Best prospect in action this week (Patreon)

Prospects in the GP:

Middleweight, Sultan Omarov (4-0) - BFC 76:
Omarov is 4-0 as a pro and he went 17-4 as an amateur. He's had a ton of experience in IMMAF. Omarov is a fantastic wrestler and has solidified a top game with mauling ground and pound. My big issue is as a pro he hasn't fought anyone with a winning record. He actually hasn't ever fought anyone with a win. That happens again this week fighting a guy with no MMA experience.

Light-heavyweight, Rasul Magomedov (2-0) - BFC 76:
Magomedov may be a young pro but he had an extensive background in the IMMAF. He was a two-time IMMAF heavyweight world champion and is now fighting at 205 as a pro. Outside of MMA he has a win over Kyle Snyder in freestyle wrestling who is a standout wrestler. Magomedov is one of the most promising prospects to come out of the IMMAF especially out of the higher weightclasses. Magomedov has dominant wrestling and a mauling ground game.

Lightweight, Marsel Nurlanbek (11-0) - Octagon 55:
Outside of MMA, he's competed in custom bouts, grappling competitions, and boxing. Nurlanbek has a jiu-jitsu base but is 1-0 in pro boxing so he's been working on his craft. Nurlanbek is a powerhouse early on bringing the aggressiveness once the bell sounds. His wrestling has checked out so far not having any issue getting down. His strength and timing have played a big part in his wrestling. Nurlanbek is at his best on the mat where he's been dominant. Not long after he gets the takedown until he's getting a dominant position. He's very dangerous on the back and has excellent control. Most of his subs come from an RNC but he's attacking a bunch of other subs. Along with a dangerous submission base his ground and pound is dangerous.

Lightweight, Leo Brichta (12-3) - KSW 91:
Outside of MMA, Birchta has competed in kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts as well. He's undefeated in both disciplines at least what's shown on Tapology. Birchta does a lot of things so well on the feet but it all starts with his kickboxing. He dictates the pace with his kickboxing. He has a tough test ahead of him against Valeriu Mircea so we will see how good Leo is.

Heavyweight, Mario Pinto (7-0) - LFL 11:
Pinto didn't pop on anyone's radar until 2023. In March, Levels Fight League held an eight-man one-night heavyweight Grand Prix to crown a champion. Pinto fought and won three times in one night taking home the title. MMA in Portugal is still growing. Pinto isn't only the best heavyweight from his country but the best prospect from the area in general. He's well-rounded with heavy hands, strong wrestling, and is adaptable on the mat. Pinto should be a lock for the UFC after this win.

Middleweight, Alain Van De Merckt (6-0) - LFL 11:
Merckt has fought at both light-heavyweight and middleweight but has looked much better at middleweight. He's a good athlete that on the feet he'll throw from both sides with a lot of power. His skillset shines more on the mat where he has four submissions. Merckt has been dominant with top control, ground and pound, and eventual fight-ending submissions. Watch out for Mercky because he can be signed to the UFC at any point this year.

Featherweight, Murtazali Magomedov (6-0) - Octagon 55:
Magomedov looks like someone who can turn out like a real good prospect. He's well-rounded and currently has no glaring holes. On the feet he has good shot placement and will blast kick after kick. On the mat is where he's best at. Magomedov can finish with a submission but his ground and pound is his best weapon.

Light-heavyweight, Bartosz Szewczyk (7-2-1) - FEN 52:
Szewczyk has a good record but he's so bad. He gasses hard, is sloppy, and is chinny. I don't rate him at all. He's fighting Marcin Łazarz who he already lost to last year.

Other prospects:

Featherweight, Elijah Smith (4-1) - Battle MMA Championships 12:
I scouted Smith when he was 2-0 but after a loss, he has got back momentum with two straight wins. He's coming off a good win over an undefeated (at the time) Robert Trujillo who is known in Power Slap. Recently, Smith has leaned heavily on his wrestling. From his setups to his chain wrestling he's looked good. I'd like to see more once he gets the fight down because he isn't showing much jiu-jitsu. Smith is a technical striker with his hands along with admirable accuracy and shot selection. He's someone you don't wanna get caught being lazy cause he will blast you with something or counter you all day. I'd like to just see more of him in maybe LFA.

Welterweight, Viktor Červinský (4-0) - KSW 91:
I'm excited for Červinský because he's looked really good so far. My only issue is his cardio does seem to drain as the fight goes. He can grapple but it's on the feet where he does his best work. Červinský is a sharp striker who throws in twos, slips and rips, has a nice jab, and mixes up his striking patterns. His calf kicks have become a valuable weapon as he actively goes to it and he mixes it up. A talented striker that's technical, explosive, and well put together.