Extremely excited to watch the upcoming UFC prospects coming from Dana White Contender Series as the prospect talent pool is stacked with twenty to thirty potential champions UFC Champions such as Bo Nickal. Michael Morales, Ikram Aliskerov, Javid Basharat.
Easily could’ve written list of top thirty prospects to watch in 2024 but decided to limit the list to ten. Any suggestions or comments happily share thanks enjoy the read.
1. Bo Nickal
All in on the Bo Nickal hype train since his Dana White Contender Series debut in 2022. Considered the BEST collegiate wrestler of his generation the superstar of Penn State stuck to MMA like glue and considered prodigy by his American Top Team coaches/teammates.
“I think he’s had five fights [total], they’ve all been pretty quick if you count his amateur career. I don’t even need to say it. This guy is not a normal guy. Of course he has the ability to be a UFC champion and that’s the direction he’s headed. That’s where we’re going. He has everything he needs to make that happen and I think he’s on that path.” Mike Brown said
Coach: Bo Nickal ‘has everything he needs’ to be a UFC champion, but ‘there’s no need to go too fast’ – MMA Fighting
Listening to all these training stories about Bo Nickal and Bo Nickal’s interviews makes me believe Bo Nickal will become UFC Middleweight Champion next following years.
No Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Experience at all held his own against GOAT of Jiu-Jitsu Gordan Ryan impressing everyone with his submission grappling ability, first amateur fight KO’d his opponent and last fight against Val Woodburn KO’d in 33 seconds. The Dan Hodge Trophy Winner is really a prodigy and Coach Mike Brown has incredible fighter to teach.
UFC 300 bout is against Cody Brundage, step up in competition. Agree to this matchup for Bo Nickal as Brundage comes from Newberry College Wrestling experience that can give challenge to his wrestling. Brundage with 15 Pro Fights coming off slam KO confidence definitely booming.
Bo Nickal goes through Brundage love to see Nickal step up the competition facing top 15-20 Middleweights in his second fight of 2024. Wish for three fights in 2024 ending the year being UFC title contender.
2. Joseph Pyfer
Caught Dana White’s attention right away with his Dana White Contender Series second round finish. Recognized his superstar potential right away by signing him to rookie contract and buying him a new home.
Only good as a superstar as good as you fight, well Joe Pyfer can fight for sure ending 2023 on three fight winning streak with all finishes. Defeating respectable durable opponents as UFC builds his superstar brand.
2024 Pyfer getting upgrade in competition by facing #10th ranked Jack Hermansson in his first headlining event.
“He’s got good cardio, so I think my biggest fight for this is understanding that I’ve got to be prepared for 25 minutes. I don’t think it’s going to go 25 minutes. I think I’m too powerful, I think I’m too fast, and I think that’s what excites me about it. I think I can catch him inside of his recklessness.”
Joe Pyfer plans to catch Jack Hermansson ‘inside of his recklessness’ in first UFC main event (msn.com)
Without shadow of a bout toughest fight of his MMA career but putting in the gym work at Marquez Mixed Martial Arts with GREAT training partners like Sean Brady & Andre Petroski can help Pyfer’s wrestling and submission grappling ability against Hermansson. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Pyfer matches his KO power boxing with constantly improving grappling ability he’ll be forced to reckoned with. Curious see what improvements Pyfer made at Marquez MMA in his upcoming fight. Overall looking forward to watching Joe Pyfer 2024 season will be staying tuned rest of his career.
“I wanted to take it slow because I wanted to get my contracts right,” Pyfer said. “I was very verbal about that. When you get into the rankings all the fights are super tough.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mma-ufc/exclusive-joe-pyfer-talks-supporting-sean-brady-for-kelvin-gastelum-fight-not-caring-about-jack-hermansson-s-ufc-ranking/ar-AA1kRtUi
3. Michael Morales
Before ever stepping inside the UFC octagon well aware of Michael Morales name as he was once considered pound for pound best Latin American prospect. Once I seen his scheduled bout on Dana White Contender Series card was extremely excited for his opportunity.
Without hesitation Dana White offered UFC contract as he spotted the raw 21-year-old talents & Latin American Superstar potential right away. Moving forward into 2024 is undefeated 16-0 record (4-0 UFC) defeating respectable fighters like Max Griffin & Jake Matthews.
Currently only 24 years old, maturing within every fight. Glimpses of becoming future UFC Welterweight Champion one day. Following the likes of Marlon Vera to become next Ecuador superstar.
“I would like to get the opportunity to make my return for ‘Chito’s fight against O’Malley,” Morales told reporters through an interpreter at the UFC Fight Night 232 post-fight press conference. “It’s a great event, and I’d like to share that with him. It would be two Ecuadorians representing Latin America.
https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/michael-morales-ufc-299-return-alongside-maron-vera-two-ecuadorians-representing
UFC 299 is a great idea if it’s not too late to schedule Michael Morales. Face him against “tougher” opponents like Nicholas Dalby, similar body frame like Randy Brown, and Carlston Harris. Feel like those three matchups be perfect for him to start off 2024.
End of 2024 watch Michael Morales be ranked top 15 or edging top 15 of the welterweight division. Ecuadorian’s gifted KO power, explosive speed, all-around striking skills, and athletic build definitely will be serious tough matchup for the top 15 welterweights.
4. Ikram Aliskerov
Down in the Caucuses of Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan one of the biggest sports in their countries is Sambo. Former/Current Champions like Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Yaroslav Amosov called sambo their background. Next sambo specialist to become future UFC Champion is Ikram Aliskerov.
- Four Time Combat Sambo World Champion
- Two Time European Champion
- Trains with Magomed Magomedkerimov, Magomed Umalatov, World Champion Wrestler Rasul Magomedov
- Trains at KHK MMA, American Top Team and Dagestan gyms
UFC needs new blood in the 185 lb division and Ikram Aliskerov definitely add a boost. Great character storyline for him being from Dagestan, Combat Sambo World Champion, fighting Khamzat Chimaev in the past and being prospect out of American Top Team.
2023 was about UFC building him from prospect to rising star, 2024 goal is create a Middleweight title contender.
2024 scheduled bout is at UFC 298 against #15th ranked Anthony Hernandez, Scrappy tough fighter on overlooked four fight winning streak but Ikram is tough matchup because of the combat sambo skills, KO power, pressure wrestling and training with amazing world champion sparring partners.
Finishes or wins convincingly against Hernandez watch for UFC to match him up against the losers of upcoming bouts of Allen vs Vettori, Dolidze vs Imavov.
Overall looking forward to watching 2024 season for Ikram Aliskerov, comes to MMA skills he’s the total package of becoming UFC Middleweight Champion.
5. Javid Basharat
True lover of technical MMA skills mixed with craftsmanship than you’ll definitely be true fan of Javid Basharat.
First locked eyes on Javid Basharat back in 2019 at Oktagon 19. Ever since than became one of my favorite prospects to watch because of his technical striking ability & fighting style. 2019 was one of the top England prospects now in 2024 is listed as top ten UFC prospect.
Finished 2023 with 14-0 record (3-0 UFC) beautiful wins to watch against Mateus Mendonca & Tony Gravely. Basharat has great set of skills.
- Beautiful display of switching stances from southpaw to taekwondo for example
- Accurate boxing combinations such as smooth jabs
- Closing distance & controlling range
- Beautiful job slipping inside than moving away from strikes
- Perfectly timed takedowns
Traveling over to Xtreme Couture with his younger brother Farid Basharat in Las Vegas to be coached by Coach of the Year Eric Nicsick and limitless amount of sparring partners.
Javid Basharat fought twice in 2023, after the horrible Victor Henry groin strike wish he returned to the Octagon before end of the year. 2024 really wish Javid more active fighting three times this year climbing up the Bantamweight spots.
UFC Bantamweight Division most talented division in all of MMA but Javid can compete with the best of them in training or inside the Octagon. The 135 pound division has many upcoming champions but one that stands out is Javid Basharat.
6. Diego Lopes
Traveling from promotion to promotion such as Lux Fight League to Fury FC was considered one of the best Brazilian prospects. Winning multiple regional Featherweight titles.
Received the call every fighter dreams of and took the short notice fight against Movsar Evolev, everyone thought he’d get dominated maybe hold his own little bit but…. GAVE EVOLEV toughest fight of his life!! Lopes life completely changed out of that looking like the Brazilian version of Tony Ferguson.
Dana White loves fighters who take advantage opportunities and finishes fights. UFC mission in 2024 is to market aggressively in Mexico & Brazil branded refresh. Diego Lopes because of his “entertaining ” fighting style, upcoming prospect out of Brazil and trains out of Mexico will be strongly promoted.
“I have a good record, and only two of my wins have been by decision,” he told Sherdog.com. “This is a positive trait of mine that brought me to the UFC. They like people who finish their opponents instead of stalling. My style is to always move forward and look for an early win.”
https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/Diego-Lopes-Strikes-the-Right-Balance-190668
Diego Lopes finished the year 2-1 record first round finishes against Sabatini and Gavin Tucker. Post UFC 295 was asking for top ten Featherweights like Bryce Mitchell.
Watch out for Diego Lopes in 2024 quickly become top 15 Featherweight because of accepting short notice fight. Second reasoning is because White/Shelby doing favor for him because they love his fighting style.
7. Rinya Nakamura
Winning Gold Medal in wrestling great accomplishment to be proud about, wrestling well known for the “grind” everyone competing not for money but hard work and winning the gold medal. Japan UFC prospect won the 2017 U-23 Gold Medal at 61KG.
- 2017 U-23 Gold Medalist
- Bronze Medalist at 2018 World Cup
- Multiple time Meji Cup Winner
- Win over Rei Higuchi
Retired from wrestling and successfully transitioned over to MMA. Winning Road to UFC Tournament final at Lewis vs Spivak.
Fought twice on UFC card and was extremely impressed with not only his wrestling but Jiu-Jistu transitions and overall striking skills. Fight against Fernie Garcie was dominant performance few steps ahead of him in striking.
Improving daily under American Top Team and KRAZY BEE, learning under the tutelage of Japan’s GOAT Kyoji Horiguchi. In his prime years 29-35 potentially can become 2nd version of his training partner and mentor Kyoji Horiguchi.
“This place is just the bottom of a huge mountain, so I need to climb to the top,” Nakamura said. “I am super excited to climb to the top.” Rinya Nakamura
Rinya Nakamura Believes His Rise Has Only Begun | UFC
2024 expectations for Rinya Nakamura is continue improving as Bantamweight “prospect”, don’t rush the process of climbing up the Bantamweight rankings. Fighting twice or three times against respectable opponents is PERFECT.
8. Yazmin Jauregui
Mexico recently becoming hotbed for MMA talent, some of the best athletes transferring over from boxing, soccer, baseball to MMA searching for “better” opportunities for their career.
Mexican born and raised prospect Yazmin Jauregui making her name known in 2022 showing off her strong boxing ability, punching power, closing the distance and ground & pound. Best UFC performance was Istella Nunes.
“He was very happy with the performance,” Jauregui told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “(He said) that he was very happy with the fight and how it went down. He was very excited to see me fighting in the future. He expects bigger things from me in the future.”
UFC on ESPN 41: Yazmin Jauregui reveals what Dana White said after win (usatoday.com)
Rough solo loss in 2023 against Denise Gomes but the optimistic side of things whole T-Mobile Arena was behind her, the fans love her style and attitude including the bossman himself Dana White.
“I needed to meditate on the situation, figure out what I needed to do and hit the reset button, because there’s no way I was going to stay like that forever. I was born to do this. This is part of it. After the third day, I went, ‘It’s done. I know I lost, but what’s next?’”
UFC prospect Yazmin Jauregui unfazed by first pro loss (usatoday.com)
Losses absolutely suck, many sleepless nights but believe she’ll return stronger than ever with vengeance against Sam Hughes at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. Make sure to in her pressure volume striking style in front of her hometown crowd.
2024 expectations is for Yazmin to continue building her win resume defeating for example Konklak Suphisara, Eduarda Moura, Emily Ducote. Finishing 2024 on three fight winning streak defeating formidable opponents potentially becoming #15th strawweight.
9. Joshua Van
Legacy Fighting Alliance, Cage Warriors, Cage Fury Fighting Championship were the top three feeder leagues but coming for the #1 regional promotion is rising promotion Fury Fighting Championship. Fury FC superstar Joshua Van putting the Texas promotion on the map while fighting for UFC.
Might question signed with UFC too early at age 21 but put on a statement in his UFC debut fight against Zhumagulov than impressive dominant all-around performance against Kevin Borjas.
Joshua Van looking like Mini Anthony Pettis reason behind by this crazy comparison because of the fast hands, boxing combinations, similar kickboxing style with the high body kicks.
Scary to think only 22 years old considered one of the best UFC prospects 2024 but this kid is super talented, the highlights speak for themselves. UFC Flyweight Division was criticized for being boring lack of finishes, but Joshua Van bring boost to the weight class. Foreseeable future picture Van being one of the flyweight stars.
2024 watch out for Joshua Van to become one of UFC’s rising stars, UFC marketing machine promoting him and scheduling him on Pay-Per-View events.
“That’s the main goal right there you know (finish the year in the rankings), as well as staying active. I want to fight at least five or six times if I can, if not at least four. If I can get at least four fights this year, that’d be amazing. If I can get six or seven it’d be perfect, you know.” Joshua Van said.
Joshua Van Hoping For ‘Six or Seven’ Fights In 2024, Top 15 UFC Ranking (cagesidepress.com)
10. Josefine Knutsson
Watching world class championship kickboxers transfer over to MMA is beautiful to watch recognizing the “levels of striking”” compared to regular MMA fighters. Josefine Knutsson former K-1 Grand Prix Finalist is display there’s levels of striking.
- K-1 Women’s Flyweight Champion
- Combat Press ranked her #5 Female Kickboxer
- Win over Kotomi Top Ten Women’s Kickboxer, Mellony Geugjes
Dana White Contender Series fight and especially against Marnic Mann was extremely impressed with her kickboxing performance. Sliced apart Mann for three rounds. While working out or stretching multiple times watched her UFC debut fight.
Improving her overall MMA skills from defensive takedowns, submission grappling ability at #1 European MMA gym Allstars Training Center. Inspired by Khamzat Chimaev, upcoming prospects Felipe Lima & Giannis Bachar, Brings in AMAZING training partners like ONE Muay Thai Champion Smilla Sundell & Sweden Wrestler BERGMAN Nova Ilona for different looks.
“… Watching him training, it’s a big motivation for me. Obviously, I’m not training with him – of course not. But we’re training side by side, and I learn a lot from him on the mat. I look up to him as a fighter. He’s really something special. He’s one of a kind.”
Noche UFC: Josefine Knutsson lauds teammate Chimaev for inspiration (usatoday.com)
Striking advantage definitely play impactful role in her fast rise to strawweight division. Believe in 2024 Knutsson will become #10-#15th ranked Strawweight as she’ll be stylistic problem.
In Conlusion these Top Ten Prospects I all believe have the potential to become world champions. End goal for all MMA fighters to reach the pinnacle of the sport. They all have the talent, but do they have the mental toughness and grit to pursue the UFC GOLD?
Missed the Cut
- Asu Almabaev
- Nazim Sadykhov
- Mateusz Rębecki
- Vitor Petrino
- Sharaputdin Magomedov
- Victoria Dudakova
- Mike Malloott
- Elves Brener
- Daniel Zellhuber
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