Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Ukraine

 

Born in Ukraine but tearing it up in the US, Artur Minev (6-0) is currently the best fighter out of Ukraine. He’s been fighting for Fury FC and, for the most part, has been crushing opponents. He had a challenging fight in his last outing, but a good learning experience for the future. Minev isn’t an aggressive wrestler, but he’s dangerous on top with heavy GnP, especially elbows, and is a submission threat from front headlocks. On the feet, he’s a sharp, well-rounded striker who switches stances, uses smart feints and footwork, and carries real power—particularly on his right hand. He has strong fight IQ, effective kicks, and a knack for capitalizing on mistakes, giving him clear upside.

 

Wales

 

Activity has cost notability, but Ieuan Davies (6-0) is the Welshman to keep tabs on. He didn’t fight at all in 2025, having two bouts booked and them falling through. Personally, I’ve been high on Davies since he was an amateur, where he went 7-1. He’s developed a lot as a fighter, starting as more of a striker, but his last three wins have come via submission. The Welshman is a powerful kickboxer who builds his offense around kicks—his front kick functions like a jab, while his roundhouses act as right and left hooks. He asserts himself early in fights, throwing heavy, thudding kicks that can end bouts quickly. Davies kicks at a high volume and mixes targets well, attacking the body before going upstairs.

 

United States

 

Choosing the best prospect from the US is subjective because there really isn’t a correct option. To me, I look at potential, and I see Damien Anderson (4-0) with the most. Anderson is young in MMA but comes from a jiu-jitsu background and is ranked in No-Gi. He’s competed in Combat Jiu-Jitsu and was the first to score a knockout. Anderson may have a grappling background, but he looks so comfortable on his feet. I could even say he looks seasoned. Really good use of feints and a mix of kicks and his hands into combinations, with a lot of credit to his footwork. Anderson has out-boxed a pro boxer and submitted a BJJ blackbelt which says a lot to his overall ability.

 

Uruguay

 

Although he has his chance to prove his worth in 2023, Luciano Pereira (15-1) os arguable the best out of his country. In 2023, he was supposed to fight on the Contender Series put pulled out. It’s tended to be a continued issue as he had six other bouts canceled. Even before his contracted CS bout, he lost a fight via DQ. If he can get everything mentally down, he could be something because he’s got the skill. Pereira packs serious power in his hands and kicks, and he’s brutal with his ground-and-pound. He marches forward relentlessly, throwing bomb after bomb. The technique isn’t always polished, but it shows in flashes. His overall ground game has looked competent, and now that he’s at 135, I expect more from him.