The Top 20 European MMA Prospects to Watch in 2025
Europe has been a consistent source of MMA stars, producing legends from Ireland, Poland, England, and Russia. Today, the continent’s talent pipeline is deeper than ever, with regional promotions serving as proving grounds for tomorrow’s champions. Here are 20 of Europe’s brightest prospects who are on the rise in 2025.
United Kingdom & Ireland
1. George Hardwick (England, Lightweight)
Former Cage Warriors champion with slick boxing and bodywork, known for high finishing rates.
2. Nathan Fletcher (England, Bantamweight)
A Liverpool standout from NextGen MMA, Fletcher is a dangerous grappler with relentless submission hunting.
3. Luke Riley (England, Featherweight)
An exciting striker from NextGen MMA, Riley is undefeated and already a fan favorite for his action-packed style.
4. Adam Shelley (Ireland, Lightweight)
Part of the fast-rising Irish scene, Shelley blends sharp striking with solid wrestling defense.
5. Dylan Tuke (Ireland, Featherweight)
Known as “The Nuke,” Tuke has rebounded strongly in recent years and continues to make noise in Cage Warriors.
France
6. Morgan Charrière (Featherweight)
Ares FC standout and former Cage Warriors champ, Charrière is one of the most popular French fighters not yet signed to the UFC.
7. Cedric Doumbe (Welterweight)
While already a decorated kickboxer, Doumbe remains new in MMA. His knockout power and charisma make him a massive star in Europe.
8. Salahdine Parnasse (Poland/France, Featherweight/Lightweight)
KSW champion who is still only in his mid-20s, regarded as one of the top young fighters in Europe.
Poland & Central Europe
9. Robert Ruchala (Poland, Featherweight)
An undefeated KSW contender with a suffocating grappling style and excellent fight IQ.
10. Damian Piwowarczyk (Poland, Light Heavyweight)
Nicknamed “The Polish Future,” Piwowarczyk has been building momentum in KSW with a dynamic style.
11. Jonas Magard (Denmark, Bantamweight)
Known as “The Shark,” Magard has found success in Oktagon MMA, showcasing strong wrestling and durability.
12. Losene Keita (Belgium, Lightweight/Featherweight)
Oktagon’s double champion with explosive power, Keita is one of Europe’s most talked-about prospects.
Eastern Europe
13. Ibrahima Mane (France/Senegal, Middleweight)
Ares FC powerhouse with highlight-reel knockouts and a big following in France.
14. Mahammad Mokaev (Dagestan/UK, Flyweight)
Still young and considered a prospect despite UFC exposure — a wrestling prodigy with championship potential. (if you want me to exclude UFC fighters completely, I can swap him for another name).
15. Jozef Wittner (Slovakia, Lightweight)
An Oktagon veteran with sharp boxing and momentum in the European lightweight ranks.
Scandinavia
16. Alexander Lööf (Sweden, Bantamweight)
An undefeated Allstars Training Center product with crisp striking and strong defensive grappling.
17. Josefine Knutsson (Sweden, Strawweight)
A former kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter, Knutsson is undefeated in MMA and rising fast in Europe.
18. Kenneth Bergh (Norway, Light Heavyweight)
A proven finisher from the Norwegian circuit with submission-heavy tendencies.
Southern Europe
19. Francesco Mazzeo (Italy, Featherweight)
Italy’s MMA scene is growing, and Mazzeo is a technical striker leading the new wave of Italian prospects.
20. Juan Izquierdo (Spain, Lightweight)
A Spanish standout with a balanced skill set, Izquierdo has been climbing quickly through Ares and Oktagon.
Closing Thoughts
Europe’s MMA scene is as diverse as the continent itself. From Cage Warriors in the UK, to Ares in France, to KSW and Oktagon in Central Europe, the pipeline of talent is booming. Fighters like George Hardwick, Morgan Charrière, Losene Keita, and Robert Ruchala are leading the charge, but the continent is stacked with emerging names.
The future of MMA in Europe looks brighter than ever.
