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The Most Exciting Newcomers in the UFC Right Now

The top of the UFC starscape is so windswept, there’s nothing left to sweep. It’s just wind. Conor McGregor is a ghost, trapped in some celebrity netherworld…

Six Future Stars The UFC Can’t Afford To Miss On

Each year, a new class of prospects catch the attention of fight fans. With Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, the biggest stars of the past few years – and perhaps ever – now gone from the sport for the time being, the UFC is in a transitionary period as Endeavor attempts to build new dependable […]

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Each year, a new class of prospects catch the attention of fight fans.

With Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, the biggest stars of the past few years – and perhaps ever – now gone from the sport for the time being, the UFC is in a transitionary period as Endeavor attempts to build new dependable pay-per-view draws.

Fighters like Sage Northcutt and Paige VanZant initially made a big impact and the expectations were high, but not all prospects pan out in the cage. Those once-hyped prospects are still around, but they’ve given way to a new crop of potential future stars who are performing in the cage in addition to having their own highly marketable qualities.

So the UFC has potential stars in their midst, but with PPV sales slumping as the promotion seems to be waiting around for McGregor to return, the time is now for them to build for the future as they cannot afford more down years by failing to promote their best chances at box office success.

With the majority of a new year of MMA ahead of us, let’s take a look at six future stars the UFC simply can’t afford to miss promoting throughout this year.

6. Sean O’Malley

O’Malley captured UFC president Dana White’s attention and the exec quickly signed him.

‘Sugar’ certainly has delivered thus far, winning both of his UFC fights with stylish striking and adept grappling.

He even won his last fight after severely damaging his leg in the third round. With his charisma and fighting style, it’s no wonder the company wants to push this kid into star territory.

As O’Malley works his way up the bantamweight division, he’s certainly a fighter to watch out for. At just 23 years old, the Montana native could be a star in a post-McGregor world.

But let’s see him against a step up in competition before the hype train really starts to start. A fight against Rob Font or Thomas Almeida is a perfect test to really see where O’Malley is at, and if he wins that, the UFC should seriously consider pushing his promotion into high gear.

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Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Cooper Expected for UFC 224 in Brazil

Mackenzie Dern wanted to waste no time before booking her next fight and it appears she will get her wish with a matchup against Amanda Cooper in the works for UFC 224 in Brazil. Sources close to the matchup confirmed the news on Wednesday following an…

The post Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Cooper Expected for UFC 224 in Brazil appeared first on MMA News.

Mackenzie Dern on UFC Debut: ‘I Felt Like I Was Meant to be There’

Mackenzie Dern is riding a high following her successful Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut. Dern earned a split decision win over Ashley Yoder on the preliminary portion of UFC 222. She battled through some adversity in the fight, being knocke…

The post Mackenzie Dern on UFC Debut: ‘I Felt Like I Was Meant to be There’ appeared first on MMA News.

Mackenzie Dern: I Was Happy With my UFC 222 Performance

Mackenzie Dern has no complaints about her Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut. Dern took on Ashley Yoder on the preliminary portion of UFC 222. After three rounds of action, Dern earned the split decision win. Her record improves to a perfect 6…

Mackenzie Dern Not Expecting Fast Track To Title Shot

Highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Mackenzie Dern made her long-awaited UFC debut last night, scoring a decision victory over Ashley Yoder at UFC 222 in Las Vegas, Nevada. And although she didn’t get the finish, Dern said that she was ‘happy’ with her performance: “I was happy with my performance,” Dern told MMAjunkie. “I didn’t […]

The post Mackenzie Dern Not Expecting Fast Track To Title Shot appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Highly decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Mackenzie Dern made her long-awaited UFC debut last night, scoring a decision victory over Ashley Yoder at UFC 222 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

And although she didn’t get the finish, Dern said that she was ‘happy’ with her performance:

“I was happy with my performance,” Dern told MMAjunkie. “I didn’t think it was bad. I know everybody wants me to get a quick submission, but I’m here to show I’m a well-rounded athlete – that I can strike and go to the ground. I think when I decided I wanted to take it to the ground, I was able to. I went to her back, and I had the choke in place.

“I think the most important thing is knowing the risks I’m taking, to really keep my chin down, see the punches coming. She’s a southpaw. That was really hard. She was much – not much, but taller than me, had a distance that I’m still getting used to. I think I can take a lot from it that I can improve on.”

And in Dern’s opinion, it may have actually been beneficial that she didn’t get the finish, as she claims that it was important for her to get some rounds under her belt:

“I think the most important thing was to get to feel those three rounds in the UFC,” Dern said. “I don’t want to get to the belt not having gone to a second or third round, not having been through rough times, not having been knocked (down) or gotten scared. I think it was a good experience to feel that and get this confidence on the feet.”

Moving forward, Dern said that she’d be interested in competing again at UFC 224, which is set to take place in May in Brazil:

“I don’t think they’re going to put me on the fast track to go the title, because I think I can help the UFC just as much as they’re helping me,” Dern said. “I think, for sure, they don’t want t make a bad matchup. I think I showed I have a lot of heart. I like to fight. I don’t mind to stay standing up, and I don’t mind to go to the ground.

“So I think they’ll take the time, but I’m ready to fight. I want to fight again in May, Brazil (UFC 224, in Rio de Janeiro). I want to fight anywhere.”

Where would you like to see Dern go next?

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