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The Next Generation - Vol 6
🕑 Added 2025-04-05 12:00:06 +0000 UTCIn this piece, I highlight three promising fighters on their journey to potential UFC stardom, giving them well-deserved recognition before they reach the big stage. Each fighter is introduced with a brief background, followed by their responses to three key questions—offering insight into their mindset, expectations, and what fans can look forward to in their careers.
Radley Da Silva (Featherweight, Canada)
Da Silva is arguably Canada’s top MMA prospect—a notable distinction given the country’s deep pool of rising talent. He entered the sport with a background in Capoeira, and as a true martial artist, he has seamlessly translated his skills into success. After dropping his pro debut, he has been unstoppable, racking up seven consecutive wins. As the reigning Battlefield Fight League (BFL) featherweight champion, he has already defended his title three times. A well-rounded fighter with impressive potential, I see him as a future top-15 contender—if not higher.
For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
"For the fans that never watched me, expect a dynamic display of traditional martial arts, specifically capoeira, and a dominating grapple style to match."
What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
"What sets me apart from most fighters is my upbringing. While many Brazilian fighters specialize in capoeira and jiu-jitsu, I’ve had the privilege of training in both while also dedicating a significant part of my youth to wrestling. Combined with my natural athleticism and over 25 years of training, my fight IQ truly shines when the pressure is at its highest, giving me a distinct edge over my opponents."
What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
"I want to leave behind a legacy of dominant, masterful performances—one that inspires the next generation. I hope that a young athlete dreaming of going pro can see my journey and realize that becoming a fighter isn’t just about being tough or loving to brawl. It’s about being a tactical, skilled, and gifted athlete who can dominate and etch their name in the history books."
Cody Davis (Flyweight, USA)
Cody Davis has long been a standout on the regional scene, steadily working his way toward a potential UFC contract. He's taken the tough road, facing good-level competition, with his only two losses coming against UFC-caliber opponents. Along the way, he's secured wins over strong regional contenders, proving his legitimacy. A former LFA flyweight champion, Davis is currently riding a two-fight winning streak and boasts a solid 10-2 record as an LFA veteran.
For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
"I want the fans to expect somebody who is going to go out there and try to finish fights. I am going to go out there and go for it rather than sit there and outpoint my opponent. "
What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
"What makes me different from other fighters that step in there is that I take the fights that are offered and I’m willing to get in there and compete."
What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
"The kind of legacy I want to leave when I am done with this sport is that I am a fighter who went for it and was always trying to finish fights."
Benny Orozco (Lightweight, USA)
Orozco is a highly underrated talent who has yet to receive the recognition he deserves. His resume speaks for itself, featuring wins over quality opponents, with his only loss coming against top prospect Anthony Orozco—a fight in which Benny moved up a weight class. If he stays active, it's only a matter of time before he makes himself undeniable to the UFC.
For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
"For those who have never seen me fight, you can expect me to push a Khabib-level pace, and I’m constantly looking for the finish, whether that be on the feet or the ground. I’m going to push the hardest pace possible and see who is going to break first!"
What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
"I’m different than any other fighter because I’m truly willing to die in the cage. When I get in the cage, there will be no point-fighting, not too much feeling out. I decided at the beginning of my career that the only way I’m going to lose is if someone can out dog me for 15 minutes! I truly believe if I’m anywhere near 100% I am head and shoulders above everyone!"
What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
"I’m trying to be considered one of the all-time greats once it’s all said and done! Realistically, I probably don’t have the time in the sport to truly get that unanimous recognition, but I will, without a doubt, go down as a Khabib figure. Someone that people consider an all-time great for what I did accomplish in the time I had, but wish I had more time to truly see what could have been possible. Not only do I plan on being an all-time great, but I want to bring that Justin Gaethje level excitement to the fans every time I step into the cage!"
