Global Watchlist: The Best MMA Prospect From Each Country

Finland

 

Looking at Sani Brannfors (2-0), your first thought would probably be that she’s undersized for the division (flyweight). You may be surprised that she’s one of the best females to have competed in IMMAF. An amateur record of 16-1, Brannfors was an IMMAF Youth, Junior, and Senior World Champion, as well as two European gold medalist. She blends all martial arts, and even though she is better on the mat, she’s comfortable anywhere the fight goes. Finnish talent hasn’t performed well in the UFC, as everyone who has come is already gone. Once Brannfors makes it, she’s gonna do her country proud.

 

France

 

One of the most loaded countries in terms of talent is France, and it’s not talked about as much. As of right now, Ares FC is the pinnacle of French MMA, so I went with their champion, Aboubakar Younousov (8-0). Younousov is a European Naga Champion and a three-time French champion in grappling. Younousov is a buzzsaw with constant pressure and explosiveness. He’s a high-level wrestler and an excellent submission grappler. He fights at a high pace and has showcased elite cardio. Younousov is held in high regards being our #5 prospect in the world.

 

Georgia

 

Georgia has some choices, but I think they’d be a shot in the dark compared to Otari Tanzilovi (10-1). Tanzilovi has some strong regional experience. He competed in IMMAF and has fought in Fury FC, Octagon, UAE Warriors, and was a GFC bantamweight champ. He fought and lost on the Contender Series in 2024 to Josias Musasa. That fight would go differently today, and has won again since. Tanzilov is a dynamic kickboxer using his kicks on the outside with a lot of movement and angles. He’s already been contacted by the UFC, so his time is coming.

 

Germany

 

Max Holzer (11-0) is with Oktagon but not a champion there, and is only 23, so he’s indeed a prospect. Holzer is an elite grappler whose a gold medalist at the IBJJF European Youth Championship and a NAGA (North American Grappling Association) champion. It’s translated as well as he can hope in MMA, as he drowns guys there. His wrestling is relentless and has an endless gas tank. Striking is sloppy, butit  is aggressive and always pressing the takedowns.