The MMA network, especially the UFC is a very interesting sport and brings out some raw emotions when watching.
Almost every fight night, we get new crop of fighters from every corner of the globe. Either boxers making a transition to the MMA or a committed young fighter determined to prove himself on tour.
Some of the most exciting fighters we’ll be highlighting to watch out for this year include:
- Felipe Lima
- Tallison Texiera
- Vinicius Oliveira
- Baysangur Chamsoudinov
- Carlos Prates
- Esteban Ribovics
- Raul Rosas Jr.
Felipe Lima
Felipe Lima might have lost to Payton Talbott by unanimous decision at UFC 317, but his quality is clear. He joined the UFC from Oktagon MMA in June 2024 and has a 2-1 record so far. He’s a well rounded fighter and can pull off wins through different methods. 4 of his career wins have come through knockout, 3 through submission and 7 by decision. His two career losses came through decisions.
Although the bantamweight class of the UFC may have a lot of contenders. We can see Felipe Lima establishing himself as a top 5 fighter in the category before the year runs out.
Tallison Texiera
Tallison Texiera, also known as Xicao, competes in the heavyweight category of the UFC. He earned his contract through Dana White’s contender series after an impressive first round KO.
The big Brazilian may currently be rated #13 in the heavyweight category, but he has a perfect 8-0 record in fighting career, with 7 of his wins coming by knockouts and one by submission. He’s a heavy hitter and will have more chances to prove himself and rise up the rank soon.
He embodies the quote by Jon Jones,
“Fighting is not what I do – it’s who I am. It’s what I was meant to do, what I was meant to be…..”
Vinicius Oliveira
Vinicius Oliveira made a big impression with his debut performance at UFC 299 where he secured a first-round knockout against Bernardo Sopaj. A product of Dana White’s Contender Series, Oliveira brings explosive power and slick striking to the bantamweight division. He’s an aggressive fighter with a killer instinct, and it shows as 12 of his 20 career wins have come by knockout.
While still new to the UFC scene, Oliveira’s raw athleticism and finishing ability make him a dangerous prospect. He fights as if every time he enters the octagon it is his last chance, and this makes his fans admire him.
The same charge of excitement and drive can be found outside the octagon – for example, by studying the review of online casinos on MightyTips. This is an independent portal that contains objective information about popular casinos: from bonuses and interface to honesty and user reviews. If you like thrills not only in sports, it is worth taking a look.
Top punters projected him to win his debut at UFC 299, and If he continues to rack up wins, expect him to break into the bantamweight rankings before long.
Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates is another exciting name coming out of Brazil. Competing in the welterweight division, Prates is known for his crisp Muay Thai striking and excellent octagon control. He’s currently undefeated in the UFC, with back-to-back finishes that have turned heads. His calm demeanor in the cage and calculated pressure make him look like a veteran already.
He’s similar to Mauricio Mua who said:
“Muay thai is my background, but I fight MMA.”
With a record that includes multiple knockouts and a strong background in striking, Prates is certainly one to watch in the crowded welterweight mix. If he maintains his momentum, a top-15 ranking isn’t far off.
Baysangur Chamsoudinov
Baysangur Chamsoudinov, also known as “Baki,” is one of the hottest rising stars coming out of France. He made waves during his fight with Cedric Doumbè, when he signed a one shot contract with the PFL to fight against Doumbe and won despite all sportsbook odds saying otherwise.
He holds a perfect 9-0 professional record with 5 coming by KO and 4 by decision. The 23 year old welterweight fighter may be ranked #130 in Europe but that could easily change if he makes a move to the UFC.
Esteban Ribovics
Esteban Ribovics, the Argentinian lightweight, is one of the more exciting prospects outside the spotlight. Despite losing his UFC debut to Loik Radzhabov in a short-notice bout, Ribovics has bounced back with impressive wins that show just how well-rounded his game is. He boasts a professional 14-2 record that includes several finishes with 7 by knockout and 5 by submission, making him a constant threat wherever the fight goes.
He fights with a lot of heart, pressure, and a never-back-down attitude. With a few more consistent performances, Ribovics could become a fan favourite and a real player in the lightweight division.
Raul Rosas Jr.
The teenage fan favourite has become something of a sensation in the MMA world. He is the youngest person ever to be signed into the UFC and the youngest to record a win at the elite fight stage. His fighting style allows him to adapt to various challenges with ease and has earned him Performance of the Night three times.
By the time the Mexican-American hits 22, he’ll already be an established force in the bantamweight category of the UFC. His next fight is against #8 Rob Font at UFC 259.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of talent breaking through the MMA scene right now. From heavy hitters like Tallison Texeira to technical finishers like Carlos Prates, these fighters are bringing new energy and excitement to every division. Some are already making waves in the UFC, while others are just one breakout performance away from becoming household names. If you’re a fight fan, now’s the time to start paying attention.
The article was provided by Kate Richardson