Every fighter starts somewhere. Before the hype, before the Contender Series, before the UFC call — there’s the early grind. Before They Blow Up is my way of spotlighting prospects still in that stage.
In this second edition, I’m looking at a few rising talents with five fights or fewer that are on my radar. These aren’t fighters I expect to be making any waves anytime soon. These are fighters I have watched, and I think have a good future in this sport.
Flyweight, Yersultan Shakenbay (2-0)
Shakenbay made his professional debut in July of 2024. He did so after an impressive amateur run with a record of 16-0. Shakenbay made a big name for himself in IMMAF, which is basically the Olympics of Amateur MMA. Shakenbay was a three-time IMMAF Junior World Champion, a two-time Asian Champion, and a European champion.
So far, Shakenbay is 2-0 in Pro MMA, and I wouldn’t say her performances have translated to the pros as it did in the amateurs. He is just 22, though, and his amateur run resume gives me confidence he’s gonna do nothing but improve. I’d rate nine of the opponents he’s beaten as an ammy, which is super impressive.
I can pinpoint a few glaring holes Shakenbay has. In the striking, he becomes easy to read. He’s fast and explosive, but you know, 80% of his striking comes from the right hand. His release is nice on it and throws it with some ill intention, but you can see it coming.
Shakenbay is a far better grappler, even when it comes defensively. He is able to be taken down, but can out-scramble those he’s fighting. His offensive wrestling will have to improve, especially at the first level, as he telegraphs his takedowns. Shakenbay is good at re-shooting and scrambling to a better position to get the fight down.
Where the young man shines is in the grappling. Sometimes he gives too much space, but all his finishings come from his ground game. He throws some nasty elbows in mount, and those open up the lanes to grab hold of the neck or an arm. I like that Shakenbay will actively work to a dominant position and do damage instead of just holding a position. Sure, he can be tighter when it comes to control but his grappling, scrambling ability, and endurance have paid off for him.
Being in Octagon, he’s gonna continue to get stiff competition, especially at 125. He’s coming off a win over a good opponent, so I like where he’s heading in his career.
Bantamweight, Zafar Rashidov (3-0)
Uzbekistan’s Rashidov is another one who came to the pros after a successful amateur career. Rasidov is an Asian IMMAF Champion and an IMMAF World Champion at featherweight. A 10-1 amateur record and now sitting at 3-0 as a pro. In just a year, Rashidov has fought eight times, won IMMAF gold, and debuted as a professional, already boasting a 3-0 record.
Rashidov, a master in sports in wrestling and MMA, is a well-rounded athlete. On the feet, he’s got good movement, goes to the body-head well, and is pretty quick. He has an issue whiffing on his punches, like the right hand failing to set it up. It’s when he’s going forward that his hands kindly get away from him. On the flip side, he’s really good at slipping punches and coming through with one-twos. Also slipping under punches and getting takedowns.
Rashidov’s speed, movement, and defensive ability help him a lot on his feet. Those same tools help him in the grappling and wrestling as well. He’s an excellent defensive wrestler, using shots against him into offensive moments. He’s good at getting in on the hips and circling to the back to work takedowns and actively land GnP. Rashidov is at best on top effortlessly transitioning and working.
Like Shakenbay above, Rashidov being with the Octagon promotion is gonna continue to get tested. He doesn’t have any glaring holes, but things he can improve along the way. At 25, I’m sure he’ll be fine, and I’d recommend everyone to keep an eye on him.
Atomweight, Giulliany Perêa (4-0)
Giulliany Perêa fights out of the renowned Nova União gym and currently competes for Invicta FC and Shooto Brasil. As an amateur, she compiled a 14-2 record while capturing both IMMAF World and Pan-American championships.
Originally fighting at strawweight, Perêa moved down to atomweight (105 lbs) as a pro and claimed the Shooto Brasil title in her debut. Brazil’s Perea has been a relentless force, mainly throughout her entire career. Only two career losses, but to Aieza Bertolso and Beatriz Consuli, who are some of the best WMMA prospects right now.
Perea consistently presses forward, mixing powerful combinations with aggressive physicality. Her strength on the inside and on the ground—controlling opponents and delivering heavy ground-and-pound—sets her apart. Perêa is a solid wrestler with equally strong jiu-jitsu skills. Whether competing at 105 or 115 pounds, she has a bright future ahead.