As far as depth goes, Bellator has a stacked bantamweight, featherweight, and light heavyweight division. Other areas could use some reinforcements: let’s take a look at who could make an impact.

Let’s go!

Paul Capaldo (6-0)

Weighing in at 145lbs (featherweight)
Fighting at the age of 25
Standing at five-foot-seven
Fighting out of Middleton, New Jersey, US
3 KO/TKOs

Capaldo is a solid prospect out of Nick Catone MMA and Fitness. Capaldo has been a staple for UFC Fight Pass promotion CFFC fighting there for his entire pro career. His highlight-reel wheel kick knockout is what put him on the map. He does have other good performances however. Capaldo was supposed to fight last season on Dana White’s Contender Series but he tested positive for COVID-19 and had to pull out. Capaldo is someone Bellator can fly in and scoop up before the UFC takes another look.

The post 20 Prospects Bellator Should Sign This Year appeared first on Cageside Press.

In this three-part feature, we’ll list prospects the UFC should bring in for season five. This will exclude prospects that have already been on the show, although there are a few that could very well be brought back (and at least one, Aaron Jeffery, that will be). The goal here is to be realistic with the selections, so don’t expect too many left-field picks.

From last year’s list, Tafon Nchukwi, Dustin Stoltzfus, Brandon Royval, Collin Anglin, TJ Laramie, Adrian Yanez, Al Matavao, Nikolas Motta, Cody Brundage, Sherrard Blackledge and more all made it to the show. Others, like Anthony Ivy, Kay Hansen, Max Rohskopf, Timur Valiev, and Irwin Rivera, were signed directly to the UFC, to varying degrees of success.

It’s time for our third and final installment. If you missed them, parts one and two are linked below.

Scouting Prospects for Dana White’s Contender Series Season 5, Part 1

Scouting Prospects for Dana White’s Contender Series Season 5, Part 2

Paul Capaldo

Bantamweight | 24 | New Jersey, US | 6-0 | Win streak: 11 | 4 KO/TKOs

6-0 as a pro and 5-0 as an amateur, Capaldo is a solid prospect out of Nick Catone MMA and Fitness. Capaldo is on the correct path to get to the UFC having all his pro fights under the CFFC banner. His highlight-reel wheel kick knockout in his last bout does nothing but help his case. Capaldo could just get more experience and come onto the Contender Series in 2022 but does have the skillset to be on the show this year, and would give anyone problems.

AJ Fletcher

Welterweight | 24 | Lafayette, Louisiana, US | 7-0 | Win streak: 10 | 3 KO/TKOs, 3 Submissions’

Since losing two consecutive fights as an amateur in 2018, Fletcher has hit his stride. The Louisiana-born fighter has looked excellent across seven pro bouts. “The Ghost” has been very active since turning professional even fighting four times in 2019. The fighting style of Fletcher slightly resembles Contender Series veteran and UFC fighter Ian Heinishch. I’m sure a young welterweight with an undefeated record will attract a spot on the show.

The post Scouting Prospects for the Contender Series Season 5: Part 3 appeared first on Cageside Press.

BRAVE CF 50 | Bahrain | Wednesday

Welterweight, Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi (15-2)

Jarrah Hussein is well-rounded with exceptional cardio and that has won him the Brave CF welterweight title twice. On the feet, once he gets warmed up, he’s a skilled striker. I like the way he kicks the legs after combinations. His striking defense could be better and so could his takedown defense but I think he’s at his best on the mat. He has five submissions and can threaten from both on the top and bottom. Hussein has good jiu-jitsu and while he is a bit more of a slower fighter, he has good technique. He fights former UFC fighter Ismail Naurdiev (20-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPQNucwa92w

Light heavyweight, Mohamed Said Maalem (11-3)

Born in Geneva, Maalem is a good prospect. Not often do you see a heavyweight with an 11-3 record and on a six-fight win streak. The biggest issue is he’s 37-years-old. Despite his age, he hasn’t had any signs of slowing down and at heavyweight, you can get away with being older. Still, with one more loss he could be set back too far to make an impact in a major promotion. On the feet, Maalem has clubbing striking throwing big looping overhands. He does hit hard and strikes well to close the distance. He has solid wrestling and on top he’s going to threaten with big ground and pound. He fights Mohammad Fakhreddine (14-4) for the title.

Light heavyweight, Anton Turkalj (6-0)

Turkalj is a raw talent fighting out of Sweden. He’s a big guy standing at 6’4″ and is super athletic. On the feet, Turkalj fights long with a jab and kicks. He’s explosive throwing spinning kicks and flying knees as well. He puts together punches and knees well and can finish the fight at any moment. The Swede has an array of submissions dating back to his amateur MMA career. He’s well-rounded and although he’s still raw he’s got the skillset to go far in his division. He fights Konstantin Soldatov (5-1).

Featherweight, Borislav Nikolić (8-0)

Nikolić’s main attribute is his solid jiu-jitsu. Even off his back, Nikolić is aware of what’s going on. He scrambles well and is good at making bad positions into good ones. He oftentimes transitions into the mount or to the back to later finish the fight. Nikolić has excellent ground and pound. He’s finished fights a couple of times with ground shots. When not getting the finish, he has at least used ground and pound to improve the position or get to a submission. Shockingly enough, Nikolić actually comes from some sort of kickboxing background. Not that his stand-up is bad, per se, but his grappling is where he’s looked most comfortable before. I would like to see him cut the cage off more, but his hands are looking good. He throws in combos, and despite lacking power, he makes up for it in aggression. Nikolić has finished seven of his eight fights via submission. What he’s good at is attacking the neck, as he has earned two guillotines finishes and three rear-naked chokes. He fights former UFC fighter and TUF winner Brad Katona (8-2).

Lightweight, Amin Ayoub (15-4)

25-year-old French fighter Amin Ayoub already has a good amount of fights under his belt. He hasn’t lost a fight in over two years and he’s currently on a seven-fight win streak. Ayoub is a European kickboxing champion but eight of his MMA wins come by submission. His takedown defense needs a lot of work but at least he does have a dangerous guard. Ayoub on the feet throws good output and mixes his kicks and punches together well. Not sold on him but he has a lot of talent. He fights Mashrabjon Ruziboev (10-2-1).

Bantamweight, Bair Shtepin (9-3)

From Russia, Bair Shtepin is one of the best-kept secrets among all Russian prospects. From the start of his career, he’s fought for Fight Nights Global and M-1 always testing his skillset. He’s only lost to good fighters and has beat good fighters as well. Shtepin is a diverse striker on the feet that mixes a bit of everything into combinations. The Russian likes to keep his opponents guessing throwing from different angles. He loves to be a bit flashy as that spinning kick to the body is money. The accuracy, the timing, and the setups with feints are all perfectly set-up. To make everything better he can wrestle when needed and has a good ground game. He fights Alexander Keshtov (9-1).

CFFC 94 | US | Friday

Welterweight, Bassil Hafez (6-1-1)

Hafez made a huge statement in his last fight. Not only did he win the CFFC welterweight title more impressively he beat a top prospect in Christien Savoie. Hafez is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ricardo and Phil Migliarese. Even though Hafez beat a top prospect like Savoie, he does need to show a bit more overall. He defends his title against Evan Cutts (11-4).

Welterweight, Nick Alley (7-3)

Mid-2018, Alley was 3-3 and on a three-fight skid. However, Alley has hit his stride and is now on a four-fight win streak. He even beat John Gotti III in his last fight putting the brakes on that hype train. Alley is mainly a grappler and a big submission threat with five career subs. Even off his back, he’s comfortable there because of his strong jiu-jitsu. No matter where he’s at on the mat he’s happy. He fights Solomon Renfro (6-1).

iKon Fighting Federation | Mexico | Friday

Lightweight, Elvin Espinoza (4-0)

Espinoza is only 4-0 but is someone that’s caught my eye. Espinoza is a strong wrestler who has manhandled guys lifting and slamming them down to the mat. He is a grinder on top who is heavy with position and will take anything his opponents give him. On the feet, I want to see him move his head more but he’s held his own. He has good hands that are improving. He fights Luis Campa (3-2).

CFFC 95 | US | Saturday

Bantamweight, Paul Capaldo (5-0)

Capaldo is still young in his career but I will say it already seems like he’s now in his prime. He already has everything you look for in a fighter and is someone I’m sure will reach a big stage soon. Capaldo on the feet throws everything with heavy power looking to the finish. He has an excellent head kick which he has a knockout by in his pro debut. Not only a striker as Capaldo is probably a better wrestler than anything. Capaldo throws at a good pace and can do it for three solid rounds going the distance three times in his pro career. He fights Chris Vasil (4-1).

Bellator 255 | US | Friday

Lightweight, Usman Nurmagomedov (11-0)

A cousin of former UFC champ Khabib and brother of UFC fighter Umar, Usman Nurmagomedov is a kickboxer at heart. He doesn’t throw with much power but he’s flashy and diverse with his attacks. He will throw spinning kicks, roundhouse kicks, and question mark kicks. Usman stays unpredictable attacking with all limbs and throws combos with just his legs alone. His wrestling is good, as well as timing double legs and on top. Simply put, he is a big threat. He fights Mike Hamel (7-4).

Welterweight, Jason Jackson (13-4)

Jackson is a good striker who is technical with an excellent jab and a crushing right hand. This product out of the former Blackzilians gym is a very good wrestler as well as being very well-rounded. He’s super athletic and seems to get better every time he fights. He already has career wins against Ben Henderson, Jordan Mein, Dhiego Lima, and Kiichi Kunimoto. He fights Neiman Gracie (10-1).

Bantamweight, Magomed Magomedov (17-1)

Magomedov is a good striker that has improved over the years but owns a better kicking game. He likes to get flashy at times, throwing a lot of spinning kicks which may be his best weapon. He is an excellent wrestler with superb grappling and can wrestle/grapple during the duration of the fight with his tremendous endurance. His only loss has been to the former UFC bantamweight champ Petr Yan. But he also has beaten Yan in the past so that says a lot about him. He fights Cee Jay Hamilton (15-7).

Welterweight, Mukhamed Berkhamov (14-1)

Berkhamov is a very solid fighter that can go the distance or finish. He has solid cardio going the distance three times but mainly ending the fight with his striking. He only throws a strike at a time but he is very explosive and is very hard to read as he throws hooks, jabs, leg kicks and head kicks and his timing is perfect. Berkhamov has soild wrestling as he changes levels great and always gets the takedown. He is very good on top moving well and stays heavy and gets dominate position frequently. He fights Herman Terrado (13-5-1).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Berkhamov, Magomedov, Nurmagomedov and More! appeared first on Cageside Press.

CFFC 82 | Wednesday | US

Flyweight, Santos Curatolo (4-0)

Curatolo’s competition hasn’t been too good and his strength of schedule needs work. But that said Curatolo has still looked stellar thus far and has treated his lack of competition the way he should’ve. Curatolo is an excellent wrestler rag-dolling guys around. He’s a pure athlete who I think can jump into the UFC and do well. He fights James Mancini (6-4) who is his biggest test to date.

CFFC 83 | Thursday | US

Strawweight, Jasmine Jasudavicius (4-0)

4-0 as a pro, Jasudavicius also went 4-0 as an amateur as well as compiling a 3-0 record in boxing. She has looked really good and has improved leaps and bounds with each fight. Aggressive is one way to put it. Jasudavicius is a good muay thai fighter with excellent knees and damaging elbows. Her striking is solid and overall is improving at a fast rate. She fights Elise Reed (1-0).

Bantamweight, Paul Capaldo (4-0)

Capaldo is still young in his career but I will say it already seems like he’s now in his prime. He already has everything you look for in a fighter and is someone I’m sure will have a breakout year in 2020. Capaldo on the feet throws everything with heavy power looking to the finish. He has an excellent head kick which he has a knockout by in his pro debut. Capaldo throws at a good pace and can do it for three solid rounds going the distance twice in his pro career. He fights Jamal Johnson (3-4).

SFT 23 | Thursday | US

Middleweight, Aaron Jeffery (7-2)

Jeffery is coming off a win but lost just a year ago on the Contender Series. That loss was to Brendan Allen who was one of the better fighters that season. The Canadian Jeffery is a solid prospect at 27-years-old. Jeffery is comfortable on the feet with overall good boxing skills. He has a good jab and solid output with his hands. He’s strong against the cage with solid dirty boxing. Despite his output he has excellent cardio. He fights Bruno Assis (9-4).

Bantamweight, Jornel Lugo (3-0)

Lugo is only 3-0 as a pro but he’s been very impressive including a win over John Douma is his last fight. Lugo does have a grappling game but on the feet is where he excels. He’s a tricky fighter who utilizes his striking from the end of his punches. He holds his hands low to his waist in what could be a problem but it allows the angles he uses to stay hidden. Lugo frequently switches stances giving different looks. Overall a young and talented fighter. He fights Cortavious Romious (4-0).

Bantamweight, Cortavious Romious (4-0)

As an amateur Romious had a highlight-reel head kick knockout that went viral. That’s not the style of Romious though as he’s a much better wrestler and grappler. He’s an extremely explosive athlete and a very fast starter. He has strong textbook wrestling and on top his ground and pound is fight-ending. He has been put on his back before but is so strong and scrambles so well he always wins the position. Only 26, he has a bright future. He fights Jornel Lugo (3-0).

Showcase MMA 13 | Friday | US

Featherweight, Cole Ferrell (8-0)

Cole Ferrell hasn’t been touched in his professional career and has rarely ever been in any kind of trouble. Ferrell has shown glimpses of power in his hands but is a good wrestler with a very solid ground game. He has shown that he has a tight grip when he gets the neck, hence why his seven submission wins have all come by way of a choke. If there is one knock on Cole Ferrell, it would be that he needs a step up in competition. He fights Kelli Gottardo (2-3).

Brave CF 39 | Saturday | Sweeden

Middleweight, Andreas Gustafsson Berg (5-0)

Andreas Gustafsson is an absolute beast who rather resembles UFC fighter Mark O. Madsen. “Bane” is a powerhouse wrestler who enjoys the big body lock takedowns. His wrestling is spectacular and that includes his entrances, setups, raw power, and his excellent chain wrestling. The man is a huge problem on the mat as his ground and pound is constantly pouring down no matter what position he’s in. Gustafsson is all over his foes from start to finish always moving on the mat and always landing something. His cardio is solid as well especially with the pace he has. There hasn’t been an opportunity to see how his striking really is but he at least strikes well to close the distance. He’s indeed a problem. He fights Miro Jurković (10-2) who is a good test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YubaihCDgVY&t=256s

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: CFFC Takes Spotlight With Two Events appeared first on Cageside Press.

Kenny Cross

Lightweight | 25 | Novi, Michigan | 10-3 | Win Streak: 4 | 6 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions

Fighting out of Michigan Top Team with the likes of Daron Cruickshank and Cody Stamann, Kenny Cross is a good prospect. Cross has quietly flown under the radar with now four consecutive wins and a 100% finish rate. Despite a few earlier setbacks, Cross has wins over Jonas Flok and Robert Hale in his last two fights who are both talented guys.

Nate Smith

Flyweight | 24 | Denver, Colorado | 6-0 | Win Streak: 8 | 1 KO/TKO, 3 Submissions

Nate Smith has a background in wrestling that too many don’t seem to know about. He was a USA Junior Olympic wrestler in Greco Roman, Fargo All-American as well as a national champion. After a lengthy amateur career, Smith has found his stride looking quite dominant. His wrestling is solid, he’s quick, and his jiu-jitsu is solid as well.

Adrian Hadribeaj

Welterweight | 29 | Macomb, Michigan | 10-1 | Win Streak: 5 | 2 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions

Adrian Hadribeaj fights at a Karate stance which helps keep distance and use attacks. He is lightning fast with his hands and is reminiscent of Sage Northcutt with his stand-up. He can drop you with anything and while his leg kicks are more dangerous, he usually finishes with his hands. Having great takedown defense doesn’t hurt either, and going five rounds five times says a lot.

Cody Brundage

Light-heavyweight | 25 | Fowlerville, Michigan | 5-0 | Win Streak: 6 | 3 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions

Last December, Cody Brundage beat Erick Lozano via decision. The outcome wasn’t good enough so they rematched and Brundage that time got the early stoppage. He’s the current Lights Out Championship 205-pound champ. Brundage is still a bit green but his athleticism and wrestling can take him far in a shallow division.

Jeremiah Wells

Welterweight | 33 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 8-2-1 | Win Streak: 2 | 3 KO/TKOs, 3 Submissions

Wells is a good fighter but at already 33-years-old another loss may be too much of a setback. Wells is a very explosive fighter who will attack in bursts and is willing to throw flying knees and superman punches. He also has some decent wrestling to fall back on. Overall, he’s very fun to watch and a dangerous guy no matter who he fights.

Vinicius de Jesus

Welterweight | 30 | Stamford, Connecticut | 9-2 | Win Streak: 4 | 4 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions

Vinicius de Jesus is the current CES welterweight champion dethroning Jeremiah Wells who is listed above. de Jesus is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitu black belt competing in the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Worlds 2019 as well. He’s already fought on the big stage appearing Bellator four times, going 3-1 for the promotion.

Herbeth Sousa

Bantamweight | 25 | Brasilia, Federal District, Brazil | 15-1 | Win Streak: 5 | 2 KO/TKOs, 10 Submissions

With only one loss, Herbeth Sousa is currently on a five-fight win streak. He’s beat Glyan Alves and Alexander Keshtov which are two fighters I was pretty high on at the time. His last fight was for CFFC in the US which helps Seann Shelby look at him for the Contender Series. “Indio” is an aggressive grappler who has ten submissions all coming in the first round. His wrestling is solid but obviously, it’s the grappling that’s key. His transitions are smooth and his finishing ability on the submissions is dangerous as he is a black belt in BJJ.

Erin Blanchfield

Flyweight | 20 | New York, New York, US | 5-1 | Win Streak: 2 | 2 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission

Erin Blanchfield is very well-known in the jiu-jitsu world where she won the EBI 12 flyweight championship. Her sole MMA loss is to UFC fighter Tracy Cortez; many thought Blanchfield won that fight. She really impressed me in her last fight when she knocked out Victoria Leonardo who is a good prospect. Erin is only 20 so it will do her well not to go into the UFC straight away. With that said, a spot on the Contender Series is just more experience. A developmental deal could ensue.

The post Scouting Prospects for the Contender Series Season 4: Part 2 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Hugo Cunha
Pro record: 5-0
Amateur record: 1-0
Weight class: Heavyweight
Age: 26
Fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

At only 5-0, Hugo Cunha is already considered as one of the best heavyweight prospects today. Outside of MMA, Cunha is a Brazilian National Team wrestler and a BJJ black belt. You will notice his level of competition has been poor as he’s fought three opponents with a 0-0 record. Cunha has still looked dominant thus far in his career and that’s with a 100% finish rate.

Lisa Verzosa
Pro record: 5-0
Amateur record: 9-1
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 24
Fighting out of Vancouver, Washington, USA

I personally believe every female fighter should have to go through Invicta before signing with the UFC since they have the best talent outside that promotion. Verzosa has done just that with 4 of her 5 fights in the Invicta cage, all against some good fighters. Verzosa has the toughness, heart, and tenacity and you can’t teach that is key for a fighter. Do yourself a favor and see how good she in her latest fight on Invicta FC 38 against Kerri Kenneson exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

“I usually like to keep my fights on the feet but I have a wrestling background and a purple belt in jiu-jitsu. I want my fights to be exciting and memorable for fans. Right now I’m aiming for the Invicta FC title at 135lbs and hoping to make it into the UFC soon.” -Lisa Verzosa

Blake Donnelly
Pro record: 4-0
Amateur record: 2-3
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 24
Fighting out of Rosedale, New South Wales, Australia

Fundamentals are important in a fighter and Blake Donnelly displays just that. The Aussie has a good jab, uses a lot of feints, has good cardio, and has already developed good fight IQ. All those qualities are great for such a young fighter to have. He’s already the Australian FC Vacant Lightweight Championship.

“I’m always in my opponents face, what people pay to watch. I find my range, set a pace, and I go to work. The same will go when a fight eventually goes to the ground. I still haven’t given this dream a proper crack in my eyes. There will be a time very soon where I adjust a few things in my life, fight actively and level up even more. I’m only 4-0 but I wasn’t supposed to win my last 3 fights, and the way that I’m beating all of these guys separates me from the rest.” -Blake Donnelly

Jake Hadley
Pro record: 5-0
Amateur record: 7-2
Weight class: Flyweight
Age: 23
Fighting out of Birmingham, England

Jake Hadley is only 5-0 as a pro but in his amateur career, he was successful and was a 4x amateur British flyweight champion. When Hadley was only 3-0 as a pro he fought a top prospect in Nkazimulo Zulu. Hadley beat him for the EFC Worldwide Flyweight Championship. In his latest fight, he beat a very good Blaine O’Driscoll in his Bellator debut.

“What I bring to the table is a mixed bag of MMA. I’m good everywhere and by becoming EFC flyweight world champ 4 fights into my pro career and beating a former UFC signed fighter is unheard of. I’ve beaten two world champ within 5 pro fights which is something that should already have me inside the UFC but 100% I will be going to the UFC this year.” -Jake Hadley

Casey O’Neill 
Pro record: 3-0
Amateur record: 5-2
Weight class: Strawweight
Age: 22
Fighting out of Queensland, Australia

When it comes to young up-and-comers, O’Neill is one of the best. From Scottland, O’Neill has fought her entire pro and amateur career in Australia. In her latest fight, she won the Eternal MMA Strawweight Championship. O’Neill also fights out of an excellent camp in Tiger Muay Thai.

“I live for MMA, I just want to be the best, so my future looks like whatever it takes to get there. Step by step I’m coming.” -Casey O’Neill

Dalton Rosta
Pro record: 2-0
Amateur record: 7-0
Weight class: Light-heavyweight
Age: 24
Fighting out of New Castle, Pennsylvania, US

Rosta is one of the many fighters Bellator has coming up. He’s an NCAA wrestler, took part in jiu-jitsu and boxing from a young age, and played one year of college football for Youngstown State as a linebacker. He’s 2-0 in Bellator and as a pro and an amateur he has finished all of his fights.

“I’m the future of the Light Heavyweight and Middleweight divisions, in all promotions. Anyone who doubts that will be proved wrong very quickly.” -Dalton Rosta

Ian Garry
Pro record: 3-0
Amateur record: 6-1
Weight class: Welterweight
Age: 21
Fighting out of Dublin, Ireland

Among all the top prospects from the UK/Ireland, Ian Garry stand out as the future. He fights for the Cage Warriors promotion which is the best organization out of the UK/Ireland. In his young career, Garry has already proven to be extremely well rounded, fought through adversity, and has already improved greatly.

“There’s nothing special about me. I’m not the biggest, I’m not the strongest and I’m sure there are people with better attributes than me. I’m sure there has been people that’s had a harder upbringing than me. Other people are like “fighting is the only thing I have and without that, I have nothing” blah blah blah. That’s not the case for me. I do this because I love it. I love the competition, I love testing myself and my skills, I love competing, and I love going in there with somebody and putting them to the test. I work harder than anyone. I work my ass off to prove people wrong or right. I may not be the biggest nor the strongest but I’m one of the most efficient.” -Ian Garry

Aviv Gozali 
Pro record: 4-0
Amateur record: 0-0
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 18
Fighting out of Bat Yam, Israel

Son of longtime fighter Haim Gozali, who also competed in Bellator, Aviv Gozali has looked fantastic in his short career despite being so young. All his wins have come by submission in the first round. Gozali is an aggressive grappler who excels in that department. He jumped right in the pool as a pro and under the big lights having all of his fights under the Bellator banner.

“I’m bringing to the table of the MMA world the new generation of MMA. I’m the youngest fighter in a major organization so basically I’m showing the world that age is just a number and I’m gonna be the youngest champ in Bellator history.” -Aviv Gozali

Hailey Cowan 
Pro record: 4-1
Amateur record: 3-0
Weight class: Flyweight
Age: 27
Fighting out of Waco, Texas, US

Hailey Cowan has an extensive background in gymnastics and was very accomplished at Baylor University. She won a few tumbling national titles and is a two-time All-American. After coming up short in her pro-MMA debut, she then went on to win her next four fights looking impressive in the process. She’s a staple of top regional promotion LFA who always does a great job molding fighters.

“This sport literally re-birthed my athletic career. After finishing my college athletic career with an injury, I came into MMA with fire on my side. I want to grow my game so much that when WMMA is in the conversation, my name has to be mentioned. I want my legacy to be that I dreamed big, and I made it happen… I think that alone will inspire little girls to dream big and never look back. This sport is life-changing. I’m proof of that.” -Hailey Cowan

Santos Curatolo
Pro record: 4-0
Amateur record: 2-0
Weight class: Flyweight
Age: 24
Fighting out of Staten Island, New York, US

Santos Curatolo’s competition hasn’t been too good and his strength of schedule needs work. But that said Curatolo has still looked stellar thus far and has treated his lack of competition the way he should’ve. Curatolo is an excellent wrestler rag-dolling guys around. He’s a pure athlete who I think can jump into the UFC and do well.

The post Top 25 Pro MMA Prospects with Five Fights or Less appeared first on Cageside Press.

Mallory Martin has already graduated to the UFC, but in November, she ranked as one of the top prospects for the month. Joining her among the month’s top prospects are Umar Nurmagomedov (cousin of UFC champion Khabib), Bellator’s Aviv Gozali, and lots more.

Welterweight, Josh Togo (7-3)

Josh Togo beat an undefeated fighter in David Martinez taking the Eternal lightweight title. Martinez is a good wrestler and Togo had perfect takedowns and some good footwork helped that. Togo picked Martinez apart on the outside with lead leg kicks, lead uppercuts, and jabs. He mixed it up perfectly and although the power wasn’t there, he still did drop Martinez briefly in round two.
Grade: C

https://twitter.com/ImShannonTho/status/1190261365463748608

Bantamweight, Lisa Verzosa (5-0)

I was really impressed with the toughness, heart, and tenacity of Lisa Verzosa last month. It takes two to make a war and her opponent Kerri Kenneson did just as well. Verzosa got dropped, hit a lot, and busted up but she held her own and gave out just as much damage. She really found her rhythm once in the clinch landing output to the body and head. Her defensive wrestling was good as well, and she would be the one in top position. A gritty fight where she did just enough.
Grade: C+

Strawweight, Mallory Martin (6-2)

Mallory Martin continued to extend her win streak in November, pushing it to five. She beat a good prospect in Cynthia Acreo and Martin won all three rounds. Arceo was doing pretty well on the feet finding her range but Martin found success getting takedowns. Getting the fight down each round, it became a familiar performance from Martin. She dominated once on top getting dominant positions (mount) and raining down her elbows, which she loves to throw. The win helped earn her a spot on the UFC DC card as a short-notice replacement.
Grade: B-

Screaming “Happy Halloween” at your opponent feels like both a trick and a treat 🎃 (via @invictafights) pic.twitter.com/6uqe2iGjMg

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 7, 2019

Featherweight, Elijah Johns (5-1)

The brother of UFC fighter Miles Johns, Elijah moved his win streak to three last month. Elijah showed glimpses of striking but instead won with his wrestling. He had real solid, explosive takedowns getting the fight down each round. On top, he dominated on control and always worked for the finish but his opponent was tough. It’s time for LFA to give Johns a good push now.
Grade: C+

https://twitter.com/ImShannonTho/status/1195529417872859136

Strawweight, Cheyanne Buys (4-1)

Cheyanne Buys was impressive in her second LFA fight winning an easy decision. Buys was always pressing the action and found a home with that looping right over and over. Her movement was good and her flow of kicks and punches was put together well. Buys threw and landed a lot of volume. In the third round, she even secured two takedowns and landed some good ground and pound.
Grade: C+

https://twitter.com/ImShannonTho/status/1195537947480776704

Bantamweight, JP Buys (8-2)

JP Buys was making his LFA debut in November, and ran through his opponent getting the quick finish. He got the single leg early on, pulling opponent Rodriguez down. Buys quickly transitioned to the back and took no time sinking both hooks in. He flattened out Rodriguez and would rattle off many strikes to the side of the head. Buys had the position locked down and the ref eventually would step in.
Grade: B-

https://twitter.com/ImShannonTho/status/1195549249653690368

Lightweight, Brant Moore (7-1)

In November, Brant Moore beat his third undefeated fighter in a good prospect in the form of Nation Gibrick. Nation was known as the good wrestler but Moore was the one quickly getting the takedown. Gibrick was constantly moving his hips looking to reverse but the top control of Moore was on lockdown. He smoothly moved into mount and shortly after he won with the RNC,
Grade: B

https://twitter.com/ImShannonTho/status/1195553160233934848

Bantamweight, Jose Johnson (11-5)

Jose Johnson was taking on a very game in Brazilian Rafael Costa. Costa was on Johnson early wanting to close the distance and get the takedown. He did have Jose in some trouble with a d’arce but Jose showed solid defense. While Costa was working for a takedown, Johnson landed a perfect elbow to the temple. That one elbow knocked out Costa, face-planting him in devastating fashion. Note: Johnson was an insane 68-12 as an amateur.
Grade: A

This nasty elbow immediately sent his opponent to the canvas (via @UFCFightPass) pic.twitter.com/Yj4EUARdxI

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 16, 2019

Bantamweight, Adrian Yanez (10-3)

Adrian Yanez had a great fight in the LFA 78 main event with a good fighter in Kyle Estrada. Yanez did start off a little slow and you could say he lost the first round. In rounds 2 and 3 however, Yanez turned up the heat. Yanez did an awesome job stepping into the pocket and letting his hands go. He showed solid boxing throwing from some good angels and always throwing more than two strikes at a time. Estrada was very game as well and did well but after a while the output was on the side of Yanez.
Grade: B+

https://twitter.com/ImShannonTho/status/1195565550224728064

Welterweight, Ian Garry (3-0)

Ian Garry had to battle through adversity at the start of the fight getting cracked by a right hand. Garry though stayed upright and recovered quickly. He got control against the cage and was landing many left uppercuts. That forced his opponent to give up his back and Garry to pull him down. From there it was sealed as Garry quickly finished with the RNC.
Grade: C+

The post MMA Prospect Watch: The Most Impressive Fighters from November appeared first on Cageside Press.