The first instalment of “Five fighters to sign for the UFC in 2016” started in Scotland and you can read that article HERE.
But we are now moving South of the border into England and look at five British fighters that we deem appropriate to get signed up to the UFC in 2016.
As always let us know your thoughts/comments/feedback on our facebook and twitter account.
Martin “.50 Cal” Stapleton (17-4 MMA)
In my eyes it’s a crime that we haven’t yet seen Stapleton grace the UFC with his skills but the SBG Manchester Lightweight fighter is probably riding one of the best streaks of his career at present. With four back to back stoppage wins over some tough European names, Stapleton has captured the BAMMA World Lightweight Title and is arguably one of the best 155lbers in Europe. He did have a stint Stateside under the Bellator banner but never really looked himself inside the cage and since cutting ties with them seems a completely different fighter. Stapleton would be a great addition to any European UFC card and it would be shocking if we didn’t see him don the UFC gloves in 2016.
Brendan Loughnane (10-2 MMA)
Loughnane isn’t a name unfamiliar with the UFC after his stint on the Ultimate Fighter in 2012 which saw him get to the semi-final before losing a decision to the shows winner Norman Parke. But Loughnane has evolved and grown since then and has stormed through the European scene picking up a record of 5-1, with his only loss a highly contested split decision to Tom Duquesnoy. Loughnane is looking to stay active in 2016 and has a Lightweight bout at FCC arranged for early March and with the UFC already announcing three European shows in 2016, Loughnane should stay fight ready for a well-deserved call-up.
Luke “Bigslow” Barnatt (9-3 MMA)
Luke Barnatt had a tough time inside the UFC and in my opinion was probably unjustifiably cut from the promotion. I think personally he is probably only two big European wins away from getting back in there. He had a tough fight against Mattia Schiavolin at Venator FC in December to pick up their Middleweight strap and is next up at BCMMA against Rafael Silva. Not only does Barnatt have the fighting skills to get him back to the UFC but he is also great in front of the camera and I think the UFC had some good plans for him which will hopefully happen again if he gets another shot.
Marc “Bonecrusher” Diakese (8-0 MMA)
Diakese has continued to prove he is one of the best up and coming Lightweights in the UK racking up eight wins on the bounce and setting up a huge Lightweight grudge match with rival Kane Mousah at #BAMMA25 on 14th May. Diakese picked up the BAMMA Lonsdale Lightweight Title in devastating fashion, knocking out Rick Selvarajah in just 24 seconds which was a real middle finger to those doubting his ability to stop a fight. If Diakese is able to get past Mousah in devastating fashion, he certainly puts himself way in line for a UFC call-up.
Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (9-1 MMA)
It’s just a matter of time until we see Pimblett in the Octagon and I think that 2016 could definitely be the year for Pimblett. Currently riding a five fight win streak, Pimblett has a scary ground game and with this has come on leaps and bounds in his stand up knowing that if the bout hits the ground he is probably odds on favourite to take the win. He has a crazy confidence in his own ability which shouldn’t be mistaken for arrogance and if we don’t get to see him inside the UFC soon then I will eat my hat.