The UK boasts numerous MMA legends who have already added their names to the history of this sport. Iconic Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall prove that British athletes know how to defeat opponents and remain at the top of the UFC rankings. The new generation of emerging fighters is entering the stage, with many of them having the potential to break into the leaderboard and demonstrate their skills globally. Are you already aware of the most promising athletes that the UK is proud of?
Oban Elliott, Welterweight
The rising star from Wales represents the emerging generation of athletes projected to become the future of this sport. Elliott signed a contract with the UFC in 2024 and has already secured several wins in the promotion, demonstrating his consistency and durability. He’s known for his aggressive style and high fight IQ.
Succeeding in the competitive welterweight division isn’t an easy task, but Elliott’s submission skills and well-thought-out tactics continue to bring him success. He holds a professional record of 12 wins and 3 losses and is actively competing in the UFC as of late 2025. Viewers follow his performance with bated breath, as everyone is excited about whether the fighter appears in the top rankings.
Chris Duncan, Lightweight
Scotland’s Chris “The Problem” Duncan is a standout in the Lightweight division, having secured his contract via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. Duncan is a powerful striker with an impressive professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses. Since his UFC debut in 2023, he has consistently showcased his explosive power and added impressive victories to his resume.
Duncan’s recent form includes a key unanimous decision win in August 2025, proving his ability to overcome tough opposition. He is currently scheduled to face Terrance McKinney in December 2025, a fight that could significantly boost his profile in the crowded 155-pound division and potentially propel him toward the rankings. For fans looking to support their wagers, he is often listed as a favourite on UK betting sites with no ID verification, reflecting his strong public backing and popularity in the UK.
Sam Patterson, Lightweight
Sam “The Future” Patterson is another promising Lightweight who earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. With a professional record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, Patterson has demonstrated his versatility and finishing ability inside the Octagon.
Patterson’s key advantage lies in his long reach for the division and his dangerous submission game, making him a threat both on the feet and on the mat. He has secured multiple impressive finishes in the UFC in 2024 and 2025, including a knockout win in September 2025. Patterson continues to build momentum, establishing himself as a significant force in the Lightweight ranks.
Luke Riley, Featherweight
The undefeated Featherweight Luke Riley is one of the most highly-touted prospects emerging from the UK. With an immaculate professional record of 11 wins and 0 losses, the Liverpool native was a major star in the Cage Warriors promotion, renowned for his dynamic striking and high percentage of finishes via KO/TKO.
Riley is scheduled to make his much-anticipated UFC debut against Bogdan Grad in November 2025. Hailing from the Next Generation gym, the same camp as Paddy Pimblett, Riley is poised to bring his thrilling, aggressive style to the global stage and is expected to rapidly ascend the Featherweight ladder. Fans also monitor his fighter income in MMA as he progresses in his career.
Kennedy Freeman, Women’s Flyweight
The major addition to the Women’s Flyweight division is the undefeated Kennedy “The Machine 2.0” Freeman. With a perfect professional record of 6 wins and 0 losses, Freeman signed with the promotion in December 2024, signalling a fresh challenge to the 125-pound ranks.
Freeman has a high finishing rate, demonstrating the ability to end fights with TKO stoppages. Though an injury caused her to withdraw from an August 2025 bout, her potential remains immense. Freeman’s arrival has energised the women’s divisions, and fans eagerly await her first appearance in the UFC to see if she can maintain her flawless record against the world’s best.
The Final Word
The British MMA scene is evolving, with many talented fighters actively building their careers on the UFC’s global stage. The aggressive boxing style of Oban Elliott, the explosive power of Chris Duncan, and the undefeated potential of Luke Riley and Kennedy Freeman make them the main contenders to reach the top lists. All these fighters have massive potential to conquer the UFC with their excellent performance, which encourages fans to keep an eye on upcoming events.
