Christian Edwards
Record: 2-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA
Age: 21
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Oklahoma
Next Fight: TBA
At 21, [autotag]Christian Edwards[/autotag]’ potential ceiling hasn’t even been scraped. As highly touted a fighter as they come on the amateur scene, Edwards elected to sign a multi-fight deal with Bellator upon turning pro. The move will undoubtedly allow Edwards a hand-crafted route to reaching his max potential. Like A.J. McKee, Ed Ruth, and others who signed with a 0-0 record, Edwards will likely face a slow burn. But after his most recent outing at Bellator 233, a 16-second head kick victory, Edwards might be facing tougher opposition quicker than expected. His Jackson Wink MMA coaches and teammates certainly seem to think he’s ready.
Nasrat Haqparast
Record: 11-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC
Age: 24
Weight class: Lightweight
Height: 5’10”
Birthplace: Germany
Next Fight: Jan. 18 vs. Drew Dober at UFC 246 in Las Vegas
When [autotag]Nasrat Haqparast[/autotag] signed with the UFC, some questioned what his ability to hang at the highest level. However, neither his record on paper, nor the skill level of his opponents, was reflective of his pure skills. Crisp boxing, hard punches, and the ability to finish the fight at any time — Haparast possess all of the tools. Training under Firas Zahabi at Montreal’s Tristar has only helped improve his already sharp tools. On Jan. 18, Haqparast will have the opportunity to potentially earn a top-15 matchup should he defeat Drew Dober.
Valerie Loureda
Record: 2-0 MMA, 2-0 BMMA
Age: 21
Weight class: Flyweight
Height: 5’4″
Birthplace: Miami, Fla.
Next Fight: TBA
Just two fights into her pro MMA career, [autotag]Valerie Loureda[/autotag]’s star power has already started to shine. Bringing a strong taekwondo background with her each times she steps in the cage, Loureda has been able to stir up much attention outside of the cage, as well. Her social media presence is strong, with approximately 178,700 followers between her Instagram and Twitter accounts. But don’t get it twisted, Loureda can fight. While still in the early development stages of her career, Loureda has passed both of her Bellator tests with relative ease.
Zabit Magomedsharipov
Record: 18-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC
Age: 28
Weight class: Featherweight
Height: 6’1″
Birthplace: Russia
Next Fight: TBA
It’s crazy to think [autotag]Zabit Magomedsharipov[/autotag] is two years shy of 30. The flashy Russian striker has already captivated MMA fans around the world on the biggest stage. With wins over fellow contenders Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar, Magomedsharipov is closer than ever to getting his first crack at UFC gold. The 6-foot-1 featherweight presents a unique stylistic matchup. Whether it be newly crowned UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, Chan Sung Jung, Yair Rodriguez, or someone else, expect Magomedsharipov to be booked for a major fight soon.