All at or underthe age of23, the dozen fighters below have immense promise to become the sport's future vanguard. Their hunger to be the best, combined with their budding talent, is set to influence the UFC's path for years to come.
Let's delve into the youngest athletes in the UFC, exploring their potential and impact they bring to the Octagon.
Raul Rosas Jr. - 19 years old
"El Nino Problema" made waves by impressing UFC CEO Dana White on season six of Dana White's Contender Series. His performance secured him a historic signing, making him the youngest fighter signed to the UFC.
Rosas, now 19, has garnered significant attention as one of the sport’s most promising young fighters. With a record of 2-1 in the Octagon, he bounced back from a loss to Christian Rodriguez by defeating Terrence Mitchell in September. Although still early in his career, with much yet to be proven, Rosas has the potential to rise significantly in the rankings within the following years.
Division: Bantamweight
Professional Record: 8-1
Octagon Debut: December 10, 2022
Last Fight:Noche UFC (9/16/23) Rosas stopped Terrence Mitchell via strikesat :54 of the first round.
Rei Tsuruya - 21 years old
Rei Tsuruya, an undefeated fighter and winner of the second season of the Road to UFC flyweight tournament, consistently delivers dominant performances every time out. This promising young Japanese flyweightis scheduledtoface Carlos Hernandez at UFC 303: McGregor vs. Chandler.With atrackrecord of impressive showings, Tsuruya is a rising starto watchin the flyweight division.
Division: Flyweight
Professional Record: 9-0
Octagon Debut: February 3, 2024
Last Fight:Road To UFC (02/03/24) Tsuruya stopped Jiniushiyue via strikes at 4:59 of the first round.
Francisco Prado - 21 years old
Francisco Prado, a talented lightweight fighter from Argentina, made his UFC debut at UFC 284, where he lost a unanimous decision to Jamie Mullarkey. Despite this initial setback, Prado quickly showcased his potential with a first-round knockout victory over Ottman Azaitar. In his most recent outing, he dropped a decision to Daniel Zellhuber.
Francisco Prado of Argentina punches Jamie Mullarkey of Australia in lightweight fight during the UFC 284 event at RAC Arena on February 12, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
At 21 years old, Pradois one of Argentina's most promising young talents. Known for his finishing ability, allofhis victories have come by finish, highlighting his power and skill on fight night. With the tools to become a formidable force in the lightweight division, Prado's future in the UFC looks promising.
Division: Lightweight
Professional Record: 12-2
Octagon Debut: February 11, 2023
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 (2/24/24) Prado lost a three-round unanimous decision to Daniel Zellhuber
Iasmin Lucindo - 22 years old
Iasmin Lucindo, the youngest female fighter on the UFC roster at 22years old, demonstrates a maturity and skill level beyond her years.
Iasmin Lucindo Post-Fight Interview | UFC 301
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Unlock MORE of your inner combat sports fan with UFC Fight Pass! Fighting is what we live for. And no one brings you MORE live fights, new shows, and events across multiple combat sports from around the world. With a never-ending supply of fighting in every discipline, there’s always something new to watch. Leave it to the world’s authority in MMA to bring you the Ultimate 24/7 platform for MORE combat sports, UFC Fight Pass!
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Iasmin Lucindo Post-Fight Interview | UFC 301
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Since her debut loss at UFC Fight Night: Vera vs. Cruz in 2022, the Brazilian fighter hasbeen on a winning streak, starting with victories against Brogan Walker and Polyana Viana.Recently, she wonby unanimousdecisionover Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 301. Despite her youth,Lucindois already considered a veteran and aims to make 2024 her breakthrough year.
Division: Strawweight
Professional Record: 16-5
Octagon Debut: August 3, 2022
Last Fight: UFC 301 (5/4/24)Lucindowon a three-round unanimous decision over KarolinaKowalkiewicz
Tereza Bleda - 22 years old
Bleda began her journey on season six of Dana White's Contender Series, earning a unanimous decision victory. Following this, the Czech Republic native has compiled a 1-1 record in her two UFC fights.
Division: Flyweight
Professional Record: 7-1
Octagon Debut: November 19, 2022
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs Cannonier (6/17/23) Bleda won a three-round unanimous decision over GabriellaFernandes
Joshua Van - 22 years old
Joshua, "The Fearless" Van, has made a strong impression since his debut at UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Topuria, maintainingan undefeated UFC record while going on an impressive eight-fight winning streak since losing his third professional fight. His latest victory was a second-round TKO against Felipe Bunes, solidifying his place in the UFC. Now, heis setto face Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Fight Night: Perez vs. Taira, aiming for a successful sophom*ore year on the roster.
Joshua Van Starts 2024 Out With A TKO Win | UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Walker 2
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Unlock MORE of your inner combat sports fan with UFC Fight Pass! Fighting is what we live for. And no one brings you MORE live fights, new shows, and events across multiple combat sports from around the world. With a never-ending supply of fighting in every discipline, there’s always something new to watch. Leave it to the world’s authority in MMA to bring you the Ultimate 24/7 platform for MORE combat sports, UFC Fight Pass!
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Joshua Van Starts 2024 Out With A TKO Win | UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Walker 2
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Division: Flyweight
Professional Record: 10-1
Octagon Debut: June 24, 2023
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: AnkalaevvsWalker 2 (1/13/24) Van stopped Felipe Bunes via strikes at 4:31 of the secondround
Cameron Saaiman - 23 years old
Cameron Saaiman, a 23-year-old fighter from South Africa, is known as the "Most Savage Player," a nickname justified by his six knockout victories. Despite a recent loss to Payton Talbott, Saaiman, who gained attention on Dana White's Contender Series, has demonstrated his skill with wins over Steve Koslow and Terrence Mitchell. If he can bounce back in his next fight, he has the potential to become a well-known name for years to come.
Division: Bantamweight
Professional Record: 9-2
Octagon Debut: December 10, 2022
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: RibasvsNamajunas (03/23/24) Saaiman was stopped by Payton Talbott via strikesat :21 of the secondround
Nurullo Aliev - 23 years old
Since securing a UFC contract after a first-round stoppage of Josh Wick on Dana White's Contender Series, the"TajikEagle" has been a force tobe reckonedwith and has continued his winning streak with a majority decision victory over Rafael Alves.
Nurullo Aliev of Tajikistan reacts after his TKO victory over Josh Wick in a lightweight fight during Dana White's Contender Series season six week nine at UFC APEX on September 20, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Competing in the highly competitive lightweight division, Aliev faces tough challenges ahead. But his high-level grappling has proven effective, paving the way for advancement in the rankings over the coming years.
Division: Lightweight
Professional Record: 9-0
Octagon Debut: February 25, 2023
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night Muniz vs Allen (2/25/23) Aliev won a three-round majority decision over RafaelAlves
Felipe Dos Santos - 23 years old
Felipe dos Santos burst onto the scene as a late replacement to face Manel Kape at UFC 293, delivering a formidable performance against the ranked flyweight despite a decision loss. Training alongside Charles Oliveira, dos Santos has set high expectations for his future. His remarkable performances have made him a notable contender to watch in the flyweight division.
Division: Flyweight
Professional Record: 8-1, 1 NC
Octagon Debut: September 10, 2023
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 (2/24/24) dos Santos won a three-round split decision over Victor Altamirano
Yusaku Kinosh*ta - 23 years old
A graduate of season six of Dana White’s Contender Series, Yusaku Kinosh*ta has had a rough go of it in the UFC thus far with a pair of losses to Adam Fugitt and Billy Goff, but the Japanese prospect has refused to be from his goal of winning a UFC title, and he expects to turn things around in the Octagon this year.
Yusaku Kinosh*ta of Japan kicks Jose Henrique of Brazil in a welterweight fight during Dana White's Contender Series season six, week six at UFC APEX on August 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Division: Welterweight
Professional Record: 6-3
Octagon Debut: February 4, 2023
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs Korean Zombie (8/26/23) Kinosh*ta was stopped by Billy Goff via strikes at 3:49 of the first round
Lucas Rocha - 23 years old
Rocha delivered an impressive second-round knockout on Dana White's Contender Series. Since then, the Brazilian has been waiting for his chance to officially step into the Octagon and introduce himself to the bantamweight division.
Division: Bantamweight
Professional Record: 17-1-0
Octagon Debut:TBA
Last Fight: Dana White's Contender Series (10/10/23) Rocha stopped Davi Bittencourt viaKO :18 of the secondround
Muhammad Mokaev - 23 years old
Muhammad Mokaev has quickly established himself as a significant presence, currently holding the No. 6 spot in the flyweight rankings. “The Punisher” has leveraged his wrestling skillsto continuously dominate his opponents. Joining the UFC in 2022, Mokaev has maintained a flawless record with five victories in the Octagon. Among his notable wins is a submission victory over seasoned contender Tim Elliott. With atoughground game and nearly unstoppable submission skills, Mokaev has emerged as a significant contender in the division. If he continues on this trajectory, he could find himself amongthe ranks ofthe pound-for-pound elite one day.
Division: Flyweight
Professional Record: 12-0
Octagon Debut: March 19, 2022
Last Fight: UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruick vs Gaziev (03/2/24) Mokaev won athree roundunanimous decision over AlexPerez
