“It’s always unfortunate to have an opponent drop out late in the preparation process,” Bak admitted during this week’s Bellator 280 media day, speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press. “That’s kind of a thing we do a lot about, trying to prepare specifically for each fighter’s base.”

Still, he has a fight, and that’s what matters. Bak got the call about two weeks or so out from the fight, with the promotion telling him Saul Rogers was out. “Pretty much right away we started working on a replacement fight. Charlie Leary came up really quickly.”

And so now it’s on to Leary, who is well known to Bellator’s European fanbase, and who, like Bak himself, previously fought for Cage Warriors. Bak would later discuss the changes made for Learly, and reiterated his frustration with an opponent falling out.

“Of course a catchwieght is never nice. I’ve been preparing for over three months for Saul Rogers and going specifically to 155. Like I said, it’s never nice to have an opponent drop out when you specifically work towards that goal,” said Bak. “That said, we didn’t do too many specific changes. Of course some things, because Charlie is a taller guy, and strengths and weaknesses are different than Saul’s, but really when we develop our game plans, it’s more a question of pushing the fight where I’ve got the advantage.”

The biggest difference Bak sees, aside from Leary’s length, “would be I think Charlie’s actually a mentally tougher fighter than Saul is.”

And while Leary has some knockout power, “We’re prepared for anything and everything,” Bak stated. “Some of the tweaks we did were kind of prepared specifically for the kind of combinations Charlie likes to throw. I’m going to be ready for that, and he’s not going to get me knocked out. I’m going to get him down on the ground and put on a world of hurt.”

Soren Bak faces Charlie Leary at Bellator 280 in Paris, France, this Friday, May 6, 2022, on Showtime. Watch the rest of Bak’s media day interview above. More coverage can be found below.

The post Bellator 280: Soren Bak Plans to Get Charlie Leary Down, “Put On A World of Hurt” appeared first on Cageside Press.

Bellator 280 | Paris | Friday

Light heavyweight, Alex Polizzi (10-1)

Polizzi has the recipe to be a big prospect in the 205lb weight class. His only loss is to a top guy in Julius Anglickas. Polizzi was a D1 wrestler at Northwestern University from 2010-2015 and was a state champion. Polizzi needs work on his stand-up but his wrestling and athleticism have taken him far. His ground and pound along with an overall good ground game is top-notch. He fights the very dangerous Yoel Romero (13-6).

Featherweight, Fabacary Diatta (8-0)

Diatta is a very good prospect that has a win over the Cage Warriors bantamweight champion Dominique Wooding. Diatta is a technical striker, on the feet being where he’s more confident, but will score a few takedowns in a fight. He constantly is throwing combinations with his hands and throwing kicks behind his punches. He’s a well thought out, picks-his-spot striker, with that being a reason he’s gone the distance five times. Diatta fights Jordan Barton (6-2-1).

Lightweight, Soren Bak (15-1)

With one blemish on his record, Soren Bak has been an absolute force dominating in all of his wins. He doesn’t have much in the stand-up department, but he’s been improving and has shown glimpses of power in his hands. The wrestling and the grappling though is outstanding with an incredible top game, with vicious ground and pound and natural skills to pass guard. Bak has six submissions and has shown a diverse attack once he gets the fight to the mat. “The True Viking” is also a very smart but aggressive fighter who could have a bright future if he stays active. He fights Charlie Leary (17-12-1).

LFA 131 | US | Friday

Bantamweight, Daniel Argueta (7-0)

Argueta is mostly known for his time on The Ultimate Fighter Season 29. Of all the fighters on that season, Argueta has the most potential. After wrestling in high school Argueta went on to wrestle Division II for the University of Wisconsin. Argueta’s constant forward pressure, his wrestling, pace, jiu-jitsu, and the gas tank are going to give a lot of guys problems. With every fight he gets he’s looked more and more ready for a big opportunity. He fights Diego Silva (14-6).

Middleweight, Roland Dunlap (3-0)

Dunlap is a 6’3″ wrestler won two state titles in high school and had a career record of 159-9. He went on to be a three-time All-American and wrestled D3. Even with his extensive wrestling background he fights out of a classic karate stance. “The Dream” fights very loosely and very long. He’ll throw a lot of kicks and he’ll attack with both legs. Where Dunlap shines is when he uses his wrestling. Dunlap does nice work changing levels as his opponents come forward to engage. He sneaks under punches to get a hold of the legs to lift guys up and slam them to the mat. Dunlap fights Hamza Salim (5-4).

PFL 2022 #3 | US | Friday

Welterweight, Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi (17-3)

Jarrah Hussein Al-Silawi is well-rounded with exceptional cardio. 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 the top and bottom. Al-Silawi has good jiu-jitsu and while he is a bit more of a slower fighter, he has good technique. He fights Gleison Tibau (36-15).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dj0RdmX05g&ab_channel=BRAVEMMAFIGHTS

Eternal MMA 65 | Australia | Friday

Lightweight, Josh Kuhne (3-0)

It’s hard to get a good read on Kuhne because his fights end so quickly. The storm he brings right out of the gate is so heavy his opponents so far simply couldn’t withstand it. Kunhe has massive power in both his hands and knees. So much is unknown about him but putting on a show is what he’s all about. There is a reason they call him Kamikaze. Kuhne fights Dimps Gillies (5-4).

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Bellator London went down Saturday night at the SSE Arena, and marked the promotion’s final European card of 2019. While they’ll head back across the pond in February for Bellator Dublin featuring James Gallagher, Saturday, it was the MVP show. That, of course, would be Michael ‘Venom’ Page, who scored another walk-off knockout atop the card.

Of course, the question of competition was a big one. Page was supposed to face Derek Anderson in what should have been a very competitive fight. However, with Anderson hurt, Page went up against Giovanni Melillo, a little-known Italian welterweight who wasn’t expected to be able to overcome Page’s crafty striking.

He wasn’t. Melillo went down early, victim of a counter that put him down at 1:47 of the opening round.

Also on the main card, Fabian Edwards earned a close, questionable split decision against Mike Shipman to keep his perfect record intact. A rematch would not be unwarranted, although it would not be surprising to see Edwards move on to bigger things.

Opening the three-fight main card was Soren Bak, who dominated Terry Brazier  with superior wrestling for the better part of three rounds.

Check out video highlights of Bellator London above!

The post Bellator London: MVP vs. Melillo Video Highlights appeared first on Cageside Press.

Michael Venom Page

MVP’s original Bellator London opponent, Derek Anderson, fell out of the bout about a week or so before the fight, leaving Bellator scrambling to look for replacement fighters. One of the fighters they considered was Curtis Millender. Millender is looking to return to Bellator and volunteered to take the fight against Page via social media. Notably, Millender had been unexpectedly cut from the UFC a few weeks prior.  Eventually, Bellator landed on Gianni Melillo to replace Anderson. Which still brings up the question, how would a fight between Millender and Page go? Unless Bellator is currently looking for Page to have a rematch with Douglas Lima, Page would be an amazing first test in Bellator for Millender.

MVP’s Next Fight: Curtis Millender

Fabian Edwards

A split decision win can always be a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it could mean that the fight was just that good, a fight that was hard to decide. On the pther, it leaves the door open for the losing fighter to argue that the judging was off. Which is exactly what Michael Shipman is saying following his split decision loss to Edwards this past Saturday. Bellator may be looking to set up a rematch but, if Edwards is still looking to move forward in the division he should probably look for a new rival. Maybe look in the direction of John Salter, who just got a decision win over Costello Van Steenis. Salter is a Bellator vet who is 7-1 under the Bellator banner. With an overall record of 17-4, Salter would be a huge step up for the 9-0 Edwards. Taking him one step closer to chasing down that middleweight title.

Edward’s Next Fight: John Salter

Soren Bak

Last Saturday’s win over Terry Brazier pushed Bak’s record to 14-1. He’s undefeated in his Cage Warriors and Bellator careers. Bak holds wins over Brazier, Paddy Pimblett, and Martin Stapleton. Which from a popularity standpoint should put him close to the top of the lightweight division. Also coming off a very impressive win back in mid-November is Bellator newcomer, Sidney Outlaw. In this fight, Outlaw won a decisive decision over MMA legend Roger Huerta. Outlaw has been undefeated since 2016 when he lost a split decision to Gregor Gillespie at Ring Of Combat 55. Both of these men are up and coming stars in Bellator’s lightweight division, and should be matched with each other immediately.

Bak’s Next Fight: Sidney Outlaw

Bellator MMA is taking roughly a month off. With their next event being Bellator 235 on December 20th in Honolulu, Hawaii. They will also be hosting Bellator 236 the following day which will also be in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Bellator London was the final European Series show this year for the Viacom-backed promotion, and went down Saturday at the SSE Arena in London, England. Opening up a three-fight main card following extended prelims was a lightweight showdown between ex-BAMMA double champ Terry Brazier taking on ex-Cage Warriors double champ Soren Bak.

To date, Brazier had gone 1-1 in the Bellator cage, while Bak, a.k.a. ‘The Viking,’ was making his promotional debut, riding in on the crest of a five-fight win streak.

Brazier looked to use his reach advantage early, pumping the jab to keep his opponent at length. Bak punched his way in after the opening minute, but ate a solid punch for his efforts. He shrugged off the short right hand, however, initiating a clinch up against the fence in an attempt to find a takedown. He would eventually land one, putting Brazier on his back alongside the cage wall. Moving to mount, he’d stay in top position until the end of the frame, but couldn’t make much happen.

The second round of Bak vs. Brazier saw a bit of back-and-forth at center early, with Brazier going to the body, only to be taken down a minute in. That takedown came, frankly, far too easily, and the key would now be whether Brazier could make it back to his feet this time around. He would, eventually flipping the script and getting control of Bak’s back with just over 90 seconds in the round remaining. That would lead to Brazier getting a chance to reset and go again on the feet — or it would have had he not been taken back down almost immediately.

The third and final round opened up with Bak firing off a leg kick. Brazier had his hands low, no doubt concerned with the takedown. But the second he brought them up Bak shot and landed a double-leg anyway. Landing in guard, he moved to half-guard and tied up Brazier’s leg, preventing him from wall-walking up. Brazier would find himself trapped for the bulk of the round. Soren Bak’s wrestling was the story, and it was not a happy ending for Terry Brazier.

After the fight, during Bak’s post-fight interview, Brazier grabbed the mic, yelling “boring motherf*cker” at his victorious opponent. So much for sportsmanship; meanwhile Brazier will need to work on his ground game.

Official Result: Soren Bak def. Terry Brazier by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

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The UFC is taking a rare multi-week sabbatical, out of action until early December. Which means there’s plenty more time to check out some of MMA’s hottest prospects. From ONE to Bellator to Brave CF, there’s a healthy batch this week, including undefeated featherweight Troy Worthen, and Bellator prospects Soren Bak and Fabian Edwards. Here’s who stands out this week.

One Championship | Friday | Singapore

Featherweight, Troy Worthen (4-0)

Worthen started wrestling in high school and did in college as well. Worthen became an NCAA All-American and a Southeastern Conference Champion for Central Florida University. Going 3-0 as an amateur, Worthen is 4-0 as a pro showing a bit of everything. Despite being such a good wrestler, he’s shown a lot of good work on the feet with knockout power and good technique. He fights Lei Chen (6-1).

Cage Warrior 111 | Friday | UK

Light-heavyweight, Modestas Bukauskas (9-2)

Bukauskas is the current Cage Warriors LHW champion and on a 5-fight win streak. He’s a British kickboxing champion but most of his time in the MMA cage has been on the mat. On the feet, though he does have good kicks and a highlight right cross he throws. His takedown defense needs a lot of work but on top he is active enough to be a threat. Good cardio helps him as well. Not sold on him yet but Bukauskas can be a good prospect. He fights Riccardo Nosiglia (8-1) who seems to be good but footage of him is lacking.

Featherweight, Emrah Sonmez (10-2)

Sonmez has a black belt in kickboxing, a blue belt in BJJ, and many years experience in freestyle wrestling as well as a background in amateur boxing before coming to MMA. With all his backgrounds in other sports, Sonmez brings them all together very well in MMA. Sonmez is no slouch anywhere but his wrestling is outstanding when it comes to the setups and execution. Even the work he does on top is awesome. He fights Daryl Golding (7-1)

Combate 50 | Friday | US

Lightweight, Ignacio Bahamondes (9-2)

Bahamodes is on a five-fight win streak and is the current Lux Fight League champion. He has a background as a pro kickboxer and you see that first hand when watching him fight. He likes to be flashy throwing wheel kicks, sidekicks, and a lot of other diverse kicks. Bahamodes can just use kicks all fight but has a good straight left he utilizes. He fights Salvador Becerra (7-2) who is his biggest test.

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

CFFC 80 | Friday | US

Heavyweight, William Knight (6-0)

Knight lacks technique but is super athletic and has a lot of power. He also lacks takedown defense, but is that guy who lands on top and becomes a nightmare with his ground and pound. He won on the Contender Series this past Summer and earned a development deal so all eyes are on him. He did have a lot of issues, so it will be interesting to see how much he has improved. He fights Tafon Nchukwi (2-0) who we spoke to ahead of the fight.

Brave CF 30 | Friday | India

Bantamweight, Stephen Loman (13-2)

Loman has a background in Wushu Sanda. On the feet, he isn’t too effective but he has power and timing. He has excellent level changes and once on the mat, he is in his world. He thrives in transitions and his six decision wins prove he can fight his fight for three to five rounds. He fights Louie Sanoudakis (8-1).

Bellator London | Saturday | UK

Middleweight, Fabian Edwards (8-0)

Edwards has excellent distance management, using effective footwork and speed to stay on the outside. Edwards throws single strikes at times but makes up for it with crazy explosiveness and athleticism, as well as his speed. That allows him to fire straight punches quickly and with plenty of power. He’s also the younger brother of UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards. His takedown defense is a worry though, at least once he fights a good wrestler. He fights Mike Shipman (13-2) in what should be a good fight.

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

Lightweight, Soren Bak (13-1)

With one blemish on his record, Soren Bak has been an absolute force dominating in all of his wins. He doesn’t have much in the stand-up department, but he’s been improving and has shown glimpses of power in his hands. The wrestling and the grappling though is outstanding with an incredible top game, with vicious ground and pound and natural skills to pass guard. Bak has six submissions and has shown a diverse attack once he gets the fight to the mat. “The True Viking” is also a very smart but aggressive fighter who could have a bright future. He fights Terry Brazier (11-2).

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Soren Bak has star potential coming out of Cage Warriors with a 13-1 professional record and an authentic Viking persona. After winning both the Cage Warriors interim featherweight title and undisputed lightweight title in his last two bouts, the UFC could be next for Bak. The Danish prospect sat down with Cageside Press to discuss what’s next and more.

First of all, how did you get into MMA?

I had been wrestling in my local gym for around 7-8 years. I was having some success, but also getting to the age (14-15 years) where I think my coach was getting nervous about me gaining other interests and maybe leaving the team. At the time, my wrestling gym started an MMA team that would train after the wrestlers but had an age requirement of 18 years. However, being a wrestler, my coach insisted that I at least try it out, and from that day, I started training wrestling and MMA back-to-back.

Do you have any background in any other sports? If so, explain.

Wrestling, as previously mentioned. A bit of BJJ, because it was the only place to find high quality grappling in my hometown – at least enough that I got my blue-belt seven years ago.
However, to tell the truth, I haven’t actually found the time to put on a gi since I moved to Copenhagen and quality grappling was readily available.

What is your career or would MMA be your full-time job?

I’ve always thought that a pure athlete’s career is too sensitive for my liking. I predicated my career and time spent in the gym with a simple statement, I need an education as well. So, in 2012 I did two things, I started my pro MMA career and I began my studies in finance. The studies allowed plenty of time for training and fighting and vice versa. Finishing my education with excellence and being 8-1 in MMA at that time proved that the
concept worked. However, now I have the income from a full-time job as a pension advisor to support my MMA career. With a little help from great colleges and bosses, soon I was known at the company for my other career. This led to me striking a deal with the management and our local labor union, which allowed me to change my work hours from full-time to part-time whenever I’m gearing up for a fight.

Who are you currently training with and who are some of your main sparring partners?

A whole team of savages, among them: Danny Mathiasen, Roger Huerta, Mark Damstedt, Janus Olsen and Tobias Zacho. Although my gym CSA has around 700 members, with many accomplished grapplers and strikers adding to the equation.

What has been the high of your career and what has been the low (if there is any)?

The high was receiving my first, and second, championship belt at Cage Warriors. The low was my first loss, leading to a long period of determined training culminating in the cancellation of my comeback fight in EuroFC due to the collapse of the organization. I had to wait for my redemption until my enrollment in Cage Warriors.

Speaking of that one loss, explain your thoughts after that fight and how that made you into a better fighter?

Initially, we were angry about the stoppage and we went back to fight-camp training two days later, the following Monday, determined to redeem the loss at the earliest opportunity. My contract with EuroFC at the time would allow me to take fights outside of the organization providing a brief break before the next fight scheduled with them in February. Long story short, a string of cancellations followed first from our other contacts and later from EuroFC themselves. I think this was the actual lowest point in my career.

I had been in fight camp for almost nine months straight with only my first loss to show for it. At this point, I realized the importance of a more thorough reflection upon my fights. A short break before my next scheduled fight at Cage Warriors would be my redemption.

What are your favorite striking and grappling techniques?

Striking: Overhand right to either knockout or stun my opponent.
Grappling: This is harder to pinpoint, but I feel most at home on the back of my opponent with a body-triangle restricting both breath and movement – that’s where I do my best work.

There have been rumors you signed with the UFC earlier this year, is that true? For the fans that don’t know about you, what would you tell them to expect from you?

A few sources reported that my management and I are in talks with the UFC, but no official signing just yet – though talks are going well. When I’m signed, the fans can expect a ‘True Viking’ walking out to the Octagon, grinding my opponents down to their essentials with a combination of hard punches, effective and dominating grappling usually leading to a bloody finish if I get my way – a back and forth fight with me as the victor if I don’t get my way. The analogy of Vikings wearing their opponents down in the shield wall isn’t too far off the
mark!

Your management is trying to get you on that UFC Copenhagen card on September 28. Explain the importance of wanting on that card?

It’s the perfect time and place for me. I’ve purposely chosen the toughest fights available to me in Cage Warriors. Fighting in enemy territory to build up my resistance to the crowd. So, fighting another place wouldn’t deter me either. However, my latest fight in Copenhagen, the crowd was completely electric and gave me the strength to push through the fifth and final round to become Interim Featherweight Champ. It’s Viking time!

If you weren’t fighting where would you be today?

That’s a difficult one to answer, I’ve been competing in martial arts (wrestling) since I was six years old, to this day I’ve spent 21 years out of 27 years alive doing that. Might as well ask me what I’d be doing if I was not a Viking! But to answer the question, I expect I would be doing something similar to what I’m doing today in finance.

Last question. Why do you fight and who do you fight for?

I love that question. For me, it’s always been to test the limits of myself. You learn a lot about yourself when you are pushed to your limits. In addition, the best sport to do that in is MMA. That is the more philosophical answer to the question. The truth and the more basic answer would really be that I love fighting, especially the training and the camaraderie that you get when you fight your friends every day. You build a connection so different from the ones you get in other places of your life. And also, the kinship you feel towards your opponent when you’ve gutted it out for five rounds. You get to know your opponent really well during those 25 minutes. Ultimately, I fight for my wife, my team and myself.

The post With UFC on Horizon, Soren Bak Claims “It’s Viking Time!” appeared first on Cageside Press.

While the UFC brings heavyweight action to Wichita, Kansas, ONE Championship and Deep lead the charge for the prospect watch this week. So with no further adieu, here’s this week’s MMA Prospect Report!

DEEP 88 Impact | Saturday | Japan

Bantamweight, Victor Henry (16-4)

Victor Henry has shown he’s well-rounded to go along with his successful background in catch wrestling. He thrives in scrambles and hunts for submissions actively, being well-versed on the mat. His striking is getting better with a solid base of kickboxing. Henry has never looked better and has key wins over current UFC fighter Anderson Dos Santos, and good prospects in Kyler Phillips, Denis Lavrentyev, and many more. He fights Yuki Motoyo (23-5).

ONE Championship | Saturday | Myanmar

Welterweight, Georgiy Kichigin (20-5)

Prospect might be a bit of a stretch, but Georgiy Kichigin is making his ONE debut even if it is a title fight. His wrestling is very good and his grappling is perfect. Kichigin has great hips as he can attack off his back all day. He usually doesn’t stay on his back too long and if so he is very dangerous. On top, he is perfect; he knows how to pass guard easily and transition into mount where he’s mainly setting up submissions. He fights Zebaztian Kadestam (11-4) who is the ONE title holder, but there’s a good chance Kichigin wins.

Bantamweight, Gary Mangat (13-2)

A very solid all-around fighter, on the feet, Mangat is mainly a kickboxer. He chops at the legs, goes to the body, and connects to the head and at times it’s all set up at the end of combinations. Mangat is an excellent wrestler with nice timing on his level changes and on his double leg takedowns. The way Mangat is able to catch his opponent’s kick and take the fight down shows great awareness with wrestling ability. In top position, Mangat has very sound ground and pound, he is always landing no matter what position he is in. Mangat has shown he is a threat to taking the back but his ground and pound may be his best weapon. He fights Toni Tauru (11-6-1) who is on a 2-fight skid.

Venator FC 5 | Saturday | Italy

Lightweight, Danilo Belluardo (11-3)

After a two-fight skid a few years ago, Belluardo would boost up a 5-fight win streak. On the feet, he does have good output mixing in kicks and punches. He also has some good power but is much more comfortable on the mat. Belluardo is very skilled on top with legit ground and pound landing big elbows and staying active. He fights Denilson Neves (15-7) who is coming off a loss.

RCC Intro 3 | Saturday | Russia

Lightweight, Pavel Gordeev (13-1)

Gordeev has shown he is a good prospect, beating four undefeated fighters, former UFC fighter Mickael Lebout, and other solid competition. Gordeev is mainly a striker who loves to use the jab often. The Russian has good long straight punches and his speed can be a real factor. His wrestling is decent enough to be effective with good scrambles and an active ground game. He fights former UFC fighter Godofredo Pepey (14-6) who is coming off a win since his release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmwaP1IDzHo

Middleweight, Sergei Martynov (11-2)

Martynov is a fun fighter with nine finishes all by KO/TKO. He’s got good takedown defense and is skilled on top. He has superb control and solid ground and pound. Martynov though is much more dangerous on the feet. He’s a power puncher and is very good with his counter strikes as he is always the aggressor as well. Martynov does tend to tire quick, but does go hard right as the bell rings. He fights former UFC fighter Viscardi Andrade (19-7) who is coming off a loss since his release. This is a big test for Martynov.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7MjLU8K1w8

Cage Warriors 103 | Saturday | Denmark

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Asia, Europe in the Spotlight appeared first on Cageside Press.

Here’s a look at last year’s list, with Chris Fishgold and Ottman Azaitar both making it to the UFC in 2018:

• Issac Hardman
• Killys Mota
• Chris Fishgold
• Robert Watley
• Ottman Azaitar
• Arman Tsarukyan
• Joseph Lowry
• Tim Barnett
• Nate Andrews
• Damian Norris

“Pretty Boy” Troy Lamson

27 | 6’1″ | East Lansing, Michigan | 12-2 | 10 Finishes | 4 KO/TKO, 6 Submissions (3 Rear-Naked Chokes, 2 D’Arce Chokes, Arm-Triangle) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 66-42 | Best Win – Kyle Prepolec (10-4)

Lamson had a lengthy amateur career, but a very successful one as he went 17-0. Lamson competed in wrestling competitions since a young age including time at Division 1 with Michigan State University. Those wrestling chops have translated nicely to MMA thus far leading to his 12-2 record.

Lamson doesn’t tend to strike much despite his power, but then again, he finds it much easier to get the takedowns, take the back, and unleash ground-and-pound. In 2016, Lamson lost two in a row, but to his defense, they were against two solid regional prospects in Justin Jaynes and Nick Browne. Since those two losses, Lamson has won his next six fights, including a regional title. The Michigan native has the growing skill-set to compete in the big show today but has the personality and look a big promotion would love.

Issac “Headsplitter” Hardman

23 | 5’11” | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | 9-0 | 7 Finishes |
7 KO/TKO | Combined Opponents’ Record: 49-24 | Best win – Kieran Joblin (20-8)

Hardman is arguably the most UFC-ready prospect coming out of Australia right now and he’s somehow only 23-years-old. Hardman is a killer with all seven of his finishes by TKO/KO. The power in his hands is ridiculous along with impeccable hand speed and accuracy. Hardman is predominantly a striker, but he has solid takedown defense and has showcased big ground-and-pound. He’s the reigning XFC and Australian FC champion and with a win or two, Hardman will make his debut in the UFC. He was on my list last year but was sidelined for the duration of 2018 due to an injury.

Yusup “Wolf” Raisov

23 | 5’9” | Grozny, Russia | 14-1 | 9 Finishes | 2 KO/TKO, 7 Submissions (4 Rear-Naked Chokes, 2 Arm-Triangles, Triangle-Armbar) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 136-47 | Best Win – Marat Balaev (9-0)

Raisov has mainly fought for ACB (now known as ACA) his entire career and is their current champ. He’s used that platform to express interest in the UFC. His only career loss is to Marat Balaev who was the ACB champion until Raisov won their rematch, taking the belt with him. His standup is very technical but still explosive. He uses a lot of spinning kicks and flying knees with speed that limits his opponent’s counter opportunities. Raisov is exceptionally fast and very light on his feet. He moves in-and-out very well, and on the mat he has seven submission wins, so he is more than dangerous there as well. Wrestling is a big weapon for him, securing takedown after takedown, beating his opponents physically and mentally.

Anderson “Buzica” Ferreira

28 | 6’0” | Sao Paulo, Brazil | 12-1 | 100% Finish Rate | 11 KO/TKO, 1 Submission (Guillotine) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 40-16 | Best Win – Nathan Batista (7-3)

Ferreira has a background in Muay Thai with a record of 18-1 and a combined 15-2 record in kickboxing as a pro and an amateur, winning a WGP title in the process. Obviously, the Brazilian wants to keep the fight standing where he can use his length with his kicks.

After losing in his professional debut, Ferreira has won all 12 of his victories consecutively with a 100-percent finish rate. He does have an issue with holding his chin straight up and his takedown defense is still a work in progress, but he is very dangerous on the feet. The perfect finish rate speaks volumes and with the Brazil Contender Series around the corner and the UFC coming to Brazil many times a year, he would be a solid signing.

Soren “The True Viking” Bak

26 | 5’9” | Storstrøm, Denmark | 12-1 | 9 Finishes | 2 KO/TKO, 7 Submissions (4 Rear-Naked Chokes, 2 Triangles, Arm-Triangle) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 67-20 | Best Win – Paddy Pimblett (14-2)

With just one blemish on his record, Bak has been an absolute force, dominating all of his wins. He doesn’t have much on the stand-up side but he’s been improving, showing glimpses of power in his hands. His wrestling and grappling are outstanding, though, with an incredible top game paired with vicious ground-and-pound and natural skills to pass guard. Bak has seven submissions as well showing a diverse attack once he gets the fight to the mat. “The True Viking” is a very smart but aggressive fighter who could have a bright future. He has beaten solid competition but defeating the well-known Paddy Pimblett last September for the Cage Warriors title proved his worth.

Arman Tsarukyan

22 | 5’8″ | Armenia | 13-1 | 10 Finishes | 5 KO/TKO, 5 Submissions (3 Rear-Naked-Choke, Guillotine, Anaconda) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 132-63 | Best Win – Júnior Assunção (16-6)

The Armenia native, Tsarukyan, has a background in freestyle wrestling which has converted over to his MMA career nicely. Tsarukyan may be a bit one-dimensional but no one has been able to stop his takedowns yet, as they are set up well and executed perfectly. Additionally, Tsarukyan is excellent at taking the back and sinking in the rear naked choke. He also has fight-changing ground-and-pound and his transition grappling is high-level. Arman is a solid prospect as he showed in recent wins over former UFC fighters in Takenori Soto, Junior Assuncao, and Felipe Oliviera. At only 22 years of age, Arman has a high ceiling.

Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev

25 | 5’9″ | Phuket, Thailand | 6-0 | 100% Finish Rate | 5 KO/TKO, 1 Submission Rear-Naked Choke) | Combined Opponents’ record: 22-18 | Best win – Nandin-Erdene Munguntsooj (7-3)

Fiziev’s stand up is great. He brings perfect head movement – basically like the Matrix – being able to bend his back extremely far to evade kicks. His striking is stellar: he has incredible power, and his timing and precision is a game changer, and he goes to the body and head better than many more established fighters. He can counter-strike very well and Fiziev does not shy away from attacking with leg kicks. While he’s a very dangerous fighter, Fiziev is a methodical fighter who will pick you apart. He was supposed to fight on last summer’s Contender Series but visa issues stopped that from happening. That proves the interest from UFC brass. At only 25, with an experienced Muay-Thai background and training out of a top camp, Tiger Muay Thai, the sky is the limit for this guy.

Cesar Balmaceda

24 | 5’10” | Atlantic City, New Jersey | 6-0 | 3 Finishes | 3 KO/TKOs | Combined Opponents’ Record: 22-4 | Best Win – Damian Norris (10-2)

Of his thirteen total fights, Balmaceda has only lost one and that was as an amateur when he lost to current UFC fighter Mike Trizano. Balmaceda is a very skilled martial artist who was a high school wrestler that has shown well-executed takedowns in his MMA career. He is an even better striker with power in his hands and is dangerous in bursts. Stamina is a concern as he can slow as the fight goes on, but he is always in the fight. Ultimately, this 23-year-old has a great future. He is now signed with Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC) which has always been a great pipeline of solid talent for the UFC over the years.

Mike “Beast Boy” Davis

26 | 6’0″ | Daytona Beach, Florida | 6-1 | 100% Finish Rate | 6 KO/TKO | Combined Opponents’ Record: 19-16 | Best Win – Elvin Leon Brito (9-7)

Davis appeared on the Contender Series last Summer but would fall short to Sodiq Yussuf. To the credit of Davis, Yusuff is a great fighter and the fight between the two was arguably the best of the season. Since then he has gotten back on the board with a win so his next fight could be in the UFC. He has a purple belt in BJJ, has wrestling, has an undefeated record in Muay Thai and boxing, and was 10-0 as an amateur in MMA.

His striking is solid. The way he throws combinations and uses his head movement is fantastic and is reminiscent of UFC fighter Shane Burgos. Overall, on the feet, he is very dangerous. The wrestling of Davis is good as well as he executes his timing and double leg takedowns very well, leading to a top game where he is smooth in transitions and getting dominant positions with effective ground-and-pound.

Austin “Thud” Hubbard

27 | 5’10” | Denver, Colorado | 10-2 | 6 Finishes | 4 KO/TKO, 2 Submissions (Guillotine, Rear-Naked Choke) | Combined Opponents’ Record: 60-40 | Best Win – Killys Mota (11-0)

Hubbard is the current LFA champion, capturing it last December with a mauling performance over the tough Killys Mota. Hubbard is primarily a wrestler, but that doesn’t hold him back from standing and trading. He is a naturally strong guy and once he is on top, he is excellent at controlling position and can finish with a submission or ground-and-pound. On the feet, he hits hard and throws a bit of everything, but it’s his cardio and pace that make the difference. He’s a machine when it comes to aggression and is a fighter that can go five rounds no problem.

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