Welterweight, Taiyilake Nueraji
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
23-years-old
11-1, 1 NC
10 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission
Combined opponents record: 61-30
I don’t understand the reasoning behind Nueraji not being signed to the UFC. He fought on Road To UFC in 2023 and had a highlight-reel knockout. He arguably should’ve been signed then and since, he’s won three more. It’s puzzling because he’s marketable with the excitement he brings to the cage and being from China. China is a market the UFC has been getting into for years. I still question the level of fighter Nueraji is outside of a guy that could get meme knockouts. He is a super fun fighter and violent finisher however. He is only 23 and welterweight needs all the new blood it can get.
Featherweight, George Mangos
Sydney, New South Wales
21-years-old
6-0
1 KO/TKO, 5 Submissions
Combined opponents’ record: 34-9-1
Some may argue it’s too early for Mangos to be in the UFC but I would disagree completely. With the run he’s been on he’s almost become undeniable. Mangos beat veteran Justin Van Heerden when he was just 3-0. That’s when he won the HEX title and he’s defended it twice beating two other good prospects. In my opinion, he’s arguably the breakout prospect of the year. Mangos has some good wrestling it seems like with his single leg. Seven of his ten career wins come by submission. His awareness of his opponent’s neck has been impressive. Overall, I like his grappling and on the feet, I can see the talent but just need to see more of it.
Flyweight, Eduardo Chapolin
Buritama, Sao Paulo, Brazil
29-years-old
13-2
6 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions
Combined opponents’ record: 80-23-2
Chapolin is the current LFA flyweight champion. After starting with a loss in LFA he went on to win three in a row. His only losses are to Contender Series alum Davi Bittencourt and former UFC fighter Kleydson Rodrigues. With that said, I believe Chapolin would win those rematches today. He has solid wins over Cody Davis and Igor Siqueira in his last two fights. The Brazilian is a nasty striker. He throws a bit too loopy and can be too willing to exchange. He’s been dropped before but never finished. The offensive work overshadows his defense though. Chapolin is an improved flyweight that I’d think would fit right into the UFC roster.
Strawweight, Giovanna Canuto
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
22-years-old
5-1
1 KO/TKO, 3 Submissions
Combined opponents’ record: 9-9
Canuto is a five-time world IBJJf champion, a Pan-American champion, a European champion an ADCC trials champ, and has multiple national titles. She jumped right into the pro ranks for LFA. Her only loss is to Natasha Kuziutina who is the current LFA champion and it was a close fight. Her striking is still raw but I’ve been so impressed with her jiu-jitsu. Everything from her transitions to her submission attack is high-level. She moves so quickly on top but she still knows exactly what move she is going to make next. Canuto has solid wrestling to complement a top-notch ground game. Seems like a prospect the UFC loves to sign.
Lightweight, Magomed Zaynukov
Kaspiysk, Dagestan, Russia
29-years-old
6-0
5 KO/TKOs
Combined opponents record: 24-11-1
One of my biggest hopes this year is for the UFC to pick up quality Russian talent. Zaynukov is a great talent and in my opinion a top five prospect out of Russia which says a lot. He’s also met Dana White and being a part of Team Khabib helps his case. Zaynukov comes from an extensive Muay Thai career with many accolades. He’s a two-time IFMA World Champion and a WMC Intercontinental champion. Zaynukov is a menace with the elbows and knees and will land some brutal kicks on the outside. His grappling is a gray area but he’s with the right team for that to grow substantially.
