The UFC are always on the lookout for the latest up and coming talent to join their roster and each and every fighter that signs for the worlds biggest promotion will be looking to make a name for themselves, become a world champion and hopefully, one day, make the hall of fame.
The UFC hall of fame has welcomed some huge names over the years and this year, PRIDE FC legend, Wanderlei Silva is set to join the pioneer wing with modern legends, Frankie Edgar and Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen 1 will also be inducted into the hall of fame in the ‘fights’ wing.
It isn’t easy to get in the hall of fame. Just a handful of fighters make it in each year, however, we look ahead to some young fighters who we believe could have their names etched in the history books if their careers continue on the trajectory that they are currently taking. It’s a tough ask, there are some legends that aren’t in the hall of fame yet, however, we have some potential legends waiting in the wings ready to take the reigns of past legends.
Predicting Young UFC Fighters With HOF Careers
Raul Rosas Jr
We can’t talk about young UFC fighters without mentioning the man who signed for the UFC aged 17. Raul Rosas Jr holds a 2-1 record with the UFC and, at just 19, has (potentially) two decades of competition left in the tank. The bantamweight has already expressed a desire to move up in weight, and it seems logical, as, at just 19, his body is still developing. Although he suffered a loss early in his UFC career, Hall of Famers in the past have also suffered upsets and come back to have a memorable career.
He’s only going to keep improving, and if he succeeds at bantamweight, he’ll undoubtedly move up to featherweight. There’s even scope for him to do what no one else has ever done: capture belts in three weight classes.
He talks well, is young enough to have a successful career, and is respected by Dana White and company, as he’s featured on two PPVs and a Mexican-heavy card.
Rosas Jr. will make his fourth UFC appearance on June 8th against Ricky Turcios. We have gathered the top sportsbooks for this fight and many others.
Muhammad Mokaev
Like Rosas Jr., Muhammad Mokaev could be a multi-weight world champion in the UFC, which could cement his status in the Hall of Fame. Born in Dagestan, Russia, The Punisher trains out of and represents England. He’s a former freestyle wrestling competitor with one of MMA’s most decorated amateur records.
Mokaev is 22-0 as an amateur before turning professional and continuing his winning run. He’s undefeated in the professional ranks at 11-0 and has a relentless wrestling style that has yet to be able to figure out. At 23 years old, Mokaev has a long career ahead of him and did have aspirations of becoming the youngest ever UFC champion. He has a good argument that he could have been next in line for the flyweight champion in Brazil. However, it wasn’t to be, and he’ll require one more win to confirm his place in the title fight.
This is how division looks right now
There’s event in Saudi in June, Manchester July, Abu Dhabi in August
anyone, anywhere pic.twitter.com/viHjjB1CwR— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) April 11, 2024
Expect a move up to bantamweight and potentially even featherweight in the future for the wrestling sensation. If he can stay undefeated whilst achieving all of this, a hall of fame place is all but guaranteed.
Ian Machado Garry
At 26 years old, Ian Machado Garry is already one of the most recognizable faces in the UFC. The undefeated, brash Irishman has made quite the name for himself already, looking to follow in the path of his fellow countryman and guaranteed hall of famer, Conor McGregor.
There’s little doubt that he has the talent, holding an undefeated record of 14-0 and being a two-weight CageWarriors world champion. He’s a good talker, is willing to call his shot, and is already calling out the big names in the division. If Garry can impact the welterweight division, he could become a huge PPV star.
The thing letting Garry down at the moment is his finishing rate. To one day mix it with the legends in the hall of fame, including Garry, will have to start finishing the division’s elite, putting on fun fights, and stepping in there with anyone, anywhere, any time. That said, if he’s clever, he can become a legend.
Gillian Robertson
The Savage, Gillian Robertson, could easily find herself in the UFC Hall of Fame in the future. Although her career trajectory may suggest that she might not lift UFC gold, she’s box office every time she enters the octagon. The TUF alumni holds a 13-8 record; however, he has found a home in the strawweight division, notching two performance of the night winning bonuses since dropping in weight.
Gillian Robertson getting the job done in the 2nd round! 👊🔥#UFC297
— Combat Sports UK (@CombatSportsUK) January 21, 2024
Robertson’s ability to finish fights could push her toward the Hall of Fame status. She currently holds the record for most finishes in UFC women’s flyweight history (7), most submissions in UFC women’s history (7), most submissions at women’s flyweight (6), and tied second for most finishes in UFC women’s history (9). Although she’s unlikely ever to catch Charles Oliveira’s ever-growing UFC record of finishes (20) or submissions (16), she will continue to dominate the women’s divisional numbers.
She’s exciting, game, always willing to step in there, and a fan favourite. Her finishing ability is something that isn’t often seen in the female weight classes, which makes her stand out—something that will hold her in good stead in future hall of fame conversations!
