20 UFC Prospects To Watch For This Year

UFC Fight Island 8 Umar Nurmagomedov
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JANUARY 20: Umar Nurmagomedov of Russia celebrates after his victory over Sergey Morozov of Kazakhstan in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 20, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Bantamweight, Umar Nurmagomedov (13-0)

The cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov might be best known for the familial tie, but he’s so much more than that. He only fought once last year but beat a good Sergey Morozov. He’s had problems staying in fights once they’ve been made, which is one reason he’s not really known to UFC fans yet. Nurmagomedov like his cousin Khabib has a strong lockdown wrestling base. With that said, he also has efficient skills on the feet with his kickboxing. He can go far in the UFC if he gets fights.

Jack Della Maddalena, UFC 270 weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press

Welterweight, Jack Della Maddalena (11-2)

Maddalena was signed to the UFC after a great fight and performance on the Contender Series last season. He made his UFC debut in January and put on a striking showcase stopping Pete Rodriguez in the first round. He was 0-2 to start his career and now he’s won eleven consecutive fights. Maddalena’s boxing is some of the best in the division and that can take him far in the UFC. He’s a joy to watch and is only 25-years-old.