Who Are the Rising Stars of the UFC
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 21 November 2024
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
The Rising Stars of the UFC
The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, has become a global spectacle where the most brutal and elite martial artists collide in the Octagon. It’s like a gladiatorial sport for the 21st century—except with fewer lions and more Instagram followers.
The rise of the UFC from a controversial, no-holds-barred tournament in the ’90s to a mainstream pay-per-view juggernaut is one of the most compelling stories in sports. As the UFC’s star power continues to rise, so too does the next generation of fighters, poised to take the sport into a new era.
Let’s talk about these rising stars and the best UFC betting sites. But first, a crash course in what the UFC is and how it got here.
What Exactly Is the UFC?
The UFC was born in 1993 as a tournament designed to pit martial artists from various disciplines against one another. The concept? Find out which fighting style was the best. There were no weight classes, few rules, and a whole lot of blood. Think of it as a fighting free-for-all, except on cable TV. The first event took place in Denver, Colorado, and it looked more like a backyard brawl than a polished sporting event.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Royce Gracie dominated the early UFC tournaments, demonstrating that size wasn’t everything in combat sports. His success helped establish the foundation of mixed martial arts (MMA), as fighters began to cross-train in multiple disciplines like boxing, wrestling, and Muay Thai.
As the sport gained popularity, so did the need for regulation. Enter Dana White, the mouthpiece and mastermind who took the helm of the UFC in 2001 when it was purchased by the Fertitta brothers.
With the implementation of stricter rules, weight classes, and athletic commissions overseeing bouts, the UFC became a legitimate sport. The “human cockfighting” stigma began to fade, and by the mid-2000s, the UFC was a staple of sports entertainment.
Today, the UFC hosts events around the globe, drawing massive pay-per-view audiences and packing stadiums. With a mix of strategy, heart, and raw power, it’s clear why the UFC has become a worldwide phenomenon as new UFC fighters enter the sport annually.
But the UFC isn’t just about history—it’s about the future. And the future looks bright. Let’s dive into the rising UFC stars who are ready to shape the sport’s next chapter.
Ignacio Bahamondes
Ignacio Bahamondes is the kind of guy you watch fight and immediately think, “Yeah, that guy could probably KO a brick wall.” At 6’3″ with a reach that makes his opponents second-guess every move, Bahamondes fights like a video game character. Known for his flashy striking, this Chilean lightweight has already made waves with highlight-reel finishes, including one unforgettable spinning wheel kick that sent Roosevelt Roberts to the shadow realm.
Bahamondes doesn’t just have knockout power; he’s got the “it” factor as one of the young UFC fighters. His fights are designed to keep you glued to the screen, eagerly anticipating what jaw-dropping move he’s going to pull next, including his patented head kick.
And when you factor in his charisma, he’s poised to be a future fan favorite. Entering the last few months of 2024, Bahamondes is 15-5 in 20 UFC matches.
Michael Morales
At just 24 years old, Michael Morales is one of the young UFC fighters to watch. This Ecuadorian welterweight has an undefeated record and fights like he’s got a cheat code enabled. His striking is clean, his grappling is sharp, and his fight IQ is beyond his years. It’s as if someone uploaded Anderson Silva’s brain into his body and then handed him a pair of gloves.
Morales, at 17-0 in UFC, is also proving to be one of the most versatile fighters on the UFC roster, which could make him a long-term fixture in the sport. His performances are a testament to his physical gifts and ability to learn fast. Whether it’s his technical brilliance or his ability to entertain fans with every fight, Morales is rapidly establishing himself as a must-watch UFC fighter of today and tomorrow.
Maycee Barber
Nicknamed “The Future,” Maycee Barber doesn’t just plan on winning; she plans on dominating as one of the UFC rising stars. A fighter who has openly said she wants to be the youngest UFC champion in history, Barber isn’t one to shy away from lofty goals.
At 125 pounds, she’s a powerhouse. While Barber faced setbacks after suffering a serious knee injury, she bounced back with a vengeance, showing that resilience is just as important as raw talent in this sport.
Her aggressive, all-action style has earned her a reputation as a fighter who’s always looking for the finish. Whether it’s on the feet or the ground, Barber is relentless in her pursuit of victory.
With her sights set on the flyweight belt, she’s a prime example of the UFC’s future stars. And when she gets a chance to fight in front of a roaring crowd of Ultimate Fighting Championship fans, you can expect fireworks.
Erin Blanchfield
Erin Blanchfield might not be the loudest or flashiest fighter in the UFC, but that’s because she prefers to let her skills do the talking. And boy, do they talk loud.
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with some of the most suffocating grappling in the women’s flyweight division, Blanchfield is on a fast track to stardom. At just 25, she has already racked up notable wins and is gaining a reputation as a fighter who can finish you on the mat or punish you standing.
While her grappling often steals the show, Blanchfield is quickly evolving into a complete fighter. With her precision footwork and power punching, she’s the type of athlete who could quietly work her way into title contention, leaving a trail of defeated opponents wondering what hit them.
Ian Machado Garry
When Conor McGregor burst onto the UFC scene, he brought with him an Irish wave of fans, flair, and high expectations. Ian Machado Garry, one of the new UFC stars, is the next in line from the Emerald Isle, and he’s showing that the Irish takeover isn’t a one-time event. With an undefeated record and a personality as bold as his striking, Garry has quickly captured the attention of fight fans.
Known for his laser-like accuracy and powerful hands, Garry has a knack for finishing fights in devastating fashion. But he’s not just about striking—he’s a well-rounded fighter with grappling skills to match. In every fight, you can expect him to bring that Irish energy. His charisma, combined with his obvious talent, makes him one of the most exciting rising stars in the UFC.
A Few Other Rising UFC Stars to Watch:
- Adrian Yanez: Crisp boxing and a killer instinct.
- Jack Della Maddalena: Welterweight with dynamite in his hands.
- Manon Fiorot: French flyweight on the rise with superb striking.
The UFC is no longer just a wild spectacle of bare-knuckle brawling—it’s a sport with a deep history, growing in popularity thanks to elite athletes and extraordinary performances. The rising stars of today have everything it takes to become the legends of tomorrow. As these fighters step into the ring, they carry with them the future of the sport—one spinning kick, one choke, and one knockout at a time.
