Middleweight, Dustin Stoltzfus (12-1): Perhaps given he’s an American based in Germany, Stoltzfus often gets overlooked when it comes to MMA’s top prospects. The 28-year-old middleweight trains alongside the UFC’s Peter Sobotta and has amassed a 12-1 record with 9 finishes. He’s currently on a 9-fight win-streak including a finish via twister in his most recent bout. While he initially signed a deal to compete on a canceled Brave CF card, it’s unclear what his contractual status is. Stoltzfus has the ability to compete in a top promotion right now.
Lightweight, Victor Martinez (12-4): The 28-year-old is a protégé of surging UFC Lightweight Diego Ferreira and currently cross-training at the stellar Fortis MMA gym in Dallas. Martinez is on a 6-fight win streak and is a controversial split-decision away from 9-straight. At 28, Martinez is hitting his fighting prime and could easily step into the UFC as a short-notice call-up or through the Dana White’s Contender Series.
Featherweight, Alejandro Flores (17-2): After 17 fights under the Combate banner, “Gallito” is now a free agent. The 28-year-old boasts a 17-2 record and is currently riding a 3-fight win streak. His lone blemish in his last 10 was a tournament final fight with former Combate Champion and TUF Alum Andres Quintana in what was Flores’ third fight of the night. Flores is extremely well-rounded and has flourished under the guidance of under-appreciated striking Coach Mike Valle at Valle-Flow Striking, an Illinois-based gym that often hosts UFC standouts Yair Rodriguez, Juliana Pena, Belal Muhammad, and Maryna Moroz. Given Flores’ experience and strength of the opposition, he could jump right into the mix at 145 in a big promotion.
Bantamweight, Herbeth Sousa (15-1): Whether it’s the flyweight division’s resurgence or the ever-growing shark tank of talent in the bantamweight division, the UFC should look no further than 26-year-old Herbeth Sousa. The Brazilian is 15-1 on a 5-fight win-streak and currently holds the bantamweight titles in both the Future FC and CFFC Promotions. In February, he earned a one-sided decision victory over previously-unbeaten Alexander Keshtov, one of the top unsigned Flyweight/Bantamweight contenders outside of the big promotions. With a ton of eyes on the lower weight classes, Sousa would add depth and earn himself an opportunity to compete with some of the best talents in the world.
Welterweight, Rhys McKee (10-2-1): Like many young fighters who reach high-levels of success in their early twenties, McKee had a few growing pains in the competitive BAMMA promotion. However, both losses on his resume have been answered nicely. Now a welterweight, McKee has won three-straight, all finishes and now owns a 10-2-1 pro record before his 25th birthday. A young man with a fun personality from Northern Ireland, McKee already has a decent European fan base that could easily translate to future UFC cards overseas. Give the kid a shot and let him sink or swim.
