Ready-Made Superstars Who Could Revive UFC’s Flyweight Division

The flyweight division is alive and well — and Joshua Van just proved it. Given an opportunity, he made the most of it. Not only did he step in on short notice at UFC 317 to defeat Brandon Royval, but he followed it up by beating Alexandre Pantoja to end 2025 as the UFC Flyweight Champion.

For a while, the division was stuck at the top for too long. Van’s rise showed that all it takes is the right fighter at the right time to shake things up. But here’s the thing. The UFC needs more of that.

Kai Asakura was supposed to be a fresh face, a proven talent from outside the UFC. Yet two fights later, the division still feels like it is searching for new life. It is clear now that what the flyweight division needs is not a slow build or a wait-and-see approach. It needs action and ready-made superstars.

So we found them. These are the flyweights the UFC needs to sign and push immediately. No waiting. No warming up. Just impact. The champion is ready. The division needs it. And these names are more than ready for the spotlight:

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The TUF 33 Flyweight Cast

Before diving into the individual names on the list, it’s important to acknowledge just how stacked The Ultimate Fighter 33 cast was, especially the flyweight roster.

The UFC should be capitalizing on the momentum of the show to inject fresh talent into any division. With this cast, each fighter brought something unique that the weight class is currently missing; whether it’s star power, geographic diversity, or an established following.

As of now, TUF 33 winner Joseph Morales is signed with the UFC. Runner-up Alibi Idiris also secured a contract following the finale. Eduardo Henrique and Imanol Rodriguez both competed for a UFC contract on Season 9 of DWCS. Despite both winning their fights, only Rodriguez walked away with a contract.

Below was the full TUF 33 Flyweight cast:

• Roybert Echeverria (10-2) 🇻🇪
• Tumelo Manyamala (6-1) 🇿🇦
• Alibi Idiris (10-0) 🇰🇿 — Signed
• Imanol Rodriguez (5-0) 🇲🇽 — Signed
• Arshiyan Memon (7-0) 🇮🇳
• Eduardo Henrique (13-2) 🇧🇷
• Joseph Morales (12-2) 🇺🇸 — Signed
• Furkatbek Yokubov (14-4) 🇺🇿

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Bilal Hasan (8-0)

Even though this is not a ranked list, if it were, Bilal Hasan would undoubtedly be at the top. He is a bona fide superstar in the making, and when the UFC finally signs him, they will see exactly what we have been seeing for years. Undefeated at 8-0 and riding a 14-fight win streak, he has all but one finish on his record. And after he beats your ass, know there’s 100% chance he’ll hit a moonwalk in celebration.

Recently, Hasan traveled to his homeland of Indonesia and he was treated like a superstar. Fans recognized him everywhere, he made several appearances, and he kept training while on the road. He is exactly what Indonesian fans have been waiting for in the UFC, and they are more than ready to rally behind their guy. It’s worth noting that Indonesia is an untapped MMA market with huge potential.

Currently, Hasan is the CFFC Flyweight Champion and has successfully defended the belt three times. At this point, it is hard to understand why he hasn’t been signed outright. If anyone deserves to skip the Contender Series, it is Bilal.

When we started researching for this list, he had around ~110k followers on Instagram. Today, that number sits at roughly ~174k and climbing. His ceiling is high, he’s an absolute stud, and he is elevating everyone around him as he rises.

Bilal Hasan is the next UFC cash cow and exactly the kind of fighter the flyweight division needs right now. The UFC just needs to discover him before another promotion pays him what he deserves.

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Nicolas Leblond (12-4)

Nicolas Leblond is finally able to call himself the Cage Warriors Flyweight Champion. But, the journey wasn’t easy. The Frenchman took his lumps early, suffering losses to opponents who eventually became champions themselves. When he finally got his shot at the end of December 2025, he made the most of it. Now, he prepares for his first title defense at Cage Warriors 203.

At 29 years old with a 13-4 record, Leblond brings something the UFC’s flyweight division always needs… Experience. He fought twice in 2025, has grown through adversity, and he has put together a seven-fight win streak that has completely transformed his career.

More importantly, he adds something the UFC is actively looking for. France needs more fighters making waves on the world stage, and Leblond has the tools to be one of the country’s breakout names.

He is also starting to build real star potential. His Instagram has climbed to ~25k followers and continues to rise, a strong indicator that fans are connecting with him and will follow him wherever he goes next. With his resume, his momentum, and his championship pedigree, Leblond would arrive in the UFC with credibility and a built-in following.

Leblond has the grit, the experience, and the momentum to be a real problem in the division. The timing feels right. The résumé is undeniable. If the UFC wants a proven, battle-tested contender ready to make an impact immediately, Nicolas Leblond fits the bill perfectly.

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Phumi Nkuta (10-0)

Phumi Nkuta has been a no-brainer signing for years, dominating the flyweight division to the point where he even took a break to pursue professional wrestling. During that run, he had standout matches under the HOG promotion, even facing former UFC fighter and WWE superstar Matt Riddle.

Since returning to MMA in 2025, he has extended his record to 10-0. Maybe he’s playing the long game to earn an outright signing, which he deserves. But what’s clear is that if the UFC wants to inject a star in the making into a flyweight division that needs fresh energy, Phumi is that guy.

We’ve been singing his praises for years. He captured gold in several promotions, including CFFC. He was even part of our 2022 Top of the Class and was highlighted in our piece on MMA fighters who could thrive in WWE. With over 14k Instagram followers now and his stock only climbing, now is the time to hop on the hype train before we remind you down the line that we told you so.

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Gus Villamil (7-2)

Gus Villamil has been on a roll since 2022, riding a four-fight win streak across promotions like Titan FC, Action Fight League, and CFFC. He made his CFFC debut in 2024, submitting the highly touted Max Quinones in the second round, but hasn’t competed since.

Training out of the renowned Goat Shed Academy in Florida, Villamil is the sole Puerto Rican on this list and a rising star in the flyweight division, with Puerto Rico firmly behind him.

Puerto Rican fighters haven’t seen much success in MMA, with the exception of Ricco Rodriguez claiming the heavyweight title back in 2002. Gus could be the one to change that narrative.

He regularly returns home to train and share the knowledge he’s gaining while living stateside. He’s also taken over our Instagram in the past, giving fans a behind the scenes look at the Karate Combat Kickback 1 event. A mental health advocate, he’s building a strong presence outside the cage as well across multiple platforms.

Freshly 31, with seven finishes on his record and over 11,000 Instagram followers, Villamil has all the tools to fit in with UFC flyweights. He just needs to get active again. As he expands beyond the Titan FC sphere, he’s positioning himself nicely for the big leagues.

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Anvar Abdullaev (9-0)

When we first started researching this list last year, Anvar Abdullaev was an undefeated 9-0 prospect with around 29,000 followers. Today, without even competing in 2025, he sits at over 135,000 Instagram followers with that same perfect record. That alone tells you how much momentum he’s building simply by existing in the conversation.

Abdullaev is the current Octagon Flyweight Champion. At only 26 years old, he’s one of the most intriguing undefeated talents outside the UFC. The hype is growing, the numbers are rising, and it feels like he’s one breakout moment away from becoming a major player on the world stage.

Coming out of Uzbekistan adds another layer to his appeal. The country has very little representation in the UFC, and the promotion is always looking for potential superstars from regions they can continue to grow in. Anvar checks that box.

What stands out most is how he handles his career. Flyweight is a division that needs stability, star power, and fresh energy. Abdullaev brings real skill, real discipline, and real awareness of his trajectory. It’s refreshing to see a fighter move purposefully instead of rushing into the spotlight just because people are talking.

If you’re looking for prospects who could revive a division that has been craving depth and buzz, Anvar Abdullaev is absolutely worth a look. With an undefeated record, a fast-growing fanbase, and championship credentials, he has everything needed to make an impact.

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Tommy Morrisson (9-0)

Tommy Morrison might just be Canada’s next superstar in the making. And if we’re being honest, the country desperately needs one. Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Morrison has checked every box on the “future UFC standout” list, and he’s doing it with style.

The undefeated Samourai MMA Bantamweight Champion sits at a clean 10-0. He fought twice in 2025 and even moved up a weight class for his most recent bout. He’s already taken out top prospects like CFFC’s Max Quinones, proving he’s more than ready for the next tier of competition.

Training at Tristar Gym in Montreal under the legendary Firas Zahabi puts Morrison in one of the best rooms in the world. Combine that with his degree in computer engineering, and you get a fighter who is as sharp outside the cage as he is dangerous inside it.

But beyond the skills and the résumé, Morrison has the look. He carries himself like a star, confident and composed, with a certain swagger that separates contenders from future pay-per-view draws. His Instagram following already reflects it, sitting at ~38k and climbing quickly. His pinned post shows him standing next to Dana White with the caption “manifesting.” At this point, it feels less like manifestation and more like a preview of what is coming.

Canada has been waiting for a fighter to break through and energize the fanbase. They have a few now climbing in the UFC. And Morrison has the talent, the presence, and the momentum to also be that guy. It is only a matter of time until the call comes, so start tuning in if you haven’t already.

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Marcos Degli (12-3)

Marcos Degli is quickly becoming one of the most reliable names to watch at flyweight. At just 25 years old, he’s the current LFA Flyweight Champion and is scheduled to defend his belt for the second time at LFA 225. With each performance, he continues to solidify himself as one of the most complete and well-rounded prospects outside the UFC.

Hailing from Brazil, Degli carries the type of pedigree fans expect from that region. He’s riding an impressive eleven-fight win streak and has shown consistent improvement in every appearance. With a 13-3 record, he has the experience, the composure, and the skill set to compete with high-level opposition right away.

He’s also starting to build a strong online presence. When we first started researching him, he was only around 8k followers on Instagram. Today he sits at roughly 24k, showing clear growth and momentum. 2026 feels like the year he fully breaks out.

There were rumors last year about a potential Contender Series appearance, but it never materialized. At this point, it feels like he has surpassed that stage. Degli has already proven he can win big fights, defend gold, and stay active against tough competition.

He’s solid everywhere, he fights smart, and he brings a level of maturity that stands out for a 25-year-old champion. The UFC’s flyweight division could use more fighters who arrive ready to contribute immediately, and Degli fits that mold perfectly. If the promotion is looking for a polished, battle-tested talent who can make an impact from day one, Marcos Degli is absolutely worth signing.

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Ismail Khan (9-1)

Ismail Khan is one of the most exciting young prospects you’ll find at flyweight. At just 23 years old, he already holds a 12-1 record with 10 finishes, and he’s doing it while representing a region the UFC has barely tapped into. Pakistan has almost no presence on the UFC roster, yet Khan is proving he has both the skill and the star potential to change that.

Currently competing under the BRAVE CF banner, Khan is getting quality exposure, which is exactly what you want from a future UFC prospect. He’s an IMMAF bronze medalist, he fought for ONE Championship in 2023, and he entered BRAVE with a chip on his shoulder after suffering his first professional loss in 2024. Instead of derailing him, that setback sharpened him, and he has only gotten better since.

The star power is starting to form too. Khan has close to 10k followers on Instagram and even has a pinned photo with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a clear sign of how much attention he attracts back home. A country rallying behind a fighter always adds something special, and the UFC knows the value of expanding into new markets that can produce passionate fanbases.

Khan has the finishing ability, the experience, and the discipline that makes flyweight fun. With his age, his resume, and the support he has behind him, he would be a great addition to the UFC’s flyweight division.

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Paris Moran (13-3-1)

Admittedly, Paris Moran is one of my favorite flyweights to watch on the regional scene. He is a former Fury FC Flyweight Champion and holds a 13-3-1 record.

While he has been on the regional scene far too long, he is one of the very few fighters willing to face anyone, anytime, anywhere. He will fight at flyweight or bantamweight without hesitation. Maybe that versatility has held him back, but it should also be respected because there are very few true fighters like that in today’s MMA landscape.

Every fight with Moran is must-see. He is never boring and the dude is an absolute stud. He approaches the fight game with near-scientific precision and carries himself like a champion, even when he is not holding the belt. Paris has IT, whatever IT is, and it is impossible to ignore.

If you ask me, it’s long overdue for him to outgrow the Texas MMA scene and start fighting under brighter lights. He knows he needs a string of wins before he can call his shot, but he made his goal clear after Fury FC 113 that he wants to earn his contract on Contender Series this year. Paris may have the smallest following on this list (roughly 3k on Instagram) but that does not mean he has any less star power.

Paris Moran has all the makings of a superstar — someone who could build a long, successful career with multiple Fight of the Night bonuses along the way. His style is tailor-made for fans, and there’s no doubt Paris would be an exciting addition to the UFC flyweight roster. He’s a name the division can rally behind because he’s only getting better.

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Fabia Sintes (10-3)

Fabia Sintes is 31 years old with a 10-3 record, eight of those wins coming by finish. He is the new WOW Flyweight Champion, competing under Ilia Topuria’s promotion that has been making noise as of late.

With over 11,000 Instagram followers now (was ~8k at the start of research), Sintes is steadily making a name for himself in Spain. He has experience in Combate and has built a solid resume against opponents with winning records. He even recently defended the title back in November. Now that Ilia Topuria is reigning as UFC champion, the Spanish market is set to boom. This is the perfect time to sign prospects like Sintes and start building momentum in divisions beyond lightweight.

While still relatively unknown in the United States and to the broader MMA audience, Sintes could bring a fresh and exciting presence to today’s flyweight division.

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