The grind of high-level MMA is remorseless. Injuries, retirements and losing streaks all take their toll on the rosters of the major promotions, which means they constantly need a fresh supply of athletes. Local and regional promotions that run thousands of shows every year provide the grist for the mill.
It took 112 new fighters to keep the UFC running in 2016, but of that total, only a few will go on to achieve at a high level. Every year, Bleacher Report brings you its list of the 25 best prospects on the face of the planet—the young fighters you need to be aware of who have the most potential to break through to the very top of the sport.
Scott Harris published part one of this list last week, and I am bringing you part two here. Be sure to check out the initial installment.
Here is who is excluded:
- Fighters who have competed in the UFC
- Champions from Bellator, World Series of Fighting or ONE Championship (others from these promotions are included sparingly)
- Fighters age 30 or older, with exceptions possible for those who have switched careers to pursue MMA (e.g. Holly Holm, Daniel Cormier)
- Fighters with more than five years of pro MMA experience
Let's check out the list.
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