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This post is dedicated to the heavyweight prototype of the modern prospect scouting era, Guram Gugenishvili. Please see this video posted in honor of his memory. Guram's memorial video.
For previous Unsigned Heavyweights threads, please see the following links: Thread One
Due to the overall scope of the heavyweight division, and the visibility most new prospects receive as opposed to other divisions, I thought it would be interesting to post my personal list of upcoming heavyweights that could eventually make their way into a major promotion.
I've only listed fighters who have never been signed by the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, or Bellator, with preference to fighters under 35. Factors I've taken into account when profiling fighters are: Age, camp, record, level of opposition, dedication (fight consistency and athleticism), and skill-set.
Please feel free to post your own prospects, and promote discussion of heavyweights outside major organizations in this thread to make it a continuing resource for fans and insiders alike.
1. Marcin Tybura
Height: 6'3" Weight: 248 Age: 29 Reach: N/A Rec: 12-0
Tybura was a rather unlikely prospect to ascend to the best heavyweight not fighting in a major organization. Originally heralded as an undefeated fighter with a notable split decision win over Szymon Bajor, Tybura made waves with his strength and ground fighting supremacy courtesy of a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu brown belt. As a developing striker Tybura relies on his strong takedowns and extreme physicality on the ground. Tybura has a physique very reminiscent of The Last Emperor, and while he isn't winning any body building competitions, he has excellent core strength and has shown moments of explosiveness that could become much more defining of his style the more he improves.
2. Denis Smoldarev
Height: 6'7" Weight: 261 Age: 24 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-1
Nicknamed Brock Lesnar by his peers due to his similar characteristics, Smoldarev is the largest heavyweight on the list. The comparisons to Lesnar end with appearance however, as Smoldarev hails from a striking background. Smoldarev's striking is powerful and crisp, a feature that is readily apparent in his kicks and knees, but it's his pure physicality that allows him to bully his way into favorable positions whether it be on the ground or on the feet, often causing opponents to relent early in the fight. Smoldarev could be the fighter heralded as the top heavyweight prospect in the near future, however he will need to work on his defensive wrestling and ability to overcome more durable fighters.
3. Smealinho Rama
Height: 6'0" Weight: 240 Age: 22 Reach: 74" Rec: 9-1
One of the most explosive and well rounded heavyweights on this list and also one of the youngest, Rama is an ever evolving fighter that has all the tools to make an impact on the division. Tearing through every notable Canadian heavyweight on the scene, Rama made a name for himself in Alberta's MFC promotion. Rama is versed in every aspect of the game, has excellent hips and movement, and is a natural learner. His skill-set in general is still in its youth, much as he is, and can sometimes see him overwhelmed in facets of the MMA game where others are highly disciplined. However Rama's well roundedness allows him to take the fight where he is comfortable and execute complex gameplans. His cardio seems much improved lately as he outlasted Steve Mocco's takedowns and came back strong and energetic deep into the 3rd round. Rama is a masterpiece in progress, a fighter with all the tools to become a top 10 heavyweight.
4. Denis Goltsov
Height: 6'5" Weight: 232 Age: 24 Reach: N/A Rec: 13-4
An accomplished striker and opportunistic grappler, Goltsov had a rough start to his career, earning 3 submission losses and a TKO to fellow heavyweight Alexander Volkov. Goltsov stands at a very lean 6'5, however despite his thinner frame, he carries explosive one punch knockout power. Goltsov has recently proven his losses were simply growing pains, and has compiled an impressive resume of wins over veterans and prospects alike.
5. Yosef Ali Mohammad
Height: 6'7" Weight: 250 Age: 26 Reach: N/A Rec: 4-1
Lengthy Swedish grappler Yosef Ali Mohammad is an interesting wild card that could end up being one of the best heavyweights to ever come out of Europe. Ali Mohammad is monstrously athletic for his frame and moves like a much lighter fighter. Like most European heavyweights, Ali Mohammad suffers from a lacking wrestling game, and is still obviously new to the techniques and nuances that will allow him to overcome Russian and American adversaries with strong takedowns. His ability to fly around the ring, striking at odd angles and generally doing the things lightweights are capable of makes him dangerous to anyone who can't slow down his attacks. Ali Mohammad also has a good submission game, enabling him some offense when grounded and affording him more options to finish fighters who become overwhelmed by his strikes.
6. Cody East
Height: 6'3" Weight: 241 Age: 26 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-1
The less athletic but more skilled of the two East brothers, Cody has shown to be a solid, well rounded fighter with developing cardio. Cody's boxing is the trade he peddles in MMA, and his 67% TKO ratio shows it. Training out of New Mexico, Cody has chances to train at high level camps such as Jackson/Winklejohn. Cody's entrance into a big promotion will largely depend on future victories, as his strength of competition has been an issue in determining his true ability.
7. Brandon Griffin
Height: 6'3" Weight: 232 Age: 28 Reach: N/A Rec: 4-0
What little we know about the whirlwind that is Brandon Griffin comes in less than 10 minutes of fight footage spread out amongst 7 fights. As a lighter athletically built heavyweight, Griffin holds a massive speed advantage over his often larger and slower opponents. This speed advantage is what gives Griffin the thrusters to rocket into his adversaries, bombarding them with punches, tenacious takedowns, and unrelenting ground and pound. Griffin could end up being a fast starter who looks like a world champion in the first round much like Sokoudjou in his early fighting years, or there could really be something special about the 28 year old Colorado fighter. As of now, we can only guess what Griffin's cardio, fight IQ, and ability to maintain pressure against opponents with greater fortitude will be, but if he can maintain his pace for a full 15 minutes he will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
8. Curtis Blaydes
Height: 6'4" Weight: 245 Age: 23 Reach: 83" Rec: 3-0
Heavyweight NJCAA wrestling champion Curtis "Razor" Blaydes is a rare find in the heavyweight division. With the same amateur wrestling credentials as UFC champion Jon Jones, Blaydes is a proven athlete with enormous potential. Blaydes earlier fights were showcased by strong ground and pound courtesy of his wrestling base, however more recent fights have shown Blaydes developing his striking at a rapid pace. Whether his skills will ever match his athleticism is something that will be left for time to tell, and something that we should all be watching for intently.
9. Karol Bedorf
Height: 6'2" Weight: 257 Age: 31 Reach: 78.5" Rec: 11-2
KSW's talent at heavyweight and BJJ black belt, Bedorf makes the profiles list more-so due to his consistency than any other factor. Bedorf nullifies opponents strengths and works on their weaknesses well, as displayed in his recent fights against David Olivia and Karl Knothe, stifling Olivia's wrestling attack and wearing down Knothe over 3 rounds. Aside from Francis Carmont in 2007, Bedorf has had problems when facing mid level competition, dropping bouts to journeymen Alexey Oleinik and Rogent Lloret.
10. Magomed Malikov
Height: 6'0" Weight: 235 Age: 32 Reach: N/A Rec: 7-3
Malikov has had ups and downs in his career. As a sort of perennial prospect Malikov has remained relevant and on the radar for years as he's racked up amazing wins and disappointing losses. Malikov is a stocky striker with excellent accuracy and speed fortified by solid wrestling ability. Malikov does have weaknesses in his game that have been his undoing in his two losses, the first being his submission defense, and the second his conditioning. If Malikov improves his submission defense and gets his cardio up to the point where he can go 3 full rounds while maintaining pressure and power, he will undoubtedly be a future big show acquisition.
For previous Unsigned Heavyweights threads, please see the following links: Thread One
Due to the overall scope of the heavyweight division, and the visibility most new prospects receive as opposed to other divisions, I thought it would be interesting to post my personal list of upcoming heavyweights that could eventually make their way into a major promotion.
I've only listed fighters who have never been signed by the UFC, Pride, Strikeforce, or Bellator, with preference to fighters under 35. Factors I've taken into account when profiling fighters are: Age, camp, record, level of opposition, dedication (fight consistency and athleticism), and skill-set.
Please feel free to post your own prospects, and promote discussion of heavyweights outside major organizations in this thread to make it a continuing resource for fans and insiders alike.
1. Marcin Tybura
Height: 6'3" Weight: 248 Age: 29 Reach: N/A Rec: 12-0
Tybura was a rather unlikely prospect to ascend to the best heavyweight not fighting in a major organization. Originally heralded as an undefeated fighter with a notable split decision win over Szymon Bajor, Tybura made waves with his strength and ground fighting supremacy courtesy of a Brazilian Ju-Jitsu brown belt. As a developing striker Tybura relies on his strong takedowns and extreme physicality on the ground. Tybura has a physique very reminiscent of The Last Emperor, and while he isn't winning any body building competitions, he has excellent core strength and has shown moments of explosiveness that could become much more defining of his style the more he improves.
2. Denis Smoldarev
Height: 6'7" Weight: 261 Age: 24 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-1
Nicknamed Brock Lesnar by his peers due to his similar characteristics, Smoldarev is the largest heavyweight on the list. The comparisons to Lesnar end with appearance however, as Smoldarev hails from a striking background. Smoldarev's striking is powerful and crisp, a feature that is readily apparent in his kicks and knees, but it's his pure physicality that allows him to bully his way into favorable positions whether it be on the ground or on the feet, often causing opponents to relent early in the fight. Smoldarev could be the fighter heralded as the top heavyweight prospect in the near future, however he will need to work on his defensive wrestling and ability to overcome more durable fighters.
3. Smealinho Rama
Height: 6'0" Weight: 240 Age: 22 Reach: 74" Rec: 9-1
One of the most explosive and well rounded heavyweights on this list and also one of the youngest, Rama is an ever evolving fighter that has all the tools to make an impact on the division. Tearing through every notable Canadian heavyweight on the scene, Rama made a name for himself in Alberta's MFC promotion. Rama is versed in every aspect of the game, has excellent hips and movement, and is a natural learner. His skill-set in general is still in its youth, much as he is, and can sometimes see him overwhelmed in facets of the MMA game where others are highly disciplined. However Rama's well roundedness allows him to take the fight where he is comfortable and execute complex gameplans. His cardio seems much improved lately as he outlasted Steve Mocco's takedowns and came back strong and energetic deep into the 3rd round. Rama is a masterpiece in progress, a fighter with all the tools to become a top 10 heavyweight.
4. Denis Goltsov
Height: 6'5" Weight: 232 Age: 24 Reach: N/A Rec: 13-4
An accomplished striker and opportunistic grappler, Goltsov had a rough start to his career, earning 3 submission losses and a TKO to fellow heavyweight Alexander Volkov. Goltsov stands at a very lean 6'5, however despite his thinner frame, he carries explosive one punch knockout power. Goltsov has recently proven his losses were simply growing pains, and has compiled an impressive resume of wins over veterans and prospects alike.
5. Yosef Ali Mohammad
Height: 6'7" Weight: 250 Age: 26 Reach: N/A Rec: 4-1
Lengthy Swedish grappler Yosef Ali Mohammad is an interesting wild card that could end up being one of the best heavyweights to ever come out of Europe. Ali Mohammad is monstrously athletic for his frame and moves like a much lighter fighter. Like most European heavyweights, Ali Mohammad suffers from a lacking wrestling game, and is still obviously new to the techniques and nuances that will allow him to overcome Russian and American adversaries with strong takedowns. His ability to fly around the ring, striking at odd angles and generally doing the things lightweights are capable of makes him dangerous to anyone who can't slow down his attacks. Ali Mohammad also has a good submission game, enabling him some offense when grounded and affording him more options to finish fighters who become overwhelmed by his strikes.
6. Cody East
Height: 6'3" Weight: 241 Age: 26 Reach: N/A Rec: 9-1
The less athletic but more skilled of the two East brothers, Cody has shown to be a solid, well rounded fighter with developing cardio. Cody's boxing is the trade he peddles in MMA, and his 67% TKO ratio shows it. Training out of New Mexico, Cody has chances to train at high level camps such as Jackson/Winklejohn. Cody's entrance into a big promotion will largely depend on future victories, as his strength of competition has been an issue in determining his true ability.
7. Brandon Griffin
Height: 6'3" Weight: 232 Age: 28 Reach: N/A Rec: 4-0
What little we know about the whirlwind that is Brandon Griffin comes in less than 10 minutes of fight footage spread out amongst 7 fights. As a lighter athletically built heavyweight, Griffin holds a massive speed advantage over his often larger and slower opponents. This speed advantage is what gives Griffin the thrusters to rocket into his adversaries, bombarding them with punches, tenacious takedowns, and unrelenting ground and pound. Griffin could end up being a fast starter who looks like a world champion in the first round much like Sokoudjou in his early fighting years, or there could really be something special about the 28 year old Colorado fighter. As of now, we can only guess what Griffin's cardio, fight IQ, and ability to maintain pressure against opponents with greater fortitude will be, but if he can maintain his pace for a full 15 minutes he will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.
8. Curtis Blaydes
Height: 6'4" Weight: 245 Age: 23 Reach: 83" Rec: 3-0
Heavyweight NJCAA wrestling champion Curtis "Razor" Blaydes is a rare find in the heavyweight division. With the same amateur wrestling credentials as UFC champion Jon Jones, Blaydes is a proven athlete with enormous potential. Blaydes earlier fights were showcased by strong ground and pound courtesy of his wrestling base, however more recent fights have shown Blaydes developing his striking at a rapid pace. Whether his skills will ever match his athleticism is something that will be left for time to tell, and something that we should all be watching for intently.
9. Karol Bedorf
Height: 6'2" Weight: 257 Age: 31 Reach: 78.5" Rec: 11-2
KSW's talent at heavyweight and BJJ black belt, Bedorf makes the profiles list more-so due to his consistency than any other factor. Bedorf nullifies opponents strengths and works on their weaknesses well, as displayed in his recent fights against David Olivia and Karl Knothe, stifling Olivia's wrestling attack and wearing down Knothe over 3 rounds. Aside from Francis Carmont in 2007, Bedorf has had problems when facing mid level competition, dropping bouts to journeymen Alexey Oleinik and Rogent Lloret.
10. Magomed Malikov
Height: 6'0" Weight: 235 Age: 32 Reach: N/A Rec: 7-3
Malikov has had ups and downs in his career. As a sort of perennial prospect Malikov has remained relevant and on the radar for years as he's racked up amazing wins and disappointing losses. Malikov is a stocky striker with excellent accuracy and speed fortified by solid wrestling ability. Malikov does have weaknesses in his game that have been his undoing in his two losses, the first being his submission defense, and the second his conditioning. If Malikov improves his submission defense and gets his cardio up to the point where he can go 3 full rounds while maintaining pressure and power, he will undoubtedly be a future big show acquisition.
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