Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Armenia

 

Only three fighters from Armenia have graced the UFC octagon. Arman Tsarukyan is the one leading the charge, but not a lot of soldiers behind him. As there were some options, Agasi Akopyan (5-0) has top-notch potential. He doesn’t have the experience as some others, but he is much better. I can’t say much about his striking, but his wrestling and grappling have looked fantastic. It hasn’t been truly tested yet, but it seems like he has a motor on him as well. Akopyan is such a tank that I don’t see anyone stopping at a regional level.

 

Australia

 

Every year, Australia produces a top prospect to the mainstream audience. The talent pool there runs deep from the amateur ranks to the pros. I ultimately went with George Mangos (8-1), but it shouldn’t be to anybody’s surprise. His strength of schedule mixed with the guys he’s beaten is hard to ignore. He did fight and lose on the CS last season. To be fair, it was against Radley da Silva, an excellent fighter, and a tough stylistic fight. Mangos rebounded off that beating a good Justin Van Heerden for a second time. Mangos has won multiple titles, including the HEX and Eternal lightweight championship. He’s a solid grappler, which has been his leading factor to success. Striking is getting better and better, so at 22, the sky is the limit.

 

Austria

Austria currently has Bogdan Grad, but someone substantially better is Mochamed Machaev (16-2). Oktagon is a major promotion in Europe, but this has to be the choice. Machaev has had unfortunate setbacks but more highs than lows. He’s fought for various promotions around the world and has beaten some solid names. Machaev is only 25, too, and is well-rounded. Not even close to his potential and already so good.

 

Azerbaijan

 

Any MMA fan outside the casual viewer knows Asaf Chopurov (9-0) is the choice here. Not only the best prospect in Azerbaijan, but the best in the world, being #1 in our rankings. As an amateur, Chopurov went 31-1 and was a three-time Russian champion and an IMMAF world champion. He then proved it translated as a pro when he took out highly regarded Denis Lavrentyev when Chopurov was just 3-0. Chopurov has it all; He’s a good wrestler and a slick grappler. He’s the current UAE Warriors bantamweight champion that should set him up for a big 2026.