Fresh Ink: Meet the 30 fighters the UFC signed in August 2023

Record when signed: 4-0
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Middleweight
Age: 35
Debut: Nov. 18 vs. Christian Leroy Duncan (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas

Cesar Almeida amazed Dana White enough to make an agreement in the season best of DWCS. A previous Glory kickboxer, Almeida revealed a well-rounded attack and even some grappling expertise as he grinded out a choice over fellow leading Brazilian possibility Lucas Fernando. White confessed Almeida’s finalizing as a 35- year-old was a rarity, which speaks with the self-confidence the promo has in a professional kickboxing veteran of 57 matches.

Record when signed: 15 -3
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 28
Debut: TBA

The most current member of Fortis MMA to sign up with the UFC, Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady managed what lots of thought about to be a huge upset on DWCS when he peacefully beat Cage Warriors champ George Hardwick to make a consentaneous choice nod and a UFC offer. Possibly neglected by fans and specialists alike ahead of his DWCS look, Al-Selwady boasts a resume that consists of a Brave CF title reign and LFA and Fury FC looks. Al-Selwady informed MMA Junkie after the UFC contract-earning win that he wishes to debut at UFC 294 in October.

Record when signed: 8-0
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Featherweight
Age: 33
Debut: TBA

A protege of the Diaz Brothers and training under Gilbert Melendez, Hyder Amil went into DWCS off a huge knockout win for LFA. The win was his 5th surface in 7 looks. To make a UFC agreement, nevertheless, Amil required all 3 rounds as he beat Emrah Sonmez by consentaneous choice. After the battle, Dana White applauded Amil’s grittiness and heart.

Record when signed: 12 -1
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Age: 27
Debut: TBA

Ibo Aslan had actually been on the UFC radar for a long time when he lastly actioned in the cage for a DWCS battle Aug.15 The Turkish fighter showed to be worth the wait as he rapidly destroyed Paulo Renato Jr. for a first-round TKO. The triumph preserved his 100 percent TKO/knockout rate. His only profession loss came versus UFC light heavyweight Anton Turkalj in 2020 under the Brave CF banner.

Record when signed: 9-1
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Flyweight
Age: 25
Debut: Nov. 11 vs. Joshua Van (8-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) at UFC 295 in New York

The next in a long line of Peruvians waiting to make the UFC dive, Kevin Borjas revealed great cardio and heart throughout his DWCS win over Titan FC champ Victor Dias. After being smothered in Round 1, Borjas gradually turned the tables as he outworked Dias en path to a consentaneous choice.

Record when signed: 17 -5
Signing type: Short notification
Weight class: Middleweight
Age: 33
Debut: Sept. 23 vs. Jacob Malkoun (7-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas

Poland’s Robert Bryczek was all set and lined up for a title battle in increasing European promo OKTAGON– up until he wasn’t. Following the promo’s statement of an approaching title defend him, Bryczek rather selected to sign with the UFC for a brief notification chance. Replacing Aliaskhab Khizriev, Bryczek gets in the UFC on a five-fighting winning streak– all by first-round knockout.

Record when signed: 11 -2
Signing type: Short notification
Weight class: Featherweight
Age: 25
Debut: Aug. 5 loss to Sean Woodson by means of consentaneous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC on ESPN 50 in Nashville, Tenn.

Since his DWCS win in 2022, Dennis Buzukja was on the idea of the UFC’s tongue. The call ultimately came for the Longo Weidman item, as Buzukja entered his very first advertising bout opposite the difficult and slender Sean Woodson. While Buzukja missed out on weight for the battle and eventually lost by consentaneous choice, he revealed resilience and was half of an amusing featherweight bout. The loss snapped a seven-fight winning streak.

Record when signed: 18 -9 -1
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Featherweight
Age: 27
Debut: Saturday vs. Manolo Zecchini (11 -3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 226 in Paris

One of the most popular fighters in French MMA today, Morgan Charriere is currently a star and he hasn’t even stepped foot inside the UFC cage. A previous Cage Warriors featherweight champ, Charriere brings the spotlight with him anywhere he goes due to his collected appeal from the world of YouTube and video gaming thanks to his association with Kamet0, a popular banner. Charreire gets in the UFC on a three-fight winning streak that followed successive losses to Paul Hughes and Jordan Vucenic in 2021.

Record when signed: 10 -3
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Welterweight
Age: 33
Debut: Sept. 9 vs. Kevin Jousset (8-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC 293 in Sydney

To those who see all significant MMA companies and not simply the UFC, the name Kiefer Crosbie must sound a bell. A bold Irish fighter who talked the talk, Crosbie contended 7 times for Bellator from 2018-2021 and published a 4-3 marketing record. Following his release in 2021 after back-to-back losses, Crosbie won battles versus Brian Lo-A-Njoe and UFC alumni Alex Oliveira to make a call from the UFC

Record when signed: 7-0
Signing type: Short notification
Weight class: Flyweight
Age: 22
Debut: Sept. 9 vs. Manel Kape (18 -9 MMA, 3-2 UFC) at UFC 293 in Sydney

It’s been a rollercoaster couple of weeks for LFA flyweight standout Felipe Dos Santos Apparently a victim of misfortune when his DWCS challenger was eliminated on weigh-ins day, Dos Santos nearly right away afterwards was used a straight-into-the-big-show opening vs. leading competitor Manel Kape. For his very first UFC battle, the 22- year-old discovers himself on the primary card of a pay-per-view throughout the world. Will the 22- year-old Brazilian keep his unblemished record in tact or suffer his very first defeat? Stay tuned.

Record when signed: 9-2
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class:
Age: 25
Debut: TBA

The self-proclaimed “obnoxious, cross-eyed goofball,” has actually shown up in the UFC– and it wasn’t simple. Oban Elliott took advantage of his DWCS chance when he fought Kaiko Brito in a wild, back-and-forth fight. When the dust settled, Elliott won a bulk choice for his 5th successive triumph. Prior to his DWCS win, Elliott had actually just contended under the Cage Warriors banner where he completed 5 of his 10 bouts.

Record when signed: 19 -8
Signing type: TUF
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 35
Return: Aug. 19 loss to Brad Katona by means of consentaneous choice (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) at UFC 292 in Boston

Cody Gibson was among 4 UFC alumni from “ The Ultimate Fighter 31” to get a fracture on the UFC prelims afterwards. One of 2 bantamweight semifinalists, Gibson went back to the promo’s cage eight-and-a-half years after his previous advertising look a UFC Fight Night 61 in2015 While he lost in a consentaneous choice loss to Brad Katona, the bout made Fight of the Night honors— and Gibson another shot in the promo, according to UFC president Dana White.

Record when signed: 8-3
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 31
Debut: TBA

Another member of Longo Weidman MMA, Charalampos Grigoriou just required one minute to punch his method to a UFC agreement On DWCS, Grigoriou floored and completed Fury FC bantamweight champ Cameron Smotherman to impress the UFC brass. Prior to his UFC entry, Grigoriou was the champ for increasing New England-based promo Combat FC, promoted by long time Dana White buddy Joe Cavallaro

Record when signed: 19 -7
Signing type: TUF
Weight class:
Age: 36
Return: Aug. 19 win over Austin Hubbard by means of submission (triangle choke)– Round 2, 2: 39 at UFC 292 in Boston

It’s tough enough to make it to the UFC when, never ever mind two times. Well, Kurt Holobaugh has actually started an unusual 3rd UFC stint. Following a resurgence submission over Lee Hammond and a ruthless beatdown of Jason Knight, Holobaugh combated Austin Hubbard in the TUF 31 light-weight last. He beat Hubbard with a slick armbar-to-triangle submission The win significant his 3rd successive professional triumph and his 17 th profession surface.

Record when signed:
Signing type: TUF
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 31
Return: Aug. 19 loss to Kurt Holobaugh by means of submission (triangle choke)– Round 2, 2: 39 at UFC 292 in Boston

The other side of the formula, Austin Hubbard lost in his UFC return bout when he was sent in the TUF 31 light-weight last by Kurt Holobaugh. While it’s uncertain if the promo prepares to keep him as they mean to do with Cody Gibson, his marketing record sits at 3-5. A previous LFA light-weight champ, Hubbard holds profession wins over Dakota Bush, Julian Lane, Max Rohskopf, and Killys Mota to name a few.

Record when signed: 8-2
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Welterweight
Age: 30
Debut: Sept. 9 vs. Kiefer Crosbie (10 -3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC 293 in Sydney

France’s Kevin Jousset went far for himself midway around the world. Because his amateur launching in 2018, Jousset went far for himself on the MMA scene in Australia, ultimately training at City Kickboxing under Eugene Bareman. He suffered a set of losses as a professional along the method, Jousset continued to move forward and ultimately brought in the eyeballs of the UFC brass when he obtained double champ status for leading local promo Hex Fight Series.

Record when signed: 12 -2
Signing type: TUF
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 31
Return: Aug. 19 win over Cody Gibson through consentaneous choice (29-28, 30-27, 29-28) at UFC 292 in Boston

Brad Katona might have gotten under the skin of much of his TUF 31 housemates, however he showed be the very best bantamweight of the lot, too. At UFC 292, Katana complemented an effective TUF champion go to end up being t he initially two-time season winner in series history A back-and-forth war won over Cody Gibson was the 3rd success throughout his bracket run. On the program, Katona beat Carlos Vera by consentaneous choice and Timur Valiev by split choice.

Record when signed: 6-0
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Strawweight
Age: 27
Debut: Sept. 16 vs. Iasmin Lucindo (15 -5 MMA, 2-1 UFC) at Noche UFC in Las Vegas

It just took the UFC 7 days to alter their minds on bringing Josefine Knutsson on board. After Knutsson beat Isis Verbeek on DWCS, she was at first passed over by Dana White. Precisely one week later on, it was revealed the promo chosen to sign her for a short-notice battle at the Noche UFC card. Knutsson, who trains out of Allstars Gym in Sweden, has yet to lose in her expert MMA profession.

Record when signed: 8-1-1
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Heavyweight
Age: 29
Debut: TBA

Visa problems avoided Canada’s leading heavyweight from appearing on DWCS in2022 In 2023, Caio Machado lastly took his chance when he beat Kevin Szaflarski on DWCS to make a UFC offer. He required all 3 rounds to win that battle, Machado rarely used the judges throughout his journey to that point. 6 of his 7 wins prior came inside the range.

Record when signed: 9-0
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Strawweight
Age: 29
Debut: TBA

Nicknamed “Ronda” for her viewed similarity to Rousey, Eduarda Moura revealed submission expertise in her UFC contract-earning efficiency on DWCS when she sent Janaina Silva in precisely 4 minutes. The win was her 5th profession submission in 9 getaways. Moura trains at Galpao de Luta, the health club that has actually produced leading heavyweight competitor Jailton Almeida.

Perhaps the most remarkable minute of the continuous DWCS season to date comes from Tom Nolan After challenger Bogdan Grad attempted in the bout’s lead-up to get under his skin, Nolan won the battle rapidly with a violent knockout At 6′ 3 ″, Nolan is an enormous light-weight. His 4 newest wins have actually been by interruption due to strikes, that makes sense considering he trains under Australia muay thai star Elliot Compton.

Record when signed: 8-1
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 27
Debut: TBA

Representing Belgium, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, Bolaji Oki has fans worldwide. He likely got much more throughout his DWCS efficiency when he rapidly put down and out previous kickboxing standout Dylan Salvador. The first-round TKO made him a UFC agreement and appreciation from Dana White. Oki has actually not lost given that his professional launching in March 2018 and has actually given that gotten 6 surfaces in 8 looks.

Record when signed: 7-1-1
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 26
Debut: TBA

Ravena Oliveira, likewise called Ravena Kenoudy, is yet another female fighter checked in a string of current onboardings While very little battle tape exists on the 26- year-old Brazilian, she has a 100 percent completing rate consisting of 6 knockouts and one submission.

Record when signed: 8-1
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Featherweight
Age: 28
Debut: TBA

Fusion FC standout Luis Pajuelo controlled Robbie Ring to make a UFC offer on DWCS this summer season. As soon as the battle struck the canvas, Pajuelo drilled Ring with knees to the body and ground-and-pound up until the referee leapt in. The blockage was his seventh profession TKO and now his sights are set on climbing up towards UFC gold

Record when signed: 8-1
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Heavyweight
Age: 28
Debut: TBA

The UFC is constantly in requirement of huge males– so at 28, Thomas Petersen was an ideal match. On DWCS, Petersen controlled “TUF 30” alum Chandler Cole in the striking department prior to taking the battle down for a submission win. It was the very first submission triumph of his profession however well enhanced the 8 profession knockouts he has on his resume. Petersen’s only profession loss was to existing UFC heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta in April2022 It was an LFA title battle.

Record when signed: 17 -6
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Welterweight
Age: 30
Debut: TBA

Striking enthusiasts rejoice. Carlos Prates has actually shown up in the UFC. Throughout his DWCS win over Mitch Ramirez, Prates put an outright center as he hunted and damaged Ramirez and leapt in and out of variety. Among the most skilled fighters on the present DWCS, Prates is fought checked– and his emphasize reel shows it. Twelve of his 17 wins have actually visited knockout and he presently flights a seven-fight winning streak.

Record when signed:
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 27
Debut: Sept. 9 vs. Nasrat Haqparast (14 -5 MMA, 7-1-1 UFC) at UFC 293 in Sydney

The very first non-finalist from “TUF 31” to be signed by the UFC, Landon Quinones most just recently contended in an exhibit bout vs. UFC alum Jason Knight on the program. Quinones was rapidly sent In expert competitors, nevertheless, Quinones has actually shown to be a hard out. The Titan FC light-weight champ, Quinones has 6 profession surfaces. His only professional loss came versus present UFC fighter Muhammad Naimov by split choice in 2019.

Record when signed: 6-0
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Middleweight
Age: 29
Debut: TBA

On DWCS, Zach Reese made his UFC agreement with a 74- 2nd armbar win over Eli Aronov. The triumph was just his 2nd profession submission however Reese preserved his 100 percent completing rate and unblemished record. Prior to DWCS, Reese completed specifically for leading Texas-based promos Fury FC and Peak Fighting.

Record when signed: 6-0
Signing type: DWCS
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 24
Debut: Nov. 18 vs. Nick Aguirre (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas

The Sean O’Malley and Alex Caceres contrasts were broken out when Payton Talbott made his UFC agreement with a win over Junior Cortez on DWCS. While those contrasts might be credited to the generous assisting of hair on his head, Talbott streams, moves, and strikes likewise, too. Prior to his DWCS chance, Talbott was Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat bantamweight champ. The DWCS battle was the only one of his profession that he did not win by knockout.

Record when signed: 11 -3
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Featherweight
Age: 26
Debut: Saturday vs. Morgan Charriere (18 -9 -1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 226 in Paris

Italy’s Manolo Zecchini went 4-1 in the 5 bouts resulting in his UFC finalizing Among Italy’s leading pound-for-pound fighters, Zecchini completed for noteworthy promos Venator FC and Cage Warriors to name a few on his rise the ladder. In 11 professional wins, Zecchini has 9 knockouts, one submission, and one choice.