Gigi Canuto
6-1, 23 years old, Strawweight, Brazil
You read that right, a third Brazilian strawweight rounds out my podium of ideal UFC signings. To be honest, Canuto could easily have claimed the top spot in this ranking with a bit more activity. We only saw her compete once in 2025, but it was a spectacular showing, as she secured a beautiful submission victory over tough Flor Hernandez. At just 23 years old, Canuto is already one of the most impressive grapplers on the regional MMA scene.
Canuto trains at 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu in Las Vegas and has been practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu since the age of six. She’s also already on the organization’s radar, highlighted by a standout appearance at UFC Fight Pass Invitational 6, where she submitted UFC fighter Denise Gomes. Finally, the only loss of Canuto’s career came in a title fight against Olympic judo medalist Natasha Kuziutina in 2023. She would be a welcome addition to the strawweight division.
Regina Tarin
7-0, 21 years old, Flyweight, Mexico
Back in December 2024, when I put together my 2025 signing wish list, Tarin was already in my top three targets for the UFC. That scenario came very close to becoming reality, as she was initially booked for DWCS last summer. Unfortunately, contractual issues interfered and ultimately scrapped the announced matchup. Still, Tarin wrapped up her 2025 campaign with two finishes, one of which went viral across social media against PFL veteran Kaytlin Neil.
Despite her young age, everything points toward an eventual UFC signing for the young Mexican prospect. She is already training at the Performance Institute in Mexico City, and her contractual issues appear to be behind her, as she competed for a new organization in December. Finally, she has both the skill set and the look to make a serious impact in the 125-pound division. The UFC will not be able to say no for long to adding another Mexican representative to its roster.
Farida Abdueva further UFC strawweight champion ☝🏻