It’s officially an awkward time for prospects. DWCS may be wrapping up but we’re still on the hunt for new talent to add to the roster. Without further ado, here are the top 5 UFC-ready prospects from this past month:
Qosim Sardarov, 25, 7-0-0, Middleweight
Sardarov showed out in September- he defended the Pancrase middleweight title, taking out Genpei Hayashi via ground-and-pound. The Tajik fighter has been lethal on the mats. He’s consistently bringing his opponents into his world and dispatching them with ease.
Seven fights, seven finishes- Qosim Sardarov fits the bill for what the UFC brass is looking for.
Sayat Abduali, 22, 10-0-0, Lightweight
What more can be said about Sayat Abduali? Every question about the 22-year-old fighter was answered at Octagon 91, as Abduali found the second round finish against fellow undefeated prospect Asadbek Saidov. That marks Abduali’s first title defense since earning the belt last year and could potentially be his ticket into the big show.
Should the UFC be interested in adding a 155er, Sayat Abduali might as well be their man.
Jerry Lleshi, 26, 6-1-0, Flyweight
The newest CFFC champion is upon us. Jerry Lleshi scored a right hook knockout against Erik Calvert, putting him to sleep with just one punch. Normally known for his grappling prowess, Lleshi has made strides since losing his professional debut by split decision to Bilal Hasan.
If the UFC is interested in building a bit of a storyline, Lleshi chasing down a rematch with Hasan would build a lot of intrigue for the MMA diehards.
Ibragim Dauev, 25, 12-2-0, Lightweight
After a four-fight stint with ONE Championship that ended with a TKO loss to Akbar Abdullaev, Ibragim Dauev has bounced back in his new home at JCK Kings. With a beautiful left hook-to-right straight combination, Dauev knocked out Biduola Yeerhali in the first round- officially returning to his winning ways at JCK Kings 016.
If he drums up some activity now that he’s fully healthy and away from ONE, the UFC will most definitely take notice of Ibragim Dauev in no time.
Conor McCarthy, 25, 7-1-0, Lightweight
McCarthy is back in the win column. The Irishman finished Dumitru Girlean with his hands this past weekend, earning his seventh win as a professional. A striker first, McCarthy has very slick movement, always staying ahead of his opponents with quick footwork. He also received a bit of a bump in credibility on Tuesday night as his sole loss came against George Staines; the first fighter to pull off a slam knockout in DWCS history.
The UFC is always looking for fighters who are willing to throw down and take on big challenges. Conor McCarthy is that guy.
