The UFC is an ever-growing yet constant hotbed of top MMA talent from around the globe. Since its inception, the promotion has brought some of the best talents in the sport into the limelight. However, it must also be noted that they have also unearthed numerous talents that have gone on to become the best in the world.
Over the years, the UFC has seen some young bucks make their way into the top tier of combat sports and claim an undisputed title. In the past, we’ve seen the likes of Jon Jones, the youngest champion at 23, and many others like Jose Aldo, Frank Mir, BJ Penn, and more claim titles at a relatively young age.
Similarly, we’ve had young contenders take the scene by storm, with only a select few going on to fulfill the expectations placed on them. At times, we see youngsters show immense promise yet lose their way before fully establishing their footing in the division. As for this one, we are taking a look at fighters on the current roster, who have all the making of becoming undisputed champions.
UFC prospects that are most likely to become champions
For the most part, the promotion is full of up-and-coming talent. As such to predict whether or not they will become champions will be quite far-fetched. Thus, for this list, we are taking a look at fighters who have already established themselves as top contenders in their respective divisions and could possibly claim the title before the end of the year.
1. Manon Fiorot
Starting this off, it has been a long time since we’ve had a French MMA prospect, that too one that hails from France. Although the nation is packed with top emerging talent, we are yet to have a fighter push for undisputed status other than Ciryl Gane. In the meantime, Manon ‘The Beast’ Fiorot has been taking names in the flyweight division.
She’s got her eyes on the flyweight belt after her win over Erin Blanchfield last night 👀@ManonFiorot_MMA is now 7-0 after #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/abimCyTMXL
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
With wins over former strawweight champ Rose Namajunas and fellow prospect Erin Blanchfield, Fiorot has already booked her ticket for a showdown with the champion. Whether it will be current champ Alexa Grasso or former champ Valentina Shevchenko standing opposite her, only time will tell. Either way, Fiorot is undeniable and certainly ready for the challenge.
2. Movsar Evloev
Up next, we have the undefeated Russian prospect Movsar Evloev who has been stacking up names in his resume. Whilst newly-crowned Ilia Topuria is the talk of the town at featherweight, it is clear that Movsar is the next in line for the title shot. Whilst Ilia and Alexander Volkanovski are understood to have yet another showdown later in the year, we will likely see Evloev get his shot before the year finishes.
EIGHT IN A ROW 🤯@MovsarUFC remains undefeated in the UFC ‼️
[ #UFC297 | Watch LIVE on @ESPNPlus PPV NOW ] pic.twitter.com/yilrR4AgoY
— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024
As such, going through the current featherweight rankings, many would agree that Movsar is perhaps the only one who can challenge Topuria for the throne. naturally, many may point to Max Holloway as an obvious contender, however, ahead of his BMF title fight, the Hawaiian has fully transitioned into a lightweight, likely hinting at the next step in his career. Thus, the road for Evloev is clearer than it ever has been.
3. Arman Tsarukyan
In at #3, we have perhaps the most controversial of picks with Arman Tsarukyan. Currently set to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, a fight that many are rooting for his opponent to win. However, at the same time, many are well aware of the threat Arman possesses and how dangerous he can be for Oliveira. Possibly the closest stylistically to Islam Makhachev, it is clear the kind of gameplan he can implement for the fight.
It’s all coming together for #UFC300 🙌@CharlesDoBronxs vs @ArmanUFC pic.twitter.com/RRIyaV8txf
— UFC (@ufc) January 9, 2024
However, considering that Tsarukyan is also a well-rounded striker, many fail to realize that Charles is in fact a quiet underdog for the fight. By all means, a dominant win will guarantee ‘Ahalkalakets’ a title shot and a potential rematch against Islam Makhachev later in the year. Considering his performance last time around, Arman arguably is the best-equipped fighter to dethrone the current champ.
4. Shavkat Rakhmonov
With that, we come to Shavkat Rakhmonov who is on an absolute tear in the welterweight division. Currently 6-0, all by way of finishes, Rakhmonov finds himself but a step away from the title. Having fought through a torn ankle ligament against ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, the Kazakh fighter has been taking some time off.
Saturday night @Rakhmonov1994‘s six-fight finish streak became the longest active finish streak in the UFC.
It’s also the longest finish streak in UFC welterweight history. #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/N3S4HSbdM0
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2023
With a callout from Jack Della Maddalena to answer, Shavkat has a clear path to the title. As such, with a title-eliminator showdown likely set to take place in Australia, ‘Nomad’ will be expected to come out on top against Maddalena. At the same time, the title is also expected to be decided sometime near the summer with Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad. Thus, we can expect to see one more title fight near the end of the year.
5. Khamzat Chimaev
Rounding things off is a name that many have harped on about for far too long. However, at long last, it seems that Khamzat Chimaev is close to reaching the promise and expectations that were placed on him when he first made his way into the promotion in 2020. Also 6-0 in the UFC across two weight classes, ‘Borz’ has finally found his calling at 185 lbs.
Our #UFCSaudiArabia card is starting to come together 👊
It will be nothing short of ✨spectacular✨#RiyadhCalendar | @RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/KQ0HwrYCsc
— UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2024
With an unconvincing win over Kamaru Usman in his last outing, Chimaev has somehow managed to get a #1 contender fight against Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia. Whilst it is easily his toughest dance yet, Chimaev is expected to be the heavy favorite for the fight, especially on home soil. Thus, a win against Whittaker will likely place him next against the winner of Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, which is reportedly set for Perth.