Get to Know the Fresh Faces in UFC: The 14 New Signees of October 2023
As the UFC universe continues to expand, we are introduced to new, exciting talent every month. Opportunity knocks for these fighters as they step into the most competitive arena of MMA, bringing with them their unique fighting styles, uncontainable energy, and the hope of making a significant impact. October 2023 was no different, as it saw 14 new signees, each poised to leave their mark in UFC history. In this edition of “Fresh Faces,” we get to know these fighters and the diverse backgrounds from which they originate.
Rodolfo Bellato
Rodolfo Bellato, a force to be reckoned with, has indeed made his mark in the UFC light heavyweight division. Presently carrying a record of 11-2 when signed, the 27-year-old Bellato has proven himself to be a formidable fighter.
His debut on Dec. 2 against Ihor Potieria at UFC Fight Night in Austin showcased his vigorous fighting spirit. Bellato’s journey to UFC was an extraordinary one, with his knockout of Murtaza Talha in early October on DWCS being a key highlight. Known for his “do-or-die” attitude and explosive style, Bellato has yielded impressive results with 10 finishes in 11 wins.
His aggressive approach and steely determination make Bellato an intriguing addition to the UFC roster, and fans are waiting in anticipation to see how he will continue to shape his UFC career.
Rayanne Dos Santos
Dos Santos, a champion in her own right, is making a significant move from Invicta FC to the UFC. This 28-year-old warrior from Brazil has shown her mettle in the atomweight division, entering the UFC on a high note with a three-fight winning streak. She has proven her worth by clinching gold against Jillian DeCoursey in a unanimous decision, following consecutive wins over Vitoria Karolina and Katie Saull.
Stepping up to the strawweight division, Dos Santos is set to make her debut, the date of which is yet to be announced. Her formidable record and undeniable resilience are sure to make Dos Santos a powerful new addition to the strawweight roster.
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov
Hailing from Bahrain, Gadzhiyasulov joins the UFC’s Light heavyweight division with an unblemished record. At the age of 29 and 8-0 when signed, Gadzhiyasulov made his presence known by maintaining an undefeated streak. His unanimous decision victory over Jose Medina on DWCS secured him a coveted UFC contract. Before his UFC journey, Gadzhiyasulov showcased his talents in various promotions like Brave CF and Eagle FC.
As we eagerly anticipate his UFC debut, the date of which is yet to be announced, Gadzhiyasulov is poised to bring his undeterred spirit and undefeated record into the octagon. His signing certainly adds depth to the UFC’s Light heavyweight class, and fans are keen to see how this new talent fares against the established fighters in the division.
Victor Hugo
Hugo, a seasoned fighter entering the UFC’s bantamweight division, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for spectacular submissions. Hugo was 30 years old and held a record of 24-4 when he signed. His debut was an eagerly anticipated match against the undefeated Daniel Marcos (15-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 231 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
His entrance into DWCS was marked by one of the show’s most impressive kneebars, a move that greatly impressed the UFC brass and set the stage for his quick promotional debut in his home country. With his wealth of experience and technical skills, Hugo is expected to be a formidable contender in the bantamweight division.
Andre Lima
Lima is a knockout artist with an undefeated professional record and entering the UFC’s flyweight division. The 24-year-old fighter was 7-0 when he signed his contract, making him an exciting addition to the UFC roster. Lima claimed his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he defeated Rickson Zenidim by unanimous decision. This fight marked only the second time Lima’s bouts went to the judges’ scorecards, as five of his seven career wins came by way of knockout. Lima’s debut date remains to be announced, but with his impressive striking power and proven finishing ability, anticipation is already building for his first step into the UFC Octagon.
Connor Matthews
Matthews, a member of the growing New England Cartel contingent in the UFC, has finally secured his place in the featherweight division. Matthews, who was 31 years old and held a record of 7-1 when signed, was a lesson in perseverance, earning his UFC contract after a unanimous decision victory over Jair Farias on DWCS.
This marked Matthews’ third appearance on the series, having previously competed in 2022, fighting t in front of Dana White during a taping of “Dana White: Lookin for a Fight.” The date of Matthews’ UFC debut is yet to be announced.
Brendon Marotte
Another notable member of the New England Cartel, Marotte made his UFC debut up a weight class on short notice. Signed at the age of 27, Marotte jumped on this opportunity despite the challenge it presented. His debut, however, was a rough start, with Marotte suffering a 20-second TKO loss to Terrance McKinney in the first round at UFC Fight Night 230 in Las Vegas.
Despite this early setback, Marotte is poised for a second chance at his natural weight class. With a record of six finishes in eight wins, Marotte’s potential as a fighter is undeniable. Fans and experts alike are looking forward to his return to the Octagon, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his true skill set in his preferred weight class.
Marquel Mederos
Mederos, a rising star in the UFC’s lightweight division, has an impressive track record that he brings to the table. The 26-year-old signed with an 8-1 record, and has made his mark in the fighting world with his stunning knockout capabilities.
His winning streak was extended to five after his jaw-dropping knockout knee against Issa Isakov in Dana White’s Contender Series, a victory that earned him a coveted UFC contract. Mederos trains with Factory X and boasts six knockouts in his eight wins, making him a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
The date for his eagerly-anticipated UFC debut is yet to be announced. With his striking ability and tenacity, Mederos is certainly a fighter to keep an eye on as he begins his UFC journey.
Jose Medina
Medina has already made history by becoming the first Bolivia-born fighter to sign with the UFC. Despite a tough unanimous decision loss on DWCS, Medina’s heart and determination caught the attention of UFC CEO Dana White, earning him a spot in the promotion.
Signed with a respectable record of 11-3, Medina entered DWCS on the back of a six-fight winning streak. Intriguingly, he claims to have achieved this high level of success without the guidance of a dedicated MMA coach, something he hopes to change now that he’s part of the UFC. The date for his debut is still undetermined, but the anticipation is palpable.
Lucas Rocha
A promising young fighter with an impressive record, Rocha is set to debut in the UFC’s bantamweight division. At just 23, Rocha boasts an impressive 17 wins in 18 fights, displaying remarkable consistency early in his career.
His most notable victory came against rival Davi Bittencourt, where he demonstrated his lethal knee strike in Round 2. Despite a minor setback when a fight was postponed due to Rocha missing weight, he rebounded with a decisive victory the following week. As we await Rocha’s UFC debut, it’s clear that he brings a new level of competitiveness to the bantamweight division.
Mauricio Ruffy
Ruffy is a 30-year-old welterweight fighter who recently emerged victorious from his DWCS bout against Raimond Magomedaliev, finishing him off with only 15 seconds left on the clock. This was a significant win for Ruffy, extending his winning streak to four and securing his place on the UFC roster. A member of the Fighting Nerds team, Ruffy is set to join his teammates Carlos Prates, Jean Silva, and Caio Borralho in the UFC. His debut match is yet to be announced.
Oumar Sy
Sy, an impressive product in the light heavyweight division, is the latest addition to the UFC roster. The 27-year-old was signed with a standout record of 9-0, showcasing his dominance in the ring. Having competed three times under the KSW banner from July 2022 to June 2023, Sy has proven his mettle against formidable opponents.
His MMA journey also includes stints at reputable organizations like Eagle FC, ARES FC, and OKTAGON. Known for his brutal knockout power and submission prowess, Sy is a large, light heavyweight who has been on UFC’s radar for a while.
Ramon Taveras
A standout in the bantamweight division, Taveras seized his opportunity in the recent season of DWCS. Initially falling short due to a contested referee stoppage, Taveras was granted a second chance by Dana White. Taveras’ return was nothing short of sensational, as he dispatched Cortavious Romious in just 29 seconds. This stunning victory earned Taveras his place in the UFC.
Signed at 29 with a solid 9-2 record, Taveras is set to make his UFC debut on Jan. 20 against Serhiy Sidey, the same fighter who stood at the center of his controversial first DWCS bout. This rematch represents not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity for Taveras to firmly establish himself within the UFC’s highly competitive bantamweight division.
Puja Tomar
Tomar, a trailblazer in the world of MMA, made history by becoming the first India-born woman to sign with UFC. Tomar, who competes in the strawweight division, has shown exceptional prowess in her MMA journey, entering the UFC on a three-fight winning streak.
From 2017 to 2020, she competed in ONE Championship, where she managed to score a win along with three losses in MMA and one loss in Muay Thai. Her debut in the UFC is highly anticipated, marking a significant milestone not just for Tomar but also for the representation and growth of MMA in India. At 27, she brings a wealth of experience and an indomitable spirit to the UFC, ready to carve out her legacy in this esteemed promotion.
Final Thoughts
As we look ahead to another exciting year of UFC, these promising fighters each bring unique skills and strategies to the arena. Keep an eye on the FanDuel UFC odds to get a sense of these fighters’ potential impact in their respective divisions. With their determination, talent, and drive to succeed, these fighters are sure to make a lasting impression on the MMA world.
