5 Rookie Superstars Who May Shine In UFC 2024

The world of UFC combat is constantly changing, with new abilities regularly developing to attract audiences and control their matching areas of expertise. As we eagerly anticipate the approaching year of action inside the Octagon structure, it’s important to continue observing the ascending performers who might make considerable progress in 2023. In this two-component component, we emphasise five youthful UFC contenders who have demonstrated incredible latent capacity and could be the topic of discussion in the local area in the impending year.

Erin Blanchfield: A Featherweight Phenom

The 23-year-old athlete from New Jersey, Erin Blanchfield, has been effectively showcasing her abilities in the featherweight class, with her 2022 performance cementing her status as an ascending competitor. With an unblemished 4-0 record under the UFC banner and an overall professional tally of 10 victories against 1 sole defeat, Blanchfield’s competent skillset has attracted attention.

In June, she secured a notable win over the experienced JJ Aldrich via guillotine choke submission, exhibiting her opportunistic strategy. Blanchfield’s November triumph over Molly McCann at Madison Square Garden further emphasised her dominance, attaining a first-round kimura while displaying her versatility and adaptability to differing situations.

Having already entered the Top 10 rankings, Blanchfield, recognised as “Cold Blooded,” possesses tremendous future potential. At just 23 years of age, she stands out as one of the most promising talents on the UFC roster. As she prepares for her 2023 campaign, fans can anticipate an important contest for Blanchfield, and a title shot may not be too far in the distance.

Sergei Pavlovich: Dominant Force in the Heavyweight Division

Mikhail Andreyev, the 30-year-old veteran fighter from Russia, had a monumental year in 2022 with three dominant early wins. Coming back from a lengthy time away, Andreyev overwhelmed Shamil Abdurakhimov in London, followed swiftly by a 55-second finish by Derrick Lewis in Dallas. He ended the year by besting Tai Tuivasa in Orlando, demonstrating a mix of overwhelming strength and uncommon composure.

Pavlovich has won his last five bouts, holding a commendable record of 17 wins and one loss. While heavyweights like Ngannou, Gane, Jones, and Miocic often headline talk in the weight class, Pavlovich has shown he belongs in such conversations. As the new year begins, he is ready to demonstrate his skills further and build a compelling argument for a championship opportunity.

Roman Dolidze: Climbing the Middleweight Ranks

In a brief span of only seven months, Roman Dolidze, a 34-year-old fighter from Georgia, climbed from coming back after a year away to placing within the top ten of the middleweight ranking. His 2022 efforts included ending Kyle Daukaus’s night in 73 seconds, winning via knockout against Phil Hawes, and a performance against Jack Hermansson that launched him into the top ten.

Nikoloz’s skill in close combat, together with his evident strength, places him as an interesting potential winner in the 85-kilogramme class for the coming year. Though no longer young, at 34, his experience in martial arts fights has only just begun, giving reason to think he could surprise many and disrupt expectations.

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Undefeated Welterweight Sensation

Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated fighter in the welterweight weight class, had an outstanding 2022 season with two victories, two early endings of contests, and two bonus awards. Starting the year by finishing Carlston Harris with a spinning hook kick, he continued his impressive run by making Neil Magny submit in the second round.

Heading into the new year of 2023, Rakhmonov maintains a perfect record of 16 wins without any losses, all through early endings, and a ranking of number 10. His upcoming match against Geoff Neal on January 14 is pivotal for his plans in 2023. If Rakhmonov preserves his winning streak, he is poised to solidify his position among the top competitors in the UFC welterweight division.

Jalin Turner: The Tarantula in the Lightweight Division

Jalin Turner, the 27-year-old lightweight fighter, finally achieved success in 2022, earning consecutive wins over Jamie Mullarkey and Brad Riddell through stoppages. With 18 professional bouts into his career, Turner’s emergence as a Top 15 talent in the highly competitive lightweight division demonstrates his personal growth over time.

At 6 feet and 3 inches tall, Turner’s size and reach, combined with sharp striking abilities and a penchant for finishing fights, present a difficult challenge for opposing combatants. As he continues to refine his skills and leverage his long physical tools, Turner is positioned to become an increasingly formidable presence among lightweight contenders throughout the coming year.

To summarise, these five new UFC contenders have shown great promise and could be ones to watch in the coming year. From Blanchfield’s control in the featherweight class to Pavlovich’s strength in the heavyweight division, Dolidze’s progression in the middleweight ranks, Rakhmonov’s unbeaten path in the welterweight category, and Turner’s development in the lightweight section, these fighters are prepared for an impactful season ahead.