Mexico
Mexico is one of the top markets the UFC is interested in. Combate staple David “Black Spartan” Matrtinez (10-1) represents Mexico very well. Martinez won the title from the Combate Global’s one-night eight-man bantamweight tournament. That was is 2021 and Martinez has had two title defenses since. Martinez is solely a striker/kickboxer. Martinez usually fights in volume. He puts together combinations from different angles and mixes in his kicks behind his punches. He will throw a lot of hard outside leg kicks to set the tone of the fight. Martinez is pretty active on the outside with his kicks throwing to the legs, body, head, throwing sidekicks. In fact, Martinez was a former standout WAKO kickboxer. Martinez has basically shown little to zero holes in his game. He still hasn’t been tested in a lot of ways as he’s never been uncomfortable in the cage.
Mongolia
One of the best flyweight prospects on the planet happens to be from Mongolia in Badmatsyren Dorzhiev (8-0). This year has been a great year for “Immortal Lotus.” He moved to the U.S. and won the flyweight title for both Anthony Pettic FC and CFFC. Dorzhiev is well-rounded and every move is thought out and measured. He has a good right hand that’s highlighted. On the feet, Dorzhiev will pick and choose his shots staying technical. He’s a solid wrestler and his ground and pound is really good along with heavy top control. He should be a UFC fighting in the coming year sometime.
Morocco
Over the years I believe Morocco has a lot of potential to pump out more and more prospects. Currently, Nabil Haryouli (4-0) has the most potential. Haryouli is only 4-0 in MMA but that’s because he comes from an extensive kickboxing career. He was 25-1 in kickboxing with 17 knockouts. Watching his kickboxing highlight reel he’s destroying guys. In MMA it’s been no different with four first-round finishes. Haryouli showed he can adapt to MMA as he has two TKO stoppages from a GNP. He’s got huge power in his hands and throws them from the hip. He mixes in those body shots and utilizes his kickboxing well. I’d like to see more from a technical standpoint like feints, jabs, and straight punches. Only 24 so he can develop all that.
