Bantamweight, Christian Quiñónez (15-3)
Although Quinonez only went 1-1 in Combate he is on a three-fight win streak. He has some solid wins including one against Vinicius de Oliveira who is a top Brazilian prospect. In fact, the combined record of the opponents he’s beat is 98-36. Quinonez is a strong wrestler and grappler with a submission base and very good ground and pound. With all the experience he has Quinonez is still only 25-years-old. The Mexican residing out of Zacatecas has paid his dues to get a UFC shot.
Lightweight, Genaro Valdez (9-0)
Valdez, out of Tijuana, Mexico trains at Entram Gym with a slew of killers including the UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. Valdez has fought for Combate, UWC, and LUX — all three major promotions out of Mexico. Valdez won’t really blow you away with anything when it comes to skill. With that said, the motto “Mexican toughness” fits Valdez quite well. I will say what’s impressive is his motor, pressure, and his jiu-jitsu is solid. Even though he’ll get hit, taken down, get his back taken his pressure eventually breaks opponents. He’s someone that even in defeat will give a hell of a fight.
Flyweight, Jesus Santos Aguilar (6-1)
Since losing his first fight when he turned pro, Aguilar has won his next six fights. In early 2020, Aguilar won the UWC flyweight championship. Last September he defended that title. It wasn’t until last month that he made his Combate Global debut and beat TUF and Contender Series veteran Jamie Alvarez. Aguilar is a small compact fighter. Although size may be a problem he has the speed, fight IQ, grappling, and wrestling that outshines his size. He might not be ready at the moment but it should be said that he’s never fought anyone with a losing record. Aguilar would be a good signing by the UFC at some point.
Lightweight, Francesco Patron Manzo (7-0)
Manzo is only 21-years-old so there is no need to rush him to the UFC. However, if he was to sign today he would compete much better compared to some of their other young fighters. Manzo has mainly fought for LUX recently and is their best up-and-comer at lightweight. He’s a well-rounded young man with tons of potential. He’s a diverse striker that’s still really technical. Manzo is always throwing in volume mixing in kicks and punches. He has an underrated ground game as well. There still needs more to be shown but watch out for him regardless of a UFC call or not.
