Weekly Top 10: Next-Generation Fighters Outside the Major Leagues (Week of Sept 1, 2025)

One of my favorite parts of running MMA Futures is spotting future stars before the big shows do. This weekly list excludes fighters signed to the UFC, PFL, ONE, and Bellator. We’re hunting for the next Joshua Van or Carlos Prates—athletes crushing regional circuits who look ready for a leap.

Fighter of the Week: Islam Omarov (ACA Featherweight Champion, 16–0)

Dagestan’s Islam Omarov has quietly stacked an undefeated record while defending the ACA featherweight strap. He’s a pressure grappler with finishing instincts and enough striking polish to keep opponents honest. If you like measured dominance with a mean top game, circle this name now.

Top 10 Prospects (Not in UFC/PFL/ONE/Bellator)

1. Islam Omarov (ACA FW) — 16–0; disciplined wrestling pressure, strong back-takes, and control that travels across promotions.
2. Luke Riley (Cage Warriors FW) — 10–0/11–0 range; all-action boxer with accurate combos and growing main-event poise.
3. Amru Magomedov (UAE Warriors LW) — Undefeated; Khabib-school fundamentals with calm shot selection and opportunistic subs.
4. Kerim Engizek (OKTAGON MW) — KO threat with slick footwork; veteran savvy and first-round power make him must-watch.
5. Azamat Bekoev (LFA MW) — ATT-polished grinder who’s added layers to his stand-up; five-round motor and fence control.
6. Marcos Degli (LFA FLW) — Interim champ with explosive scrambles; aggressive finishes without getting overextended.
7. Harry Hardwick (Cage Warriors FW) — Champion composure, crafty clinch-to-back sequences, and steady year-over-year growth.
8. Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (ARES LHW) — 6–0; heavy grappling base, opportunistic chokes, and finishing urgency at 205.
9. Asaf Chopurov (UAE Warriors BW) — 7–0; rangy boxing into takedowns; “Honey Badger” pace with real GNP threat.
10. Marko Bojković (FNC LW) — Young Croatian bruiser with crowd-pleasing striking and underrated wrestling offense.

Why these 10?

I watched recent regional title fights and contender-level bouts across ACA, Cage Warriors, LFA, OKTAGON, ARES, UAE Warriors, HEX, and FNC. I weighed quality of opposition, consistency, finishing ability, cardio, and skill translation to higher levels. If they look “plug-and-play” for bigger shows without protected matchmaking, they make this list.

Who’s next?

Send me your dark horses from LFA, Cage Warriors, OKTAGON, ARES, UAE Warriors, Fury FC, HEX, and beyond. If they keep winning, they’ll crack this list—or headline it.

Sources

Recent prospect roundups and event reports helped triangulate activity and résumés, including:

• Billy’s MMA Blog: MMA Prospects to Watch for 2025
• Combat Press: Five Featherweight Prospects the UFC Should Sign in 2025
• The Sporting Blog: Top 10 MMA Prospects to Watch in 2025

Note: Records and statuses are accurate as of publication week. If a fighter signs with a major org, we’ll rotate in the next name up.