As of early 2026, the UFC is in the midst of a massive youth movement. With veterans like Dustin Poirier retiring and a new “Paramount+ era” beginning for the promotion, several high-ceiling prospects have emerged as the “must-watch” names for the year.
Here is a breakdown of the top UFC prospects categorized by their potential to disrupt the UFC in 2026.
Fares Ziam
Quietly emerging as one of the rising fighters on the UFC roster riding high on six fight winning streak. Not the biggest trash talker in the world as he let’s his wins do the talking.
Blossoming as one of the promising contenders in the Lightweight Division.
Most Recent Victory (Dec 6, 2025): Defeated Nazim Sadykhov at UFC 323 via TKO (punches and elbows) in the second round.
Notable Win (Feb 1, 2025): Earned a unanimous decision victory over the highly-regarded Mike Davis.
Signature Knockout (Sept 28, 2024): Delivered a viral knee-to-the-head knockout against Matt Frevola at UFC Paris, which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
Fighting Style & Background
- Strengths: Standing at 6’1″, Ziam utilizes his significant reach and height to manage distance. He has a strong background in Kickboxing (former ISKA European Champion) and has shown massive improvements in his defensive wrestling and clinch work.
- Training: He currently splits his time between Team Ezbiri in France and Kill Cliff FC in the United States, training alongside elite fighters like Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman.
- Evolution: Early in his UFC tenure, he was seen primarily as a point-striker. However, his recent finishes of Frevola and Sadykhov have established him as a genuine finishing threat in the division.
“Six-fight win streak in the UFC is not bad. It’s very good because all the guys are very hard,” Ziam said. “In the lightweight division, we have a lot of prospects, but for me, I am top 15 rigrht now because a six-fight win streak is very good, and let’s go for a top 10.” https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fares-ziam-already-feels-top-235022159.html
2026 I can see Ziam continue to improve more and face tougher competition like Beneil Dariush personally believe this will be very interesting matchup. End of the year picture Ziam being top ten ranked.
Jacobe Smith
Following power-punching prospect since his Fury FC days now exploding on the scene with the UFC. Former Standout Oklahoma State Wrestler and Big 12 Champion found success in MMA. Currently undefeated with 2-0 UFC record being one of the hottest UFC prospects.
UFC gradually building up his resume as there always hungry for new stars especially KO artist & true athletes.
Wins so far- Niko Price & Preston Parsons
Wins By- Price via rear-naked choke and Parsons via KO
Bio- 30 years old, 10-0 record, 2-0 UFC record
Scariest part for Smith is he’s still a puppy to this MMA game, first pro fight was 2022 with 10 Professional Fights. Only will get even better as times goes on probably at faster rate because of his college wrestling background from the athleticism and grit.
“Let’s start with Jacobe. You’re an absolute freak of nature, I honestly can’t remember the last time that I saw a talent like this that wasn’t in the UFC already and Cormier has been all over me and Cormier literally said to me, all these years he’s been in the game he looks at you as like a Khabib type talent, so what can’t you do? I’m excited to see you in the UFC,” White said after the show. https://bloodyelbow.com/2024/10/02/fighter-compared-to-khabib-nurmagomedov-leaves-dana-white-ecstatic-following-dwcs-win-youre-an-absolute-freak-of-nature/
Leading at the top of the Welterweight stable of prospects I can see Jacobe Smith being ranked top 15 Welterweight by end of 2026 with no injuries or depending how UFC manages his career going forward.
Luke Riley
Next UFC Superstar is Paddy Pimblett as England MMA is oozing with MMA talent especially from one of the biggest feeder league promotions Cage Warriors. One of the hottest prospects coming out of the promotion is Pimblett’s main training partner Luke Riley. UFC Featherweight prospect.
Cooking with steam last few years Dana White had no choice but to sign him and with Pimblett’s pull it was icing on the cake.
UFC Debut won Performance of the Night Bonus for finishing Bodgan Grad in the second round. His loyal teammate in his corner cheering him on.
Pimblett more of the grappler heavy fighter but Riley is complete opposite funny how that works out.
Fighting Style: Known for a high-volume, aggressive striking style, Riley is characterized by his relentless pressure and bodywork.
UFC sadly is slowly moving away from the “boring” decision fighters as they sign with Paramount looking for more entertaining fighters and Luke Riley fits the bill.
“I’m not delusional, I believe in myself. If I didn’t believe I could get to the top in this sport, I would have stopped a long time ago.
Guarantee will be rising star in 2026. Looking forward to his build up I’ll be continuing to research his next bout.
Yaroslav Amosov
Watching Yaroslav Amosov since the Bellator days when he defeated former Penn State Wrestling Champion Ed Ruth ever since than continued to watch is reign. Before losing to Jason Jackson for the Bellator Welterweight Title had undefeated record of 27-0.
Before end of 2025 Yaroslav Amosov made his UFC Debut and personally was extremely excited as he fought formidable UFC veteran Neil Magny. Winning with first round submission (Anaconda Choke).
Fighting Style: Known by the nickname “Dynamo,” Amosov is primarily a grappler with an elite background in Combat Sambo. He is recognized for his high-level wrestling, relentless pressure, and a high finishing rate.
Bio-32 years old, 29-1 record, former Bellator Welterweight Champion. Trains at American Top Team.
Welterweight Division in serious trouble for majority of welterweights as his world class grappling ability will help him rise through the rankings. Yes Neil Magny is getting older but it’s still Magny and made him look easy very impressive win.
I can see him beating Luque, Randy Brown, Geoff Neal type fighters. End of 2026 depending how the years goes being top 15 Welterweight easily. Entering the UFC at the perfect time prime age of 32 years old can’t mess up this opportunity.
Baisangur Susurkaev
Middleweight Division is the deepest it’s ever been with talent finally as you have talented prospects like Chechen Middleweight Baisangur Susurkaev. Jumped on the scene with me debuting on the Dana White Contender Series made easy work with first round body kick KO.
These Russians/Chechens are different breed they come to the UFC, excuse my language…kick ass. First round finish against Eric Nolan in the 2nd round and 3rd round KO against Eric McConico. Compared as the next Khamzat Chimaev.
Trains with Khamzat Chimaev back in Sweden as the old Bible verse “Iron sharpens Iron” is so true. Cross trains down in Florida at Kill Cliff FC with bunch of killers down there as well. Learning from the great champions like Kamaru Usman & Robbie Lawler.
Watching his skills I can see Baisangur Susurkaev becoming top 15 ranked welterweight easily this year and potentially top ten if he just smashes his opponents with ease.
“Two more years, I’m going to be champion,” he predicted. “I don’t need these fights. I need time, one, two months, to get ready for next fight, and I’m ready. I’m going to be champion.”
Quillan Salkilld
Australia is becoming hot bed for talent last several years creating few champions and some great fighters. Another one might be on the way with Quillan Salkilld. Emerging on the scene for few years as Eternal MMA Lightweight Champion now exploding with UFC in 2025.
Undefeated UFC record 3-0, two fights by finishes with two impressive first round KO’s.
Notable Win– Head Kick KO against Nasrat Haqparast. Defeating a fighter having good amount of respect for.
Fighting style– Defined by his elite physical frame and a highly aggressive, opportunistic grappling approach. At 6’0″ with a 75-inch reach, he is exceptionally long for the lightweight division, and he uses that length to overwhelm opponents in both striking and submission sequences.
Bio- 10-1 record, 26 years old, 3-0 UFC Record
Starting 2026 against UFC veteran Jamie Mullarkey 12 fights with the UFC. First fight of the UFC 325 Main Card. Hopefully takes advantage of the gifted opportunity by finishing Mullarkey or having dominant performance. Shelby and Maynard gifted this slot to Salkilld. He must deliver.
Abeta Gautier
Middleweight version of Francis Ngannou, exploded on the MMA scene fighting on the Dana White Contender Series and hasn’t looked back since. Dana White might have a star on his hands as he loves those KO artist.
Ripe age of 23 years old just oozing with natural talent already demolishing opponents as he’s still young puppy learning new tricks. In his prime years every UFC Middleweight better watch out once he’s a seasoned all-around fighter.
2025 made his UFC debut, remained undefeated defeating durable fighters Jose Medina, Robert Valentin, and Tre’ston Vines all with FIRST ROUND KO’s which is insane.
Abeta Gautier one of the hottest UFC prospects in recent years understandably so!
Trains in Manchester England at Manchester Top Team with underrated Head Coach Carl Prince. Mentored by top five UFC Featherweight Lerone Murphy.
“Even like having Carl Prince as a coach, sky’s the limit for that guy, man. You know, I really think he could be a champion within the next two or three years. It’s just like it depends on the path that he gets to get there. But with the right path and like with the right timing and the right fight, the guy could easily be a champion in the next two or three years.” Will Fleury Oktagon MMA Champion
Beginning 2026 on the first PPV of the year and first event for Paramount Plus. Fighting his tough matchup yet against Andrey Pulyaev but should make a highlight out of him.
Curious how the rest plays out for Gautier, many options from gradually build the hot prospect up with favorable matchups and maybe one tough veteran middleweight to see where he’s at?
Farid Basharat
Absolutely love the Basharat brothers and there high level technical ability. Watching them since 2022 and always will. They may not be most fan friendly fighters but I genuinely appreciate technical MMA.
My personal opinion Farid Basharat younger brother at 28 years old is the better one of the two. Really talented all-around fighter who really impressed me in his last fight of the year against respected Bantamweight Chris Gutiérrez. Watched the fight recently again and he dominated beginning to end. Win gave me more confidence to have him be a 2026 UFC Prospect to Watch.
“I’m just really feeling myself. I just know I’m making the improvements. By the time I do get to the title picture, it’ll be another three or four fights, I reckon. Realistically speaking, can you imagine how much better I’ll be after that? So right now, I feel good enough to mix it up with the top five. One-hundred percent, I believe this. By the time I actually do get there, I think I’m going to be so confident. I absolutely feel I’m ready for the top.” Farid Basharat https://sports.yahoo.com/article/farid-basharat-says-ufc-title-202017841.html
Fighting Style & Background
- Technical Mastery: Farid is often praised by analysts for having “no holes” in his game. He trains at American Top Team (ATT) in Florida, where he has evolved into a “buffet of knowledge” fighter.
- Striking: He uses a wide, kickboxing-based stance with a high volume of feints and diverse kicks
- Grappling: He is an opportunistic submission artist, with five of his six professional submissions coming via Rear-Naked Choke. Dominated Guiterrez with perfectly timed takedowns.
- Bio– 28 years old, 14-0 record.
On the cusp of top 15 Bantamweight ranking bottom 15 matchup against a guy like Montel Jackson, Kyler Phillips, or little higher like UFC veteran Rob Font would be great match-ups. End of the year definitely earn himself top 10-15 ranking no doubt in my mind.
Carli Judice
UFC desperately needs fresh blood in the Woman’s roster for sure! 2026 they should be on a mission to sign the best fighters outside of the UFC. Luckily Carli Judice add some juice to Woman’s flyweight division with her high level “sniper” striking ability similar style to Rose Namajunas.
Lost in her UFC debut back in 2024 but remained undefeated in 2025 winning two fights with her beautiful striking combos. She’s a breath of fresh air as she’s only 26 years old.
Fighting Style & Technical Skills
Judice is a high-volume Southpaw striker who lives up to her “Crispy” nickname with sharp, technical stand-up.
- Volume Striking: She maintains an exceptionally high output, statistically landing over 10 significant strikes per minute (SLpM).
- Power Kicking: Her “bread and butter” is her left-footed head kick. She famously used this to secure a 17-second knockout in her pro debut and a 100-second TKO victory over Yuneisy Duben in March 2025.
- Clinch Work: She is noted for her “spiteful” use of knees to the body, which she used to finish Nicolle Caliari in July 2025.
- Takedown Defense: Initially viewed as a striker, she has shown significant growth in her wrestling, boasting a 77% takedown defense rate. In her most recent outing, she successfully stuffed 7 out of 8 takedown attempts.
Started training in MMA at seven years old but was more dedicated in Softball having a full ride scholarship to McNeese State but found her love in MMA. Judice only has 7 pro fights three fights are with the UFC. Her back to back losses via Contender Series and UFC debut was more than likely to happen because of her lack of experience but she looks so promising.
“Then I got stopped, and I realized all the holes that I had to fix, and I’m still fixing them but I think it’s coming along nicely so I’m going to fix all the holes that I have. Find holes, fix them, and hopefully be in the rankings one day,” she continued, adding “but I’m not rushing it, I’m taking my time. I know I have a long career, so I’m going to do whatever it takes to get to where I want to be.” Carli Judice interview https://cagesidepress.com/2025/07/23/ufc-318-carli-judice-donuts/
2026 love to see Judice fight 2-3 more times getting more comfortable inside the cage, gaining confidence being more aggressive, controlling the fights start to finish where everyone is impressed with her kickboxing abilities that she fights on a UFC PPV taking adantage of the spotlight. Promoted as the next big woman’s flyweight prospect.
Axel Sola
Next hot prospect coming out of France is blue chip Lightweight prospect Axel Sola. The french prospect been highly touted for few years but finally made his UFC debut in 2025. At just 28 years old this undefeated French sensation isn’t just a prospect; he’s a meticulously crafted fighting machine ready to shatter expectations.
Absolutely dominated former Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion and one tough SOB! Rhys Mckee.
Training out of the renowned Boxing Squad in Nice, France, under Jérôme Vaulerin (the same camp that produced Manon Fiorot), Sola embodies a philosophy of high Fight IQ. This isn’t just about athletic gifts; it’s about understanding the nuances of the game.
The Karate Stance & Southpaw Sniper
Sola operates from a fluid southpaw stance, characterized by precise distance management. He’s not a brawler; he’s a sniper. His striking is marked by:
- Intelligent Footwork: Constantly shifting, feinting, and creating angles to both attack and defend.
- Diverse Kicking Game: Don’t be surprised to see front kicks, leg kicks, and even a deceptive spinning back-fist – a nod to his varied martial arts background.
- Composure: Even under pressure, Sola doesn’t panic. He maintains his guard, slips punches, and counters effectively.
Pressure Wrestling & Opportunistic Grappling
While his striking is eye-catching, Sola’s grappling is equally dangerous. He’s not just a striker who can defend takedowns; he actively seeks to implement his wrestling when advantageous.
- The “Polish Throw”: Keep an eye out for his beautiful judo/sambo-style trips and throws, particularly the “Polish Throw” that can quickly put opponents on their back.
- Heavy Top Pressure: Once on the mat, he uses his strength and technical knowledge to maintain control, advance position, and hunt for submissions. He’s got one professional submission win on his record, showcasing his well-roundedness.
Upcoming fight is a banger as his second UFC bout is against Mason Jones in the crazy crowd of the 02 Arena. Tough matchup for Sola but Sola is the more all-around skill for skills better fighter. Post Mason Jones very excited and curious how the rest of 2026 plays out.
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