The UFC can employ up to 500 fighters on its roster across 13 divisions. But other than the champions and ranked contenders, fighters are either being faded on the UFC betting lines or a popular parlay piece. We compiled 10 of the UFC’s best prospects –the fighters who fans and bettors should keep an eye on as they could be future champions.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and UFC odds for UFC Prospects. We’ve plenty of UFC predictions for you to consider the UFC fight card.
Stellar UFC Prospects
As per our rankings lists, we have a few categories when deciding on the fighters to list. We factored in their success in the UFC, peak potential, and fighting style. Additionally, we excluded fighters ranked in the top 10 and those with more than five UFC fights. Lastly, we also limited our list to one prospect per division.
10. Piera Rodriguez (Women’s Strawweight, 115 lbs.)
Piera Rodriguez is the biggest enigma on this list and we’re putting her at No. 10 in good faith that she’s “legit.” The Venezuelan has a strong ground game and could ride that to a title shot. We’ll need to see more from her. A spot in the top-10 is at least doable for Rodriguez (8-0-0).
Next Fight: TBA
9. Josiane Nunes (Women’s Featherweight, 145 lbs.)
Josiane Nunes is 2-0 in the UFC with a scintillating knockout of Bea Malecki in her debut. As a diminutive hard-hitter, Nunes (8-1-0) could be like the John Lineker or Jessica Andrade of the division. Take note as there is a new Nunes in town.
Next Fight: TBA
8. Chris Curtis (Middleweight, 185 lbs.)
Chris Curtis is not the typical UFC prospect at 34 years of age with 36 pro fights (28-8-0). We’re not so sure his ceiling is that high but is he fun to watch and bet online. Middleweight is starving for fresh contenders and Curtis could find himself on the doorstep if he beats fellow prospect Rodolfo Vieira as the betting lines allude.
Next Fight: Rodolfo Vieira, UFC on ESPN 38 (June 25)
7. Alexandr Romanov (Heavyweight, 265 lbs.)
At 31, Alexandr Romanov (16-0-0) could be the rare “young” talent at 265 pounds. He had bettors in a frenzy when he whooped Chase Sherman’s butt as a whopping -2200 favorite on the online sportsbook. The sumo wrestler should get a top-15 fighter next as he needs to move up the rankings.
Next Fight: TBA
6. Jeff Molina (Flyweight, 125 lbs.)
As far as action fighters go, look no further than Jeff Molina. “El Jefe” fights like a Mexican boxer: he only moves forward. Gifted with an iron chin and an all-around game, Molina (11-2-0) should be a top-10 fighter at some point. The best part is he’s just 24 and still getting better.
Next Fight: TBA
5. Shavkat Rakhmonov (Welterweight, 170 lbs.)
Next week’s UFC card is a treat for prospect watchers as No. 5 on our list is in the co-main event. Shavkat Rakhmonov (15-0-0) is gargantuan for the division and has beat up on his opponents. Let’s see what he’s made of when he faces a similarly big Neil Magny as a sizable underdog.
Next Fight: Neil Magny, UFC on ESPN 38 (June 25)
4. Mateusz Gamrot (Lightweight, 155 lbs.)
On the same card is Mateusz Gamrot who could be the most interesting prospect on this list. He faces Arman Tsarukyan, who many also consider one of the brightest up-and-comers, as an underdog. Gamrot (20-1-0) has buzz sawed through his competition and in his debut, won Fight of the Night honors despite losing.
Next Fight: Arman Tsarukyan, UFC on ESPN 38 (June 25)
3. Adrian Yanez (Bantamweight, 135 lbs.)
Rarely do smaller fighters like Adrian Yanez pack the power that he has. But the Texan has won four of his last five fights by way of knockout and he’s collected a performance bonus check in his last four. Yanez (15-3-0) is the best UFC bet to be the next big fan favorite and his bout with Tony Kelley should be fireworks even if he’s a sizable favorite.
Next Fight: Tony Kelley, UFC on ESPN 37 (June 18)
2. Erin Blanchfield (Women’s Flyweight, 125 lbs.)
At 23, Erin Blanchfield has a long path ahead of her. The grappler from New York submitted veteran JJ Aldrich, which is something no fighter has done in six years. Blanchfield (9-1-0) could be like the “Khabib” of her division.
Next Fight:
1. Ilia Topuria (Featherweight, 145 lbs.)
Our top-ranked prospect is coming off a knockout win at a division up. Despite getting hurt in that UFC Fight Night, Ilia Topuria came back to knock out Jai Herbert. He’s had the toughest path out of everyone on this list and has his eyes set on another highly-touted prospect in Paddy Pimblett. For everyone’s sake, this fight better happen.
Next Fight: TBA
