hours of the interview and vary it slightly. I've seen interview teams forward the emails they received to each other, remarking on how impressed they were with the candidate.

These emails don't have to be very long -- succinctness is your friend. You can reference the job title and keep it short and sweet. The purpose is to thank them for their time and interest in your candidacy and express how interested you are in the position. You may want to include something that you connected with during the conversation such as a mutual hobby. Lastly, you can indicate you look forward to hearing from them soon.

I wouldn't necessarily limit the thank-you email only to interviews. If you've had a meaningful conversation with someone for an informational interview, someone forwarded a contact to you, or for other reasons, those two simple words, "thank you," can go a long way. more
6   

  • Janet Childs

    1
    19h

    Great idea... thank you for bringing this forth and reminding us.

    1

Anonymous member


Career development 2d
I've been working for an Organization for over 6 years now and want to move on; One because the salary is nothing to write home about and two, I need a new challenge. I've applied to other places. I upgraded myself academically and the organization didn't even contribute a dime eventhough they knew about it. I get calls for interviews and don't show up at these interviews. What really is wrong... with me?

 more

  • Daniel Cheleste

    1d

    Have you openly discussed this with your human capital manager.
    If your tasks are boring and and you need a challenging job/tasks talk to your human... capital and show the tasks and wins/achievements you have contributed to the company’s achievements and collaborations with your team that have made you reach those goals.the world doesn’t give you what you deserve.speak out,do a write up to the human capital and your close supervisor.
    Two things:
    1.if others don’t see your value,others out there can be cognisant of that fact that your valuable and give you the opportunity for growth.
    Are you leaving because you feel you have outgrown the opportunities the job offers and your seeking new challenges and a role that aligns-better with your career goals and want to contribute your skills and expertise to that role so that you bring a more significant impact ,then that’s avalid reason.if that’s not it then then seek counseling.

    2.Do you have a mentor/ what is your direction in life      more

  • Rukiya Rashid

    1d

    Fear of staff retention is part of trauma that we often get to understand on ourselves. Is like to fear a ghost for your entire life yet you never saw... it . Taking new pathways sometimes is so strange but for you to cross the ocean you need to sail by strong wave to reach your desires destination.  more

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Career development

 1d

From Debt Recovery to Fraud Detection: Innovative Strategies for Staffing Firms - About Insider


Cash flow is the oxygen of a staffing firm. Weekly payroll, open requisitions, and uneven client payment terms can quickly turn a strong pipeline into a cash crunch if even a few invoices slip. That's why forward-thinking agencies now treat debt recovery and fraud detection as part of the same discipline.

Instead of reacting after money goes missing, they build systems that prevent revenue... leakage, resolve disputes faster, and reduce operational risk without pulling recruiters away from revenue-generating work.

Below is a practical blueprint you can implement in phases -- whether you're an emerging agency or a national brand.

Strategy 1: Build a Credit Perimeter Before the First Submittal

Collections don't start when an invoice goes unpaid; they start before the first résumé is sent.

* Screen and tier clients early. Run quick credit checks and group prospects into low, medium, or high risk based on payment history, references, and public records. Then match each tier to appropriate terms, limits, and deal structures.

* Align terms with your cash reality. If you're running weekly payroll for contractors, long payment cycles can quickly strain cash flow. Shorter terms, deposits, or milestone billing help keep money moving especially on project-based or fast ramp engagements.

* Make paying easy. Offer simple payment options like cards, ACH, or Direct Debit. When it's easy for Accounts Payable to act, invoices get settled faster.

* Keep submissions "receipt-ready." Light résumé watermarking, candidate IDs, and automatic view tracking give you a clean record of who saw what and when. If a fee is questioned later, you're prepared, and no digging through inboxes is required.

Why this matters: you reduce risk up front, set clear expectations, and build documentation that supports both collections and backdoor-hire recovery.

Strategy 2: Draft Contracts with Zero Gray Areas

Vague language slows collections. Spell things out, so there's nothing to argue about.

* Clear fee triggers. Specify exactly when the fee is earned (presentation, interview, offer, or start date) and how long your candidate's ownership lasts. Simple, specific, and easy to reference when Finance asks.

* Backdoor-hire protection. Include audit rights, notification requirements if a candidate is re-engaged, and a clause that fees are due even if the hire occurs through affiliates or different roles.

* Late fees and interest. Reasonable, clearly stated, and enforceable.

* Dispute windows. Short timelines for raising disputes help you resolve real issues quickly -- and prevent "ghost" disputes months later.

* Jurisdiction & venue. Select a forum that minimizes legal risk in the event of escalation.

Pro tip: Train recruiters and account managers to explain these clauses during kickoff. A 2-minute conversation now can save 20 emails later.

Strategy 3: Design Backdoor Hire Prevention and Detection Plan

Backdoor hires are not a moral failing; they're a data problem. When hundreds of résumés, inboxes, and hiring managers interact, candidate trails get messy. Innovators now:

* Fingerprint each submission. Unique candidate IDs plus submission timestamps, job IDs, and approver names create a defensible trail.

* Use multi-signal detection. Cross-check candidate profiles, hiring announcements, and social/job board updates against your ATS to flag any suspicious overlaps.

* Use smart watchlists. If a "no-go" candidate shows up again at the same client -- or a sister company -- within your ownership window, auto-ping the account owner right away, ideally before onboarding. Quiet, early pings beat loud, late disputes.

Why this helps with debt recovery: A clear ownership trail turns arguments into administrative matters. You share the file, confirm the terms, and move to "Please route payment."

Strategy 4: Save Dispute-Resolution Flow Everyone Can Follow

Most unpaid invoices aren't malicious. They're usually caused by miscommunication, system delays, or internal changes.

A simple playbook helps teams stay calm and consistent:

* Check the basics first. Confirm invoice accuracy, fee triggers, vendor setup, and PO details before escalating.

* Identify the root cause. Is it a budget freeze, leadership change, or internal delay? Your tone and next step should reflect the situation.

* Offer reasonable settlements. If a quick partial payment resolves the issue faster, document it as a one-time accommodation and move forward.

* Escalate when needed. When disputes stall or backdoor hiring is suspected, hand the case to a specialist who understands staffing-specific collections. This keeps recruiters focused on filling roles, not chasing invoices.

Bottom line: Keep sellers selling. Let specialists handle aged AR.

Strategy 5: Keep Fraud Patterns on Your Radar

Some issues go beyond late payment. Fraud requires stronger controls.

Common warning signs include padded timesheets, duplicate hours, identity mismatches, invoice redirections, or unexplained vendor changes. In more serious cases, candidates may be quietly redeployed through alternate entities.

Practical safeguards include:

* Manager sign-off and geo-fenced timesheets

* Identity verification for remote or high-risk roles

* Dual approval for bank detail changes

* Ongoing candidate-to-client matching

* Random audits on high-value placements

Strong controls don't just prevent losses; they also strengthen recovery efforts when disputes arise.

Strategy 6: Use Tech that Pays for Itself

The right tools reduce friction; the wrong ones collect dust.

Look for solutions that:

* Plug into your ATS or CRM

* Centralize contracts, submittals, invoices, and communications

* Detect potential backdoor hires using more than spreadsheets

* Package evidence quickly for internal review or external recovery

If a tool doesn't reduce DSO, improve recovery rates, or save time, it's not helping.

This is where platforms like Back Door Hire Solutions support early detection and documentation, while recovery specialists handle enforcement.

Strategy 7: Make "Evidence First" the Habit

Great systems fail without great habits. Train your team to:

* Capture the who/what/when on every submission.

* Summarize each job's ownership window on the kickoff email.

* Log verbal agreements back to clients in writing within the hour.

* Escalate early. A cordial day-7 nudge prevents a combative day-70 debate.

Celebrate recoveries the way you celebrate new wins. Revenue saved is revenue earned.

Conclusion

If your team spends more time chasing old invoices than filling new roles, it's time to bring in specialists. Adams, Evens & Ross works exclusively with staffing and recruiting firms -- helping them recover unpaid invoices, resolve backdoor-hire cases, and protect cash flow with clear evidence and professional outreach.

By pairing strong front-end controls, early detection, and expert recovery support, staffing firms can turn disputed fees into resolved revenue and keep cash flow working for growth, not against it.

Ready to put your cash flow back on offense? Learn how Adams, Evens & Ross and Back Door Hire Solutions help firms protect margins without burning client relationships. more

Career development

 1d

Full-Time Job Search Assistance


I'm looking for a detail-oriented recruiter-style assistant who can take the grunt work out of my full-time job hunt. My biggest pain point is finding openings that genuinely match my background and career goals, so the core of this project is research and identification rather than résumé rewrites or interview prep. Here's what I need from you: * Daily or twice-weekly shortlists of relevant... full-time vacancies pulled from LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, company career pages, and any niche boards you feel are worthwhile. * Each role should be vetted against the skills, years of experience, industry, and salary range I'll share once we start. * A brief note on why each position looks like a strong fit, plus any flags you spot (e.g., relocation, unusual hours, sponsorship requirements). * Application deadlines and direct application links consolidated in a Google Sheet so I can track progress easily. If you already use tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter Lite, Boolean search strings, or job-alert automations, let me know -- speed and precision matter here. Once we've worked together a week or two, I'd love suggestions on optimising my search terms or widening the net if you think I'm missing solid opportunities. Deliverable acceptance criteria: at least 30 high-quality openings per week that align with the parameters we establish, organised clearly and delivered on schedule. more

Career development

 1d

9 things Boomers do when meeting their kids' friends that make everyone cringe


From the career interrogation that rivals a job interview to the mortifying childhood stories they share like party tricks, these encounters create moments of secondhand embarrassment so intense you'll find yourself planning exit strategies before anyone even sits down.

Picture this: Your twenty-something brings their new partner home for dinner. Before anyone's even taken off their coat, your... parent launches into a full interrogation about their job prospects, pulls out your most embarrassing baby photos, and somehow manages to share that mortifying story from middle school. Sound familiar?

We've all been there, watching in horror as generational differences collide in the most uncomfortable ways possible. And while Boomers often mean well, some of their go-to behaviors when meeting younger people can create moments so awkward, you wish the floor would open up and swallow you whole.

Having navigated these waters myself countless times with my own parents, I've compiled the most common cringe-worthy habits that seem to be hardwired into the Boomer generation. My mother, a former teacher, and my father, an engineer, are wonderful people, but they've mastered the art of making these meetings memorable for all the wrong reasons.

1. The immediate career interrogation

Before your friend even sits down, the questions start flying. "So what do you do? Where did you go to school? What are your five-year plans?"

I watched this happen just last month when I brought a new friend to a family gathering. Within thirty seconds, my dad had essentially conducted a job interview, complete with follow-up questions about salary potential and industry stability. My friend later told me she felt like she was defending her life choices to a panel of judges.

The thing is, Boomers grew up in an era where career defined identity. They genuinely think they're making conversation, but to younger generations who value work-life balance and often have non-linear career paths, it feels invasive and judgmental. Especially when they follow up with stories about how they stayed at the same company for thirty years.

2. Oversharing embarrassing childhood stories

Nothing says "welcome" quite like immediately launching into that time you wet your pants at a school play when you were seven, right?

Boomers seem to have this compulsion to share every mortifying moment from your childhood within the first ten minutes of meeting someone new. They pull out the stories like party tricks, complete with unnecessary details and dramatic reenactments.

My mother still tells anyone who will listen about my awkward teenage poetry phase. She thinks it's endearing. I think it's social suicide. The disconnect is real, and watching your parent gleefully recount your most vulnerable moments to someone you're trying to impress is pure torture.

3. Making outdated assumptions about relationships

"So when are you two getting married?" or "You'd better lock this one down!" or my personal favorite, "The biological clock is ticking!"

These comments fly out of Boomer mouths faster than you can say "boundaries." They assume every relationship follows the same trajectory they experienced: meet, marry quickly, have kids, stay together forever.

The idea that people might date for years without marrying, or choose not to have children, or be in non-traditional relationships seems to short-circuit their understanding.

Having chosen not to have children myself, I've experienced firsthand how uncomfortable these assumptions make everyone. When parents start planning hypothetical grandchildren with someone you've been dating for three months, the cringe factor goes through the roof.

4. Comparing everyone to themselves at that age

"When I was your age, I already had a mortgage and two kids!"

This comparison game is a Boomer specialty. They can't help but measure every young person against their own timeline, conveniently forgetting that they bought their house for the price of today's used car and that one income could support an entire family.

Every achievement gets diminished with "Well, back in my day..." Every struggle gets dismissed with "We had it much harder." They genuinely don't realize how out of touch these comparisons sound to people navigating a completely different economic and social landscape.

5. Trying too hard to be "hip" and "cool"

Is there anything more painful than watching a sixty-something-year-old attempt to use current slang? "That's so lit!" "No cap!" "Are you two Netflix and chilling?"

They've heard these phrases somewhere, usually used incorrectly by another Boomer on Facebook, and they deploy them with the confidence of someone who definitely knows what they're saying. The secondhand embarrassment is overwhelming.

What makes it worse is their proud expression afterward, like they've just successfully bridged the generation gap. Meanwhile, everyone under forty is trying not to make eye contact.

6. Bringing up political views immediately

Within minutes of meeting someone new, many Boomers feel compelled to share their thoughts on everything from climate change to cryptocurrency. They'll launch into monologues about "kids these days" or "what's wrong with this country" without any regard for whether anyone asked or whether the setting is appropriate.

The awkwardness intensifies when they assume everyone shares their views, or worse, when they try to debate your friend about their life choices based on political ideology. Watching your parent lecture your vegan friend about "the protein conspiracy" while serving ham makes you want to disappear entirely.

7. Commenting on appearance and lifestyle choices

"You'd be so pretty without all those piercings!" "Have you tried eating less avocado toast?" "That's an interesting haircut choice."

Boomers seem incapable of keeping observations about physical appearance to themselves. They were raised in an era where commenting on bodies and choices was normalized, and they haven't gotten the memo that it's not okay anymore.

They'll question tattoos, critique clothing choices, and offer unsolicited advice about everything from weight to career pivots. My mother still introduces me as "my daughter who worked in finance" rather than "my daughter the writer," as if my career change was a temporary phase I'll grow out of.

8. Technology struggles that derail everything

Your friend mentions something they saw online, and suddenly your parent needs them to fix their phone, explain what a meme is, and help them find that Facebook post from three years ago.

Or worse, they want to add your friend on social media immediately, pulling out their phone and squinting at the screen while everyone waits. Then come the questions about Instagram, TikTok, and "that Spotify thing," turning what should be a casual meeting into an impromptu tech support session.

The real cringe comes when they proudly show off their one technological accomplishment, like using voice-to-text, but they do it wrong and accidentally send an embarrassing message to their entire contact list.

9. Insisting on formality nobody wants

"Call me Mr. Johnson." The fancy china comes out. They've prepared a five-course meal for what was supposed to be a casual coffee.

This over-the-top formality makes everyone uncomfortable. Younger generations prefer casual, authentic interactions, but Boomers often insist on performative hosting that feels stiff and forced. They create an atmosphere so formal that nobody can relax or be themselves.

Final thoughts

Look, Boomers aren't trying to be awkward. Most of these behaviors come from a genuine place of wanting to connect, impress, or show care. They're operating from a different playbook, one that made sense in their world but translates poorly to modern social dynamics.

The key is setting boundaries beforehand and having honest conversations about what makes everyone comfortable. I've had to work through these issues with my own parents, breaking generational patterns of silence around things like mental health and personal boundaries.

Sometimes a little prep work helps too. Give your parents conversation topics that won't lead to interrogation. Set time limits for visits. And maybe, just maybe, hide those baby photos before anyone arrives.

Remember, they probably think we're equally cringe-worthy with our inability to make phone calls and our obsession with houseplants. Each generation has its quirks. The goal isn't perfection but finding ways to connect despite our differences. more

Mari Parson


Career development 4d
At our office everyone usually goes out to nearby cafes for lunch. I don’t really like restaurant food, and I don’t trust how it’s prepared, so I bring homemade food in containers.
We have a small kitchen where we can make tea or coffee, and there’s even a microwave.
The problem is that my coworkers don’t like the smell after I eat. They say the office smells like food for half the day.
I’ve... tried explaining that I prefer healthier food but it doesn’t really help. I keep noticing their annoyance, and I feel pressured. What should I do?

 more
2   

  • Makeba Kedem-DuBose

    1d

    If there is a kitchen provided, why should you be forced to change your eating habits to please them? However, I am quite curious about what you are... eating that has everyone complaining. I'd ignore them, and if their complaints persist I'd be inclined to refer to HR. more

  • Alicia D Johnson

    1d

    You have every right to bring your lunch and enjoy it. Using a microwave to heat your food is not safe. I suggest you look for containers that will... keep your food hot or cold.  more

Load more...

Tina Thackeray


Career development 1w
Good afternoon. I want to share my situation.
I have the most powerful computer at work because I officially asked for it and explained why I need it for my job. Management approved it and gave me a new, very good computer.
Now a coworker from another department wants to take my computer and swap with hers. She says her old computer is too weak because she often watches movies at work. I said... no.
After that, she started telling management bad things about me and saying that I don’t use the computer for work. I tried to talk to her, but she is threatening me - either I give her my computer, or she will keep saying that I work badly.
Do you think I should talk to management about this? Thank you for your advice.

 more
4   

  • Lucy Auma

    1d

    Most organisations have Respectful Workplace Adviser or Peer Support Volunteers please get in touch with one for further guidance or the HR. No one... should harass you at work. Document all threats and gracefully continue your work. Any misuse of a computer can be tracked. No one should threaten you. You all signed a work code of conduct. You have a right. Stand up and speak up! more

  • J.D. Walker

    1w

    A long time ago, I was the IT Chief of a Finance unit in the Army Reserve. We were getting a system that consisted of 19 laptops. 1 was more... powerful than the others because it was the server. This captain said "Oh, Accounting will be taking that one" and I immediately responded with "No, IT will be taking that one because it's meant to run the whole network, thus supporting the entire unit.". The commander sided with me. more

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Career development

 1d

FightMatrix 20 under 20 - Fight Matrix


FightMatrix's Current MMA Rankings are built to surface talent globally, regardless of promotion size, geography, or hype. With thousands of active fighters tracked and ranked weekly through the CIRRS system, the data often reveals elite prospects long before they become widely known.

This article highlights the 20 highest-ranked professional MMA fighters in the world under the age of 20, based... on the latest FightMatrix rankings. Each athlete listed here is already ranked globally and within their division, reflecting real competitive results -- not projection.

BACKGROUND AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT

Kyoma Akimoto's athletic foundation predates his MMA career. During his kindergarten years, he attended a boxing gym, developing early familiarity with striking mechanics. He later played soccer for eight years through the end of middle school, building endurance, footwork, and competitive discipline. His interest in mixed martial arts emerged during junior high after watching RIZIN events, which became a decisive influence on his career path.

Despite having already been accepted into high school, Akimoto chose not to enroll, opting instead to pursue MMA full-time at just 15 years old -- a decision made against his parents' wishes. His entry into the sport came organically: a friend of a friend joined Paraestra Kashiwa, and Akimoto followed. This unconventional but committed start set the tone for a career defined by early responsibility and long-term focus.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS

Akimoto made his professional debut on June 26, 2022, at GLADIATOR 018, earning a unanimous decision victory. In 2023, he went 3-0 in DEEP, rapidly building momentum and publicly expressing his desire to compete in RIZIN. That ambition materialized the following year as he transitioned fully into the national spotlight.

To date, Akimoto has compiled 12 professional bouts before the age of 20, including a 9-1-0 "Big League" record and a 5-1 mark inside RIZIN. His résumé reflects consistent placement against credible opposition rather than selective matchmaking, positioning him as one of the most experienced teenage fighters currently tracked in the global rankings.

FINISHING METRICS AND EFFICIENCY

From a statistical standpoint, Akimoto's profile reflects both effectiveness and balance. He holds a 72.7% win finish rate, with victories spread across knockouts, submissions, and decisions. Within RIZIN specifically, he has secured two knockouts and one submission, demonstrating finishing capability without overreliance on a single method.

His quality performance rate of 66.7% and 540 Opponent Metric of .595 indicate sustained competitiveness against meaningful opposition. These metrics suggest ranking stability driven by consistency rather than isolated peak performances.

KEY CAREER MOMENTS

Akimoto formally announced his move to Japan Top Team on March 25, 2024, a pivotal step that aligned his development with one of Japan's premier training environments. Shortly thereafter, on May 17, 2024, he defeated Alan "Hiro" Yamaninha by second-round TKO via ground-and-pound, using his post-fight interview to explicitly call for RIZIN opportunities.

His RIZIN debut came in September 2024, where he earned his fifth consecutive professional win at just 18 years old. Facing the popular and aggressive Kintaro, Akimoto delivered a statement performance, stopping him with a ground knee TKO at 3:16 of the first round. In his sophomore RIZIN appearance, he followed up with a composed victory over Hiroaki Suzuki, further validating his place on the roster.

His first professional loss came on New Year's Eve in a title elimination bout, where 🇯🇵 Yuki Motoya denied him the opportunity to become the youngest champion in RIZIN history. Rather than stalling his momentum, the setback served as a recalibration point. Akimoto rebounded with a unanimous decision win over 🇯🇵 Ryo Takagi at RIZIN Otoko Matsuri in May, firmly establishing himself as a legitimate featherweight contender.

At Super RIZIN 4, he was originally scheduled to face top contender Karshyga Dautbek. After Dautbek withdrew due to injury, Akimoto instead faced 🇯🇵 Koki Akada and secured a first-round rear-naked choke submission, maintaining his upward trajectory despite the late opponent change.

TRAINING ENVIRONMENT AND PREPARATION

Now fully embedded at Japan Top Team, Akimoto benefits from a structured, elite training environment emphasizing completeness and durability. His performances reflect disciplined preparation, efficient energy management, and adaptability across rule sets and opponent styles. The transition to JTT coincided with a noticeable uptick in composure and finishing confidence.

MENTALITY AND AMBITION

Akimoto's career decisions point to a calculated and forward-looking mentality. He has consistently sought meaningful competition, accepted stylistically difficult matchups, and remained active at a young age without excessive risk exposure. Publicly, he has stated clear goals: becoming RIZIN's first-ever teenage champion and eventually achieving double-champion status.

TRAJECTORY AND PROJECTION

Within FightMatrix's objective framework, Kyoma Akimoto represents a rare combination of volume, youth, and ranking stability. As the #9 ranked featherweight contender in RIZIN and a globally ranked athlete at just 19 years old, his ceiling remains well ahead of his current output. Continued success against top-10 domestic contenders would place him squarely on a championship trajectory.

Rather than a volatile prospect driven by highlight finishes, Akimoto profiles as a high-floor, long-term contender whose development curve is already ahead of schedule. His data-supported consistency makes him one of the most reliable and instructive case studies in the entire 20 Under 20 project.

Background and early development

Adriano Lima Sousa, known by the nickname "Imperador," is the youngest fighter featured in FightMatrix's 20 Under 20 and one of the most precocious talents currently tracked by the CIRRS system. Born and raised in Manaus, Amazonas, Sousa began training at age seven through a local social project. He initially focused on jiu-jitsu before expanding into judo, where he competed successfully at the school level. With strong family support, he later committed fully to MMA, leaving formal schooling in his early teens to train full-time.

Professional experience and results

Sousa turned professional in December 2023 and has compiled a perfect 7-0 record before the age of 19. His early career has been built primarily under the Future MMA banner in Brazil, where he has progressed rapidly from undercard bouts to main events. Five of his seven professional wins came in the first round, and all but one were finished inside the opening frame.

Finishing metrics and efficiency

Sousa holds a 100% win-by-finish rate. Six of his seven victories have come via submission, with one knockout finish. His quality performance percentage sits at 71.4%, and his FightMatrix 540 Opponent Metric (.556) reflects steady opposition depth for a teenage prospect. His finishing résumé includes rear-naked chokes, triangle chokes, armbar variations, and a neck crank, demonstrating a broad submission arsenal rather than reliance on a single pathway.

Key career moments

Brazilian outlet PrimeiroRound identified Sousa as a national breakout prospect following his April 2025 submission win over Anthony Davi Kuakoski at Future MMA 14, a bout that moved him to 5-0. That performance triggered widespread comparisons to Raul Rosas Jr., driven by Sousa's age, activity level, and finishing consistency. Sousa reinforced that momentum by headlining Future MMA 15 and submitting Ederson Santiago with a first-round triangle choke, showing composure under five-round main event conditions.

Training environment and preparation

Sousa trains out of Blacks MMA and maintains an unusually disciplined schedule for his age, reportedly training up to three times per day. His background in both jiu-jitsu and judo is evident in his ability to initiate takedowns, control scrambles, and transition quickly to submissions. His grappling-first foundation remains the defining feature of his competitive identity.

Mentality and ambition

Sousa has openly cited Raul Rosas Jr. as both inspiration and benchmark, stating his ambition to reach the UFC at an even younger age and with stronger credentials. He has also referenced Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor as influences, particularly in terms of mindset, confidence, and handling pressure. Despite his age, Sousa has shown comfort in main-event settings and an eagerness to embrace expectations rather than avoid them.

Trajectory and projection

While Sousa has not yet competed in a FightMatrix-defined "Big League" bout, his trajectory is already placing upward pressure on the global flyweight rankings. At a combat age of 17, he is already ranked internationally and remains undefeated with perfect finishing efficiency. The next phase of his development will hinge on opponent quality escalation, but within FightMatrix's objective framework, Adriano "Imperador" Sousa has already moved beyond pure projection and into the category of verified elite youth prospects.

Career context:

Ye Jun Pyeon is one of the youngest ranked fighters in the FightMatrix database and a rare example of a teenage prospect tested almost exclusively at elite domestic level from the outset of his professional career. Competing under the Road FC banner, Pyeon turned professional at just 16 years old and has already accumulated experience that far exceeds what is typical for fighters his age. Rather than being eased into competition, he has consistently faced ranked and championship-level opposition.

FightMatrix metrics snapshot:

Despite a modest 3-2 record, Pyeon carries a 66.7% win finish rate, an 80% quality performance rate, and a 540 Opponent Metric of .654. That opponent metric is among the highest in the entire 20 Under 20 cohort and reflects repeated bouts against experienced, ranked fighters rather than favorable developmental matchmaking. His ranking relevance is driven by opponent strength and competitive performance, not volume.

Title fights and losses:

Both of Pyeon's professional losses came against Jung Hyun Lee, the reigning Road FC flyweight champion. Their first meeting at Road FC 71 ended in a unanimous decision loss, but his competitiveness earned him a rematch less than a year later. At Road FC 74, Pyeon challenged for the flyweight title in what would have made him the youngest champion in Road FC history. He ultimately lost by majority decision, but the bout further established him as a legitimate contender rather than a developmental project. In that title fight, Pyeon suffered a broken left hand early, adjusted tactically, and remained competitive across three rounds.

Key wins and development:

Pyeon's victories show clear finishing upside. He scored a second-round KO over Shin Woo Lee, a third-round TKO over Joon Gun Cho, and a unanimous decision win over Ryuhei Sakai in his professional debut. The stoppage win over Cho highlighted improved pressure striking and late-fight composure, while the Sakai bout demonstrated early fight IQ and pacing.

Style and martial arts background:

Pyeon is a mobile striker built around footwork, kicking volume, and angular movement. His background includes a 4th-dan black belt in hapkido, a 4th-degree rank in taekwondo, and a 1st-dan in judo. These credentials show clearly in his balance, scrambling ability, and comfort in transitional exchanges. He began training in childhood under his father's influence and has represented South Korea in youth-level MMA competition.

Recognition and trajectory:

Road FC awarded Pyeon the 2025 Rookie of the Year, reflecting both his activity and the caliber of opposition he faced. Korean MMA media consistently frames him as a long-term elite prospect, emphasizing his composure under pressure and rapid development curve.

20 Under 20 assessment:

Within FightMatrix's 20 Under 20 project, Ye Jun Pyeon represents an accelerated development model. Early exposure to elite competition has already produced a ranking-relevant profile even in defeat. At a combat age of 19, his ceiling remains far ahead of his current output, making him one of the most credible teenage flyweights in the global database.

Background and early career

Joon Gun Cho was born in August 2006 in Incheon, South Korea, and turned professional at just 16 years old. Unlike many teenage prospects who remain within a single domestic circuit, Cho entered the professional ranks early and immediately began competing across a wide range of Asian promotions. By age 19, he had already logged fights in Road FC, ONE Championship, Angels Fighting Championship (AFC), URCC, and regional Japanese events, giving him one of the deepest competition histories among under-20 flyweights.

Professional experience and competition level

Cho has accumulated 13 professional bouts before his 20th birthday, compiling an 8-4-1 record. His résumé includes multiple "big league" appearances, reflected in a 0-2 big-league record under FightMatrix classification, primarily from ONE Championship outings. Over the past three years, he has gone 7-4-0, indicating consistent activity rather than a compressed or protected schedule.

His most recent bout came at Road FC 75 in December 2025, where he earned a second-round TKO victory over Jae Bok Jung via leg-injury stoppage. That win followed a June 2025 loss to Ye Jun Pyeon, a top-400 flyweight, placing Cho firmly within the competitive core of South Korea's flyweight scene.

Statistical profile and metrics

From a FightMatrix standpoint, Cho presents one of the more data-rich profiles on the Under-20 list. His current divisional ranking sits at #397 Flyweight, with a career-high quarterly peak of #381 recorded in April 2025. He carries a 53.8% quality performance percentage and a 540 Opponent Metric of .543, figures that reflect steady opposition quality rather than early-career padding.

Cho's win distribution shows balance rather than specialization. Half of his professional victories have come by decision, while the remaining wins are split between knockouts and submissions. His overall win-by-finish rate sits at 50%, a comparatively moderate figure shaped by frequent three-round fights against durable opponents rather than early stoppage-driven matchmaking.

Developmental context

Cho's record includes losses to internationally experienced opponents such as Moises Lois Ilogon and Ismail Khan on ONE Friday Fights cards, as well as Robson Oliveira in AFC. These setbacks have contributed to ranking volatility but also accelerated his exposure to high-level competition at an unusually young age. Importantly, each loss has been followed by continued activity rather than extended layoffs, reinforcing his development-through-experience trajectory.

Trajectory

Within the framework of FightMatrix's 20 Under 20, Joon Gun Cho represents an experience-heavy developmental model. While his ranking has fluctuated rather than climbed linearly, his early professional start, high bout count, and consistent engagement with ranked opposition distinguish him from peers who have advanced with fewer data points. At 19 years old with over a dozen professional fights, Cho remains firmly in the projection phase, with future ranking movement likely tied to opponent caliber rather than activity volume.

Background and early development

Hatem Ashraf is one of the youngest middleweight prospects currently tracked by FightMatrix and a rare under-20 representative from Egypt's developing MMA scene. Born in 2005, Ashraf transitioned from amateur competition to the professional ranks in 2024 and has moved quickly through early regional opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.

Prior to turning professional, Ashraf compiled an undefeated 4-0 amateur record between 2023 and early 2024, competing primarily under the EVO Championship banner. Those bouts included finishes via ground-and-pound and rear-naked choke, as well as a unanimous decision, providing a foundational competitive base before his pro debut.

Professional record and results

Ashraf turned professional on May 31, 2024, debuting with a second-round TKO victory over Salah ElSereb at Qadya MMA 4. He followed that with a first-round TKO of Ahmed Shaaban at Evolution Championship 104 in December 2024. His most recent bout came on August 2, 2025, at Arabian Fighters League 2, where he submitted Mostafa Abdo via first-round keylock.

Across his first three professional appearances, Ashraf holds a perfect 3-0 record with a 100% finish rate. All three wins have come inside two rounds, reflecting a pattern of early fight resolution rather than extended decision outcomes.

Metrics and rankings context

From a FightMatrix perspective, Ashraf remains in an early data phase. He carries a 33.3% quality performance percentage and a 540 Opponent Metric of .429, numbers that primarily reflect limited sample size and regional-level opposition rather than volatility. His last recorded quality performance was logged on August 2, 2025, aligning with his AFL appearance.

Ashraf entered FightMatrix's quarterly rankings in 2025 and reached a highest recorded position of #462 Middleweight in January 2026. He currently sits at #464, with 20 rating points, placing him firmly in the projection tier of the division rather than among fully established contenders.

Amateur and supplemental credentials

In addition to MMA, Ashraf has documented competitive experience in boxing. According to publicly shared records and social media disclosures, he was the Egyptian university national boxing champion as of early 2025. While not directly reflected in FightMatrix metrics, this credential helps contextualize his early professional success and finishing efficiency.

Trajectory and projection

At just 19 years old, Hatem Ashraf is competing far ahead of the typical age curve for middleweights. His undefeated professional record, amateur foundation, and consistent finishing outcomes position him as a long-term developmental prospect rather than an immediate breakout candidate.

Within FightMatrix's under-20 cohort, Ashraf stands out primarily due to weight class scarcity. Teenage middleweights are uncommon globally, and his presence reflects both early physical maturity and controlled matchmaking. His next phase of development will be defined by increases in opponent depth and fight duration, which will provide clearer signals regarding ceiling and sustainability.

For now, Ashraf represents a low-volume, high-efficiency profile from the MENA region -- a prospect whose inclusion is driven by age-relative performance and projection rather than résumé depth, but one worth monitoring as his competition level inevitably rises.

Background and early career

Mehrab Mammadzada is a 19-year-old bantamweight prospect from Sumqayit, Azerbaijan, representing the Simral MMA Team. He turned professional in January 2024 after a short amateur run and has progressed deliberately through regional competition before earning an opportunity on the ONE Championship stage. His development aligns with Azerbaijan's recent trend toward producing compact, efficiency-focused fighters rather than high-volume regional competitors.

Professional record and results

Mammadzada holds a perfect 3-0 professional record, with all three victories coming by finish. His debut came via first-round knockout of Uzeyir Nazarli in January 2024, followed by a first-round TKO against Tural Feyzullayev in February 2025. His most significant result to date occurred on October 31, 2025, when he submitted 🇹🇲 Shazada Ataev via rear-naked choke in Round 3 at ONE Friday Fights 131. That bout marked both his first fight outside the opening round and his first win over a ranked bantamweight opponent.

Statistical profile and metrics

From an analytical standpoint, Mammadzada stands out sharply among under-20 fighters. He carries a 100% win-by-finish rate, a 100% quality performance percentage, and an exceptionally high 540 Opponent Metric of .800. These numbers indicate that his wins have come against opponents who were performing well in their own recent cycles rather than against low-output or declining competition. While his total fight sample remains small, his efficiency metrics are among the strongest in FightMatrix's 20 Under 20 cohort.

Ranking trajectory

Mammadzada entered FightMatrix tracking as a flyweight in early 2025 before transitioning fully to bantamweight later that year. His highest quarterly ranking (#492 Bantamweight) was recorded on January 1, 2026, following his ONE Championship appearance. He currently sits at #484 Bantamweight with 29 rating points, reflecting upward momentum rather than inactivity. His last recorded quality performance aligns directly with his October 2025 bout, reinforcing the relevance of his current ranking.

Development context

Training at Simral MMA Team places Mammadzada in one of Azerbaijan's most productive competitive environments. He regularly works alongside established international fighters, including 🇦🇿 Tofiq Musayev, providing daily exposure to elite-level preparation standards. Unlike high-volume regional prospects, Mammadzada's résumé is defined by selective matchmaking and consistent performance outcomes rather than record padding.

Projection

Within FightMatrix's 20 Under 20, Mehrab Mammadzada represents a low-noise, high-efficiency prospect profile. He has not yet been tested by deep divisional depth or extended multi-round adversity, but his metrics, finishing consistency, and controlled progression suggest a fighter being developed methodically rather than rushed. As his competition level increases, Mammadzada will be a key case study in how efficiently developed Azerbaijani talent translates to sustained success on international platforms.

Background and early career

Alberth Bahamondes is one of the most physically distinct teenage prospects currently tracked by FightMatrix and a notable outlier within the lightweight division due to his size, frame, and early professional exposure. Born into a combat sports family in Chile, Bahamondes is the younger brother of UFC lightweight Ignacio Bahamondes, and his professional development has been closely tied to high-level preparation from an unusually early age.

Bahamondes turned professional in May 2023 at just 14 years old, competing primarily on Chilean and Latin American regional circuits including Open Fight Latam, Empire MMA, and Fusion FC. His early career progressed rapidly, reaching a 4-0 record within his first 16 months as a professional while finishing every opponent inside the distance.

Experience and competition

FightMatrix lists Bahamondes at 6-1-0 with a 100% finish rate and a 71.4% quality performance percentage. His 540 Opponent Metric of .529 places him above the median competition level for teenage lightweights, indicating a résumé built on gradual escalation rather than padded matchmaking.

While several early opponents carried limited professional records, Bahamondes has consistently been placed in main events and title bouts at the regional level. His résumé includes ranked opposition and championship opportunities, uncommon for fighters competing before age 18.

Finishing profile and results

All six of Bahamondes' professional victories have come by finish. His record shows four submission wins -- including rear-naked chokes, guillotines, and armbars -- alongside two TKO victories via doctor stoppage and opponent retirement. None of his wins have gone to decision.

His lone professional loss occurred in January 2025, when he dropped a competitive split decision to 🇵🇪 Roger Garcia at FFC 86. The bout marked the only time Bahamondes has gone the distance as a professional and served as a durability and composure test rather than a performance collapse. He rebounded later that year with a first-round rear-naked choke submission of 🇨🇱 Thiago Neves at FFC 96, registering his most recent FightMatrix quality performance.

Physical profile and divisional context

Standing approximately 188 cm (6'2") with a reported reach near 192 cm, Bahamondes possesses frame dimensions more typical of welterweights than lightweights. This physical profile has influenced both his matchup selection and finishing patterns and has already led to scheduled competition at welterweight, including an upcoming title bout in April 2026.

Ranking trajectory

Bahamondes transitioned from featherweight tracking into the lightweight division during 2024-2025. He reached a highest quarterly ranking of #493 Lightweight in October 2025 before settling at #510 entering 2026. His current FightMatrix rating points total (32) places him among the more productive under-20 lightweights globally, particularly given the division's depth.

Development environment and projection

Bahamondes trains under Team Bahamondes alongside his older brother Ignacio Bahamondes, a UFC veteran with multiple knockout wins. This environment provides daily exposure to elite-level preparation, professional pacing, and long-term career planning, mitigating many of the risks typically associated with early-start prospects.

Within FightMatrix's 20 Under 20, Alberth Bahamondes represents a size-driven, infrastructure-supported prospect whose statistical profile is defined by finishing efficiency and physical tools rather than volume or résumé density. While questions remain regarding optimal weight class and long-term endurance, his early career metrics and competition placement suggest a controlled development path with clear international potential.

Background and Career Overview

Muhammadkabir Nazarzoda is one of Central Asia's most quietly efficient teenage prospects and one of the most statistically dominant under-20 flyweights currently tracked by FightMatrix. Competing primarily across Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and the broader Eurasian regional circuit, Nazarzoda has built an undefeated professional résumé defined by early finishes and rapid progression through increasingly visible promotions.

Since turning professional at just 17 years old, Nazarzoda has compiled a 5-0 record, finishing every opponent he has defeated. His development reflects a classic Eurasian pathway: national-level competition, followed by exposure to larger regional platforms, without premature acceleration into elite opposition.

FightMatrix Metrics and Rankings

From an analytical standpoint, Nazarzoda's profile is defined by efficiency rather than volume. He carries a 100% win-by-finish rate and a 60% quality performance percentage, figures shaped by decisive outcomes rather than extended scorecard wins. His 540 Opponent Metric (.167) is among the lowest in the 20 Under 20 pool, indicating that while his dominance has been clear, his level of opposition remains in an early developmental phase relative to peers competing in deeper domestic leagues.

Nazarzoda entered FightMatrix's quarterly rankings in mid-2024 and reached his highest recorded position (#542 Flyweight) in January 2026. His current rating points (20) place him firmly in the early tracking tier of the global flyweight division.

Professional Competition and Key Wins

Nazarzoda's professional experience spans multiple respected regional promotions. He recorded early knockout victories under the Tajikistan MMA Federation banner in 2023, followed by a TKO win at ACA Young Eagles 47 in 2024 -- a meaningful step up given ACA's role as a pipeline for high-level Eurasian talent.

In 2025, he continued his upward trajectory at Naiza FC, delivering one of the most visually striking finishes in his résumé: a first-round spinning back kick knockout of 🇰🇿 Kunanbay Biekejiang. He later demonstrated composure over extended rounds with a third-round triangle choke submission against 🇰🇬 Shokhrukh Ilkhamzhan Uulu, showing that his finishing ability is not limited to early bursts.

His most recent bout took place in October 2025 at UAE Warriors 64, where his fight against 🇺🇿 Bekhzod Abdurakhimov was ruled a no contest due to an accidental groin strike in the opening round. While the result did not affect his undefeated status, it marked his debut on one of the Middle East's premier regional stages and represented his highest-profile booking to date.

Stylistic Profile

Nazarzoda's record suggests a well-rounded finisher rather than a single-path specialist. His victories include knockouts via punches and spinning techniques, alongside submissions secured later in fights. That variety indicates comfort across multiple phases of MMA, even if detailed stylistic breakdowns remain limited due to regional broadcast availability.

Unlike some prospects whose early success is built around a single dominant skill set, Nazarzoda's finishes point to adaptability and opportunistic awareness -- traits that will become increasingly important as his level of opposition rises.

Projection and Development Outlook

Within the context of FightMatrix's 20 Under 20, Muhammadkabir Nazarzoda represents a classic early-phase Eurasian prospect: undefeated, explosive, and still ascending the competition ladder. His profile is less about résumé depth and more about trajectory.

At 19 years old, with five professional finishes and appearances across multiple respected regional promotions, Nazarzoda stands as one of Tajikistan's most promising young MMA talents. His next competitive step -- particularly against deeper flyweight opposition -- will be a key inflection point in determining how quickly his FightMatrix profile evolves from efficient prospect to internationally relevant contender.

Background and early career

Takehiro Nakaike is one of Japan's most accomplished teenage flyweight prospects and one of the youngest fighters to establish a substantial résumé within Shooto's professional system. Born and raised in Tokyo, Nakaike developed his foundation through Paraestra Koiwa, one of Japan's most respected MMA gyms, known for producing technically disciplined fighters rather than early hype-driven prospects.

Before transitioning fully to professional MMA, Nakaike built an elite grappling base. He is a former All-Japan No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Champion, a credential that places him well above the average developmental baseline for fighters entering MMA at his age. That background has translated directly into his early professional results.

Experience and competition

Nakaike turned professional at just 16 years old and has competed exclusively under the Shooto banner, a promotion known for depth, consistency, and structured matchmaking. Across seven professional bouts, he has compiled a 6-1 record, with all six wins coming by finish.

Unlike many teenage prospects who accumulate early wins against lightly vetted opposition, Nakaike's fights have come within Shooto's established flyweight ecosystem. His résumé includes multiple opponents tracked by FightMatrix, including ranked flyweights such as Zhengyong Lu (#588) and Arashi Okada (#626), indicating a level of opposition strength uncommon for fighters still under 20.

His most recent bout came on May 18, 2025, when he headlined Professional Shooto 2025 Vol. 3 in Tokyo. Elevated to the main event following late card changes, Nakaike delivered a decisive first-round TKO over Arashi Okada, marking his latest FightMatrix quality performance.

Statistical profile and metrics

FightMatrix data positions Nakaike as one of the more statistically complete teenage flyweights globally.

Record: 6-1-0

Win finish rate: 100%

Quality performance percentage: 71.4%

540 Opponent Metric: .500

Combat age: 18

Rating points: 20-22 range across 2024-2026

His 100% finish rate reflects a fighter who does not rely on decisions, while his quality performance percentage places him well above the median for under-20 flyweights. The .500 opponent metric suggests balanced competition -- not padded records, but not yet elite opposition -- consistent with a prospect transitioning from development to evaluation.

Ranking trajectory

Nakaike's ranking history reflects early acceleration followed by natural stabilization. He entered the FightMatrix system in mid-2024 and quickly climbed to a peak quarterly ranking of #429 Flyweight on July 1, 2024. Since then, his position has settled into the #520-540 range entering 2026, a fluctuation driven largely by activity volume and divisional density rather than performance regression.

His sole professional loss came on November 30, 2024, when he suffered a first-round TKO defeat to Shimon Suzuki (#243 Flyweight). That setback represents the highest-ranked opponent he has faced to date and remains a valuable data point in his development curve. Notably, Nakaike rebounded immediately with three consecutive first-round finishes following that loss.

Developmental context

Nakaike represents a distinctly Japanese development model: competition-first, system-driven, and exposure-earned rather than promoted. While many teenage prospects rely on international circuits or highlight-heavy matchmaking, Nakaike's résumé is built entirely within Shooto, emphasizing consistency, durability, and technical reliability.

At 18 years old, with elite grappling credentials, six professional finishes, and experience headlining events in one of Asia's most respected MMA promotions, Nakaike stands out as one of the most structurally sound flyweight prospects in FightMatrix's under-20 cohort. His long-term ceiling will be determined by how his Shooto experience translates as he encounters deeper international opposition, but his statistical foundation already places him among the most credible teenage flyweights currently tracked.

Background and early career

Wanderson Silva is an undefeated Brazilian flyweight prospect from Santa Inês, Maranhão, who began his professional MMA career in mid-2024. Training under Team Extreme Combat, Silva transitioned from a submission-heavy amateur background into the professional ranks at 17 years old, carrying over a grappling-first foundation while emphasizing composure and control rather than early-career aggression.

Experience and competition

Since turning professional on July 20, 2024, Silva has compiled a 4-0 record across Brazilian regional promotions, primarily competing under the Extreme Show Combat banner. His professional bouts have included both multi-round decision wins and submission finishes, giving him early exposure to different fight tempos and judging environments. His most recent victory came in August 2025, when he submitted Jhonielton Alves Pinheiro via ninja choke at ESC 9.

Silva's résumé reflects steady progression rather than accelerated matchmaking. His four professional opponents remain unranked within FightMatrix, but the consistency of outcomes and lack of setbacks suggest careful career management appropriate for his age.

Ranking trajectory and data profile

Silva entered the FightMatrix rankings in late 2025 and reached a quarterly high of #598 Flyweight on January 1, 2026. His current ranking of #541 Flyweight reflects steady upward movement rather than a sudden spike, consistent with a fighter accumulating wins without high-profile opposition. With a combat age of 19 and no losses, his ranking functions primarily as a projection indicator.

Trajectory

Within FightMatrix's under-20 flyweight pool, Wanderson Silva represents a controlled, low-variance development case. His undefeated record, balanced outcome distribution, and high quality performance percentage suggest reliability rather than volatility. While his ceiling remains undefined due to limited opposition depth, his early consistency and ability to win across different fight types position him as a prospect whose long-term value will be determined by gradual increases in competition over the next one to two years.

Background and early career

Gabriel Amaral is one of the youngest fighters currently active in the FightMatrix system and an extreme outlier in terms of age-to-division placement. Born in February 2009 and fighting out of Colombo, Paraná, Amaral turned professional at just 15 years old under the Chute Boxe banner. Despite his youth, he has competed exclusively as a middleweight since debuting, an unusual developmental path that places him among the youngest middleweights on record at the professional level.

Experience and competition

Amaral has compiled a 5-0 professional record in a seven-month span during 2025, remaining undefeated and highly active across multiple regional Brazilian promotions. His wins have come under banners including CFS, Brazilian Cage Championship, FMS Fight Music Show, UFS, and Saikyo. All five victories occurred within the same calendar year, reflecting aggressive matchmaking and a high activity rate for a teenage prospect.

Statistically, Amaral's résumé is compact but decisive. He owns a 100% win finish rate, with no professional bout going to decision. Four of his five wins have come via KO or TKO, with the remaining victory coming by submission. His average fight duration remains short, with four first-round finishes and one second-round stoppage, limiting exposure to extended-round variables.

Finishing ability and metrics

Amaral's FightMatrix metrics emphasize efficiency over opponent depth. His quality performance percentage currently sits at 40.0%, a reflection of unranked opposition rather than outcome volatility. The 540 Opponent Metric (.000) indicates that none of his professional opponents were established within the rankings at the time of competition, which is typical for fighters debuting at his age.

His ranking trajectory reflects early system entry rather than divisional standing. As of January 1, 2026, Amaral is ranked #554 at middleweight, with his highest quarterly placement recorded as #570. His combat age is listed at 16, making him one of the youngest ranked fighters across all divisions.

Notable results

Among Amaral's five wins, the most prominent occurred on August 2, 2025, when he knocked out João Victor via flying switch kick in the first round at FMS Fight Music Show: Fight Night 6. That finish circulated widely on regional highlight feeds and remains his most visually notable stoppage. He followed with a second-round doctor stoppage against Leonardo Medeiros and capped his year with a first-round TKO of Daniel Oliveira at Saikyo 2 in October 2025.

Trajectory

From a data-driven perspective, Amaral remains a projection-based prospect rather than a validated contender. His undefeated record, 100% finish rate, and unusually young age create a statistical profile that stands out even within youth-focused prospect pools. However, the lack of ranked opposition and absence of decision minutes make long-term evaluation premature.

Within FightMatrix's under-20 cohort, Gabriel Amaral represents an extreme developmental case: a physically mature teenage finisher competing in a heavier division with rapid activity and minimal résumé insulation. His future trajectory will depend less on early results and more on controlled progression, opponent quality increases, and how his performance scales once early-round dominance is tested.

Background and early career

Luiz Paes emerged from Brazil's deep regional scene as one of the most immediately impactful teenage prospects of 2025. Training out of Team Lucas Mineiro, Paes transitioned to professional MMA at just 17 years old, bringing with him a competitive amateur background that included finishes by knockout, submission, and decision. From the outset, his game translated cleanly to the pro rule set, with no visible adjustment period in terms of pace or confidence.

Paes' early reputation was built almost entirely on violence. Unlike many teenage prospects who are eased into professional competition, his debut came with clear intent to finish, a trend that has continued uninterrupted through his first three bouts.

Experience and competition

Paes has compiled a 3-0 professional record in under seven months of activity, all victories coming inside the opening round. His pro résumé includes appearances under the SFT Combat and Thunder Fight banners, two of Brazil's more visible regional promotions. Despite his limited number of fights, his opposition has not been padded entirely with debutants, and his performances have consistently ended fights decisively before opponents could settle.

His most recent win, a first-round flying knee knockout of 🇧🇷 Vinicius Oliveira at Thunder Fight 53, marked his highest-profile performance to date. That bout followed an earlier first-round knockout of 🇧🇷 Paulo Silva at Thunder Fight 50 and a rear-naked choke submission win in his professional debut. Together, these results established Paes as a rare teenage finisher capable of ending fights via multiple methods.

Statistically, Paes carries a 100% finish rate, with two knockouts and one submission across three professional wins. His quality performance percentage currently sits at 66.7%, with a 540 Opponent Metric of .333, reflecting developing opposition quality consistent with an early-stage prospect climbing rapidly through regional tiers.

Finishing ability and metrics

Paes' profile is defined by immediacy. All three professional wins have ended in Round 1, with no bout extending beyond the opening five minutes. Two of those finishes came via knockout, including a left-hand knockout and a flying knee, while his debut showcased submission ability with a rear-naked choke.

From a metrics standpoint, his FightMatrix ranking progression reflects how strongly finishes are weighted at this stage of development. Paes entered the rankings outside the top 1,100 bantamweights and climbed rapidly into the low-600s within two quarters, driven almost entirely by emphatic stoppages rather than volume wins or extended decision performances.

His rating points total of 26 already places him ahead of many peers with twice the number of professional fights, underscoring how efficiently his results have translated into measurable ranking movement.

Trajectory

At just 18 years old, Paes represents a projection-heavy prospect whose current value lies in reliability rather than depth. He has not yet been forced into extended rounds or adversity, but he has shown no hesitation in capitalizing on defensive mistakes and closing fights quickly. His upcoming bout against 🇧🇷 Jefferson Santos at Thunder Fight 56 will represent his first opportunity to face an opponent with comparable momentum, serving as an early litmus test for how his style holds against resistance.

Within a FightMatrix-style prospect evaluation, Luiz Paes fits the archetype of the early-impact finisher: a teenage bantamweight whose short-term ceiling is driven by stoppage consistency and whose long-term trajectory will depend on how he adapts once opponents survive the opening storm. Through 2026, he remains one of Brazil's most dangerous young knockout artists to track at the regional level.

Background and early competition

Danilo Marques is a 19-year-old Brazilian bantamweight who entered professional MMA in mid-2023 and has already accumulated five professional bouts across Brazil's regional circuit. Competing primarily under the Jungle Fight banner, Marques has been active against a mix of debuting fighters and opponents with established regional experience.

Professional record and activity

Marques holds a 4-1-0 professional record, with all five bouts occurring over a 25-month span. His activity rate has been consistent, averaging two to three appearances per year since turning professional -- a steady workload for a teenage bantamweight navigating early development.

Win distribution and outcomes

Two of Marques' four victories have come by knockout, with the remaining wins earned over three-round decisions. His only professional loss came via decision, indicating no stoppage defeats to date.

Strength of opposition

Marques' competition has largely consisted of regional-level bantamweights typical for early-career development. His most recent bout against Mathias Guedes at Jungle Fight represented a step up in opposition quality compared to his earlier appearances, providing valuable rounds against a durable opponent.

Ranking progression and metrics

Marques is currently ranked #613 at bantamweight on FightMatrix. His ranking has remained relatively stable through 2024-2025, reflecting consistent results rather than sharp volatility. His Quality Performance percentage sits at 60%, and his 540 Opponent Metric is .556, indicating mid-tier regional opposition appropriate for his stage of development.

Developmental outlook

At 19 years old with five professional fights already logged, Marques' statistical profile reflects a prospect progressing at a measured pace rather than being rushed. Continued activity against increasingly experienced opposition will determine whether his steady early results translate into upward momentum within the bantamweight rankings over the next several seasons.

Background and early career

Gerardo Sanchez is a 19-year-old flyweight prospect from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, representing Dragon Legacy Gym. He turned professional in early 2025 and has competed exclusively under the LUX Fight League umbrella to date, entering the professional ranks through structured tournament formats rather than isolated matchmaking. His early career has been defined by consistency and competitive placement rather than volume.

Experience and competition

Sanchez has compiled a 3-0 professional record across a seven-month span in 2025, with all three bouts taking place in regulated LUX competition. His résumé includes participation in the inaugural Streamers Smash flyweight tournament, a single-elimination format that required multiple wins against peers in the same developmental tier. He advanced through the bracket with victories over Andrw Garcia, Johan Peña, and Zaid Varela, culminating in a tournament win at LUX 054 that earned him a promotional contract.

Metrics and performance indicators

Despite a modest finish rate of 33.3%, Sanchez's underlying metrics are unusually strong for a teenager at this stage. He carries a 100% quality performance percentage and a perfect 1.00 540 Opponent Metric, meaning every professional opponent he has defeated was evaluated at a comparable or higher competitive baseline at the time of the bout. His current FightMatrix ranking of #635 flyweight reflects a steady upward trend rather than volatility-driven spikes.

Results breakdown

Of his three professional wins, two have come by decision and one by second-round TKO. All three bouts were completed without significant control losses or early-round collapses, indicating consistent round management. His split-decision victory over Zaid Varela in the tournament final stands as his most competitive result, coming under elevated pressure and extended exposure.

Ranking trajectory

Sanchez entered the FightMatrix flyweight rankings outside the top 700 before moving into the mid-600s by January 2026. His quarterly ranking progression shows steady improvement rather than sharp jumps, reflecting accumulation of quality wins rather than single-event momentum. With only three professional fights, his placement is notable relative to peers with similar experience levels.

Development outlook

At 19 years old with a limited but clean professional record, Sanchez profiles as a high-floor developmental prospect. His résumé lacks highlight-reel volume, but his metrics suggest efficient progression through appropriate competition tiers. As he transitions from tournament-based formats into standard professional matchmaking, his trajectory will depend on maintaining performance consistency as opponent depth increases. Within a data-driven prospect framework, Gerardo Sanchez represents a controlled, system-developed flyweight whose early success is built on competitive selection and efficiency rather than early-career attrition. His profile projects continued incremental movement through the rankings as his sample size expands through 2026.

Background and early life

Arthur Ventura is a Brazilian bantamweight prospect from Brasília who began building his combat résumé long before turning professional. Coming up through Brazil's amateur MMA circuit, he competed frequently across multiple promotions and rule sets, gaining experience in both grappling-heavy and mixed-format bouts. That amateur foundation allowed Ventura to transition into professional MMA in early 2025 at just 18 years old with minimal adjustment time.

Experience and competition

Ventura turned professional on March 22, 2025, and quickly established a steady fight rhythm on the Brazilian regional scene, particularly under the Jungle Fight banner. In his first seven months as a pro, he logged four professional bouts, all of which ended in victory. His schedule reflects consistent activity rather than selective matchmaking, with each fight contributing to a measurable rise in ranking and competition level.

Finishing ability and metrics

Across four professional bouts, Ventura holds a 100% finish rate. Three of his victories have come in the first round, with the remaining fight ending in round two. His wins include one knockout and three submissions, resulting in an even distribution across finishing methods. Statistically, he carries a 75% quality performance percentage and a 540 Opponent Metric of .833, indicating that his early wins have come against comparatively solid regional opposition rather than purely developmental matchups.

Notable results

Ventura's most visible performance to date occurred on October 25, 2025, at Jungle Fight 141, where he defeated Alejandro Ribeiro via first-round flying knee knockout. That bout followed three consecutive submission wins earlier in the year, reinforcing consistency in early fight endings rather than reliance on a single standout result. His ability to finish opponents quickly has been the primary driver behind his rapid ranking movement.

Ranking trajectory

Ventura's FightMatrix ranking progression reflects one of the sharper early climbs among Brazilian bantamweights in 2025. He entered the rankings outside the top 1,000 and rose to #646 bantamweight within two quarterly updates, including a single-quarter jump of more than 300 positions. That rise has been driven by stoppage efficiency and opponent quality rather than fight volume alone.

Trajectory

At 19 years old with a combat age of 18, Ventura's professional résumé remains compact but efficient. He has yet to be tested over extended rounds, but his early data profile shows a young bantamweight finishing consistently and advancing rapidly through the rankings. His next phase of development will be defined by longer fights and higher-ranked opposition, making him a prospect whose trajectory remains measurable, upward, and closely tied to future matchmaking quality.

Background and early competition

Ricardo Lemos is an 18-year-old Brazilian flyweight who entered professional MMA after an unusually early start in amateur competition. Social media and regional records indicate that Lemos was competing in organized MMA bouts as early as 2022 in the youth 40-45 kg range, placing him among the youngest fighters in Brazil to log sanctioned amateur cage time. His combat background is rooted in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which he began training at a very young age.

Professional record and activity

Lemos turned professional in early 2024 and has compiled three professional bouts before turning 19. His activity has been steady rather than rushed, with appearances spread across 2024 and 2025 on the Brazilian regional circuit. His current professional record stands at 3-0.

Win distribution and outcomes

All of Lemos' victories have come either by submission or decision, with no recorded knockout wins. His two submission victories reinforce the grappling-heavy nature of his early results, while his decision win indicates exposure to full three-round pacing early in his career.

Strength of opposition

Lemos' professional opponents have largely been regional-level flyweights typical for early-career development. While none were ranked inside the global top tiers at the time of competition, several had prior professional experience, giving Lemos a measured introduction to the pro ranks rather than purely debut-level opposition.

Ranking progression and metrics

Currently ranked #667 at flyweight on FightMatrix, Lemos' position reflects limited professional volume rather than volatility. His Quality Performance percentage sits at 50%, and his 540 Opponent Metric is .571, suggesting average but legitimate opposition relative to his experience level.

Developmental outlook

At just 18 years old, with extensive amateur MMA exposure and early professional experience already logged, Lemos' statistical profile reflects a prospect built on long-term development rather than rapid acceleration. Continued activity and incremental increases in opponent strength will determine whether his early groundwork translates into upward momentum within the flyweight rankings over the next several years.

Background and early competition

Yamato Tanimura is an 18-year-old Japanese flyweight who transitioned to professional MMA in early 2025 following one of the most extensive amateur careers among fighters in his age group. He began training in martial arts at an exceptionally young age and accumulated a high-volume amateur résumé prior to turning professional.

Professional record and activity

Tanimura holds a 2-0 professional record, with both wins occurring in his first four months as a pro. He debuted in February 2025 and competed again in May 2025, logging two fights within a short window under the Pancrase banner -- one of Japan's longest-running MMA organizations.

Win distribution and outcomes

Both of Tanimura's professional victories have come by finish, giving him a 100% finish rate to date. His wins include a first-round submission in his pro debut and a second-round TKO in his most recent bout, reflecting the ability to close fights without judges' involvement early in his career.

Amateur résumé

Prior to turning professional, Tanimura compiled an amateur record of 28-3. His accomplishments include winning the 2024 All-Japan Amateur MMA Championship (Flyweight Main Tournament), as well as multiple national and international titles across amateur MMA and hybrid combat formats. This volume of amateur competition places him well above the typical experience baseline for an 18-year-old flyweight.

Ranking progression and metrics

Tanimura is currently ranked #684 at flyweight on FightMatrix. His ranking is primarily volume-limited rather than performance-limited, as his professional résumé remains short despite extensive amateur experience. His early results have been sufficient to establish him within the global rankings after just two professional appearances.

Developmental outlook

At 18 years old, with a deep amateur background and two professional finishes already recorded, Tanimura's statistical profile reflects a prospect entering the professional ranks with unusually high competitive seasoning. Continued activity and sustained results against ranked opposition will determine how quickly his FightMatrix position advances, but his early data points suggest a stable foundation for long-term development within the flyweight division.

#18 - Diego Agustin "El Prodigio" Oyamada

Background and early competition

Diego Agustin Oyamada is a 19-year-old Argentine flyweight who began his professional MMA career at 17 and has already accumulated seven pro bouts across Argentina's regional circuit. Fighting out of Dragon Team, Oyamada has consistently faced opponents with established regional experience rather than purely developmental matchups.

Professional record and activity

Oyamada holds a 5-2-0 professional record, with all seven fights taking place between November 2023 and September 2025. His activity level is notable for his age, averaging roughly one fight every three to four months during his first two years as a professional.

Win distribution and outcomes

Four of Oyamada's five victories have come by submission, all inside the first round, giving him an overall finish rate of 80%. He has also gone the distance in multiple fights, including a unanimous decision win in 2024 and a split decision loss in his most recent bout.

Strength of opposition

Oyamada's recent schedule includes competition against higher-ranked regional flyweights. His last fight came against Mauro Gabriel Gomez, a top-500 flyweight at the time, at Samurai Fight House 24. Despite the loss, Oyamada went the full distance, gaining valuable experience against one of the stronger opponents of his career to date.

Ranking progression and metrics

Oyamada's FightMatrix ranking peaked at #653 flyweight in mid-2025 before settling at #711 following his most recent loss. His Quality Performance percentage stands at 42.9%, paired with a strong 540 Opponent Metric of .615 -- indicating that his results have come against relatively solid opposition rather than padded records.

Developmental outlook

At 19 years old, Oyamada already has meaningful experience across finishes and three-round fights, as well as exposure to higher-tier regional opposition. His statistical profile reflects a prospect still in the developmental phase but one whose early activity and strength of schedule position him well for continued progression within the flyweight division over the next several years.

Background and early competition

Lucas Lima is an 18-year-old bantamweight from Coari, Amazonas, who entered professional MMA in 2025 after building local experience on the northern Brazilian circuit. He has remained active within his home region while steadily increasing his visibility through consistent results.

Professional record and activity

Lima holds an undefeated 4-0 professional record, all achieved within his first year as a pro. He has competed regularly since his debut in April 2025, averaging one fight approximately every two to three months during his initial run.

Win distribution and outcomes

Lima has finished all four professional opponents, giving him a 100% finish rate. All victories have come inside the opening round, reflecting decisive outcomes without judges' involvement.

Strength of opposition

His wins have come against regional-level competition typical for an early-stage prospect. While none of his opponents were ranked in the global top tiers at the time of competition, his results have been consistent and without performance regression.

Ranking progression and metrics

Lima is currently ranked #721 at bantamweight on FightMatrix. His Quality Performance percentage sits at 75%, and his 540 Opponent Metric is .500, indicating mid-level regional opposition appropriate for his experience level. His ranking trajectory remains upward due to his undefeated record and consistent finishing outcomes.

Developmental outlook

At 18 years old with four professional finishes already logged, Lima is ahead of the standard activity curve for bantamweights in his age range. Continued competition against progressively stronger opposition will determine the pace of his advancement, but his early statistical profile positions him as a developing prospect with clear momentum entering the next phase of his career.

Background and early competition

Matheus Silva is an 18-year-old Brazilian flyweight from Castanhal, Pará, who has already accumulated seven professional bouts before his 19th birthday. He turned pro in late 2023 and has competed consistently across Brazil's regional circuit, including Shooto Brasil, Super Pitbull Combate, Salvaterra Marajó Fight, and LFA -- a notable step up in platform for a fighter his age.

Professional record and activity

Silva holds a 5-2-0 professional record, with all seven fights taking place within a 23-month span. His level of activity stands out among teenage flyweights, averaging roughly one fight every three to four months during peak stretches in 2024-2025. Five of his seven bouts have gone to a finish, giving him a 60% overall finish rate.

Win distribution and outcomes

Silva has demonstrated the ability to win both inside the distance and over three rounds. His victories include finishes in rounds one through three, as well as multiple decision wins, indicating exposure to varied fight outcomes early in his career.

Strength of opposition

Silva's recent competition has included experienced regional fighters and higher-ranked opposition. His most recent bout came against Cláudio Bento de Meireles at LFA 221, a top-300 flyweight at the time, representing the highest-caliber opponent of his career. While Silva lost via third-round TKO, the matchup marked a clear step up in competition and provided high-level experience at a young age.

Ranking progression and metrics

Silva's FightMatrix ranking peaked at #631 flyweight in early 2025 before settling at #729 following his most recent loss. His Quality Performance percentage sits at 57.1%, with a 540 Opponent Metric of .800 -- a strong indicator that his wins have come against credible regional-level opposition rather than low-resistance matchups.

Developmental outlook

At just 18 years old, Silva already has meaningful cage time across multiple promotions, including international exposure through LFA. His early-career résumé reflects a prospect who has been tested, experienced both wins and setbacks, and logged full three-round fights -- a valuable foundation for long-term development as he continues to mature physically and competitively.

Weight Class Note

No fighters under the age of 20 appear in the Light Heavyweight or Heavyweight rankings. These divisions typically favor physical maturity and longer developmental timelines, making early-career ranking placement far less common than in lighter weight classes.

FightMatrix's 20 Under 20 is not just a list of future potential -- it is a snapshot of current global relevance. These fighters are already ranked, already evaluated, and already part of the sport's competitive fabric.

Some will rise quickly. Others will stall or fall out of the rankings entirely. That uncertainty is intrinsic to MMA, and the system reflects it honestly.

The next generation isn't coming. It's already ranked. more

Career development

 1d

D51 juniors glimpse future in workforce


About 1,150 high school juniors from across Mesa County Valley School District 51 descended on the campus of Colorado Mesa University on Jan. 15 for Workforce Development Day, taking part in career-focused breakout sessions designed to help students explore post-graduation pathways.

The annual event brought students together for a day of hands-on workshops, presentations, and conversations with... educators, workforce professionals and local employers. Students rotated through breakout sessions covering entrepreneurship, construction and skilled trades, financial literacy, résumé building and career planning.

The event was designed to expose students to a wide range of career options, including college, technical education, apprenticeships and direct entry into the workforce. Hosting the event on CMU's campus also gave students firsthand exposure to a postsecondary environment while connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

Local innovation and business development

An entrepreneurship-focused breakout session introduced students to local business development resources and real-world examples of turning ideas into sustainable companies.

The session was hosted by Mike Ritter, director of economic development at the Business Incubator Center of Western Colorado.

"We're a nonprofit, business-development organization in our community to build up the entrepreneurial ecosystem for Grand Junction, Mesa County, the Western Slope and statewide initiatives," Ritter told students. "We operate through five different pillars of entrepreneurship."

Those pillars include business-development education, access to capital through loan funding, grants and incentives, physical space for early-stage manufacturing and services, and innovation labs focused on prototyping and product development.

"One of the best ways to pursue entrepreneurship is to find a problem and have a passion," Ritter said. "If you have a passion for something and you can solve a problem and make that thing easier for others, that's a great way that many people start their businesses."

Ritter also spoke about the importance of economic diversification and how building a mix of industries helps stabilize the local economy during downturns in any single sector.

Students then heard from Kenneth Riskey, owner of E Bricks Outlet, who described turning a personal frustration into a global business centered on reused LEGO parts.

"I published a list online to see if anybody else had that idea," Riskey said. "Fast forward 25 years later, we're still doing the same thing. We ship orders every day to almost every corner of the planet."

Another presenter, Rysa Ferris, owner of Ferris Mushrooms, told students her consulting-based business model focuses on mushroom cultivation, sustainability and zero-waste production.

Ferris described designing mushroom-growing systems that repurpose local waste streams while supplying fresh food to restaurants and retailers.

"This was a business with zero waste," Ferris said. "Everything that we generated could be reused or made into something else, and that was of paramount importance to me.

"We were able to collect the food source for free and then create a byproduct in the end that is needed by farmers. I feel that's the most ethical way you can begin a business."

Riskey and Ferris encouraged students to view entrepreneurship as a process rather than a single idea.

Construction, skilled trades emphasize early pathways

A construction-focused breakout session hosted by Careers in Construction, a workforce program run through the Housing & Building Association of Western Colorado, introduced students to careers in construction, design and architecture, with an emphasis on starting early and building skills while still in high school.

The session was presented by Karrie Kuklish, head of business development at Fixture Studio and committee chair of Careers in Construction of Western Colorado.

Kuklish spoke about the satisfaction of seeing projects move from concept to completion.

"There's something really powerful about being able to see something that you drew on paper, and then you walk past the building and you're like, 'I designed that,'" she told students. "It's kind of a cool feeling."

Kuklish told students that years later, she can still look back on buildings she worked on early in her career and feel pride knowing she helped bring them from concept to reality.

She highlighted real-world examples of student work transitioning into active community projects, including a former District 51 student whose architectural design was selected for use by Habitat for Humanity.

"She graduated two years ago, and Habitat actually used one of her full plans and designs," Kuklish said. "Her house plans are actually being built in the community right now."

Students asked what daily life looks like in construction-related careers, prompting Kuklish to describe job-site schedules and industry expectations.

"A typical job on a job site, you're going to start early," she said. "You're loading your truck, making sure you have your tools, making sure you have the equipment you need for the day."

She contrasted job-site work with design-based roles.

"As designers, we're working with different people every single day," Kuklish said. "We're going over plans, changing things, calling contractors, making sure things are lined up. There isn't anything that's just typical about it. There's something different every single day."

A key theme of the session was encouraging students to explore construction pathways early, including apprenticeships that can begin before graduation.

Students were made aware they can begin apprenticeships while still in high school, allowing them to reach journeyman status sooner after graduation than if they wait.

Kuklish encouraged students to enroll in construction courses offered through their high schools and to work with career and technical education coordinators to pursue job-shadowing opportunities.

"The biggest thing is taking initiative and being coachable," she said. "That's exactly what employers are looking for."

She also highlighted concurrent enrollment opportunities through Colorado Mesa University, including drafting and architecture programs that allow students to earn certificates while still in high school. more

Career development

 1d

'Grown adults bringing their parents to interviews?': Supermarket employee reveals that "18 to 25-year-old boys" keep bringing their parents along during job interviews


This grocery store worker is insisting that there's a bizarre job interviewing phenomenon that they keep witnessing!

The way my jaw would drop if a job candidate showed up to an interview with their Mom by their side... It sounds far-fetched, but this person is insisting that they've witnessed the phenomenon firsthand.

It doesn't matter which industry you're necessarily in, there are some things... that you just don't do at job interviews. The rules haven't really changed that much over the years, despite the changes in technology. Once you agree to a time for the job interview, you need to spend a few days preparing. You'll need a freshly laundered suit -- a suit jacket is usually a requirement, regardless of your gender, as well as some smart shoes and a crisp shirt. You'll be expected to show up with several copies of your resume (yes, even in current year, we still have to seek out a printer and print off a few of those, just in case the interviewer requests it. Oh yeah, and don't forget to show up 10 or 15 minutes early... some interviewers do judge you on this.

One more big rule here, and I apologize in advance for saying something so blatantly obvious for most of us who would never do such a thing... but don't bring anyone else along to the interview, okay? Leave your kids, pets, friends, and parents at home. Unless you are going to be working with another person every day, you simply cannot bring that person to the interview! It's fascinating that this person claims to see a pattern of this behavior. Maybe these young people are too nervous to go alone, or maybe they're just a little socially stunted and can't figure out how to navigate a conversation without Mom around. I just can't really imagine any scenario where someone brings a parent to a job interview and then gets that job. Even if they're the finest candidate for the job, and have ever possible qualification, they're going to be know as the guy who brought his Dad to the interview.

Check out what this grocery store worker had to say about it. In the comments, people questioned the trend for themselves, both in disbelief and in amusement. Let's hope this trend fades away quickly so that teens can get their jobs the normal way -- by showing up to a job interview with no parental intervention needed. more

Career development

 1d

Bondex & Web3.Career Launch in Decentraland, Driving the Next Era of Web3 Hiring


Following recent acquisition of Web3 job board Remote3, Bondex now accounts for over 50% of all Web3 job-search traffic

London, England, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bondex, the Web3 platform revolutionizing professional trust and credibility, has announced the launch of a dedicated career hub in Decentraland, which will operate as a decentralized social metaverse world where jobseekers can... engage directly with Web3 enterprises as avatars and explore immediate recruitment opportunities.

Decentraland is the virtual world hub for enterprises such as Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Deutsche Bank, and now Bondex. Last year Decentraland attracted 3.9 million unique visitors, and over 270,000 unique wallets engaged with the platform.

At a time when AI is flooding hiring pipelines with fake credentials, inflated CVs, and unverifiable claims, Bondex is building the trust layer the industry is missing. The Decentraland hub makes that vision accessible -- letting users explore Web3.Career's job board from inside the metaverse, then dive deeper into Bondex's verified ecosystem where your work speaks louder than your résumé.

Decentraland users can access the permanent installation as an avatar and chat with hiring managers, join workshops, and interact like they would in real life. Monthly workshops will bring together recruiters and experts across tech, finance, design, and other burgeoning Web3 professional tracks. Attendees can access the highly popular Web3.Career jobs board and apply directly through their avatars with just a few clicks.

This marks the latest evolution in the partnership between Bondex and Decentraland, after Bondex was named the official hiring partner for Decentraland Career Quest 2025, Decentraland's flagship immersive career fair held in July 2025.

The launch of the dedicated career hub in Decentraland marks another important milestone in Bondex's mission to rebuild global hiring, networking, and talent acquisition, underpinned by the principles of privacy and authenticity. Bondex offers jobseekers a seamless end-to-end experience, from building a verified, digital identity to discovering and applying for cutting-edge roles across the Web3 industry landscape, while filtering remote crypto jobs by salary, location, and skills.

Hiring the wrong candidate is a costly and escalating risk for organizations worldwide. CareerBuilder research places the average cost of a bad hire at $17,000, while 2021 findings from the U.S. Department of Labor show that replacement costs for specialized roles can reach $240,000. The Department also estimates that a poor hire can consume up to 30% of an employee's first-year earnings, equating to $24,000 in losses on an $80,000 salary. In technology positions, replacement costs frequently exceed 100-150% of annual salary. With 74% of employers acknowledging past hiring mistakes and Gartner projecting that 25% of candidates will be fraudulent by 2028, the challenge now represents an estimated $600 billion annual economic impact.

"Decentraland is the established hub for enterprises such as Deutsche Bank, Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger, as such, Bondex-verified job applicants will greatly benefit from these established connections. Together our platforms aim to connect legitimate talent, projects, and employers while driving positive hiring outcomes," said Ignacio Palomera, Bondex Co-founder. "We're inviting professionals across the industry spectrum to explore the exciting Web3 hiring landscape via our dedicated career hub in Decentraland."

Bondex recently completed its acquisition of Remote3, a leading remote job board focused on developers, community managers, designers, and non-technical crypto roles. Remote3 brings more than 100,000 monthly page views and 20,500 registered profiles into the Bondex ecosystem. This follows Bondex's acquisition of Web3.Career earlier this summer, establishing the company as the clear leader in Web3 talent aggregation. With both platforms under its umbrella, Bondex now accounts for more than half of all Web3 job-search traffic, meaning that, in practice, every second person looking for a crypto-related role passes through the Bondex network.

$BDXN is the native utility token that powers Bondex's job platform, which now counts 5 million downloads, 2 million profiles, and more than 130,000 daily active users. The platform integrates directly with applicant tracking systems and HR software, giving employers access to verified Web3 talent while allowing users to earn and participate in the growth of the network. Bondex operates a dual-token model with an off-chain premium currency for platform services and an on-chain token, BDXN, for value sharing and governance. Token holders can take part in platform decisions as the ecosystem evolves. Over the past several weeks, BDXN has experienced more than 300% growth, driven by accelerating adoption across the Web3 job market.

For jobseekers, Bondex offers a seamless end-to-end experience, from building a verified digital identity to discovering and applying for roles across the crypto industry. Users can filter remote positions by salary, skills, and location, while engaging directly with the BDXN token as part of the platform's incentive and governance model. As the company expands its job-board footprint, interaction with the BDXN token continues to scale alongside user growth.

Bondex previously raised over $10 million from Animoca Brands, Morningstar and CoinList, with user growth one of the primary goals for this funding. Companies like Blockchain.com, Ankr, Chainlink, Binance Recruitment, Solana, OKX Wallet, CoinMarketCap and Aptos are using Bondex to reach the right talent in its network of millions of Web3 professionals.

Bondex also facilitates a unique recruitment process where users can earn rewards up to $20,000 for successful referrals, creating an extended recruitment network for partners and hiring companies. The Bondex app is available to download for both iPhone and Android.

To join the millions of users using Bondex or to learn more, please visit https://bondex.app.

X ( Twitter) | YouTube | Telegram Announcements | Telegram Group | Discord| LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

About Bondex

Launched in May 2022, Bondex has quickly become the largest and fastest-growing onchain professional network, with a user base exceeding 5 million. Its acquisition of Web3Career, the top job board in the Web3 space, expanded its reach and solidified its leadership in blockchain-based talent platforms.

Bondex uses blockchain infrastructure to create a new user ownership model. Individuals on the platform are rewarded for their contributions through tokenized incentives and reputation-based systems. This design positions users as active stakeholders in the ecosystem rather than passive participants.

By combining professional identity, verified reputation, and economic incentives, Bondex improves job matching, opens up new income streams, and supports decentralized career advancement. Together with Web3Career, it is building the infrastructure for a trust-based, user-owned talent economy.

Official Bondex Links: Download the App | Jobs portal | Website | Newsletter

X ( Twitter) | YouTube | Telegram Announcements | Telegram Group | Discord| LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

About Decentraland

Decentraland is the first decentralized, community-driven social virtual world. It empowers users to create, explore, and connect within an open, immersive digital landscape where they fully own their digital assets. Whether hosting virtual events or designing their digital identity, individuals can shape a world that prioritizes self-expression and freedom -- free from the constraints of corporate control. Governed by its community through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and supported by a non-profit Foundation, Decentraland operates as an open-source, traversable world that encourages creativity, ownership, and innovation. By fostering collaboration and community, Decentraland is shaping the future of digital interaction, where individuals can truly own and build their digital lives.

Official Decentraland Links: Website | Twitter | Discord

Disclaimer: All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. more

Anonymous member


Career development 1w
I previously left my job due to an unhealthy work environment. Despite offering my skills and working diligently, I was not treated fairly. My age was not respected, and my salary was paid in bits while other employees were paid on time. I raised the issue with my employer, but the situation did not improve, which left me with no choice but to resign.

I believe in professionalism, ethical work... practices, and a healthy work environment. If anyone knows of available opportunities or can guide me on where I can apply, I would truly appreciate your help. more
24   

  • Nuwasasira Justus

    1d

    What if that was a test to a bigger opportunity? What if?

  • prasad r

    2d

    I suggest you self employment. You can do Affiliate Marketing. If you get a new job, still you can continue this affiliate marketing online.

    1
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Career development

 1d

Bondex & Web3.Career Launch in Decentraland, Driving the Next Era of Web3 Hiring


London, England, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bondex, the Web3 platform revolutionizing professional trust and credibility, has announced the launch of a dedicated career hub in Decentraland, which will operate as a decentralized social metaverse world where jobseekers can engage directly with Web3 enterprises as avatars and explore immediate recruitment opportunities.

Decentraland is the... virtual world hub for enterprises such as Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Deutsche Bank, and now Bondex. Last year Decentraland attracted 3.9 million unique visitors, and over 270,000 unique wallets engaged with the platform.

At a time when AI is flooding hiring pipelines with fake credentials, inflated CVs, and unverifiable claims, Bondex is building the trust layer the industry is missing. The Decentraland hub makes that vision accessible -- letting users explore Web3.Career's job board from inside the metaverse, then dive deeper into Bondex's verified ecosystem where your work speaks louder than your résumé.

Decentraland users can access the permanent installation as an avatar and chat with hiring managers, join workshops, and interact like they would in real life. Monthly workshops will bring together recruiters and experts across tech, finance, design, and other burgeoning Web3 professional tracks. Attendees can access the highly popular Web3.Career jobs board and apply directly through their avatars with just a few clicks.

This marks the latest evolution in the partnership between Bondex and Decentraland, after Bondex was named the official hiring partner for Decentraland Career Quest 2025, Decentraland's flagship immersive career fair held in July 2025.

The launch of the dedicated career hub in Decentraland marks another important milestone in Bondex's mission to rebuild global hiring, networking, and talent acquisition, underpinned by the principles of privacy and authenticity. Bondex offers jobseekers a seamless end-to-end experience, from building a verified, digital identity to discovering and applying for cutting-edge roles across the Web3 industry landscape, while filtering remote crypto jobs by salary, location, and skills.

Hiring the wrong candidate is a costly and escalating risk for organizations worldwide. CareerBuilder research places the average cost of a bad hire at $17,000, while 2021 findings from the U.S. Department of Labor show that replacement costs for specialized roles can reach $240,000. The Department also estimates that a poor hire can consume up to 30% of an employee's first-year earnings, equating to $24,000 in losses on an $80,000 salary. In technology positions, replacement costs frequently exceed 100-150% of annual salary. With 74% of employers acknowledging past hiring mistakes and Gartner projecting that 25% of candidates will be fraudulent by 2028, the challenge now represents an estimated $600 billion annual economic impact.

"Decentraland is the established hub for enterprises such as Deutsche Bank, Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger, as such, Bondex-verified job applicants will greatly benefit from these established connections. Together our platforms aim to connect legitimate talent, projects, and employers while driving positive hiring outcomes," said Ignacio Palomera, Bondex Co-founder. "We're inviting professionals across the industry spectrum to explore the exciting Web3 hiring landscape via our dedicated career hub in Decentraland."

Bondex recently completed its acquisition of Remote3, a leading remote job board focused on developers, community managers, designers, and non-technical crypto roles. Remote3 brings more than 100,000 monthly page views and 20,500 registered profiles into the Bondex ecosystem. This follows Bondex's acquisition of Web3.Career earlier this summer, establishing the company as the clear leader in Web3 talent aggregation. With both platforms under its umbrella, Bondex now accounts for more than half of all Web3 job-search traffic, meaning that, in practice, every second person looking for a crypto-related role passes through the Bondex network.

$BDXN is the native utility token that powers Bondex's job platform, which now counts 5 million downloads, 2 million profiles, and more tan 130,000 daily active users. The platform integrates directly with applicant tracking systems and HR software, giving employers access to verified Web3 talent while allowing users to earn and participate in the growth of the network. Bondex operates a dual-token model with an off-chain premium currency for platform services and an on-chain token, BDXN, for value sharing and governance. Token holders can take part in platform decisions as the ecosystem evolves. Over the past several weeks, BDXN has experienced more than 300% growth, driven by accelerating adoption across the Web3 job market.

For jobseekers, Bondex offers a seamless end-to-end experience, from building a verified digital identity to discovering and applying for roles across the crypto industry. Users can filter remote positions by salary, skills, and location, while engaging directly with the BDXN token as part of the platform's incentive and governance model. As the company expands its job-board footprint, interaction with the BDXN token continues to scale alongside user growth.

Bondex previously raised over $10 million from Animoca Brands, Morningstar and CoinList, with user growth one of the primary goals for this funding. Companies like Blockchain.com, Ankr, Chainlink, Binance Recruitment, Solana, OKX Wallet, CoinMarketCap and Aptos are using Bondex to reach the right talent in its network of millions of Web3 professionals.

Bondex also facilitates a unique recruitment process where users can earn rewards up to $20,000 for successful referrals, creating an extended recruitment network for partners and hiring companies. The Bondex app is available to download for both iPhone and Android.

To join the millions of users using Bondex or to learn more, please visit https://bondex.app.

X ( Twitter) | YouTube | Telegram Announcements | Telegram Group | Discord| LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

About Bondex

Launched in May 2022, Bondex has quickly become the largest and fastest-growing onchain professional network, with a user base exceeding 5 million. Its acquisition of Web3Career, the top job board in the Web3 space, expanded its reach and solidified its leadership in blockchain-based talent platforms.

Bondex uses blockchain infrastructure to create a new user ownership model. Individuals on the platform are rewarded for their contributions through tokenized incentives and reputation-based systems. This design positions users as active stakeholders in the ecosystem rather than passive participants.

By combining professional identity, verified reputation, and economic incentives, Bondex improves job matching, opens up new income streams, and supports decentralized career advancement. Together with Web3Career, it is building the infrastructure for a trust-based, user-owned talent economy.

Official Bondex Links: Download the App | Jobs portal | Website | Newsletter

X ( Twitter) | YouTube | Telegram Announcements | Telegram Group | Discord| LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

About Decentraland

Decentraland is the first decentralized, community-driven social virtual world. It empowers users to create, explore, and connect within an open, immersive digital landscape where they fully own their digital assets. Whether hosting virtual events or designing their digital identity, individuals can shape a world that prioritizes self-expression and freedom -- free from the constraints of corporate control. Governed by its community through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and supported by a non-profit Foundation, Decentraland operates as an open-source, traversable world that encourages creativity, ownership, and innovation. By fostering collaboration and community, Decentraland is shaping the future of digital interaction, where individuals can truly own and build their digital lives.

Official Decentraland Links: Website | Twitter | Discord

Disclaimer: All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

[email protected] Lorcan Byrne more

Career development

 1d

Polished LinkedIn Profile Makeover


My LinkedIn page works, but it doesn't shine. I want a specialist to refine only two sections -- the headline and the About summary -- so they read crisply, rank well in search, and carry a confident, professional tone. You will receive my current profile link plus a short bio and résumé. With that material, please craft: * Two or three punchy headline options that fit LinkedIn's character limit... and surface relevant keywords. * A thoughtfully structured About section (roughly 250-350 words) that highlights achievements, conveys personality, and flows naturally when read aloud. * A brief explanation of the keyword and messaging choices so I can tweak them in the future. Acceptance criteria * Language must remain strictly professional -- no jargon fluff or casual slang. * Headlines and summary must paste directly into LinkedIn without trimming. * All facts should match the documents I provide; no invented claims. Turnaround within a few days is ideal, and I'll happily answer follow-up questions about my goals or target audience. If this focused optimization goes smoothly, I may expand the collaboration to experience, skills, and recommendations later on. more