Despite the UFC’s reach and schedule feeling suffocating at times, there’s a ton of worthwhile talent that resides just outside of the umbrella of the world’s leader when it comes to MMA.
In fact, between the constant growth of the sport to the UFC’s semi-recent business trends and how it affects their talent cultivation, one could argue that life outside the octagon has never been richer.
With that in mind, I decided to go down the proverbial rabbit hole in order to compile a list of solid prospects that are either set to make big splashes or are worth keeping an eye on given their potential.
Last year’s list did incredibly well, with that crop of prospects going 33-5 overall with a 67 percent finishing rate.
Lists like these are already an impossible ask in regard to including or satisfying everyone, so I elected not to rank my selections. That said, I’m quite excited to share my findings with you all.
So, without further ado …
Felipe Lima
Record: 12-1
Age: 25
Division: Bantamweight
Although the term “action fighter” can be an overused one in this space, I can’t think of a better descriptor for a fighter as fun as Felipe Lima.
Lima, who is a Brazilian who trains out of the Allstars Training Center in Sweden, is like a more dynamic and aggressive version of Thomas Almeida (except he’s much harder to hit and predict).
The 25-year-old talent has everything from sprawling hips to flying knees on a hair trigger, and isn’t afraid to get offensive with takedowns of his own when appropriate.
Lima became the bantamweight champion for the Oktagon organization last July, so don’t be surprised to see the Brazilian hit the ground running in 2024.
Austin Bashi
Record: 11-0
Age: 22
Division: Bantamweight
Even though Austin Bashi already looks the part at 11-0, I could see why so many are high on this kid after watching his tape.
Aside from having some clear athletic potential built into his genes, Bashi presents himself as a very composed fighter who can competently work from both stances (with a little bit of a muay Thai flare that occasionally shines through). That said, it’s on the ground where Bashi does his best work.
Top prospect Austin Bashi improved to 10-0 last night via rear-naked choke pic.twitter.com/aFfXnyh0Wo
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) June 25, 2023
Not only can Bashi wrestle, but the 25-year-old possesses an excellent top game that allows him to float and find his opposition’s back.
Bashi is coming off a win over regional veteran Askar Askar and I expect him to make some big moves in 2024.
Ramazan Gitinov
Record: 4-0
Age: 26
Division: Lightweight
Despite being just 4-0 as a pro, Ramazan Gitinov had an extensive amateur career where he went 31-2.
In fact, if you follow his wins back to his amateur career, you’ll see that Gitinov is actually on a 34-fight win streak.
Beknazar Zhanybekov injures his leg just 8 seconds into the fight, extending Ramazan Gitinov's pro/amateur win streak to 34 in a row (4-0 pro). #BRAVECF79 pic.twitter.com/xBPw9oN4dn
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 8, 2023
Even though Gitinov appears more than comfortable on the feet, the 26-year-old Russian is essentially an athletic stud with superior wrestling and transitions to boot.
Ramazan Gitinov 🇧🇭 is just amazing. Impresses me time and time again.
I imagine it's only a matter of time until we see him tearing up the pro ranks. But for now I'll happily enjoy him dominating the amateur ranks. #MMASuperCup pic.twitter.com/DITBobngx0
— Caoilte de Barra (@CaoiltedeBarra) March 9, 2022
Whether he’s snatching up nasty front chokes off the counter or hitting his patent short choke from a rear mount, Gitinov is relentless once he gets a hold of you.
Gitinov currently fights for the Middle Eastern MMA organization BRAVE CF and is worth keeping an eye on going forward.
Trent Miller
Record: 5-0
Age: N/A
Division: Middleweight
Fighting out of my backyard of Xtreme Couture MMA, there’s no way I couldn’t give a prospect like Trent Miller a shout on this list.
Aside from looking like an athletic, brick sh*thouse, Miller can move with sharpness and intelligence.
Working under the tutelage of the unheralded coach and talent Roman Isbell, Miller is quietly arming himself with more and more destructive answers every time he enters the cage.
Send this one to ALL your friends!! Trent Miller, ladies and gentlemen!!!!!#CFFC125 pic.twitter.com/QknKtTzj4E
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) September 16, 2023
From stance-switching high kicks to opportunistic submissions, Miller – particularly at middleweight – appears to be the complete package and is worth keeping an eye on this year.
Shanelle Dyer
Record: 4-0
Age: 22
Division: Flyweight
If you’re a fan of female fighters like Joanna Jedrzejczyk, then you’ll probably appreciate the striking savvy of Shanelle Dyer.
I’m not exactly sure of how much muay Thai experience Dyer has, but it certainly shines through in her style.
Spectacular pro debut by Shanelle Dyer scoring a nasty spinning back elbow KO against Weronika Eszer at Hexagone MMA 7. Flawless performance#HexagoneMMA7 pic.twitter.com/vojs3LroZB
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 11, 2023
From front teeps to spinning elbows, Dyer can deliver techniques with nasty intentions. That said, what impresses me most is her footwork and sense of range.
Seldom will you see Dyer exit or reset in straight lines – a skill that is rarer than it should be at the pro level. Dyer also demonstrates to ability to competently counter and kick while moving backward, which is a big plus in my book.
I’m not sure if Dyer will be making any big moves this year, but she’s definitely worth looking out for in the future.
Losene Keita
Record: 12-1
Age: 26
Division: Featherweight
A natural fighter with heavy hands, Losene Keita has fought as high as welterweight and still found success.
That said, I believe that “The Black Panther” could be a real force to be reckoned with at 145 pounds.
Aside from the ungodly knockout power that Keita carries in both hands, the 26-year-old phenom appears to be particularly potent working in and out of the breaks.
One of the underrated moments of 2022.
Losene Keita's breakthrough performance KOing Ivan Buchinger in 1 round to capture the Oktagon Lightweight title.
📽️ @OktagonOfficial#ViolentMoney #VMTV #Oktagon #MMA pic.twitter.com/SghxoaORe5
— Violent Money TV (@ViolentMoneyTV) January 7, 2023
Unfortunately for Keita’s opposition, he also appears to pack solid counter-wrestling abilities that range from solid hand fighting to hips that are hardwired to sprawl.
Keita recently won the vacant Oktagon featherweight title last December, so look out for him to have some showcase opportunities in 2024.
Tony Laramie
Record: 8-2
Age: 24
Division: Flyweight
Giving Canada some much-needed representation is Tony Laramie, who is the brother of UFC veteran, T.J. Laramie.
Akin to his brother, Laramie is a deceptively well-rounded fighter who – despite his short stature – appears to be a powerhouse on the feet.
"Do you know who the @#$% I am?!" Canada's No. 1 flyweight @TonyLaramie gets it done in 55 seconds via KO at #BTC21 #FightNight #Kitchener pic.twitter.com/EyUap0pbPz
— BTC Fight Promotions (@BTCFight) August 7, 2023
Laramie looks to have excellent eyes in exchanges and an ability to seamlessly shift stances, both coming forward and off the counter.
The Canadian prospect is also good about working the body and has a solid reactionary takedown shot in his back pocket.
Outside of an injury loss to Jordan Graham in 2017, Laramie’s only other defeat comes to Louis Jourdain – a fighter who he is set to rematch this January.
Louis Jourdain
Record: 7-3
Age: N/A
Division: Flyweight
As alluded to in the previous section, Louis Jourdain – brother of UFC featherweight Charles Jourdain – is booked for a flyweight fight with a fellow Canadian prospect this month.
Jourdain, who is huge for the weight class, has successfully competed up a division in both boxing and MMA.
Akin to his brother, Jourdain is a competent striker from both stances but arguably does his best work from southpaw.
Louis Jourdain is worth the price of admission alone#Unified48 pic.twitter.com/ObF2NXJjYq
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) December 17, 2022
Jourdain has excellent eyes and instincts in exchanges, but I still need to see more of his overall grappling game to get a better idea of his ceiling.
All I know is that Jourdain’s rematch with Tony Laramie is gonna be a big deal for the Canadian regional scene this year.
Rakhim Midaev
Record: 12-2
Age: 28
Division: Bantamweight
Although Rakhim Midaev is coming off of a loss up a division, I still believe that he is a bantamweight worth looking out for in 2024.
Despite Midaev possessing the solid wrestling chops that you would associate with his side of the world, the Russian fighter appears to have more of a Wushu Sanda flair to his style.
In fact, I would compare Midaev to a more aggressive Zabit Magomedsharipov (or a version of Sharaputin Magomedov that wasn’t overhyped and can actually wrestle).
Louis Jourdain is worth the price of admission alone#Unified48 pic.twitter.com/ObF2NXJjYq
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) December 17, 2022
I’m not sure if Midaev will be a fighter who makes it out from the Eastern European scene, but I thought I’d include him on this list nonetheless.
Fatima Kline
Record: 5-0
Age: 23
Division: Strawweight
Despite being listed under multiple weight classes (likely due to her struggle to find opposition), Fatima Kline appears ready to run shop at either 115 or 125 pounds.
Fatima Kline… (probably) coming to a UFC Octagon near you.#CFFC127 pic.twitter.com/RzPgvOji2T
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) November 4, 2023
A main training partner for UFC flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield, Kline appears to be embracing osmosis regarding the high-level game she’s turning out.
Aside from having a knack for making high-percentage choices in the heat of battle, Kline appears to have seamless transitions and triggers hardwired into her system.
I’m not sure what Kline has lined up next, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see her step into a UFC octagon before year’s end.
Rasul Magomedov
Record: 2-0
Age: N/A
Division: Light heavyweight
Despite only being 2-0 as a pro, Rasul Magomedov carries some extra weight given both his background and the division he competes in.
Rasul Magomedov defeats Kyle Snyder:
An amateur world wrestling champion who is one of a handful of men to defeat the accoladed American Kyle Snyder in a freestyle wrestling match, Magomedov has had eyes on him since he competed as an amateur on the IMMAF circuit.
Magomedov makes it look easy! 👊
Rasul Magomedov announced himself to the world in emphatic fashion before signing to @BRAVEMMAF! Which athlete will stand out in 2023? 🔥#2023MMAWorlds | 20-25 Nov | Tirana, Albania pic.twitter.com/FC2Ok60EZG
— IMMAF (@IMMAFed) October 1, 2023
Magomedov went undefeated in 13 contests as an amateur, which allowed the former wrestler to sharpen his striking.
We still have a lot more to see from Magomedov, but he’s one of the more likely Russian talents who could end up crossing over to a major promotion this year.
Phumi Nkuta
Record: 7-0
Age: 28
Division: Flyweight
Even though his style might not be as flashy as some of the fighters I’ve shouted, I believe that Phumi Nkuta deserves some love on this list.
A CFFC flyweight champion who takes fights up at bantamweight, Nkuta is a flexible fighter who carries a deceptive amount of experience with him.
A longtime member of Longo and Weidman MMA, Nkuta has shared the room with some of the best fighters in the world – and it shows.
Whether we’re talking about stance-switching striking or sticky positional rides on the floor, Nkuta can take a fight in multiple directions. That said, Nkuta can also be a bit of a neutralizer from a style perspective, so I hope he can find more urgency and success in 2024.
Dzhamaludin Aliev
Record: 9-0
Age: 24
Dzhamaludin Aliev: Bantamweight
Adding to an already insane talent pool at 135 pounds is Dzhamaludin Aliev.
Although he appears to have some serviceable wrestling chops, there’s no denying that Aliev likes to make his money in the striking department.
Dzhamaludin Aliev (9-0) completely silences the Kyrgyzstan crowd with a beautiful uppercut KO over Myktybek Oskonbaev. And still Open FC Bantamweight champion. #OpenFC33 pic.twitter.com/DoqQLMc48r
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) August 13, 2023
Possessing excellent eyes in exchanges, Aliev is a solid counterpuncher who is comfortable in the heat of battle (though arguably too comfortable).
From counter-balancing punching off kicks to crucial bodywork, Aliev makes for a fun watch for all levels of fight fans.
I’m not sure we’ll see him fighting for any North American organizations in the near future, but he’s a prospect worth keeping an eye on.
Gauge Young
Record: 7-1
Age: 23
Division: Lightweight
When an analyst like Laura Sanko tells you to check out an up-and-coming prospect, it behooves you to listen.
In this case, that prospect is Gauge Young.
Aking to the previous entry, Trent Miller, Young is also an athletic stud who is built like a brick shithouse.
Young appears to have good eyes in exchanges and is steadily putting together his striking on the feet. From purposeful feints and footwork to smart change-ups to the legs and body, Young seems to be progressing in all the right ways.
The 23-year-old talent also has excellent wrestling against the cage and in the open, which helps him dictate the lion’s share of the action in his fights.
Young recently fought as high as 175 pounds this past year but looks to do his best work at 155 pounds – where I hope to see him stay in the future.
Nkosi Ndebele
Record: 7-2
Age: N/A
Division: Bantamweight
Adding to the slew of bantamweight selections is Nkosi Ndebele, who recently relieved Jose Torres of his BRACE CF bantamweight title this past December.
Nkosi Ndebele is kinda neat
I liked the southpaw right hook he was using to catch Shorty Torres around the guard when he shelled up pic.twitter.com/XUKmPWLUdN
— MixingMartialArts.Substack.Com (@RyanAWagMMA) December 16, 2023
Outside of having some cool things to go to as a southpaw or orthodox striker standing, Ndebele’s insane strength and athleticism also translate to his ground game.
Ndebele appears incredibly difficult to pin down due to his scrambling prowess, but also seems to deal real damage with his ground strikes if given ample opportunity.
I don’t know what’s next for Ndebele, I just suspect that 2024 will be a big year for the native of South Africa.
Ruslan Gabaraev
Record: 5-0
Age: N/A
Division: Light heavyweight
Bringing some balance to this list is a light heavyweight entry, Ruslan Gabaraev.
Despite the division he competes in, Gabaraev moves incredibly well for a man of his size.
Staying light and loaded on the feet, Gabaraev embraces more of a Wushu Sanda flair to striking style.
From darting in and out on the balls of his feet to incorporating the occasional spin, Gabaraev makes for a unique watch at 205 pounds.
Cool knockout from Ruslan Gabaraev on the ACA card today
Mixed up head kicks and body kicks and threw his head kicks with a chamber so his opponent couldn't read them until it was too late pic.twitter.com/yt7qtD3RrS
— MixingMartialArts.Substack.Com (@RyanAWagMMA) November 24, 2023
Given the general lack of talent at light heavyweight, I hope that Gabaraev develops more and eventually makes it to a North American organization.
Tianhao Feng
Record: 15-2-1
Age: N/A
Division: Flyweight
Adding to the list of large Chinese flyweights is a fighter named Tianhao Feng, who recently came across my radar.
Feng, who was easily the most active fighter in 2023 on this list, scored his 14th win in a row when he knocked out former Pancrase flyweight champion Ryuichi Miki this past December.
Tianhao Feng flatlined former Pancrase flyweight champion Ryuichi Miki with a brutal flying knee KO this morning at WLF. This is Feng's 14th straight win, the 8th in 2023 alone. pic.twitter.com/UtKeA1Pb15
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 22, 2023
Akin to Su Mudaerji, Feng is also a long and athletic flyweight who packs some deceptive knockout power for his frame.
The Chinese fighter will scramble like hell in sticky scenarios, but – like a lot of his countrymen – is still working on rounding out his ground game.
Whether it be by a North American promotion or a North American gym, don’t be surprised to see someone invest in Feng sooner rather than later.
Khusein Shakhaev
Record: 12-0
Age: 26
Division: Bantamweight
Despite Khusein Shakhaev technically being on last year’s prospects to watch list, the 26-year-old spent the entirety of 2023 inactive.
In fact, Shakhaev hasn’t fought since 2021, so I hope that the Russian prospect makes his return sooner rather than later.
Shakhaev is an incredibly aggressive grapple-first fighter, who adds to any division he takes part in.
Remember this?
Khusein Shaikhaev returns to the cage this weekend to face Evgeny Lazukov.#ACB80 🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/lE9nqYB5ie
— ACA MMA (@ACA_League) February 12, 2018
As of this writing, Shakhaev still has nothing on the books as far as MMA goes.
Ernie Juarez
Record: 7-0
Age: N/A
Division: Featherweight
In what might be one of my favorite finds on this list, [autotag]Ernie Juarez[autotag]’s style earns a special place in my heart.
Looking like a miniature Daniel Cormier, Juarez is incredibly composed for the pressure and pace that his style invites.
What a firefight between Ernie Juarez and Kody Vogels. Juarez remains undefeated at 7-0 via 2nd round RNC to remain A1 featherweight champion. #A1Combat15 pic.twitter.com/bxZGxqZBxm
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) November 19, 2023
A suffocating approach that’s intended to draw out attacks, Jaurez operates with a slight muay Thai swagger and is particularly effective when striking in and out of the breaks.
When it comes to grappling, Juarez makes good choices and squeezes in powerful ground strikes whenever possible.
Whether it’s a short-notice call or an invite to the Contender Series, don’t be shocked to see Jaurez booked on bigger stages in 2024.
Renat Khavalov
Record: 8-0
Age: 25
Division: Bantamweight
Even if your appetite for bantamweights may be reaching its limit with this article, I implore you to make some room for Renat Khavalov.
Aside from being undefeated at 8-0, Khavalov also owns a win on the amateur circuit over Badmastyren Dorzhiev (who was one of my favorite prospects from last year’s list).
Khavalov is a southpaw who can also fight from orthodox, but it’s on the floor where he primarily makes his money.
DOMINANCE! 👀
Renat Khavalov def. Ramazan Amaev via TKO at 4:40 of Round 3 and retains his Bantamweight Belt!
👉 Watch #EagleFC48 LIVE and FREE NOW at https://t.co/QslxaiHw1p pic.twitter.com/76zyBV8Kjb
— Eagle FC (@EagleFightClub) July 16, 2022
Possessing similar wrestling and rides to your favorite Dagestani fighters, Khavalov will punish opponents with a sense of impunity that I’ve not seen since Khabib Nurmagomedov.
I’m not sure what Khavalov’s situation is, but I hope we can see him face the sport’s top talents before he fully enters his prime.
Michael Oliveira
Record: 6-0
Age: 25
Division: Welterweight
Bringing some more Brazilian flavor to this year’s list is Michael Oliveira.
Akin to Thiago Santos, Oliveira is also a Brazilian paratrooper who packs inherent power in almost everything he throws. That said, Oliveira has more of an aggressive counter-punching style that tends to come to life whenever he can get his opponents in his preferred kill zone along the fence.
Michael “PQD” Oliveira TKOs Francisco Ataliba at LFA 162 pic.twitter.com/Jq8IQPuBvE
— Will (@ChillemDafoe) July 7, 2023
Oliveria’s athleticism also appears to translate to his wrestling, both defensively and offensively.
Although I’d still like to see more out of Oliveira given that all of his fights have ended in the first round, the 25-year-old has the exact style that matchmakers and casual fans crave.
For that reason, don’t be shocked to see Oliveira continue his climb through North American organizations in 2024.
Murad Guseynov
Record: 6-0
Age: 25
Division: Welterweight
Adding to the options at welterweight from the other side of the planet is Murad Guseynov.
Akin to a lot of fighters who operate or have ties to Bahrain, Guseynov is a fighter with extensive amateur experience via the IMMAF.
Murad Guseynov is 24yo 4-0 WW prospect from Dagestan, Russia, representing Kingdom of Bahrein. Turned pro last year after decorated amateur career. Here’re some of his accomplishments: 2018 World🥉, 2019 Junior Euro🥇& Junior World🥇, 2021 Euro🥈. All 4 of his pro bouts took 1/17 pic.twitter.com/maq41pgbD8
— Fedor’s nephew (@FdrNphw) January 18, 2023
Guseynov has all the parts that can make a great fighter, but his striking is still in the developing phases. Despite having a solid jab and some good instincts overall, Guseynov finds most of his success in the submission grappling department.
An excellent wrestler in the open or against the fence, Guseynov is usually good about dictating the terrain of his contests.
Overall, Guseynov has some solid potential and I hope to see him continue to step up his competition in 2024.
Sarvarjon Khamidov
Record: 15-0
Age: 26
Division: Bantamweight
Despite Sarvarjon Khamidov being a selection from last year’s list, I felt that the fighter from Tajikistan deserved dual mentions due to some inactivity.
Although Khamidov only fought once in 2023, it came under the Bellator banner – whose bantamweight division is currently in flux.
𝐔𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 over 2+ rounds
• Now 15-0, Sarvarjon Khamidov is a prospect to watch out for in the @BellatorMMA Bantamweight Division. #Tajikistan #Bellator296 pic.twitter.com/jhDVnXy85U— MECU9 (@MECU999) May 12, 2023
Considering that Khamidov is a training partner of Petr Yan, then perhaps we could see another Tajik fighter added to the UFC roster in 2024.
Mateo Vogel
Record: 8-3
Age: 27
Division: Featherweight
Rounding out the list is more representation of a Canadian MMA scene that finally seems to be getting back on its feet.
Although I don’t tend to pick Contender Series alums for these sorts of things, I couldn’t help but give some love to Mateo Vogel.
15 minutes in the books!
Featherweights Timothy Cuamba and Mateo Vogel are headed to the judges' scorecards #DWCS pic.twitter.com/yPOEbu4bYP
— UFC (@ufc) August 30, 2023
Aside from the fact that many (including myself) believe that Vogel beat Timothy Cuamba 29-28 last August, the 27-year-old Canadian has some solid skills that I see serving him well down the stretch.
A durable Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who can wrestle, Vogel’s style and pressure bring an exciting and building dynamic to his fights. Vogel has worked on everything from his leg kicks to his counters, but it’s his ability to make things ugly that makes his fights fun.
Vogel is currently booked to compete for another regional Canadian title at Unified MMA 55 in January. Should he win that, then I hope to see Vogel get a call from the UFC matchmakers for an opportunity in some form.