Past few years have seen UFC transform from a promotion to a larger-than-life organization that is star-studded with diverse talents from all over the world. As the sport of MMA gains more momentum, top stars continue their quest to reach the summit to satiate their quench for championship. The feature explores the front-line players in MMA who have immense potential to make history in the sport. The famous names of MMA that have a promising future ahead in 2018 are:
Brian Ortega
Division: Featherweight, Lightweight
Brian ‘T-City’ Ortega is a player with some solid potential. Tipped as star of the future, Ortega’s knack is a far cry from the ordinary. He very skilfully sifted through last year’s brawls with his unbeaten record. T- City’s biggest win came by trouncing away Cub Swanson in December, as he continued with his legacy this year too. He earned the accolade of being the first man to finish of Frankie Edgar in UFC 222 with a performance only top stars are capable of.
With a soft look in his eyes, Brian Ortega is a MMA star to look out for. His down-to-earth demeanour, exceptional skills and mesmerizing looks predict an optimistic future for him in UFC and Dana White is ready to tap into the budding potential. According to her, “The kid is incredible and he is absolutely, positively the future.”
Mackenzie Dern
Division: Strawweight
Dern’s ceiling is sky high, as the young American sensation continues to tread on the road to success. 25-year-old two-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champ is known to be one of the best MMA artists of her generation. UFC eyed the potential in the rising star and made her flight to stardom quicker by granting her a premiere performance in UFC this March.
Since her debut appearance in UFC, Dern has gained immense popularity and worldwide fan base as she continued with her winning ways. With sensational Jiu Jitsu moves and a profound platform of UFC to showcase her artistry, Dern is definitely a star to look up to in 2018.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Division: Lightweight
Die-hard fans in Russia with a growing international fan base, Khabib grabs top spot on MMA’s podium. With lady luck strongly favouring the Russian prodigy, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s unprecedented moves in the sport cannot be denied. The Eagle has steadily soared from MMA’s crowd to the summit and is ready to fight for his hard-earned accolades with skills second to none.
Sensing exceptional skills, Dana White previously said about the Russian Eagle, “Khabib looks like an unbelievable force. The guy is a star in the making and now everyone wants to see Khabib vs. Conor.”
29-year-old undefeated champion is the safest bet in MMA right now. The Dagestani prodigy is a living legend with a rock-solid determination and an indifferent attitude no matter how big the challenge. His unique demeanour and good looks make him a MMA dynamite ready to explode in his brawls.
