Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Denmark

 

Denmark has a few good options in amateur MMA, but wanted to go with Jakob Dyrup (3-0), who is more established. Durup for a heavyweight I’ve been impressed with. He has a good flow to him where he can set the tone on the outside with the jab and head movement. His takedown defense has been solid, and he has done his best work in-tight with the knees. Obviously, he hasn’t fought anyone good, but he’s performed as expected since going pro.

 

Dominican Republic

 

For the Dominican Republic, I went young and promising, which led me to Delffy Humer (2-0). He ended his amateur career with a loss but is 2-0 as a pro now. Humer had a strong amateur run, where he went 10-4, captured a regional title, and competed in IMMAF tournaments over the past two years. He trains out of Great Britain Top Team and serves as a main sparring partner for Lone’er Kavanagh. Humer appears to be well-rounded, mixing it up on both the feet and the mat.

 

Ecuador

 

There are a lot of prospects with good records in Ecuador. As that may be true, the skill level isn’t all that great. Jose Ignacio-Salgado (4-1) doesn’t live in Ecuador but was born there. He started his career in Ecuador but made the move to the US in 2023. He trains out of Valle Flow Striking in Illinois, which is a super underrated gym. Ignacio-Salgado is a relentless pressure wrestler. He has a deep gas tank and can fight at a high pace. He can chain-wrestle and scramble pretty well. Not entirely sold, but he has the base to build off of.

 

England

 

George Staines (8-0) has had a strong career from the very beginning. As an amateur, he went 16-1. He was an IMMAF European champion and beat a lot of good fighters. Held in such high regards he was signed to Oktagon straight out as a pro. He made a name for himself there, going 6-0 before moving to Cage Warriors. Now, Staines is 2-0 in Cage Warriors and coming off a good win against Ioan Harris. Staines is a lengthy striker at range but a better grappler. Strong control and effective GnP by the 25-year-old out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool product. Staines is another one I see in the UFC sometime in 2026.