October was another strong month for prospects making their case for a UFC opportunity. Several fighters continued to build impressive résumés, with a few picking up major wins that should put them firmly on the UFC’s radar. Here are five prospects who could be ready to make the jump.
Aboubakar Younousov, 26, 9-0-0, Bantamweight
A long-term mainstay in the MMA Prospect Vault Top 25, it should only be a matter of time before Younousov’s phone rings. The French bantamweight recently earned his third title defense at ARES FC 44, stopping former UFC flyweight Tyson Nam via third-round doctor’s stoppage. Younousov appeared intent on putting on a show, standing toe-to-toe with the striker. He consistently pushed forward, bringing the fight to his opponent with dangerous combinations and relentless pressure. If the matchmakers are looking for a high-action finisher, Aboubakar Younousov is a perfect candidate.
Ansar Khamzaev, 21, 7-0-0, Lightweight
From training at Kill Cliff FC to working alongside Chimaev’s team at Santo Studio, Ansar Khamzaev has been putting himself in the right positions to succeed. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects in 2026, most recently capturing the LFA lightweight championship. Khamzaev showcased his elite grappling in the title fight, submitting his toughest opponent to date, Juliano Prescendo, with a first-round D’Arce choke. With an LFA title already under his belt at just 21, Khamzaev is quickly building a résumé that could land him on the UFC roster.
Muhidin Abubakar, 27, 14-1-0, Flyweight
In what seemed like a tune-up fight to stay busy, Muhidin Abubakar once again reminded the MMA world that he’s the real deal. At Cage Rage 7, Abubakar quickly took Tiago Xavier’s back early in the second round before cinching up a rear-naked choke for the submission victory. The rising star, who fights out of London, England, has all the accolades you could ask for, currently holding both the UAE Warriors and FightStar flyweight titles while riding an 11-fight win streak. Expect Muhidin Abubakar to be a no-brainer if the UFC is looking to bolster its flyweight division.
Peter Danesoe, 26, 11-4-0, Bantamweight
After two unsuccessful runs on Road to the UFC, you may be surprised to see Dansoe’s name back in consideration. “The Asian Viking” collected his third straight victory, finishing Farkhod Kudratov with a gorgeous right elbow at UAE Warriors 74. Danesoe faced early adversity in this one, but the 26-year-old responded with a series of impressive offensive sequences. He’s a crafty striker who uses a Muay Thai style to create the highlight-reel moments matchmakers are always hunting for. Not to mention, the UFC has never rostered a male fighter representing Thailand. Dana loves his headlines, and Peter Danesoe would make history if he gets an opportunity with the big show.
Giorgi Poladishvili, 21, 5-0-0, Featherweight
While Giorgi Poladishvili’s MMA experience is limited, the Georgian striker has been in the fight game since 2021. A former undefeated bare-knuckle fighter, Poladishvili is now 5-0 in MMA and is already becoming a hot commodity among the top fighting organizations. Competing on the PFL/Rkena card, Poladishvili dispatched his opponent within the first five minutes. His striking experience has served him well to this point, but his grappling is impressive as well. From difficult submissions to crushing ground-and-pound, Poladishvili is constantly looking for a way to finish the fight. If the UFC wants to get its hands on the next Georgian MMA star, it may have to swoop in before the PFL gets a deal done.
