With another month in the books, we’re once again putting the spotlight on some of the top performances in the regional MMA world. Without further ado, here are five UFC-ready prospects from August:
Ricky Rojas, 23, Flyweight, 7-0-0
While not against the most stellar competition, Ricky Rojas once again proved that he belongs in the big show. The 23-year-old flyweight picked up his third win of 2026, doing so in fashionable fashion with a second-round knockout over German Orpineda Ponce.
Rojas has some seriously slick tools. He keeps his head off the center line with quick, active footwork, catching his opponents by surprise with fading hooks and counter shots. He mixes things up extremely well, changing levels, scoring control time, and bringing out his submission arsenal from time to time. He’s defensively stout on the ground as well, forcing his opponents to stand and play his game for a full three rounds.
As Ricky Rojas continues to chase the Fury FC title, more and more eyes will begin to notice the 23-year-old flyweight. If the UFC is interested in a long-term investment, Rojas is one of the best prospects you can find on the American regional scene. Keep an eye on the Texas native.
Jakob Dyrup, 23, Heavyweight, 6-0-0
Heavyweight is always tough to gauge, but Jakob Dyrup continues to strengthen his case for a call to the UFC. Denmark’s best holds a 100% finish rate and only added to his repertoire in his most recent win, securing the first submission of his MMA career.
Dyrup hasn’t seen a second round as a professional, largely due to his striking power and technique. He fights behind a stiff jab and a mean uppercut, splitting the guard down the middle before following up with his knockout punch. Many of Dyrup’s finishes have come quickly, but when he’s forced to break down his opposition from range, the Danish heavyweight is patient and calculated.
The sky is the limit for Jakob Dyrup, and at 6-0-0, he’s ready for his call-up to the UFC. Plenty of heavyweights have made the roster after accomplishing far less, and Dyrup would also add some much-needed depth to the Nordic scene. There’s no reason to risk a fluke loss. Sign Dyrup.
Miguel Sanson, 27, Bantamweight, 11-2-0
Sanson has been on quite the run since suffering back-to-back losses to Mark Climaco and An Tuan Ho a few years ago. Since then, he’s picked up seven consecutive wins, as well as a move to APFC – a change that’s allowed him to become the vaunted finisher he is today.
Fresh off another knockout in August, Sanson had his offensive weaponry on display once again. The bantamweight has a wide karate stance, often showing off an impressive array of kicks and knees to damage his opposition. His lead high kicks are especially sneaky. He virtually has no tell and can land them from both orthodox and southpaw. Sanson also has some exciting grappling in his back pocket, offering up surprising strength for a 135-pounder.
If Miguel Sanson continues down this path, racking up first-round finishes, he’ll quickly become undeniable. A boost in competition would serve Sanson’s résumé well, but he has likely already done enough to earn a spot on the UFC’s roster.
Samandar Murodov, 27, Welterweight, 12-0-0
I’ll probably get some flak for this one, but honestly, just seeing Murodov back in the cage while healthy is enough for me to shout him out. I’m aware it wasn’t his strongest performance to date, but after being out for almost two full years and coming in on short notice, Murodov deserves to be back in the conversation among the top prospects in the world.
On the ground, he’s truly one of the highest-level grapplers out there. Murodov’s double-leg takedown entries are elite, transitioning with a speed that can compete with the best of them. He’s not necessarily a finisher, but his cardio and high-level experience have proven to be assets throughout his career.
Samandar Murodov makes his opponents’ lives miserable, and while I do understand that he comes with some risk, his skill set is one that could find success inside the UFC’s Octagon. A finish might be necessary to push him in the right direction, but if Dana and the brass have been paying attention to Murodov’s career, they should know he belongs with the best.
Tamirlan Saralapov, 27, Welterweight, 8-1-0
Tamirlan Saralapov is another welterweight prospect with a high-level résumé to his name. Earlier this month, the Russian fighter secured the NAIZA Fighting Championship belt, submitting his opponent in the first round via rear-naked choke.
Saralapov is a treat to watch on the feet. He has great combination kickboxing, often using his hands to set up sharp body kicks. When tested along the cage, he possesses excellent balance, rarely allowing himself to be controlled for long. He’s capable of turning bad situations into good ones as well. When things look dire, never count Saralapov out of a fight.
The 27-year-old welterweight has been tested throughout his career, and he’s proven that he’ll never quit on himself. Tamirlan Saralapov fits the UFC’s billing perfectly and would provide instant juice to the 170-pound division. Don’t sleep on this one.
