Bantamweight, Colby Thicknesse (4-0):
Thicknesse is another young pro from that area with a high ceiling. As an amateur, he was the IMMAF-WMMAA Oceania Open Champion. He’s a main teammate of UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. He’s a young pro but went 8-1 as an amateur. Thicknesse excels on the mat and his wrestling may not match but it’s definitely looked improved. In the clinch, a lot of his takedowns come from the body lock. He’s good at utilizing trips and upper-body takedowns. He will shoot from the outside but it’s when he can get in tight where he gets the takedowns. Thicknesse, between his pro and amateur careers, has four submissions and all come by rear-naked choke. His grappling is slick and although he can be too aggressive at times, he can adapt from anywhere.
Flyweight, Sean Gauci (8-1):
The one thing holding back Gauci is getting fights. In between the last two fights he’s had more canceled fights than actual fights. Last year he did win the HEX bantamweight title and coming up he’s going for the HEX bantamweight title. Gauci is the only man to ever beat Steve Erceg. Over his last few fights it’s his striking that’s stood out. Gauci sits in the pocket and shows good boxing with the jab, attacking the body, and he counters very well. He has deceptive power and a ground game when needed.
Heavyweight, Navajo Stirling (2-0):
Stirling is a two-time King in the Cage champion (kickboxing). Stirling is based out of Auckland, New Zealand, and trains out of City Kickboxing. There isn’t a lot to go off of since he only has two fights and footage is limited. I have seen from the clips that of course his striking is good but has secured takedowns and won his last fight via ground and pound. His ties to City Kickboxing will give him a heavy push like Carlos Ulberg.
Flyweight, Joseph Larcinese (1-0):
I can’t be confident with any opinion on Larcinese with his lack of experience. Larcinese is just 1-0 as a pro but he did go 4-0 as an amateur and won a regional title. From what I’ve seen Larcinese is a dangerous guy. He has knockout power and an even better ground game. I know he’s won various grappling tournaments. From what I’ve heard from people close to him tell me he’s the real deal. Is he on the same level as others on this list? No but he is someone to watch for a few years from now.
