This past Saturday, June 12, 2021 was a historic day for Mexican MMA. Brandon Moreno, born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, became only the fourth flyweight champion in UFC history. Not only that, but Moreno became the first Mexican-born fighter to ever win UFC gold. In honor of Moreno here are 10 Mexican-Born prospects the UFC should sign.
Strawweight, Melissa Martinez (7-0)
Hailing from Mexico City, Mexico, Martinez isn’t only one of the best Mexican prospects but is one of the best strawweight prospects in the world. Martinez is currently signed with Combate Americas (now Combate Global) and is their current 115-pound champion. She hasn’t fought in around a year and a half after a closely contested fight with Desiree Yanez. Martinez is a fast-paced fighter who is exciting to watch. “Super Melly” has the ability to break an opponent down with her chopping leg kicks. She also displays a quick release with her dangerous head kick that she has won a couple of times with. Martinez puts combinations together with her hands very well and her explosiveness and hand speed are solid. At the young age of 23, the sky is the limit.
Lightweight, Daniel Zellhuber (11-0)
Right out of Mexico City, Mexico Daniel Zellhuber has turned a lot of heads in the last few years. At only 21-years-old, there will for sure be way more to learn for Daniel Zellhuber, but at this point in his career, Zellhuber has looked darn good. He earned two impressive wins in 2020 putting his name out there as a bright young prospect. The Mexican has a tall lanky build at 6’1″ making him a huge lightweight. While he does use his length at times, he’s more of a Muay Thai fighter. Zellhuber has excellent clinch work with knees and elbows. At any time we can be seeing Zellhuber in the UFC.
Heavyweight, Jesus Navarrete (7-0)
Located in Maneadero, Baja California, Mexico, Navarrete is an underrated heavyweight prospect. Only being in the sport for not even five years, he’s already the reigning defending UWC heavyweight champion. He’s only 24 as well. Navarrete is a chubbier heavyweight but is talented enough to watch out for. The big man is a technical striker with a good jab and a lot of output. Navarrete will march forward throwing his hands and kicks. He’s got that Mexican toughness marching forward taking shots to give some. Not someone that’s gonna knock the doors down right away but will put on some entertaining fights on the come-up.
