Best Prospects of Week (5/8-5/10)

After a somewhat slow weekend of regional MMA, we have a decent weekend in the regional MMA scene. Here are quick notes on ten prospects to look out for this weekend:

1. Radley da Silva (Featherweight, Canada, Battlefield Fight League): Radley da Silva is one of the few fighters of the Contender Series last year that won his fight and did not get signed. Instead, the capoeira fighter with a solid jiu-jitsu game looks to get back into the UFC by way of the regional scene. He throws wild techniques on the feet, but he’s actually quite sound, including on the mat. He fights journeyman Rander Junio for the BFL title this weekend.
2. Aren Akopyan (Flyweight, Armenia, ACA): One of the best flyweight prospects the last couple of years has been Armenia’s Aren Akopyan, a fighter who has run roughshod over the notoriously difficult ACA roster. Though he’s starting to exit the prospect age range at 32, Akopyan has more than proven himself as one of the best 125ers outside the UFC. He is well-rounded, though like many in the region, his ground game is his strong suit. He has a main event fight for the ACA against fellow prospect Azam Gaforov is another difficult fight for the Armenian.
3. Dzhambulat Zelimkhanov (Featherweight, Russia, ACA): In addition to Akopyan, ACA has another top prospect outside the UFC competing in Dzhambulat Zelimkhanov. He’s similarly well-rounded, though he has more significant striking and an equally strong ground attack. His submission defense has been tested before, though he doesn’t often find himself fending off attacks defensively. He takes on experienced vet Alimardan Abdykaarov.
4. Alikhan Musaev (Lightweight, Russia, ACA): The last prospect from ACA we will look at is 10-0 Russo-Turk Alikhan Musaev, who is just 23 years old. The undefeated fighter is a menacing wrestler and ground striker, which has led him to most of his finishes as a professional fighter. He cut his teeth in ACA Young Eagles, which is basically the feeder system for ACA. He dominated and is now on the ACA main show roster, where he won in his first appearance in his last outing. He takes on Furkat Komilov this weekend.
5. Badr Medkouri (Heavyweight, France, UAE Warriors): On the first night of UAE Warriors this weekend, we take a look at headliner Badr Medkouri, a nearly 260-pound heavyweight who has won five-straight fights. Medkouri is a big, powerful kickboxer who does his best work on the feet. All eight of his finishes come by way of knockout, showing when he lands, he does so with violent intent. He takes on Contender Series vet Eduardo Neves this weekend.
6. Hannah Ramos (Women’s Strawweight, Mexico, Lux Fight League): Our under-the-radar prospect of the week will be Mexican strawweight Hannah Ramos. The 11-fight vet is just 24 years old, but already very experienced. She is a submission artist who has looked solid in the ground. That said, her biggest knock seems to be that she has faltered any time that she has tried to step up even a little bit in competition level. That said, she’s been mostly successful for Lux Fight League, which is a promotion that has prepped some prospects that later brough their game to the UFC. Ramos fights Melany Gomez in the main attraction of that card.
7. Vladislav Rudnev (Lightweight, Ukraine, UAE Warriors): On the second night of UAE Warriors this weekend, Ukrainian and UAE Warriors vet Vladislav Rudnev looks to take home lightweight gold when he takes on tough opponent Martun Mezhlumyan. Rudnev has a judo and sambo background, so it’s no surprise that he has a strong takedown game and grappling-heavy approach. He’s also competent defensively, as he has a couple triangle choke wins off his back. He’s no stranger under the bright lights as well, as he not only has fought for UAE Warriors, but also Rizin and Brave CF.
8. Muhammad Said (Light Heavyweight, Russia, UAE Warriors): One of the best light heavyweight prospects in the world, Muhammad Said has been nothing short of impressive in his run as a pro MMA fighter. At 8-0, he has rarely looked weak in any of his fights, as he dominates with his flashy, technical striking and his solid submission wrestling ability. He finds it difficult to book opponents, as he’s that feared in the regional scene. He takes on UFC vet Luis Henrique for this weekend’s scrap.
9. Jaden Ortega (Welterweight, United States, Combate Global): Over at Combate Global, 23-year-old Jaden Ortega is set to compete and continue his undefeated ways. Ortega is one of the best fighters that competes for Combate Global and is quickly ascending the prospect ladder there. He is a flashy, impressive striker, which is fascinating given that he runs with the Sikjitsu camp in Washington. He’s also fought some experienced competition, including his last three opponents who have a combined 68 professional wins. He takes on another experienced vet in Alan Dominguez this weekend.
10. Ilkhom Nazimov (Lightweight, Uzbekistan, Rizin): We end the weekend in Japan at Rizin, where Uzbek fighter Ilkhom Nazimov takes on former prospect Luiz Gustavo. This will be a tough fight for him, but he’s definitely proven he’s ready for a fight this caliber. He is coming off a massive knockout win over another former top prospect in Roberto de Souza, where he knocked his head off in 13 seconds with a highlight-reel knee strike. Don’t sleep on this fighter.

LAST WEEK’S PROSPECT RESULTS

1. Avazbek Kholmirzaev added to his highlight reel at the ONE Samurai event, finishing Yuya Wakamatsu with a devastating spinning back elbow.
2. Keito Yamakita tapped out Ryohei Kurosawa with a slick armbar finish at the ONE Samurai event.
3. Sayat Abduali had his Octagon main event fight cancelled and did not compete.
4. Andres Luna Martinetti bested fellow former Contender Series vet Rickson Zenidim by unanimous decision at FFC in Peru.
5. Maike Linhares took a decision loss Zhanserik Jaksigululy in the main event of Naiza FC.
6. Shane Collins annihilated Talon Hammons with a one-punch knockout at A1 Combat.
7. Ezra Elliott scored a TKO win over Ashton Caniglia to stay undefeated at RUF.
8. Rasul Magomedov took a decision win over Rafael Xavier at the PFL event.
9. Sabrinna de Sousa won a close decision over Cheyanne Bowers at the PFL event.
10. Khetag Sabeev scored another TKO win to stay undefeated at Peak Fighting.