Since the start of the year, French MMA has been moving at a slower pace. Fortunately, the domestic scene is about to pick up again with a new wave of events. This Friday, France’s leading organization, ARES, will host their first event of 2026 in Nice. ARES FC 37 features two title fights, the […]
Just five years after legalization, French MMA has evolved at a remarkable speed, establishing itself as a legitimate force on the global stage. The country now boasts several high-level UFC fighters who shone in 2025, alongside multiple domestic organizations that continue to grow and rank among Europe’s best. The prospect pipeline has kept pace.
If there’s one division where the next generation is knocking the loudest, it’s welterweight. Across the globe, 170-pounds is stacked with young, high level prospects who look capable of competing in the UFC today. With 2026 approaching, these ten fighters stand out as the most polished, dangerous, and ready names outside the promotion. Before
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Longtime Japanese promotion Pancrase is back for its last event of the year. Pancrase 360 is headlined by Road to UFC alum Shogo Sato against Bellator/PFL vet Goiti Yamauchi. Neither are prospects, but look for the UFC to sign Yamauchi if he can claim the title here. The UFC has signed a lot of ex-Bellator
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Three Quebec MMA Fighters to Watch in 2026 Over the past few years, Quebec MMA has experienced a true resurgence. After an initial generation of pioneers, the new talent pool continues to grow. Growing in both depth and credibility, driven by a wave of fighters ready to break through. While several veterans have already
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Cage Fury Fighting Championship closes out the year in a big way as CFFC 149: Cafaro vs Patton lands in Atlantic City, NJ, marking the promotion’s return to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. With four title fights on the card and a mix of undefeated prospects and fast-rising contenders, December 20th shapes up to
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She’s Next – WMMA Weekly Preview Each week, I’ll highlight one women prospect on my radar and in action in the upcoming days. Emily “Galega” Martins Record: 4-1 Weight Class: Bantamweight Age: 21 years old Training: American Top Team Combined opponents record: 10-6 Emily Martins is a rising Brazilian bantamweight representing the famed American Top
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Fury FC 112 promises to be a pivotal night in the promotion’s history, with three title fights. From the return of unbeaten Mansher Khera to the rise of contenders like Anna Melisano and Jonathan Martin, the event features a compelling mix of surging prospects and tested champions. With gold on the line across three divisions,
Ares FC is back in Paris for its last event of 2025, Ares FC 36. The number one organization in France concludes a great year with a quality event. The viewers will be treated to some top French prospects and two title fights. However, it should be noted that the evening has already been shortened
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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.
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