Respecting (and Scouting) Older MMA Prospects

Rudy Gavidia
Featherweight
20-3
Peru
34

Gavidia has been killing it over in Peru his entire career. He is the current FFC featherweight and lightweight champion. He lost his first two pro fights and since has only lost one. Gavidia has always been putting on good shows and staying active but has never had his chance under the bright lights. It’s quite surprising he’s still not ever been contacted for the UFC or Bellator. At times his performances aren’t exciting but he’s got a great personality and undoubtedly has the skillset.

Nikolay Veretennikov
Welterweight
11-4
Kazakhstan
33

Veretennikov is from Kazakhstan and has good wins over tough regional guys like Austin Jones, Artenas Young, Demarques Jackson, and Steve Jones. Also wins over former UFC fighters Anthony Ivy and Charlie Ontiveros. Veretennikov was 1-3 when he started MMA and then went on a run. His streak ended in 2021 on the Contender Series to a surging Michael Morales. I believe he’s UFC level and can do really well in the promotion today. Veretennikov is well-rounded if you look at his body of work in his career.