We’re getting towards the end of our series of the top-10 UFC-ready prospects in each weight class. While there’s great talent everywhere, the bantamweight division may just be the most stacked worldwide. The UFC didn’t sign many top guys in 2025, and the available talent reflects that. Out of Prospect Vault’s top 25 prospects overall, an incredible 9/25 fight at 135 pounds. You could make a great list just from them and still have 10 more UFC-caliber BWs getting passed over. Many of those top-25 guys do make the list here, but there are some other elite prospects I highlight who also deserve a UFC shot in 2026. Being undefeated isn’t a requirement, but it certainly helps in a field this competitive. Therefore, nine of these prospects remain perfect in their pro careers.
Before you check out this list, see who we have at Heavyweight, Light-heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, and Featherweight.
#1: Asaf Chopurov
Age: 24
Representing: Azerbaijan
Record: 9-0
Chopurov is the top prospect in all of MMA, and it’s not much of a competition to me. In addition to his flawless pro record, he’s also got an absurd 35-1 record in confirmed amateur fights and supposedly many more wins that can’t be proven. When you examine his record, the strength of competition jumps off the page. He’s faced tough challenges dating back to just his third pro fight and has still managed to finish 8/9 of those wins. Chopurov took out high-level Russian fighters like Denis Lavrentyev (13-3) and Nikita Mikhailov (10-3) for RCC. In addition, he’s 4-0 for UAE Warriors, topped off by winning their title in October.
Grappling is Asaf’s best attribute, but he’s rarely boring. He forces opponents into bad positions with aggressive GnP and will happily chain together scrambles and submissions. His blend of flexibility, reaction speed, core strength, and technique is special and makes him difficult for anyone in the division to handle. On the feet he’s less spectacular, but that’s to be expected. Chopurov is still a clean technical boxer with natural power, good strike selection, and the ability to mix unexpected attacks like spins into his combinations.
I’ve seen real progress in all aspects of his game since he went pro just over two years ago. At his age, it’s likely there’s still plenty more growth to come. That’s a scary proposition for UFC bantamweights, and I’d be surprised if Chopurov doesn’t find his way into the top-15 worldwide at some point in his career. Unfortunately, his most recent fight was relatively grindy, so he may be forced to defend his belt once before getting signed later on in 2026.