Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Kazakhstan

 

The country of Kazakhstan is home to a lot of promising prospects. Even though he’s young in his pro career, I’m going with Yersultan Shakenbay (2-0). Shakenbay had an impressive amateur run with a record of 16-0. He was a three-time IMMAF Junior World Champion, a two-time Asian Champion, and a European champion. Shakenbay is the superior grappler, especially defensively. While he can be taken down, he consistently outscrambles opponents. His biggest strength is his ground game. Tighter control would help, but his grappling, scrambling, and endurance continue to pay off.

 

South Korea

 

Same with Japan, Road to UFC gives a lot of South Koreans opportunities. Seong Hyuk Bang (7-0), to me, has the most potential and is my personal favorite. Bang is at his best as a counter-puncher, using feints and a disciplined jab to draw reactions before committing. Bang recently won the Black Combat featherweight title. That was his first time he went to the scorecards as well. I’d look for Bang to be on RTU next season.

 

Kyrgyzstan

 

Kyrgyzstan has some high-level prospects, but the best is Yryskeldi Duysheev (13-0). He’s coming off the biggest win of his career. He beat RTU alum Shin Haraguchi to win the Road FC featherweight title. At just 24, he’s already an exceptional talent. His wrestling, grappling, and relentless pace will be tough for anyone to deal with. Even though his striking isn’t fully polished, he hasn’t shown any significant weaknesses so far.

 

Lebanon

 

Lebanon-born Abe Alsaghir (8-0) moved to the US when he was 15. He’s been living in Detroit and training out of Detroit Jiu-Jitsu Academy. Lebanon hasn’t had hardly any fighters in the UFC, but Alsaghir can be the one to do it. Alsaghir is a true student of the game who has a nice blend of martial arts. Volume based on the feet, and is a good wrestler/grappler. His poor level of competition is lacking being what’s holding him back from more respect.