Flyweight, Alibi Idiris
Aktau, Kazakhstan
30-years-old
10-0
4 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission
Combined opponents’ record: 66-21-2
Idiris could’ve been signed to the UFC after his fight with Contender Series alum Erisson Ferreira. He smoked him spectacularly, knocking out Ferreria with a spinning back kick. Last May he beat another tough Brazilian and before Ferreira, he handed Brazilian Alisson Silva his first loss. Idiris is a high-paced fighter who can fight at a good rate for the distance of the fight. Idiris is adaptable in fights being able to adjust and fight anywhere. What stands out is his pace even for a 125er.
“This is my dream, and I live it every day. My 10-0 record speaks for itself. I’m hungry.” – Idiris
Flyweight, Marcos Degli
Campos do Jordão, Sao Paulo, Brazil
24-years-old
11-3
6 KO/TKOs. 4 Submissions
Combined opponents’ record: 50-20
Degli is a UFC-level flyweight and could crack into the top 15 at some point. Over the course of his pro career, Degli has leaned on his ground game as he’s a BJJ black belt. I’ve been really impressed with his wrestling. It all comes from his timing on his level changes but the guy can drive in on the hips and chain wrestle if needed. Degli will control the range with his striking and then explode in with a flying knee. While on the inside his Muay Thai is a weapon as well. What makes Degli such a good fighter is the fact he’s good in every area. He has a few questions but zero glaring holes.
“I should be in the UFC, because I’m coming off nine consecutive wins, two in the Brazilian rankings, and because I’m the most complete guy in this thing.” – Degli
Lightweight, Richie Lewis
Deerfield Beach, Florida
30-years-old
6-0
2 KO/TKOs
Combined opponents’ record: 18-8-2
Lewis, in his last two fights, won titles for Titan FC and LFA. Recently he was supposed to be defending his LFA title but an injury forced him out. Lewis is a U23 World champion in freestyle wrestling and a two-time NCAA qualifier at Rutgers University. Wrestling is the best base to have in MMA. When you mix that in with relentless pressure, cardio, and heavy ground and pound that’s a dangerous mix to deal with. He also has a personality that’s marketable with the way he talks trash. His trash talk doesn’t match his fighting style when you see three decision wins but he’s at least aggressive in the way he fights.
“I am the American fighter that will stop the Russian takeover at lightweight. I will revitalize an aging division in a dominant fashion. I have never lost a round. LFA & Titan FC champion. U23 World Champion for USA. I will make the walk in 2025 for UFC and in 2026 I’ll be on my UFC title run.” – Lewis
Welterweight, James Drago
White Plains, New York, US
29-years-old
7-2
4 KO/TKO, 1 Submission
Combined opponents’ report: 24-7-1
Recently handing Alonzo Turner his first loss, Drago put himself on the map. That was for the Ring of Combat welterweight title; ROC has been a big feeder to the UFC. Drago is a solid striker. Really awkward in the way he fights but the dude is a savage. I’d be really surprised if he’s not on the Contender Series next season. He’s a fun fighter and good on the mic so he’d bring a lot of fun to the division.
“I fight for more than myself. I fight for my family, my father who is no longer with us, and the underdogs in life. There is a fire behind the energy that I bring into the cage, and it is unmatched. One opportunity is all it will take for the world to see my work ethic that produces highlight finishes.” – Drago
Featherweight, Icaro Brito
Itapetinga, Bahia, Brazil
25-years-old
8-1
5 KO/TKOs
Combined opponents’ record: 45-26-1
Brito is a top Brazilian prospect who is being affected by inactivity. He was supposed to fight on the Contender Series last season but was pulled because of visa issues. In 2024 he only fought once but had three other fights that were cancelled. Brito is an excellent striker/kickboxer. He throws in volume and at times will throw combinations up to six. Brito is also apart of Fight Nerds who has been killing it in the UFC. With his fighting style, the connections he has to his teammates, and the matchmakers already in the know I’d say he’s a shoo-in for 2025.
“I should be in the UFC because I’m another fighting nerd who will dominate that octagon. I’m one of the oldest in the team and I carry all the nerd style! I got my opportunity to fight and contend this year but for reasons I can’t control I didn’t fight but in 2025 I’ll be ready for my opportunity!” – Brito
