The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has long been a proving ground for elite mixed martial artists (MMA) with years of experience honed to razor sharpness. However, the winds of change are swirling in the octagon. In the thrilling realm of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), youth often signals promise and potential. As the UFC continues to evolve, a new generation of fighters has emerged, captivating audiences with their skill, determination, and fearlessness.
A new generation of fighters, hungry and brimming with raw talent, are making their mark on the sport at an increasingly young age.
In this article, we’ll shine a spotlight on the top 5 youngest UFC fighters currently making waves in the UFC. From featherweights to heavyweights, these rising stars have already begun to leave their mark on the sport, showcasing their skills and potential with every fight. With a combination of natural talent, rigorous training, and determination, these young fighters are proving that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
We’ll explore their backgrounds, fighting styles, and the unique challenges they face as they navigate the unforgiving world of professional MMA. From grappling prodigies to striking sensations, this list showcases the rising stars poised to dominate the sport for years to come. Prepare to be impressed by their dedication, athleticism, and unwavering determination that fuels their pursuit of UFC glory.
5. Iasmin Lucindo
Iasmin “Yasmin” Lucindo hailing from Brazil is a young talented fighter who is making a way for herself in the competitive world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). At just 22 years of age, Lucindo has already shown remarkable skill, determination, and resilience, earning the respect of fans and fellow fighters.
In May 2017, she made her fight debut, competing against Alline Khyra coming away with a win. In August 2022, she made her UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Vera vs. Cruz, against Yazmin Jauregui which ended with a sad loss for her. But she bounced back strongly nearly 8 months after with a strong win against Brogan Walker. Her last fight came in August 2023, where she beat her opponent Polyana Viana to submission at UFC Fight Night: Luque vs. Dos Anjos.
As one of the current youngest UFC fighters, Iasmin Lucindo’s future looks set on great success in the sport. As she continues, we will continue to watch her growth and hope to see her name one day cemented in the history of UFC.
4. Tereza Bledá
Not many show as much skill, determination, and potential at age 22 like Tereza Bledá. whose talent and hard work caught the attention of UFC scouts.
Born Czech and fighting out of Prague, Czech Republic, Tereza has made her way to the top pushing against the storm, showing a great skill set that she can attribute her success to. In her career, Tereza has amassed an impressive record of victories, with 7 wins, and just 1 loss. From her dominant decision wins to spectacular submission finishes, she has demonstrated an unyielding ability to fight until victory is won, which helps her compete at the sport’s highest level. Her UFC debut came as a loss against Natalia Silva at UFC Fight Night, but she bounced back at UFC Fight Night against Gabriella Fernandes.
Being one of the current youngest UFC fighters, Tereza Bledá is walking in the footsteps of many who have come before her, and with her resilience and drive for growth, her future in the sport is more than secure if she continues this way. Her journey to the top can etch her name in the annals of UFC history.
3. Joshua Van
Nicknamed “The Fearless”, Joshua is already rock solid in the ring, with a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and no draw in the flyweight division. He is the true definition of having no fear against foes.
Born in Hakha, Myanmar but fighting out of Houston Texas, Van is already a force to reckon with at just 22 years. His rise in the UFC is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and determination in the world of mixed martial arts. As one of the youngest fighters in the promotion, Van has already achieved remarkable success and garnered widespread acclaim for his performances inside the Octagon. Perhaps his best trait is his unwavering gaze on greatness, and at 22 and being on of the current youngest UFC fighters, his future looks bright with potential and much promise.
His first fight with UFC came against Zhalgas Zhumagulov UFC on ABC 5 in June 2023 where he won by split decision. His most recent fight in January 2024 came against Felipe Bunes where he won by knockout.
2. Francisco Prado
At just 21 years old, Argentinean fighter Francisco Prado is already making waves in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division. Prado boasts an impressive record of 12-2-0, with a reputation for explosiveness and a finisher’s instinct. He also would be the current youngest UFC fighter if NO.1 on our list wasn’t signed.
Prado’s path to the UFC wasn’t through the typical college wrestling or kickboxing route. He transitioned to MMA competition in 2019. Prado is comfortable striking at range, utilizing his long reach (69 inches) to pepper opponents with jabs and kicks. But don’t be fooled by his striking; he possesses a well-rounded skillset with a surprising knack for submissions, boasting six submission wins (half of his victories) on his record.
Prado made his UFC debut in February 2023 at UFC 284, facing the battle-tested Jamie Mullarkey. Despite a valiant effort, Prado dropped a unanimous decision in a closely contested fight. However, he bounced back impressively in his next outing, securing a dominant first-round knockout against Ottman Azaitar at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva in July 2023. This victory showcased his raw power and fight-ending ability. His most recent fight, however, came in February 2024 at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. It was a hard-fought battle against the more experienced Daniel Zellhuber, ultimately ending in a unanimous decision loss for Prado. This fight, though a setback, highlighted his development and tenacity. Despite facing adversity in the later rounds due to compromised vision, Prado never gave up, showcasing the heart of a true competitor from one of the youngest UFC fighters.
1. Raul Rosas Jr
A lot of people as the question “Who is the youngest UFC fighter”,well, Raúl Rosas Jr. doesn’t just hold the title of the youngest UFC fighter currently – he holds the record for the youngest UFC fighter ever to compete in the organization. Stepping into the Octagon at a mere 17 years and 63 days old, he defeated Mando Gutierrez via first-round knockout, sending shockwaves through the MMA world.
Rosas Jr. hails from Mexico with the nickname “El Niño Problema” (The Problem Child). Despite his age, Rosas Jr. boasts an impressive record of 8-1 with a remarkable 7 finishes. His debut on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular. He dominated Mando Gutierrez, securing a first-round TKO that sent shockwaves through the MMA world. This performance earned him a coveted UFC contract, making him the youngest UFC fighter ever signed by the promotion. His UFC debut at UFC 282 in December 2022 lived up to the hype. He submitted Jay Perrin via a slick rear-naked choke in the first round, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and earning a coveted “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Raul Rosas Jr. is a name to remember. His combination of exceptional young talent, captivating fighting style, his self proclaimed goal of wanting to be the youngest UFC champion ever, and unwavering self-belief makes him a must-watch prospect for any UFC fan. While still early in his career and being one of the youngest UFC fighters and even of the youngest MMA fighters, Rosas Jr. has the potential to become a dominant force in the bantamweight division, potentially rewriting the history books as the youngest UFC champion ever.
These young UFC fighters represent the future of the UFC, and they are already making waves in their respective divisions. With their impressive skill sets and relentless fighting spirit, they are proving that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level of the sport. As they continue to develop and grow as fighters, they are sure to become even more dominant forces in the UFC.