10 Bantamweight Prospects the UFC Should Sign in 2023

Frans “The Black Mamba” Mlambo

31 | 5’9″ | Dublin, Ireland | 13-5 | 8 Finishes | 4 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions | Combined Opponents’ Record: 108-34 | Best Win – Dominique Wooding (6-2)

Mlambo doesn’t have the most appealing record but is battle-tested no doubt. He’s beat the likes of Kevin Cordero, Dominique Wooding, Jonas Magard, and Felipe Efrain. He’s a Bellator veteran as well taking four fights for the promotion. With a lot of success as a pro, he was an IMMAF world champion as an amateur too. He won a one-night tournament Combate held and won three fights in one night, taking home a big trophy in 2021.

Mlambo is an excellent boxer. His hands are really sharp and has a good understanding of his shot placement. His takedown defense has been his issue but his grappling is no joke. Mlambo is a threat at taking the neck when takedowns are being attempted. Very underrated fighter in this division. He didn’t fight at all last year but he can’t be far away from a UFC shot this year with a fight or two.