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Here’s the next generation UFC superstars!
The next is one of the next UFC superstars. Photo via UFC
Conor McGregor, Khamzat Chimaev, Alex Pereira, Sean O’Malley and Israel Adesanya – most of the absolute biggest stars in the world of MMA are found in the UFC.
There is no secret recipe to follow in becoming a big star in the UFC, but one thing is sure, it takes more than winning fights to become a superstar. On paper, fighters like McGregor and Pereira have very different personalities and abilities, but both possess the magic to enchant the MMA fans all over the world.
Who are the next generation of big names coming up then? Who will be the next McGregor or Chimaev? Let’s take a look at some potential future UFC superstars!
Ian Machado Garry
Ian Garry is one of the next UFC superstars. Photo via YouTube
- Age: 26
- Record: 15-0
- UFC record: 8-0
On paper, Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry is destined for stardom.
Undefeated, former Cage Warriors champion, well-spoken, fantastic striking – everything points toward fame and fortune.
There is something that’s not right though. The constant comparison of Irish superstar Conor McGregor was good in the early days, but could prove to be devastating for his career in the long run. Whatever Garry does, he will have a hard time living up to his preceders achievements.
There’s also something with the way Garry talks about himself that seems to rub a lot of MMA fans the wrong way. But being the man people want to see lose is also a way to become a superstar, even though it is probably not as fun.
Merab Dvalishvili
Photo via YouTube
- Age: 33
- Record: 17-4
- UFC record: 10-2
Merab Dvalishvili has lately turned into quite a fan favorite because of his humor and likability. Stuff like stealing Sean O’Malleys kick-ass red jacket at UFC 288 was not only a brilliant move to create buzz in building a title fight, it was a great way to gain a lot of new fans.
The flipside is that Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy fighting style could stand in the way of absolute stardom. However, a couple of knockout highlight reels could catapult him into a real fan favorite!
Shara Magomedov
Sharabutdin Magomedov. Photo via Instagram
- Age: 30
- Record: 14-0
- UFC record: 3-0
Only a few fights into this UFC career, the Dagestani kickboxer Shara Magomedov has already created a lot of buzz and earned himself a spot on the main cards.
His look and personality has already given him a part as a villain role in a Hollywood movie, and with a couple of good wins he can be the next hype-train in the promotion.
Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall is one of the next UFC superstars. Photo via YouTube
- Age: 31
- Record: 15-3
- UFC record: 8-1
Already a big name on the scene, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is quite possibly the next real big thing in the UFC. The mix of his likable personality, insane fight skills and KO power makes him destined for the stars.
If he gets a chance to fight Jon Jones for the heavyweight title, and wins, he will be up there with the absolute biggest names in the promotion.
Raul Rosas Jr.
Raul Rosas Jr. Photo via YouTube
- Age: 19
- Record: 9-1
- UFC record: 3-1
The talented Raul Rosas Jr. was the youngest fighter to ever sign with the UFC, and had a big buzz surrounding him from his win in Contender Series 2022.
After a flying start in the UFC, he lost to Christian Rodriguez in his second fight at UFC 287. Since then, ”El Niño Problema” racked up two straight wins and will compete at the historic card at the Sphere.
Just 19 years old, the sky’s the limit for the surging star!
Paddy Pimblett
Paddy Pimblett. Photo via Twitter
- Age: 29
- Record: 22-3
- UFC record: 6-0
After receiving tons of criticism (right or wrong) for his last couple of fights, against Jared Gordon and Tony Ferguson, Paddy Pimblett got credit from both fans and experts with his quick win against King Green a few weeks back.
The victory finally put Pimblett in the official rankings, and with some more impressive wins, the Liverpudlian can take the step to a title shot and absolute stardom. However, with his entertaining personality, ”The Baddy” is one of the few who doesn’t necessarily need a title to be a superstar.
Ilia Tuporia
Ilia Topuria is one of the next UFC superstars. Photo via YouTube
- Age: 27
- Record: 15-0
- UFC record: 7-0
Even though he acts like he’s the biggest thing since sliced bread, UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria still has a lot of hearts to win to reach the absolute pinnacle of the UFC.
Nevertheless, with his fight skills and unblemished record, he could very well be the next big thing in the MMA world. Winning his next fight against fan favorite and former champion Max Holloway is crucial for Topuria’s career.