Halloween may be over, but there’s still time for one last treat: the incredible number of new prospects who emerged to end October. This edition of On the Map includes 30 new names, the most we’ve seen so far. Eleven of those are lightweights and seven more are featherweights, further stacking two of MMA’s best divisions. It’s also been a strong month for amateur prospects, with 8 earning a spot on the map. The talent is so good that I’ve expanded the top-3 to top-5 because I couldn’t leave some of these guys out. If I missed your favorite prospect, hit me up @jameslikesmma on Twitter.
Highest potential:
- Giorgi Poladishvili
- Aiden Appel
- Tyler Brennan
- Khanbulat Irisbiev
- Gheorghe Balaur
Heavyweights
Sandro Tevzadze: 26 years old, 2-0 amateur, 4-0 pro, 6W streak.
Quality BJJ black belt and also a strong wrestler. He hasn’t even gone two minutes in his fights because he gets takedowns and submissions so easily. Not huge for the division but a solid athlete with a skillset most regional HWs will struggle to keep up with. Ended 2.5 years of inactivity with his best win so far on the PFL vs Rkena event, so could be in line for a big opportunity if PFL offers a contract.
Light Heavyweights
Ismael Kone: 25 years old, 7-0 amateur.
Kone is a massively powerful man, well-built for 205 pounds. He mostly wins by KO, building his record against weaker opponents, then broke out by finishing Kader Dramé (10-3) to end October. France is stacked with amateur talent, and Kone is one of the best in the higher weight classes.
Middleweights
Tyler Brennan: 25 years old, 2-0 amateur, 2-0 pro, 4W streak.
The least MMA experience of any prospect this month, but has D1 wrestling credentials and a strong BJJ black belt to make up for it. Outstanding athlete who usually fights at 170 pounds but didn’t look bad moving up on short notice. Impressive striking for a natural grappler with crushing GnP and reasonably polished boxing. Works quickly on the feet, transitioning to takedowns, and inflicting punishment once he’s on top. Already with Tuff-N-Uff and will likely be on the DWCS fast-track once he gets 3-4 more wins.
Zach Rossmanith: 20 years old, 7-0 amateur.
Muscular, 6’2″, young, and an even 3-3 split between KOs and submissions. Opponents’ combined record is 15-9 with no standout wins, but it’s not pure can-crushing. Rossmanith won 2 titles in 2026 and will be someone to watch when he turns pro, which could be as early as next year.
Welterweights
Nikoloz Abramishvili: 23 years old, 0-2 amateur, 10-3 pro, 3W streak.
Abramishvili is a tricky one to evaluate. He’s got good length for WW and a fan-friendly style, but for years he was a can-crusher who lost whenever he stepped up in competition. However, his last three wins have come against 11-2, 18-7, and 12-2-1 records. That includes his first decision win over former UFC fighter James Llontop and an armbar win in a scramble-heavy upset over Aaron McKenzie, a great grappler and former LFA champion, in the main event of PFL vs Rkena. Abramishvili has leveled up and improved cardio and wrestling deficiencies that cost him earlier fights.
Khanbulat Irisbiev: 21 years old, 0-1 amateur, 4-0 pro.
Incredibly strong and physically developed for his age. Good reach and is comfortable striking or dominating with powerful wrestling. He likely has more amateur experience in Russia, as he looks polished as a pro. Impressive strength of schedule from the start of his career, beating two 4-0 opponents and a promising 6-2 fighter most recently. Fighting for FNC, who have done well developing their prospects recently
Alberth Bahamondes: 18 years old, 8-1 pro, 3W streak.
One of the younger brothers of UFC fighter Ignacio. Alberth turned pro at just 15 and clearly had a ton of potential, but fell off my list when he was bullied by a much older/stronger opponent for his only loss. He’s since moved up a division, adding good weight and still possessing great length at 6’2″. His breakthrough to the mainstream came in his LFA (and USA) debut against former DWCS contestant Joey Hart (9-4). Bahamondes turned his toughest test into a highlight-reel KO that will have everyone excited for his next fight. However, he still has to prove he can defend takedowns and clinches before I can fully restart the hype train.
Islam Masaev: 20 years old, 9-0 amateur.
Tall but lanky grappler who uses his length well to progress in BJJ exchanges, take the back, and secure RNCs. Has flashed a jab and some other striking weapons but is much less polished there. Claims some extra amateur wins that aren’t in databases. High ceiling given his age and athleticism, but he hasn’t had a hard test yet.
Aslan Iskanderov: 22-23 years old, 8-1 pro, 5W streak.
Iskanderov is young, well-built, and has finished 7/8 wins against ok opponents. His loss was a disappointing triangle, but he’s improved his BJJ since then and recorded a few of his own submissions. He’s also added muscle as he moved up from lightweight. Probably a long way from the big show, but he’s establishing himself in China after starting in Kazakhstan.
Lightweights
Aiden Appel: 19 years old, 6-0 amateur, 1-0 pro, 7W streak.
Our Canadian expert Cedric highlighted Appel as someone to watch earlier this month, and he absolutely deserves it. He’s got elite potential with his frame, athleticism, and well-rounded finishing instincts. He got another clean submission in his pro debut with a standing guillotine in less than 2 minutes. That’s impressive under any circumstances, but doing it against an 11-8 gatekeeper who’s been fighting for years makes it clear that Appel could be special. I’ll be very excited to track his progress in 2027.
Gheorghe Balaur: 22 years old, 11-1 amateur, 6-0 pro, 5W streak.
Xavi did a great breakdown of Balaur before his fight this month, and I have nothing to add to his in-depth tape study. Anastasios Chatzigeorgiadis was on a 6-win streak and had a spot in my prospect rankings, so seeing Balaur walk him down and extend his perfect KO record as a pro was very impressive. He mixes his weapons well on the feet and looks better every fight, which is the most important thing to see from a young fighter.
Austin Spangler: 24 years old, 8-1 amateur, 6-1 pro, 5W streak.
“The Strangler” perfectly fits the bill for what the UFC has been looking for on DWCS in recent years. At 6’3″, he’s got an unusual athletic profile, and he’s a young American finisher. All his pro wins have ended in R1, usually in less than 1.5 minutes, with an insane 7-second KO in his fight this month. After starting as a wrestler, he’s added lethal BJJ, as his nickname suggests. The problem is the competition has been bad, and Spangler has lost to his 2 best opponents as an amateur (guillotined in 28 seconds) and pro (KO’d in R2). His grappling was matched, and he didn’t know what to do next, but his striking has improved since then, and he clearly has natural power.
Austin Halik: 26 years old, 6-0 amateur, 3-0 pro, 9W streak.
Good athlete who showed off 1-punch KO power, winning and defending his amateur title. Improved submission skills as a pro with a fast ninja choke in his LFA debut this month, though his opponent was a teenager. This was Halik’s first fight of 2026, and he needs to stay more active. However, he has plenty of tools and is now in a good organization to showcase them.
Mario Gagliardi: 26 years old, 7-1 amateur, 5-0 pro, 7W streak.
Nicknamed “The Tank” and has the muscle to back it up. However, at just 5’8″, he’s a short LW, and range will always be a problem. Faced bad competition as an amateur and early pro in Italy but has broken out with 2 decision wins for Ares. Channels his explosion to finish easier matchups but can sustain his output and go the distance effectively.
Ilia Fomochkin: 21 years old, 11-2 amateur, 5-0 pro, 5W streak.
Was on my list as an ammy but lost decisions to 2 top prospects. Fomochkin is a great athlete and young, so hopefully those setbacks have motivated him to improve. Built a crazy highlight reel since going pro with 2 flying knees and a crushing elbow KO, but just a 3-3 combined opponents’ record. Was previously more of a grappler, so nice to see the striking develop, but he needs to prove it against someone experienced before he can fully be trusted as a prospect.
Jameson Hardisty: 20 years old, 6-0 amateur.
Has only fought for 16 months, but Hardisty makes up for it with how well-rounded he is. Took early opponents down and choked them, but has been successfully going for the KO in recent fights. His incredible 18-3-1 record proves he’s not afraid of a challenge, including older fighters. A natural athlete still improving his physique, with the potential to be a rising star.
Danila Plekhanov: 24 years old, 9-1 pro.
Muscular and relatively young, but his only loss came by a 1-punch KO in 10 seconds, so I have to question his chin. Plekhanov has decent boxing and 7 KOs, but his best work comes with GnP. He applies good pressure once he gets a takedown and methodically breaks down his opponents. Whole career with small Russian show Yuzhniy Rubezh against easy competition, so it’s about time for a step up.
Maxim Tarasov: ? years old, 5-0 pro.
Crazy height at 6’2″ but somehow fought at 135/145 pounds in Russia before moving up for a fight in China this month. Knows how to use his length in all areas, with head kicks and knee KOs, then a slick triangle submission against his best opponent. Age is unknown, but his pictures and rapidly increasing weight indicate he’s young. Could have a very high ceiling if that’s correct, though still needs more testing.
Richard Dralu: 28 years old, 7-0 amateur.
An absolute physical specimen who will rarely be matched for athleticism on the regional circuit. Born in Uganda but now tearing up the US Midwest. Won 5 decisions at welterweight but has finished his two best opponents since dropping to a more natural weight class. Only downside is his age, but Dralu is pro-ready and could quickly build an impressive resume with the right matchmaking.
Zakaria Touati: 19 years old, 10-0 amateur.
Not an explosive finisher with 7 decisions and his KOs in R2/3. He’s only fought in Spain and not against the best opponents, though they’ve been experienced tests for a young fighter. Seems to be a solid athlete and is keeping a very active fight schedule, so if he develops and finds success somewhere like IMMAF, he could become a solid prospect.
Featherweights
Giorgi Poladishvili: 21 years old, 5-0 pro.
A real breakout month for Poladishvili, who Ben highlighted as a top prospect in our Rkena vs PFL preview before putting on another incredible performance for a R1 KO. That got us prospect nerds to watch some old tape, and it’s a beautiful sight. At just 21 years old, he’s got a crazy frame for the division and has proven his wrestling and BJJ are miles better than what you’d expect from a bare-knuckle boxing convert. PFL would be smart to lock him down and start building him up on their official cards.
Giuseppe Mastrogiacomo: 24 years old, 1-0 amateur, 10-1 pro, 4W streak.
Previously one of the most promising young talents in Italy before a very disappointing 1st loss by RNC vs. a journeyman grappler. Has continued to fill out with muscle and is now entering his prime as an explosive KO artist. Showed off improved wrestling and decision-making to use it in a decision win over undefeated prospect Elton Armindo (7-0) late last year. Now has 2 straight highlight knee KOs, one flying and the other a beautiful up-knee to the body that folded a good opponent. Mastrogiacomo is now 7-1 in Cage Warriors and should get a matchup with another prospect next fight. My colleague Xavi published a deep-dive earlier this month that’s worth checking out.
Talant Esdaulet: 23 years old, 11-5 pro, 8W streak.
Terrible 3-5 career start but undefeated in 3 years as he’s developed from a skinny kid into a muscular prospect. Started as a grappler and still has a slick guillotine. He has a few cans in his streak, but impressive KOs of 4-0 and 7-0 opponents this year showed much improved striking and cardio. Now 4-0 in Chinese promotion JCK and is a “Talent” to watch there.
Tom Picciano: 28 years old, 6-1 amateur, 10-3 pro, 5W streak.
“Pooch” is a relatively established fighter who’s spent his whole career in the USA. Primarily a grappler, he was inconsistent early in his CFFC career but has put together a strong win streak, with his best performance this month coming in his LFA debut. His striking will never be top level, so the upside is limited, but Picciano is a well-rounded fighter who could work his way to the UFC/PFL if he can get a highlight finish.
Willmar Quirama: 25 years old, 11-11 amateur, 5-0-1 pro, 6W streak.
Deceptive amateur record, including 6 straight decision losses to start his career. Has used lessons from those struggles to make substantial physical, technical, and mental improvements. Some good wins before going pro and has been perfect since, avenging his debut draw with a decision in his next fight. Primarily a grappler, he upset the undefeated Daniel Richardson this month with an arm-triangle to earn a spot. On a good trajectory with WOW, Spain’s top promotion.
Jordan Mitchell: 28 years old, 8-0 amateur.
Muscular wrestler but only 5’7″ and grinds his way to wins with 7 decisions. Has gone 5 rounds in most fights defending his NFC title, so the cardio base is there, but the lack of finishes is concerning. Old for a prospect but fought 5 times in 2026 and could be at least a regional player if he continues that activity next year.
Gabriel Magistrati: ? years old, 6-0 amateur, 3-0 pro, 9W streak.
A real wildcard from the sketchiest depths of Argentina’s regional scene. Tapology and Sherdog can’t even agree on his record. Going on pictures, he’s in good shape and closer to 30 than 20, but that’s as much as I know. Very little film is available and the competition is poor, especially at the pro level, but wins are wins. I’ll keep an eye out for Magistrati if he signs somewhere where his fights are watchable.
Bantamweights
Gerard Podarevsky: 23 years old, 2-0 amateur, 9-1 pro, 6W streak.
Athletic wrestler who can dominate weaker opponents and finish with GnP or RNCs. His last two wins have been 25-minute decisions against quality 6-2 and 7-1 grapplers to win and defend a title. His grappling gameplan and cardio both worked against big steps up in quality, and he’s improved since his decision loss. Podarevsky is the type of prospect who’d get a lot of attention in the US but will need to work hard to stand out in a Russian scene full of talented wrestlers.
Matias Delgadillo: 20 years old, 6-1-1 amateur, 5-0 pro, 5W streak.
Bolivia hasn’t produced an MMA star, but Delgadillo has a chance to change that. He’s a great athlete with powerful hands and equally competent BJJ, which has led to 10 R1 finishes in 11 wins. However, his competition has been bad and inexperienced (4-6 combined ammy/pro record). He’s also only fought at home, aside from a couple of amateur fights in Brazil. His wrestling and cardio are major open questions, but his ceiling is high since he’s so young.
Zhakhar Didaev: Early 20s, ~13-1 amateur, 9W streak.
Thanks to a Polish amateur system that allows many 4-minute fights in a single day, Didaev has built his impressive record in just 9 months. Born in Russia, he’s part of a fighting family, and his only loss came to his brother Islam, another interesting prospect. Mostly weak opponents, but a good mix of KOs and SUBs, with a decision over Sebastian Oracki (18-7) in his toughest test. No age listed, but he can’t be more than ~21 based on his Instagram pictures, and he’s added muscle in recent years. A high ceiling if he maintains his activity and success.
