Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Senegal

 

Moustapha Diakhaté (4-0-1) could be the very first UFC fighter from Senegal. As he’s still far from being a top prospect, he’s fighting at 205, where you just have to be good enough. Diakhaté is an extremely sloppy fighter, but aggressive, explosive, and has knockout power. I can’t say he’d go far, but he is always capable of fun fights every time he steps into the cage.

 

Serbia

 

The choice would’ve been someone different a year ago but Miljan Zdravkovic(10-0) has forced his hand into this selection. Zdravkovic is a former KSW fighter that went 2-0 and is not the current FNC bantamweight champion. He’s coming off a win over longtime veteran Josh Hill in a comfortable decision. He’s not outstanding anywhere but is good in every area. Good boxing on the feet mainly with the jab and has good jiu-jitsu. A strong gas tank to go five rounds no problem.

 

Scotland

 

It’s no surprise that Sean Clancy Jr (8-0) is the pick here. He ranks high in our ranking so he’s easily one of the better prospects worldwide. He’s coming off his best win in highlight-reel fashion with the clean knockout. Also, he won the interim welterweight title. His hands are improving; He has a good jab and some nice pop in his hands. His wrestling is serviceable, and his jiu-jitsu would be his best weapon. A fight with Justin Burlinson may be on the table soon, but it’s a fight he should win.

 

Slovakia

 

I went to Oktagon MMA to find a strong representative in Lucia Szabová (10-0). Szabová is one of the best-kept secrets in all WMMA. Women’s 135 needs all the talent it can get, and she has it all. She just ran through Cecilie Bolander whose solid. Before that, she won by a standing Americana. She’s a national Muay Thai champion with a 39-5 record. Szabova has nasty Muay Thai, good kickboxing, wrestles well, and is a menace on the ground. She can take a limb home or pound your face in for the TKO. She’s the real deal.