10 fighters who UFC might signal with July wins

Report: 11-2*
Age: 24
Top: 5’6″
Weight: Flyweight
Birthplace: Brazil
Subsequent battle: July 6 vs. Ignacio Fernandez (8-2) at LFA 187 in Cajamar, Sao Paulo, Brazil (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: The preventing journey started for Marcos Degli at 12 years outdated with muay Thai below grasp Cristian Nogueira, who he nonetheless trains below to at the present time. Degli hopes to affix Kalindra Faria and Carlos Prates because the third UFC fighter to come back out of the staff. Self-described as “versatile,” “clever,” and “disciplined,” Degli can be fairly self-aware, since all three traits precisely replicate him. Degli’s report speaks for itself. At the moment Tapology’s No. 3-ranked Brazilian flyweight, Degli’s final six opponents had a mixed report of 39-13. He’s a finisher, he’s enjoyable, and he’s solely 24. A win at LFA 187 can be 9 in a row – and can align him completely as a ultimate roster addition to “Dana White’s Contender Sequence.”

“(I wish to) present that I’m the perfect within the class, and win many victories, be a thought to be man who constructed a legacy on the earth of MMA, this fashion I’ll change my household’s life and my mother and father’ actuality,” Degli just lately instructed MMA Junkie by way of a Portuguese-language interpreter. “… I sleep and get up fascinated with it day-after-day, I’m able to go in and present the energy of my dream. As a result of I’m a really devoted man, I might be prepared for whoever is i entrance of me, in any space I increase doubts for my opponents and within the UFC it might be no completely different, I realized that the definition of luck is being ready, so in the event that they known as me they might be impressed with my fashion of battle.”

* = Degli moved to 11-3 when he defeated Fernandez by way of TKO (ground-and-pound) – Spherical 1, 4:32

Report: 20-5*
Age: 30
Top: 5’11”
Weight: Welterweight
Birthplace: Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
Subsequent battle: July 6 vs. Manuel Mena (12-3) at LFA 187 in Cajamar, Sao Paulo, Brazil (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: Martial arts got here to Carlos Leal as a type of remedy after the lack of his father. He discovered consolation and peace by way of the muay Thai. His mom was his largest supporter and helped information him by way of the troublesome instances. Ultimately, he discovered beliefs in God, Jesus Christ, and faith which he attributes to serving to him discover function. It was a protracted and winding highway for Leal, who ultimately bought his large break in 2022. Following back-to-back wins at PFL Challenger Sequence, Leal stepped in to battle Ray Cooper III on quick discover – and received a unanimous determination. He then fought within the 2022 PFL playoffs towards Sadibou Sy and misplaced a unanimous determination. Leal certified for the 2023 playoffs after two common season wins, however Sy beat him once more – this time by unanimous determination. Now (surprisingly) freed from PFL ties, Leal is among the most gifted free brokers on the market. He’s 1-0 since. The UFC wants to provide this man a glance as a result of they’re unlikely to remorse it.

“The PFL was a vital occasion for me as a result of by way of it, I used to be capable of present a greater residing situation for my household,” Leal just lately instructed MMA Junkie by way of a Portuguese-language interpreter. “I solely have gratitude for everybody on the occasion. However I felt it was time for me to go away and check out one thing new. … At present, my objective is the UFC. … I strongly consider there’s a probability for that. That’s why I’m ready to ship the perfect efficiency of my life. I positively see myself among the many greatest in my division, and I consider I’ve every little thing it takes to grow to be the champion of the burden class.”

* = Leal moved to 21-5 when he defeated Mena by way of TKO (punches) – Spherical 1, 3:09

Report: 6-0
Age: 27
Top: 5’11”
Weight: Light-weight
Birthplace: Midland, Texas
Subsequent battle: July 12 vs. Devon Dixon (6-1-1) at Fury FC 93 in San Antonio (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: Tedrick Macklin has trucked each opponent thrown his manner over the course of his quick skilled profession. A taekwondo black belt, Macklin started within the self-discipline at age 6. He received a state title and competed internationally for the Worldwide Sport Karate Affiliation (ISKA) in steady point-fighting. That’s his background, his basis, his roots – and Macklin doesn’t thoughts the “point-fighter” tag. On the identical time, he understands the criticism. He’s not a self-discipline homer. He’s undefeated as knowledgeable with 5 finishes in six fights. His focus has been pleasure and if he continues to enhance in that division, there’s seemingly no stopping him from attending to the UFC. His largest drawback has been discovering fights, however with a keen 6-1-1 opponent in Devon Dixon, this may very well be the one which will get him to the large present.

“On paper, that is in a manner a Contender Sequence battle that’s not legitimately a Contender Sequence battle,” Macklin just lately instructed MMA Junkie. “… I can’t see a win not both getting me certainly one of these three issues: a Contender Sequence shot, a late discover shot into the UFC, or a minimum of a title shot in Fury. I’m considering what I’m going to go on the market and do and the fashion by which I’m going to do it’s going to be laborious to not have eyes on me that can get me to the UFC. Once I go on the market and beat this opponent the best way I’m going to beat him, it’s not going to be me begging to get into the UFC; it’s going to be them begging for me. My objective is to not simply be a fighter within the UFC. I’m attempting to deliver my distinctive fashion and actually captivate the followers – and be a star. I’m going to be a kind of names folks go, ‘Oh, man, we’ve bought to observe a ‘T-Cash’ battle.’”

Report: 13-3
Age: 29
Top: 5’7″
Weight: Bantamweight
Birthplace: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Subsequent battle: July 12 vs. Rafael do Nascimento (9-2) at LFA 188 in Chandler, Ariz. (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: As an chubby teenager, John Sweeney didn’t take wrestling severely. He wasn’t to start with, however his dad talked him into it. Sweeney misplaced the burden by way of wrestling and transitioned to karate. It was his first official placing expertise, although rising up with 10 blood-related aunts and uncles meant plenty of “loopy as hell” cousins and toughness constructed on the playground. He competed collegiately for a yr however encountered some disciplinary points and dropped out of faculty. He went professional in preventing, shifting up the ranks below the tutelage of Upstate Karate. In a day and age the place seemingly everyone seems to be getting signed left and proper, we seldom have “must-sign” prospects sitting on the shelf. Sweeney is certainly one of them. However fairly than sit round and really feel dangerous for himself, Sweeney has remained energetic to show he’s price a serious promotion’s funding. Though not a ending machine, Sweeney is way from boring – and has mic abilities – and now holds an LFA title, too. Now with a brand new staff and administration, Sweeney hopes the ultimate tweaks had been made to get a UFC name.

“It’s been some time however I’ve been honing completely different abilities,” Sweeney just lately instructed MMA Junkie. “I’ve been skateboarding and taking part in basketball – simply doing every little thing I really like with actual ardour behind it. I’m in even higher form. It’s going to be the perfect efficiency that I’ve ever had, so I’m excited to show my abilities. … I’ve made plenty of large modifications. I’ve had some mad experiences been occurring in my life to wake me up and shake me up in the proper path. I ended up making some strikes for myself. Perhaps not all of them had been right, however regardless I made correct and proper strikes. … This must be the one. Do I do know utterly? Nah, something can occur. However my resume speaks for itself.”

Report: 10-4
Age: 26
Top: 5’9″
Weight: Bantamweight
Birthplace: Houston
Subsequent battle: July 21 vs. Ryan Mondala (4-6) at Fury FC 94 in Houston (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: At some point, Cameron Smotherman was bored. Out of all of the instances his buddy nagged him to strive coaching, he lastly took him up on it. After a 3-2 newbie stint, Smotherman turned professional. He educated below the late Saul Soliz, who laid the muse as Smotherman constructed himself as a professional. Following 4 wins in a row, Smotherman fought on Dana White’s Contender Sequence. He was completed in precisely one minute by Charalampos Grigoriou in 2023. Smotherman stated he realized by way of that have that “typically life sucks and that sh*t occurs,” however hopped again within the gymnasium after three months of processing. He’s 2-0 since below the Fury FC banner.

“I really feel like I’ve made changes and I’m continuously attempting to get higher day-after-day to verify one thing like that (DWCS loss) by no means occurs once more,” Smotherman just lately instructed MMA Junkie. “… I felt like I had a more durable path to everybody to get to Contender Sequence and I’m nonetheless attempting to determine what I can probably do to make one thing occur. I’ve the thrilling fights and get the loopy knockouts. The battle for me is psychological. It’s not even placing within the work. It’s attempting to remain optimistic and make one thing occur. … I’ve educated with sufficient guys from UFC, Bellator, and ONE. I’m greater than ok and greater than maintain my very own.”

Smotherman steadily works alongside UFC contender Adrian Yanez and below UFC alum Yves Edwards. Yanez sings his praises.

Yanez just lately instructed MMA Junkie, “Cameron is among the few guys I’ve ever educated with who will battle on Sunday and get again within the gymnasium on Monday morning. He’s that kind of fighter. He’s very harsh even within the wins he has, the place he desires to get higher. There should not many individuals that can take a win as a loss. He’s a kind of guys. Even when he did a spectacular job at it, he’s going to sit down again and critique each little factor that he did fallacious. There’s not many individuals constructed like that.”

Report: 7-0
Age: 25
Top: 5’9″
Weight: Light-weight
Birthplace: Italy
Subsequent battle: July 25 vs. Mason Jones (14-2) at Cage Warriors 175 in Manchester, England (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: Michael Pagnani has been coaching since he started kickboxing at age 15. MMA started at age 20. With one yr of newbie expertise, Pagnani turned skilled at 21. It began out on the base stage of the professional ranks in Italy, however Pagnani’s competitors stage slowly elevated over time. Whereas the opponents modified, the outcomes stayed the identical. Pagnani has 5 finishes in seven fights. He made his Cage Warriors debut in July 2023 when he defeated beforehand undefeated James Energy, which was large – however not as large if he defeats Mason Jones, who can be “on the doorstep.” The UFC is in want of extra Italian illustration with Marvin Vettori and Manolo Zecchini the nation’s lone representatives in the intervening time.

“I’m prepared for this. I’m very excited for this matchup and I can’t wait. This can be a large title, however my dream and my goal is UFC. I’ve educated very laborious for this. This man was earlier than within the UFC. For me, it’s an excellent take a look at and an opportunity to get into the UFC. I’m prepared for this battle and I can’t wait. It’s showtime. It’s ‘Sniper’ time. … It’s attainable that that is (for a UFC contract). However my focus is on this match, not the following. First, this match and I’ll give it some thought afterward. … However I believe my skillset is nice for the UFC. I practice laborious. My abilities, proper now, are prepared for the UFC.”

Report: 14-2
Age: 29
Top: 5’10”
Weight: Light-weight
Birthplace: Wales
Subsequent battle: July 25 vs. Michael Pagnani (7-0) at Cage Warriors 175 in Manchester, England (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: Mason Jones began off in kickboxing when he was seven years outdated. From kickboxing, he moved into Japanese jiu-jitsu to judo to Brazilian jiu-jitsu to boxing to muay Thai to taekwondo; Jones piled up the martial arts. Quick ahead to the current day, and Jones has three black belts: kickboxing, judo, and BJJ. A proud consultant of Wales, Jones carried his flag into the UFC the place he competed 4 instances from January 2021 to July 2022. He went 1-2 with one no contest. His fights had been aggressive and enjoyable. His losses aged nicely, as they had been towards Mike Davis and Ludovit Klein. Although his launch shocked many, Jones didn’t put issues on maintain to determine it out. He jumped proper again on the horse. He’s 3-0 in Cage Warriors since with three knockouts/TKOs over powerful competitors.

“I’m very self-critical and I have a look at these performances,” Jones instructed MMA Junkie in February. “The optimistic factors don’t do something for me. I’m an boastful particular person. It’s important to be on this sport. I’m the best fighter at 155 kilos and I’ve to consider that I’m. I’ve potential to be the world champion at light-weight within the UFC or no matter group I find yourself in. I do know the caliber I’m. I practice with guys on the prime of 155, the highest of 145, the highest of 170. I do know the caliber I’m at, however we’re the one p.c. This recreation is cut up into one percents. What I do is have a look at what I did fallacious and enhance.”

Report: 6-1
Age: 33
Top: 6’3″
Weight: Mild heavyweight
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Subsequent battle: July 26 vs. Steve MacDonald (4-1) at CFFC 133 in Tampa (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: For Phillip Latu, rising up wasn’t straightforward. It’s what led him to preventing. Latu remembers the precise second he realized he’d pursue preventing: when he fought again towards his father and dropped him. Proper then and there, he embraced the sense of empowerment and have become hooked on overcoming obstacles. He moved to Colorado and Elevation Combat Crew with Abdul Razak Alhassan, Zac Pauga, and Curtis Blaydes amongst others. Latu turned skilled in 2021 and all seven of his fights since have ended inside the space. In a division the place legit prospects are sparse, the UFC must be throughout Latu. He’s thrilling and well-spoken with backstory. He’s additionally a proud consultant of Tonga, a nation the place he may very well be the primary UFC consultant. Oh, and he already has a callout prepared. Mohammed Usman, should you’re studying this, he says he desires a battle. Driving a three-fight TKO/knockout streak, a fourth ought to get him into the large leagues.

“Being a UFC champion is nice, however I simply wish to make my stamp. I need the entire world to know I’m going to be probably the most harmful man alive. That comes with territory. That’s what it’s. That’s what’s going to occur. Whoever is in entrance of me, I don’t care. I need everybody within the UFC. I need any 205er, any gentle heavyweight within the UFC, particularly Mohammed Usman. … If the UFC calls me, I’d be prepared proper now. I’m snug being who I’m. I notice we undergo so many various characters and sorts of kinds of preventing. I’ve realized the kind of character I’m in spite of everything this time. … Now that I do know who I’m, I’m simply going to go and f*ck shit up. I simply need destruction.”

Report: 7-0
Age: 25
Top: 5’11”
Weight: Light-weight
Birthplace: Kyzyl-Yurt, Russia
Subsequent battle: July 27 vs. Ali Kabdulla (9-2-1) at UAE Warriors 51 in Abu Dhabi (UFC Combat Move)

The Skinny: Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam Makhachev. Usman Nurmagomedov. Umar Nurmagomedov. Amru Magomedov might very nicely be becoming a member of these names quickly. The following in line of an other-wordly battle staff lineage, Magomedov is destined for greatness. For years, Magomedov has been molded to have all of the traits of a champion. He’s traveled the world to expertise UFC, Bellator, and PFL battle weeks with among the world’s best fighters. Now at 7-0 himself, Magomedov is probably going one win away from notching a UFC deal of his personal. He’s sped by way of a lot of his skilled profession with 5 first-round finishes in seven fights. He’s by no means fought an opponent with a dropping report. UAE Warriors places on as legit regional fights as any promotion on the market, so Magomedov (3-0 within the promotion) has confirmed himself towards reliable competitors. Magomedov is already prepared. Proper now, that is further credit score.

Report: 16-5-1
Age: 29
Top: 6’0″
Weight: Light-weight
Birthplace: Whitman, Mass.
Subsequent battle: July 20 vs. Peter Barrett (16-6) at Cage Titans 66 in Plymouth, Mass. (Spectation Sports activities)

The Skinny: Combat followers may bear in mind Joe Giannetti because the artful submission specialist who was the light-weight runner-up for “The Final Fighter 27.” However he’s grow to be far more than that since. When he competed for the UFC actuality sequence again in 2018, he wasn’t that far faraway from being an chubby child who turned to MMA for self-defense. He even admits his one UFC exhibiting wasn’t one. Six years later, Giannetti has grown tremendously. He’s taken dangers on the regional scene and so they haven’t all the time paid off. However the fighter that exists now in 2024 would college the man from six years in the past, so it looks like he’s made the proper choices. He’s 7-1 in his most up-to-date eight, together with back-to-back spotlight reel knockouts in his most up-to-date two. Now cross-training with Tyson Chartier and the New England Cartel, a win over Peter Barrett, one other man on the cusp of a UFC name again, ought to put a stamp on a ticket again to the promotion.

“I really feel like a very completely different fighter. I really feel like me now would simply do horrible issues to 22-year-old me. Actually, that’s sort of been my objective since getting reduce. All people is like, ‘Two or three wins and also you’ll be again within the UFC. I’ve gotten supplied completely different promotions’ lesser guys. Perhaps ending a few bums in two or three fights would’ve gotten me again to the UFC so quick. However I’ve been telling all people for the reason that day I’ve bought reduce that I want to enhance. I must beat good guys. As a result of once I do get again, it’s not going to only be one other New England man making a two or three-fight run. I wish to battle for a title in the future. I wish to be the perfect on the earth. I’ve taken the years since and targeted on bettering. I’ve performed that and I’m not near my peak.”

• Hugo Paiva (9-2) – July 5 def. Rodrigo Roldan (6-5) by way of TKO in Spherical 1 at LFA 187 in Cajamar, Sao Paulo, Brazil (UFC Combat Move)
• Pedro Doreto (6-0) – July 5 def. Leandro Solano (3-1) by way of TKO in Spherical 1 at LFA 187 in Cajamar, Sao Paulo, Brazil (UFC Combat Move)
• Lionel Abojer (11-2) – July 5 def. Apollo Gomes (9-1) by way of submission in Spherical 2 at LFA 187 in Cajamar, Sao Paulo, Brazil (UFC Combat Move)
• Samuel Dias (10-2) – July 5 def. Renzo Cortti (9-5) by way of TKO in Spherical 1 at LFA 187 in Cajamar, Sao Paulo, Brazil (UFC Combat Move)
• Maike Linhares (19-3) – July 6 def. Antonio da Silva (21-10) by way of unanimous determination at Lajeado Combat MMA in Lajeado, Tocantins, Brazil (YouTube)
• Igeu Kabesa (18-2) – Thursday vs. Humphrey Mulenga (6-1) at EFC 115 in Sandton, South Africa
• Jose Delgado (6-1) – Friday vs. Lucas Faria (7-2) at LFA 188 in Chandler, Ariz. (UFC Combat Move)
• Nicolas Leblond (10-4) – July 20 vs. Shajidul Haque (16-5) at Cage Warriors 174 in London (UFC Combat Move)
• Shajidul Haque (16-5) – July 20 vs. Nicolas Leblond (10-4) at Cage Warriors 174 in London (UFC Combat Move)
• Peter Barrett (16-6) – July 20 vs. Joe Giannetti (16-5-1) at Cage Titans 66 in Plymouth, Mass. (Spectation Sports activities)
• Jonathan Kunnerman (5-0) – July 20 vs. Tristyn DeHart (5-6) at New Line Cagefighting 26 in Catlettsburg, Ky.
• Stefano Paterno (17-4-1) – July 25 vs. Olli Santalahti (14-6) at Cage Warriors 175 in Manchester, England (UFC Combat Move)
• Morquez Forest (5-0) – July 26 vs. Robert Watley (14-3) at CFFC 133 in Tampa, Fla. (UFC Combat Move)
• Robert Watley (14-3) – July 26 vs. Morquez Forest (5-0) at CFFC 133 in Tampa, Fla. (UFC Combat Move)
• Devin Goodale (5-0) – July 26 vs. Alonzo Turner (4-0) at Tuff-N-Uff 138 in Las Vegas (UFC Combat Move)
• Christian Avalos (5-1) – July 26 vs. Samuel Alvarez (10-6) at Urijah Faber’s A1 Fight 23 (UFC Combat Move)