UFC Prospects to Look Out For

With the global expansion of the UFC, in combination with the growth of the sport in general, more and more prospects are being signed and tested out in the UFC.

Coming from places like Russia, Brazil and the United States, these prospects have little fame and loads of talent. They have the ability to make an immediate impact in the UFC.

Which newly signed UFC fighters should you keep your eye on? Let's examine.

Nick Denis

A highly touted Canadian bantamweight prospect, "The Ninja of Love" showed no love in his UFC debut, putting Joseph Sandoval to sleep in 22 seconds last month.

Denis has a fantastic all around game, though he prefers to knock out his opponents. Boasting an 11-2 record, Denis holds notable victories over Nick Mamalis and the aforementioned Sandoval.

Denis's next challenge comes in May at the UFC on FOX in New Jersey against the ultra tough Johnny Bedford.

Maximo Blanco

Maximo Blanco is a highly hyped Venezuelan import, who made his name in Sengoku Raiden Championships.

Blanco holds a record of 8-3-1 (1 NC), showing off dangerous striking and an educated ground game. A majority of his wins have come by knockout, which is a testament to his power.

Holding a notable victory over Rodrigo Damm, Blanco makes his featherweight and UFC debut in April against the equally powerful Marcus Brimage.

Reza Madadi

A Swedish-Iranian lightweight prospect, Reza Madadi has established himself as an exceptional mixed martial artist in the Superior Challenge promotion in Sweden.

Boasting an 11-2 record, Madadi has won a majority of his bouts via submission. He holds notable wins over UFC veterans Rich Clementi, Carlo Prater and Junie Browning.

He was set to make his debut last month in Nashville, but injury forced him off the card. It is currently unknown when his next fight will be.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

A Russian import who has already stamped a big win in the Octagon, Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to be one of the most impressive prospects in the lightweight division.

With an undefeated record of 17-0, Nurmagomedov is extremely well rounded with an equal amount of submission and knockout victories. He defeated Kamal Shalorus in his UFC debut, showcasing solid striking with a good ground game.

He has no current opponent set in stone, but expect to see this Russian take a step up in competition in his next bout.

John Cholish

Training with Renzo Gracie's team, John Cholish has quietly become one of the top lightweight prospects in the UFC.

With only one UFC fight, Cholish possesses an 8-1 record in his career, finishing all but one of his wins via submission or knockout.

In his debut, he outworked Mitch Clarke, securing a second-round TKO. His next fight is against the always game Danny Castillo in May at UFC on FOX 3.

Siyar Bahadurzada

Siyar Bahadurzada is an established veteran who will be stamped as a top UFC welterweight prospect.

Accrediting his experience is his 20-4-1 record as a professional, showcasing his talent in victories over John Alessio, Derrick Noble and Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos. He is well rounded, but boasts 10 career victories by knockout.

He is set to clash with Paulo Thiago in his UFC debut in Sweden in April in what should be an exciting battle.

Ryan Jimmo

A highly touted Canadian light heavyweight prospect, Ryan Jimmo finds himself in the most competitive division in the UFC.

A former MFC champion, Jimmo holds a 16-1 record, which leaves him at his current 16 fight win streak. He holds notable victories over Emanuel Newton, Wilson Gouveia and Rameau Sokoudjou.

He was set to make his debut last month, but an injury forced him out of action. His debut will be pushed back to a later date against an unknown opponent.

Stipe Miocic

Possibly the top heavyweight prospect in the UFC, Stipe Miocic has been nothing short of stellar in his first two UFC battles.

Miocic is undefeated at 8-0, winning his first two UFC bouts against Joey Beltran and Phil De Fries. He has impressive striking to go along with his wrestling background.

Miocic fought this week, so it will be a little bit of time before we hear the announcement of his next fight.