5 UFC Prospects Who Could End 2025 with a Bang
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We’re just past the halfway point of 2025, and already a new wave of prospects has flooded onto the UFC scene.
In the past 12 months, we have seen former prospects reach new heights, including the rise of UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, Jean Silva, Caio Borralho, and more. But 2025 has provided the UFC with some of the most refreshing talent we have seen in years, with plenty only just getting started.
Let’s take a look at the five UFC talents who could make a real name for themselves come the end of the year:
1. Kevin Vallejos
Argentinian Kevin Vallejos is certainly one to watch as the year comes to a close. The 23-year-old is an exciting featherweight, and a strong boxer, who possesses abnormal punching power.
Vallejos ran through Samurai Fight House before getting his shot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023, losing by decision to Jean Silva.
The following year, he got another shot in DWCS, brutally knocking his opponent out in the first round. White had no option but to sign him.
He debuted in March this year, facing veteran Seung Woo Choi, grabbing another vicious first-round knockout. After his debut, Silva taunted his former opponent on X:
Vallejos responded by saying, “Needy to take everything you’ve got, I am coming for you”. Could we see this fight again down the line?
Vallejos is already getting comparisons to Topuria with a similar stature and tendency to put finish opponents with heavy punches. In August, Vallejos is booked to take on Danny Silva, a fight which will feature on the main card, bringing more eyes to the hungry youngster.
2. Alice Pereira
Teenage sensation Alice Pereira is set to become the youngest female fighter to ever compete in the UFC when she debuts against Montserrat Rendon later this year.
At a youthful age of just 19, Pereira is an undefeated Brazilian stand-up fighter with a record of 5-0. Four of which have come by stoppage.
Earlier this year, I spoke to Pereira after her historic signing was announced:
Pereira explained what fans can expect from her. She said: “I’m a striker fighter! I know how to be aggressive and hard-hitting inside the octagon. I believe my fans will have a good fight with a lot of aggression and fun when watching me.”
Expect fireworks when she makes her debut on September 13th.
3. Joshua Van
Joshua Van is another 23-year-old who fights at flyweight and has already strung an impressive five-fight win streak in the UFC.
Most recently, he impressed against the experienced and skilled Brandon Royval, winning by decision, after knocking Royval down in the dying seconds of the fight. He now has an astonishing 15-2 record.
On the same card that night, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defended his belt in dominant style against Kai Kara-France. Van was invited into the cage post-fight, where the two had an intense face-off, suggesting Van is next in line for Pantoja.
Van’s rise has been exceptionally quick, and now, with him ranked as the #1 contender for the flyweight belt, it would be no surprise to see him fight for the title before the year ends.
4. Ateba Gautier
If you don’t know, you should. Middleweight Atebe Gautier doesn’t waste time when he sets foot inside the octagon. He’s on a seven-fight win streak in MMA. Six of the seven come by first-round stoppage, and the other a second-round stoppage.
According to Tapology:
| Ateba Gautier’s Last Seven Fights | Method |
| W- Robert Valentin | R1 Punches |
| W- Jose Medina | R1 Knee |
| W- Yura Naito | R2 Ground Strikes |
| W- Carlos de Souza | R1 Punches |
| W- Vuk Lekic | R1 Head Kick |
| W- Yu-Joe Lewis Lai | R1 KO/TKO |
| W- Jan Lysak | R1 KO/TKO |
Gautier’s most recent win at UFC 318 saw him devastatingly dispatch his opponent, just 70 seconds into the first round. Deservedly, he earned himself the Performance of the Night $50k bonus.
At only 23 years old, the Cameroonian prospect has time on his side. With minimal damage taken in his career so far, the future looks bright.
Next time Gautier is inside the cage, don’t blink! You might miss something spectacular. He is expected to compete again this year.
5. Payton Talbott
Payton Talbott is potentially the most recognized name on this list. He carries major hype into every fight ever since his MMA highlight reel went viral.
Talbott has suffered a setback in the UFC with his first loss coming earlier this year. But, he has since bounced back after a testing bout with Brazilian Felipe Lima.
America’s Talbott still carries a pristine 10-1 record, and at 26, he is only improving with every fight. He carries gifted knockout power and seems to stay active, having fought twice this year.
Here, Talbott explains how a near-death experience fueled his burning desire to fight:
UFC’s minimum 3 fights per year contract, partnered with Talbott’s willingness to fight, means we will most likely see him again in 2025.
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