- George Chung
- Sep 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Daniel Zellhuber is one of the UFC’s hottest rising prospects in the lightweight division, and as he heads into his fifth UFC fight at UFC 306, all eyes are on the "Golden Boy." Set to face Esteban Ribovics, Zellhuber is on a mission to extend his three-fight win streak and prove why he’s a future star at 155 pounds.
The lightweight division has long been a breeding ground for elite talent, and Zellhuber’s 15-1 record (3-1 in the UFC) shows he’s on the fast track to join the ranks of legendary champions. With 10 finishes under his belt, including submissions and knockouts, Zellhuber has demonstrated he’s a well-rounded fighter with a bright future ahead.
Zellhuber’s journey began after being bullied as a child. His father introduced him to boxing, but it wasn’t until age 12, when he discovered MMA, that he found his true passion. Fast-forward to his professional debut in 2016, and he quickly rattled off 11 straight victories, earning his shot on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. A decision win there secured him a UFC contract, and though he stumbled in his UFC debut against Trey Ogden, Zellhuber has rebounded with three straight wins.
His first UFC victory came against seasoned veteran Lando Vannata at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen, a fight that showcased Zellhuber’s skillset and fight IQ. He followed up that performance with a statement win over Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2, where he displayed both his striking and submission skills, finishing Giagos with an anaconda choke.
Most recently, Zellhuber took on Francisco Prado in Mexico City at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. Zellhuber dominated the fight with an array of striking techniques—kicks, knees, and punches—leading to a unanimous decision victory. The dominance of his performance had him wondering how the fight even made it to the scorecards.
As he prepares to take on Esteban Ribovics at UFC 306, Zellhuber is looking to make another statement win. With the lightweight division stacked with names like Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett, Zellhuber is positioning himself as a standout among the new generation of fighters. A win at UFC 306 could propel him toward a spot in the Top 15 and put him one step closer to a title shot.
Don't miss UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili, live from Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, 2024. Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, and the main card kicks off on PPV at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT!
