Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Sweden

 

Ever since he was an amateur, Liam Pitts (3-0) has been highly touted. Pitts started in wrestling, where he became a multiple-time Swedish champion. When he transitioned to MMA, he hit the ground running behind the Allstars Training Center team. He went 6-0 as an amateur and is now 3-0 as a pro fighting for Oktagon. Pitts has looked comfortable on the feet with clean technique and straight punches. He’s obviously a strong wrestler whose leaned hard on that. To complement the wrestling, Pitts has strong top position to ride out top position or find a finish. Pitts still has a ways to go, but being with Oktagon so early in his career will do wonders for him.

 

Switzerland

 

Daniel Konrad (8-2) had one of the best submissions of 2025 that put him firmly on the radar. It was at Cage Warriors 199, hitting a flying armbar on the well-known George Hardwick. He had his chance at the Cage Warriors welterweight title in 2024 but came up short. Now, with back-to-back impressive wins, he sees himself with another opportunity. Activity on the feet bit it’s his BJJ black belt that’s been his weapon of choice. Six submission wins and can attack from anywhere, being a true Swiss Army Knife.

 

Tajikistan

 

Tajikistan has some bright prospects on the rise, but none are better than Otabek Rajabov (5-0). 18-1 is what Rajabov achieved in an outstanding amateur career. Rajabov won multiple gold medals in IMMAF. He was a Junior European Champion, an Asian Champion, and both a World and Junior World Champion. Along the way, he beat some great competition. In fact, the guys he beat as an amateur who are now pro have a combined 38-3 pro record. At just 23, Rajabov is beyond his years. He’s already such a high-level wrestler and grappler that his striking doesn’t have to be as good to go far in the sport. Being so young, you’d better remember this guy’s name.

 

Turkmenistan

 

Turkmenistan is an undeveloped country when it comes to MMA talent. They’ve never had a UFC fighter before, but Basir Saraliev (11-1) is super promising. Saraliev is an aggressive striker with a stiff jab he doubles up on and sharp, dirty boxing in the pocket, especially to the body. He manages range well, darting in and out in bursts, though he can be hittable. Defensively, his takedown defense is a weakness, but he scrambles well, is hard to hold down, and is dangerous with guillotines. Offensively, he’s a strong wrestler, particularly off the single leg, where he breaks the base and dumps opponents to the mat to control or finish.