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By: Dan Moore, MMATorch UK Columnist
This is the third article of my four-part special and focuses on current UK and European fighters in the UFC's Lightweight and Featherweight division. Check out PART ONE and PART TWO.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Khabib Nurmagomedov (20-0) looks a fantastic prospect at only 24 years old. Already 4-0 in the UFC, the Russian is already a consensus top 15 Lightweight who possesses exceptional grappling skills thanks to his decorated Sambo and Judo background. Next up for him is Pat Healy and a win will elevate him into the top 10. If he wins well, he could be only a couple of big wins away from a title shot.
Both Ross Pearson (15-6) and Paul Taylor (11-6-1, 1 NC) have fights set for UFC Fight Night 30 in October. Sunderland born Pearson takes on Melvin Guillard in the co-main event fresh off excellent consecutive wins over George Sotiropoulos and Ryan Couture. Taylor on the other hand hasn't fought in over two years and remains terribly injury prone. Don't be surprised if his fight with Anthony Njokuani gets postponed once again.
A couple of fighters have been cut for very differing reasons recently. John Maguire (18-6) received his papers after defeats to John Hathaway, Matt Riddle, and Mitch Clarke, the latter being his Lightweight debut. Reza Madadi (13-3) received his marching orders for completely different reasons. An 18 month sentence for aggravated burglary did the trick. Madadi committed the offense only a few weeks after winning a $60,000 at UFC on FUEL 9. Idiot!
Rustam Khabilov (16-1) is another talented Russian making a name for himself in the UFC. His win over Vinc Pichel at the TUF 16 Finale ended with some of the best suplex's ever seen inside the Octagon. Next up in November is veteran Jorge Masvidal, a major step-up in class. If Khabilov can win this one he's another on course for a spot in the divisions top 20.
Irishman Norman Parke (18-2) won the lightweight portion of TUF Smashes last year with a final win over the now released Colin Fletcher (8-3). He then followed that up with a win over Kazuki Tokudome at UFC 162 last month. Parke looks very well-rounded, but a higher calibre opponent should be next, to see just how good he really is.
Polish Lightweight Piotr Hallmann (13-1) is a recent signing who has plenty of experience on the European circuit, including time spent with Cage Warriors. His UFC debut is an extremely tricky fight against Francisco Trinaldo, in Brazil early next month, at UFC Fight Night 28.
FEATHERWEIGHT
Dennis Siver (21-9) has had 16 UFC fights and continues to be a difficult match for anyone he encounters. Russian born, but now a naturalized German; Siver was recently finished by Cub Swanson. No new opponent has been announced for him yet.
One man who can't keep out of the news is Conor McGregor (14-2). The Irishman is now 2-0 in the UFC after another dominant win, this time against Max Holloway at UFC Fight Night 26. Hype aside, McGregor is very talented, but is still untested against the elite. Sadly a ten-month layoff now awaits after injuring his knee in the aforementioned Holloway win.
After losing to Rony Jason at UFC on FUEL 10; Englishman Mike Wilkinson (8-1) will be looking to put that first defeat behind him as he prepares to face Jimy Hettes at UFC Fight Night 30. It's another really difficult fight for the TUF Smashes contender and one he'll surely be the underdog for. Andy Ogle (9-2) is also hoping for a spot on the card after his first UFC win over Josh Grispi in February.
Armenian Manny Gamburyan (13-7) earned a win last weekend in a close fight with Cole Miller. After a three-fight losing streak the TUF 5 finalist has now won two straight after almost being cut. Akira Corassani (11-3, 1 NC) is another former TUF competitor on a two-fight win streak. Injury forced him out of a fight with Mike Brown recently and the Swede doesn't have another confirmed fight yet.
The final part, out next week, will focus on the Bantamweight, Flyweight and Women's division.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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