Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Croatia

 

Marko Ancic (3-0) is someone I recently learned about and am now keeping a close eye on. He’s from Croatia, originally from Split, but currently fights out of Zagreb with American Top Team Zagreb. Before MMA, Ančić competed in grappling and wrestling — winning national titles in Croatia, medalling at international grappling events, and a Combat Sambo National champ. In MMA, the wrestling and grappling have looked excellent. His striking has even looked good with his technique and power.

 

Cuba

 

Cuba has a lot of options, but to me, Sean Mora (7-1) has the most potential. He trains out of Freedom Fighters MMA in Miami, Florida, but represents Cuba. He’s a Pan-American Wrestling Champion and in MMA is the current CFFC bantamweight champion. Mora’s wrestling and athleticism are good enough to take him pretty far in the sport. If he continues to work on his striking, he’s gonna be tough to deal with.

 

Czech Republic

 

The pick has to be Matej Penaz (10-1) here despite a terrible-looking loss. That loss was on the Contender Series to Sedriques Dumas, who we all know is lackluster. Penaz would win that fight nine out of ten times, so a fluke would be fine to say outloud. Outside of MMA, Penaz is an established kickboxer. He went 3-1 in Glory and 23-3 overall with 12 KO/TKOs. In MMA, he was an Oktagon Underground light-heavyweight winner and now fights at 185. In a division that lacks talent, I’d love to see Penaz in the UFC. Actually, I already see him as a top-15 middleweight.