Brett Martin
Heavyweight | 24 | Hesperia, Michigan | 6-1 | Win Streak: 2 | 2 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions
Brett Martin made an impression when he beat former Contender Series winner and TUF 28 competitor, Josh Parisian. Martin stopped Parisian in the first-round by submission. He is first and foremost a wrestler and has displayed his strength by being able to lift guys and slam them to the mat. Once on top, he is staying there as he knows how to use his weight but avoids lay and pray. Martin has very good ground-and-pound, and on the feet, he does have knockout power but relies on his wrestling.
Shanna Young
Flyweight | 28 | Ferrum, Virginia | 6-1 | Win Streak: 2 | 2 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions
Shanna Young started Karate at the age of eight, wrestled in high school, taking her first fight at the age of 16. She’s well-rounded as expected with her background. She has a high variety of kicks going to the legs, body, and head and throws many different types of kicks. Her wrestling is pretty good as well and she has two submission victories. She has one fight in Invicta so she could end up fighting again for them first.
Herdem Alacabek
Light Heavyweight | 27 | Sweden | 5-0 | 3 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions
Herdem Alacabek is a promising prospect that trains with UFC light heavyweight Ilir Latifi. Alacabek has dominated in all of his professional bouts with his wrestling and superior grappling. He is a strong guy with the ability slam his opponents to the mat but in top position is where he does his best work. He has three wins via ground-and-pound while in a dominant position to go along with a pair of submission wins.
Austin Lingo
Featherweight | 24 | Dallas, Texas | 6-0 | 2 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions
Austin Lingo is a product of Fortis MMA, the home of many UFC fighters and some high-level fighters. He’s well rounded who has finished from both on the feet and on the mat. Lingo has knockout power and is aggressive on the feet. He will stand and bang but does have some good jiu-jitsu. He does get taken down but has shown good jiu-jitsu off his back. All in all, he’s a fun fighter who will provide a great finish or just a fun fight.
Jared Vanderaa
Heavyweight | 26 | Temecula, California | 9-3 | 6 KO/TKO, 4 Submissions
Jared Vanderaa had a few bumps in his career but ever since signing with EFC, the premier promotion in South Africa, he has hit a hot streak. He’s 3-1 for EFC and is currently their heavyweight champion with one title defense. Vanderaa is an imposing force, staying in the face of his opponent throwing often and has some excellent leg kicks. Vanderaa is even better on the mat and has decent takedowns to get it there. He’s a heavy guy but moves well showing his BJJ is solid. He has good ground-and-pound as well with a few of his finishes coming that way.
Aleksa Camur
Light Heavyweight | 23 | Broadview Heights, Ohio | 4-0 | 4 KO/TKO
Aleksa Camur is a product of Strong Style Fight Team out of Independence, Ohio. He trains with some solid fighters including former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. There is very little footage of Camur, but I hear nothing but good things. He is only 4-0 but at heavyweight, it’s good to give these young fighters some exposure.
Hailey Cowan
Flyweight | 27 | Waco, Texas | 3-1 | Win Streak: 3 | 2 KO/TKO, 1 Submission
Hailey Cowan had an extensive background in gymnastics being very accomplished for Baylor University. She won a few tumbling national titles and is a two-time All-American. After coming up short in her pro debut, she then went to win her next three fights, finishing all three and looking impressive. She’s a big and strong 125er who is well-rounded, holding a rear-naked choke and a highlight-reel head kick knockout. She’s still young in her career and the competition has been weak so a fight on the Contender Series makes a lot of sense.
