- George Chung
- Dec 17, 2024
- 4 min read
The UFC is no stranger to showcasing elite talent, but every year a fresh wave of fighters makes their way to the Octagon, hoping to leave their mark.
In 2024, these standout athletes not only impressed fans but cemented their names as future stars. Whether through highlight-reel knockouts, dominant decisions, or unexpected upsets, these fighters proved they belong on the biggest stage.
Here’s a closer look at 10 UFC newcomers who proved their worth in 2024.
1. Carlos Prates - The Knockout Machine
Carlos Prates came into the UFC already seasoned, but what he achieved in 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. Making his debut in February, Prates delivered a Performance of the Night knockout against Trevin Giles. He didn’t stop there, racking up two more first-round finishes against Charles Radtke and Li Jingliang, showcasing devastating striking power. His year culminated in a brutal KO win over Neil Magny, earning him another bonus and a spot in the welterweight Top 15. With four finishes and four bonuses in one year, Prates is the undisputed Newcomer of the Year.
2. Kayla Harrison - The Olympic Champion Arrives
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and PFL standout Kayla Harrison entered the UFC with monumental expectations, and she lived up to every bit of the hype. Harrison made her debut at the historic UFC 300 in April, where she dominated former champion Holly Holm with a second-round finish. She continued her rise by defeating Ketlen Vieira in October, positioning herself as a major title contender in the bantamweight division. With her elite grappling and relentless pace, Harrison is already on track for a title shot in 2025.
3. Jean Silva - The Power-Packed Finisher
Jean Silva wasted no time making his presence known in the featherweight division. The Dana White’s Contender Series alum kicked off the year with a first-round TKO of Westin Wilson. His biggest moment came at UFC 303, where he handed Charles Jourdain the first knockout loss of his career. Silva ended the year with a Fight of the Night victory over Drew Dober, showcasing his talent, power, and undeniable charisma. Silva is a name to watch in 2025.
4. Mauricio Ruffy - The Rising Brazilian Prospect
Mauricio Ruffy, part of the famed Fighting Nerds squad, shocked the MMA world when he stopped Jamie Mullarkey in less than a round during his UFC debut in May. While his November fight against James Llontop went to the scorecards, Ruffy demonstrated impressive composure and versatility. With his powerful striking and ever-improving ground game, Ruffy has all the tools to climb the lightweight ranks next year.
5. Felipe Lima - The Bantamweight Surprise
Felipe Lima made headlines when he stepped in on short notice to fight Muhammad Naimov in June. Despite moving up a weight class, Lima delivered a third-round submission, earning immediate praise from fans and analysts. In his second outing at featherweight, Lima dominated Miles Johns to secure a unanimous decision win. Known for his slick submissions and aggressive style, Lima’s stock has soared, making him a rising force in the bantamweight division.
6. Zhang Mingyang - First-Round Finisher
China’s Zhang Mingyang entered the UFC with an unbeaten streak of first-round finishes, and he continued the trend in 2024. Mingyang needed less than two minutes to dispatch Brendson Ribeiro in his February debut. In November, he faced Ozzy Diaz and delivered yet another first-round KO, lifting his professional record to 18 wins—all first-round finishes. Zhang’s devastating power and precision make him a true threat in the light heavyweight division.
7. Oban Elliott - The Welsh Warrior
Welsh welterweight Oban Elliott has emerged as one of the most promising prospects in the division. Known for his gritty determination, Elliott earned a hard-fought decision win over Preston Parsons before delivering a stunning knockout against Bassil Hafez. Elliott’s well-rounded skills and natural charisma have made him an instant fan favorite, and his momentum heading into 2025 is undeniable.
8. Vinicius Oliveira - The Bantamweight Powerhouse
Vinicius Oliveira, a Dana White’s Contender Series graduate, lived up to his reputation as a dangerous striker. In March, Oliveira earned a double bonus for his jaw-dropping knockout of Benardo Sopaj. He followed that performance with a win over UFC veteran Ricky Simon in June. Oliveira’s dynamic striking and relentless pace have already put him on the cusp of the bantamweight Top 15.
9. Lone’er Kavanagh - The Flyweight Phenom
British flyweight Lone’er Kavanagh turned heads with his spectacular first-round knockout of An Tuan Ho on Dana White’s Contender Series. In his UFC debut, Kavanagh showcased his durability and well-rounded game by outpointing Jose Ochoa over three rounds. Perfect at 8-0, Kavanagh’s blend of speed and power makes him a must-watch in the ever-competitive flyweight division.
10. Michael “Venom” Page - MVP Makes His Mark
Already a star outside the UFC, Michael “Venom” Page finally made his highly-anticipated debut in 2024. Known for his flashy and unorthodox striking, MVP defeated Kevin Holland in his debut, showcasing why he’s one of the most exciting fighters at 170 pounds. Though he dropped a close decision to rising contender Ian Machado Garry, MVP proved that his skill set can hang with the best in the UFC’s stacked welterweight division.
