Five Prospects From May That Are UFC Ready (Patreon)

Lightweight, Magomed "Muhammad" Magomedov (14-0):
Magomedov has has a strong two years. He's been good for longer than that but has hit his stride. The biggest knock on him not long ago was his fighting style always going to the cards. In his last four fights he's finished all his opponents. He's a good wrestler, a grinder, and a solid gas tank. He's recently picked up the aggression. The KHK MMA Team product should be getting eyes from the UFC with a record like he has.

Flyweight, Paris Moran (11-2):
Moran was riding a lot of momentum in 2022 but lost to now-UFC fighter Josh Van. Although his momentum was grounded he's now won his last four looking better than ever. Moran should get a lot of credit for the guys he's beaten. Albert Trujillo, Shameek Harvey, and who he beat in June, Freddie Rodriguez are all strong wins on the regional scene. Rodriguez is a strong wrestler but Moran picked him apart on the feet while stuffing the takedowns. Moran's defense was on point that he stuffed a takedown and won via an arm-triangle. e is an exciting prospect who was a seven-time sanda national champion. Moran is a smart technical fighter who can point-fight or shut the lights out. He’s someone who understands distance management. He's done enough outside the UFC.

Bantamweight, Cody Chovancek (7-0):
Chovancek had one of the better performances of the month - if not the best. I was picking against him in the Gage Gill fight and Chovancek looked at an entirely different level. Chovancek showed a little bit of everything. Striking looked good in his counters, wrestling was next level, and his ground game as a whole was excellent. I went into that fight with low expectations and now I'm all the way sold. Canada has something special in Cody Chovancek.

Welterweight, Taiyilake Nueraji (10-1, 1 NC):
Nueraji made a lot of fans after his knockout on Road to UFC last year.I wasn't as sold on his as others but he just continues to win and in dramatic fashion. It's a wonder why the UFC hasn't signed him considering he's from China, super exciting, and in a weightclass that needs new blood. Nueraji has credible wrestling but on the feet he's dangerous. He has good control with his range and although his left hand is his primary weapon he could end it with anything. He's in love with throwing elbows and it's become a valuable weapon in his last few fights.

Flyweight, Phumi Nkuta (8-0):
The UFC brass wanted Nkuta to get a finish and that's what he delivered. There is no footage of the fight but Nkuta has been UFC-ready for years. He's never lost a fight and I don't think has ever lost a round. His wrestling is high-level. Although his striking isn't on display as much as his wrestling it's looked good. He has the speed, shot placement, and his hands are clean. With his wrestling his jiu-jitsu is lockdown. Nkuta is relentless with his pressure, GNP, and transitions. He's so light on top but is also glue-like giving no space. You don't want Nkuta on the inside because he will bully you around. If I can pick one prospect from the entire month to sign with the UFC it would be Nkuta.

Fantasy UFC debut booking:

Magomed "Muhammad" Magomedov vs Carlston Harris

Paris Moran vs. Daniel Barez

Cody Chovancek vs. Caolán Loughran

Taiyilake Nueraji vs. Jared Gooden

Phumi Nkuta vs. Jesús Santos Aguilar