5 prospects to watch out for at UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev

UFC 280, one of the most highly anticipated pay-per-views of 2022, will be underway this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event features two championship bouts and some of the biggest names in the sport, in addition to multiple up-and-coming prospects.

Sean O'Malley, although technically a prospect, is one of the most well-known fighters on the roster. This article explores the fighters that perhaps aren't getting the attention that their matchups warrant, and as such, 'Sugar' has been excluded.

On that note, here are five under-the-radar prospects to watch out for at UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev.

#5. Zubaira Tukhugov (20-5-1 MMA, 5-2-1 UFC)

After compiling a six-fight win streak on the Russian regional MMA scene, Zubaira Tukhugov signed with the UFC in 2013. 'Warrior' joined his teammate and compatriot Khabib Nurmagomedov on the roster and kicked off his UFC career with three straight wins.

However, he has struggled with inconsistency since then. Tukhugov has won just two of his last five bouts. Split-decision losses to Renato Moicano and Hakeem Dawodu, and a split-draw against Leron Murphy, have derailed his progression.

As such, despite having been on the roster for close to a decade, he is yet to break into the featherweight top 15. Tukhugov is now 31 years old and needs to string together a win streak if he is to ascend the 145-pound ranks.

At UFC 280, the Russian will square off against Lucas Almeida, who is coming off an emphatic performance in his octagon debut earlier this year. This matchup could turn out to be a make-or-break moment with regards to Tukhugov's championship aspirations.

#4. Muhammad Mokaev (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC)

Muhammad Mokaev is arguably the most credentialled prospect on the roster. The Russian-born Brit enjoyed a stellar amateur career before turning pro two years ago and has been on a scorching run of form ever since.

At just 21, the former two-time IMMAF champion already has a wealth of experience behind him. Mokaev has even set a lofty goal for himself – to become the youngest ever UFC champion – a record currently held by Jon Jones.

Muhammad Mokaev kicked off his UFC career in style, submitting Cody Durden in his promotional debut. He picked up his second octagon win just a few months later, dominating Charles Johnson en route to a conclusive unanimous decision victory.

Mokaev's well-rounded and dynamic style of fighting is a sight to behold. Despite being so young, he's hardly shown any holes in his game thus far. While he is primarily a wrestler-grappler, his striking is top notch and is seemingly getting better with every passing fight.

For his third fight in 2022, 'The Punisher' is set to take on Malcolm Gordon. Another dominant showing will likely earn Mokaev a ranked contender next, setting him on his way to realizing his dream.

#3. Mateusz Gamrot (21-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC)

Following a scintillating run at Polish MMA promotion KSW, wherein he claimed the featherweight and lightweight championships, Mateusz Gamrot signed with the UFC with an unblemished record comprising 17 wins and no losses.

'Gamer' has since emerged as one of the most dangerous lightweights around. Training at the renowned and star-studded American Top Team gym in Florida has taken his skills to another level.

Mateusz Gamrot lost his promotional debut to fellow rising lightweight Guram Kutateladze via a narrow and debatable split-decision, which many believed to be egregious on the part of the judges. Nevertheless, the Polish phenom bounced back with four wins on the trot, accruing three post-fight bonuses along the way.

Gamrot is impeccably well-rounded, with seven knockouts and five submissions under his belt. He is also very durable, evident in his wars against Kutateladze and Arman Tsarukyan.

His win over Tsarukyan saw him claim the No.9 spot on the 155-pound ladder. He will have a chance to break into the top tier of the division when he takes on No.6-ranked Beneil Dariush.

With the lightweight title set to be contested in the pay-per-view headliner between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev, a statement-making win against a veteran like Dariush will see Gamrot move tantalizingly close to a shot at gold.

#2. Manon Fiorot (9-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC)

Valentina Shevchenko's reign over the flyweight division has seen interest in the women's 125-pound weight class take a hit. Shevchenko appears to be head-and-shoulder's above her peers and is typically a massive betting favorite going into her title defenses.

One fighter who could definitely give the flyweight queen a run for her money is France's Manon Fiorot, who has slowly but surely put herself in the title conversation.

After claiming the EFC and UAE Warriors flyweight titles, Manon Fiorot joined the UFC last year. She has already picked up four wins inside the octagon, including two TKO finishes and two comfortable decisions. Fiorot's winning streak saw her climb to the No.7 spot in the 125-pound rankings.

Like Valentina Shevchenko, Fiorot also boasts excellent striking. The French flyweight hasn't looked out of depth in the UFC thus far, which goes to show that she is indeed a world-class championship caliber fighter. 'The Beast' is now just one win away from a shot at gold.

Fiorot will lock horns with former title challenger and No.1-ranked contender Katlyn Chookagian at the Etihad Arena on Saturday. This will be a true litmus test of her potential, and if she makes it look easy, expect her to fight for the belt in her subsequent outing.

#1. Sean Brady (15-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC)

Sean Brady is among the most highly touted prospects in the UFC. The up-and-coming welterweight signed with the promotion back in 2019 and has enjoyed an impressive rise up the 170-pound pecking order. Brady's five wins thus far inside the octagon have vaulted the American to the No.8 spot in the rankings.

In his most recent appearance, Sean Brady throroughly outclassed grappling specialist Michael Chiesa to establish himself as one of the biggest submission threats in the division. The Philadelphia-native is just 29 years old and if he continues on his current trajectory, we could have a potential future champion on our hands.

With the rise of Brady, rising superstar Khamzat Chimaev and divisional dark horse Shavkat Rakhmonov, there appears to be a new wave of welterweights on the come-up. All three fighters have never tasted defeat and it remains to be seen which of the trio will go on to claim 170-pound gold first.

At UFC 280 this weekend, Brady could edge one step closer to a title shot with a win over perennial contender Belal Muhammad, who occupies the No.5 spot in the rankings. If he manages to uphold his unbeaten record and emerge victorious, he will undoubtedly be in the title mix as he enters his prime.