Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is full of exciting prospects. Although he is signed with KSW, Leo Brichta (12-3, 1 NC) is the obvious choice. The Czech Republic has a knack for pumping out some excellent strikers and that’s what we got with Birchta. Birchta didn’t turn the corner in his career until he fought in the Oktagon Underground tournament in 2020. Oktagon Underground is an exhibition tournament with modified MMA rules. He went 3-0 in the tournament but for some reason, he couldn’t fight in the championship. Outside of MMA, Birchta has competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts as well. He’s undefeated in both disciplines at least what’s shown on Tapology. Birchta does a lot of things so well on the feet but it all starts with his kickboxing. He dictates the pace with his kickboxing.
Dominican Republic
Waldo Cortes-Acosta is the only fighter from the Dominican Republic signed to the UFC. Micaias Ureña (8-2) trains and lives in the US and trains out of the Goat Shed. Urena offensively is a threat. He is constantly throwing the jab and mixing up his striking patterns following the jab. He actively goes to the body and chops away at the leg kicks and his release on his strikes is really quick. There are concerns about his cardio and takedown defense but if he can tighten it up he’d be a threat. The only thing he’s missing is that one key win.
Ecuador
Chito Vera is a big star out of Ecuador who is about to challenge for a title at UFC 299. The two best prospects from Ecuador are actually brothers. I like Andres Luna Martinetti but Adrian Luna Martinetti (13-1) is the better fighter. Martinetti has some decent skills on the feet with kicks but is primarily a grappler. When it comes to his wrestling I wouldn’t rate him too high but his overall ground game shines. Martinetti will lose positions at times but even off his back he’s attacking and scrambling well. He does a good job at staying active and is always working. Even though he is a submission threat his gas tank has held up very well. Martinetti even holds a rare gogoplata which is a testament to how good his jiu-jitsu is.
