20 Female Prospects the UFC should sign in 2026

Nicoly Pedroza

6-0, 22 years old, Bantamweight, Brazil

 

The theme of young Brazilian prospects continues in this list of fighters the UFC should consider signing, with Pedroza standing out as the first bantamweight I am featuring. The year 2025 has been particularly difficult for her, as three canceled fights prevented her from stepping into the octagon over the last twelve months. This is especially infuriating in Nicoly’s case, considering the UFC’s clear need for depth at 135 pounds and the fact that Pedroza would be a prime candidate to join the organization.

 

Pedroza already has several finishes on her record and can rely on her imposing frame (5’8’’ tall with a 69-inch reach) to dominate her opponents. I am hopeful that 2026 will bring better opportunities, allowing her to quickly add a few fights to her record and hopefully secure a UFC contract before the end of the year.

 

Bella Mir

4-0, 22 years old, Flyweight, USA

 

A first, slightly more controversial pick. Many of you will likely feel that it is still too early to bring Bella Mir into the UFC. The daughter of former heavyweight champion Frank Mir has just four professional MMA bouts on her record and remains more active in grappling than in MMA. However, this situation is partly explained by the difficulty she faces in finding opponents. As a result, she has only one fight on her 2025 record, a clear submission victory over the tough Stephanie Calderon. Bella is also 2–0 this year in UFC-run BJJ competitions, namely UFC BJJ and the Fight Pass Invitational.

 

What is being whispered behind closed doors is that Mir already holds a developmental contract with the UFC. One thing is certain: her family ties, her appearances on Fight Pass, and her undeniable talent make her a prime candidate to join the organization in 2026. The only remaining question is how many more fights she will need on the regional circuit before getting the call.