The UFC has done an excellent job in recent months rebuilding key parts of its roster by aggressively targeting high-level free agents. With Bellator no longer operating as a true standalone competitor, the PFL was unable to fully absorb its talent pool. As a result, the market quickly became saturated with experienced veterans, undefeated prospects, and elite fighters searching for a new platform. The UFC was quick to capitalize on that opportunity.
Signings such as Aaron Pico, Patricio Freire, and, more recently, Yaroslav Amosov immediately generated excitement among fans thanks to their elite skill sets and proven name value. At the same time, additions like Josh Hokit and Tyrell Fortune have added meaningful depth to divisions that were in clear need of fresh matchups and new contenders.
What stands out most is the range of profiles being brought in. In recent years, the UFC has often been criticized for relying heavily on Contender Series prospects with limited experience or incomplete resumes. The current wave of Bellator imports has helped correct that imbalance. Specifically, it blends proven high-level veterans with younger, high-upside fighters and restores a more competitive and credible roster structure across multiple divisions.
There are still several elite former Bellator fighters who remain available or unsigned and could strengthen the UFC immediately. Here is a breakdown of ten names the promotion should seriously consider adding.
Usman Nurmagomedov (21-0) – Lightweight
At just 27 years old, Usman Nurmagomedov already looks like one of the most complete lightweights outside the UFC. Carrying the Nurmagomedov surname naturally brings attention and expectation, but his résumé stands firmly on its own. The former Bellator lightweight champion is undefeated as a professional. In addition, he owns wins over respected names including Brent Primus, Patricky Pitbull, Benson Henderson, and Alexandr Shabliy.
His skill set is built for modern MMA. He blends suffocating wrestling, elite top control, sharp kicking attacks, and increasingly refined boxing. Unlike many grappling-heavy fighters, he is comfortable operating at range, managing distance, and layering his attacks with patience and precision.
What makes him especially intriguing is how naturally he would fit into the current UFC lightweight landscape. The division is filled with strikers, pressure fighters, and aging contenders, making the arrival of an undefeated champion an immediate injection of intrigue. Beyond the name value, he has the talent to become a future UFC champion. Any matchup against top-10 opposition would draw major attention. If the UFC continues strengthening its roster with elite Bellator talent, signing Usman Nurmagomedov should be viewed as a priority rather than a luxury. At the moment, he remains under contract with the PFL. However, he has made it clear he eventually wants to test himself in the UFC.
Jason Jackson (20-6) – Welterweight
Jason Jackson has built one of the strongest résumés outside the UFC over the past few years. His defining moment came when he captured the Bellator welterweight title with a dominant win over Yaroslav Amosov. In doing so, he ended the Ukrainian’s undefeated run in the process.
Jackson’s style is built on physical strength, technical striking, clinch control, and underrated wrestling, making him a difficult matchup across all areas. He does not rely on a single dimension but instead wins through control, composure, and sustained pressure over five rounds.
Even at 34 years old, he remains physically sharp. He recently reminded fans of his finishing ability with a 22-second knockout victory under the MVP banner, proving he is still dangerous and highly relevant. He may not have massive mainstream recognition, but from a pure competitive standpoint, Jason Jackson is UFC-caliber.
Vadim Nemkov (20-2) – Heavyweight
Vadim Nemkov has long been considered one of the best light heavyweights outside the UFC, and his résumé strongly supports that reputation. The former Bellator champion holds notable wins over Corey Anderson, Phil Davis, Ryan Bader, and Yoel Romero, consistently proving himself against elite opposition.
A product of Fedor Emelianenko’s system, Nemkov is one of the most complete fighters in his generation. He combines clean striking, strong wrestling, excellent composure, and impressive cardio for a larger athlete. Rather than relying on raw power, he wins through structure, timing, and tactical discipline.
What adds another layer of intrigue is his recent move to heavyweight. At 33, he remains in his prime and brings a rare blend of athleticism and technical balance to a division that often lacks both. He remains under contract with the PFL, but once available, he would instantly become one of the most valuable free agents in MMA.
Goiti Yamauchi (31-7) – Welterweight
Goiti Yamauchi has long been one of the most dangerous and entertaining submission specialists outside the UFC. With over 30 professional wins, he has built his career on aggression, finishing instincts, and a relentless grappling approach.
His ground game is his biggest weapon, constantly hunting submissions and forcing chaotic scrambles rather than settling into control positions. Over time, he has also developed his striking. As a result, he has evolved into a far more complete fighter than earlier in his career.
Even at 33, he remains a proven finisher who can deliver action in any matchup. While he is unlikely to become a title contender, his style would immediately add value to fight cards and strengthen overall depth in both lightweight and welterweight divisions.
Norbert Novenyi Jr. (10-1) – Middleweight
Norbert Novenyi Jr. represents the type of young, physically gifted prospect the UFC increasingly prioritizes. The Hungarian fighter stands 6-foot-3, carries explosive athleticism, and has shown real finishing ability both on the feet and on the ground.
At just 24 years old, he is still developing, but the raw physical tools are already evident. He has a strong base, solid grappling, and growing confidence in his striking exchanges.
The appeal here is clearly long-term upside. Rather than adding another aging veteran, Novenyi offers a developmental project with real physical potential. He is currently booked in Europe against a DWCS veteran, but a strong performance would make him an obvious candidate for UFC interest.
Grant Neal (12-3) – Light Heavyweight
Grant Neal is one of the more overlooked former Bellator fighters available. A former collegiate wrestler, he brings a strong physical base built on pressure, control, and durability. His style is straightforward but effective. He leans on wrestling, forward pressure, and toughness to grind opponents down. While not flashy, he consistently stays competitive against solid opposition.
He has also made steady improvements in his striking, becoming more willing to engage on the feet rather than relying exclusively on grappling. At 30, he still has room to grow. Additionally, his skill set fits well into the UFC’s need for light heavyweight depth. He also recently picked up a solid regional win, strengthening his case for a return to the UFC level.
Cedric Doumbe (6-1) – Welterweight
Cedric Doumbe would instantly become one of the UFC’s most marketable welterweights. Already a global name from his elite kickboxing career, he transitioned into MMA and quickly became one of the biggest attractions outside the UFC.
His striking pedigree is world-class, and his personality makes him stand out in a division often lacking true characters. He is confident, outspoken, and extremely skilled on the feet, with legitimate fight-ending power.
While still early in his MMA development, he continues to improve his defensive grappling and cage awareness. Beyond the sporting aspect, his signing would carry major promotional value, particularly in France, where MMA continues to grow rapidly.
Levan Chokheli (14-3) – Welterweight
Levan Chokheli has developed into one of the more entertaining welterweights outside the UFC due to his aggressive, forward-heavy style. He pushes pace from the opening bell and consistently looks to break opponents with pressure and volume. He’s durable, physical, and committed to high-tempo exchanges. While his defensive structure can be inconsistent, his toughness and aggression make him a consistent action fighter.
At 29, he still has time to refine his game, but his identity is already clear. He brings a style that naturally produces entertaining fights and strong crowd reactions.
Nikita Mikhailov (12-4) – Bantamweight
Nikita Mikhailov is a well-rounded bantamweight with solid grappling, active striking, and strong pressure tendencies. Still only 27, he has gained valuable experience against respectable opposition and continues to develop.
His pace is one of his defining traits. He pushes action, creates scrambles, and stays offensively active throughout fights. That approach translates well in a division as deep as the bantamweight division.
While not a headline prospect, his skill set and age profile make him a strong depth addition with clear upside potential.
Josh O’Connor (10-0) – Featherweight
Josh O’Connor is an undefeated Welsh featherweight who has steadily built momentum on the European circuit. His 10-0 record reflects consistency across multiple styles and opponents.
At 27, he is still developing but already shows composure and adaptability across striking and grappling exchanges. He has captured regional gold and continues to refine his overall game.
What stands out is his balance. He is not overly reliant on one phase and has shown the ability to adjust under pressure. He represents the type of international prospect the UFC often targets early, before his stock rises further.
