Three International Prospects To Watch

Youssouf Ouattara (3-0) – Featherweight

Ouattara is a former Muay Thai fighter with extensive experience in the sport, having competed in nearly sixty bouts (43-13) and earning both European and World titles in 2024.

 

An elite striker with excellent clinch work, sharp counter-timing, and powerful kicks, Ouattara has carefully prepared for his transition to MMA, having trained in the discipline for the past three years. As a result, he has developed solid wrestling defense and a decent ground game—he even won his second professional fight via submission.

 

Currently 3-0, Ouattara hasn’t yet faced top-tier opposition, but that could soon change, as he appears to have signed with Hexagone MMA, where the featherweight division is quite deep. I’d like to see him matched against a strong wrestler to truly assess his level in that area.

Ouattara is still young, an exciting fighter with the potential to reach the UFC in the coming years

 

Eren Agbo (4-0) – Lightweight

 

Agbo is a young French fighter who’s starting to make a name for himself on the national circuit. After a solid amateur career (5-1), during which his only loss came against fellow top French prospect Benoit Prigent, Eren made his professional debut with Striker promotion in 2024.

 

Currently riding a four-fight win streak—all by submission—he captured the Striker lightweight title in his last bout, a respected regional French promotion. An excellent grappler, Eren shows strong opportunism in wrestling exchanges to bring the fight to the ground. However, he has shown some difficulty getting back to his feet when pressured by dominant wrestlers. He uses his height well on the feet to work from range, particularly with kicks.

 

He’s been very active since turning pro, fighting four times in just eight months. Now, the next step is to see him tested against higher-level opposition to continue his development. At 24 years old, he still has time before signing with a major promotion, but a move to Ares FC or Hexagone MMA would be a logical step as he climbs the ranks.

 

Moustapha Diakhaté (4-0) – Light Heavyweight

 

Diakhaté is the new rising star in Ares’ light heavyweight division. Originally from Senegal, he trains with Vallon Team in Belgium—one of the country’s most promising gyms, known for consistently developing high-level talent. After a modest amateur career (3-2-1) where he didn’t particularly stand out, Diakhaté has exploded onto the professional scene since his debut in 2024.

 

With four knockouts, including three in the first round, he’s proven to be an exciting finisher with strong striking and serious knockout power—qualities that have quickly won over French fans. Relatively unknown before signing with Ares, his stock skyrocketed after two lightning-fast first-round knockouts. He’s now one of the promotion’s breakout stars and has already gained a strong following with 51k Instagram followers.

 

In a light heavyweight division lacking depth, Diakhaté could quickly climb the ranks if he continues to deliver performances like this. He should soon be tested against a more experienced opponent to evaluate his cardio and wrestling defense. If he passes that test, a call from the UFC might not be far off.