15 European Fighters Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 (Part 2)
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts
With around 6 European UFC cards planned this year, 2014 should see the largest influx of European fighter into the UFC to date.
If all goes to plan and UFC do bless us with 6 cards this year, Joe Silva and Sean Shelby will need to book around 72 fights just for Europe - that's 144 fighters! With all of these cards expected to take place on the UFCs new online subscription service Fight Pass, its likely Silva and Shelby will be looking to add local talent to these cards, to not only sell tickets but to keep the cost of the cards down.
In Part 1 of 15 European Fighter Who Could Sign for the UFC in 2014, we highlighted talent such as Polish fighter, and current top 10 middleweight Mamed Khalidov, and his KSW roster mate Jan Blachowicz as must haves for the UFCs debut in Poland later this year. We also looked at talented prospects Max Nunes and James Brum who have both been setting Europe alight with Bamma and Cage Warriors respectively, as well as fan favourite Irishmen Neil Seery who's signature would no doubt go down a treat with Irish fans in attendance at the UFC's return to Dublin this year.
In part 2 we look at 5 more names which the UFC could add over the next year..... in NO particular order.
Mansour Barnaoui - France
Mansour Barnaoui is exactly the kind of fighter Dana White and The UFC like. Barnaoui is a young, passionate and exciting fighter. The Frenchman comes forward, and is aggressive.
With back-to-back wins over UFC vets in Curt Warburton, and Colin Fletcher, Barnaoui has shown well rounded skills and a fighting style that they love over in the UFC.
While it would be fair to say Barnaoui is far from the finished product, with another big win this year - particularly if that win is over another former UFC fighter, theres a great chance the UFC could take a plunge on the Frenchmen for one of their up coming European cards.
Walter Gahadza - UK
One can't argue with Gahadza's 13-0 record. While it's fair to say Gahadza hasn't exactly fought the best caliber of fighter, but he has despatched virtually everyone he's faced with ease.
Set to face Ryan Scope this month, Scope, who has spent time training with Alliance and is coming off a win over TUF: Smashes contest Luke Newman, might be the exact type of name that could earn Gahadza a place on a European UFC card this year.
Gahadza is a finisher with 6 KOs and 5 submissions, and an impressive win over the undefeated Scope could be a coming out party for the fighter who according to his manager, the UFC have already expressed interest in.
Lukasz Sajewski - Poland
With around 6 events planned for Europe, Joe Silva will be scanning Europe for some of the finest talent the Continent, and it doesn't much finer than undeated Pole, Lukasz Sajewski.
At only 23, Sajewski has built an impressive 12-0 record which includes a notable victory over current Bellator high flyer Macin Held.
A solid grappler, Sajewski trains with two-time Greco Roman Olympic gold medalist Andrzej Wronski, and is his blue belt in BJJ which have contributed 6 submission victories.
With the UFC making its debut in Poland this year, a lot the focus will be on if the promotion can bring in Jan Blachowicz, and Mamed Khalidov, but Sajewski could be a hidden gem amongst the lot, and would be a great addition to the UFC Lightweight division.
Pietro Menga - UK
Undefeated, British Flyweight Pietro Menga is one of the finest prospects this country has to offer. Hailing from Salford, Manchester has put together an impressive 10-0 record, collecting UCC & FCC European titles along the way. Perhaps more impressive though, Menga has finish rate rarely seen at 125lbs with all but one of his victories coming by way KO/TKO or submission.
A well rounded fighter, Menga is currently ranked in the top 3 European flyweights and is ready to make the next step in his career, and would be a great addition to the UFCs flyweight division which could do with a few more faces.
Peter Sobotta – Germany
Fans may be surprised to see the inclusion of Sobotta on this list having previous gone 0-3 for the promotion, however with the UFC planning shows in both Germany and Poland in 2014, this year could see the return of the Sobotta.
One of the most popular fighters in Germany, Sobotta is currently on a 5 fight win streak with all though wins coming by submission, and his addition to the UFC would appeal to both Germany and Polish fans due to his heritage.
Join us for Part 3 of Kingdom MMA's 15 European Fighter Who Could Sign for The UFC in 2014 later on in the week. Where we will be revealing 5 more European fighters who could feature in the UFC in 2014.
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