5 best UFC fighters under the age of 30

#4 Jiri Prochazka - UFC light heavyweight

UFC 251 Usman vs Masvidal: Weigh-Ins

Jiri Prochazka is one of the most promising newcomers in the UFC. The box office gold has gone 2-0 in a little less than a year with the MMA promotion. The 28-year-old light heavyweight is an immensely experienced MMA fighter with 25 knockout wins on his resume and just three losses. In a matter of only two fights, Prochazka has climbed up to second spot in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.

'Denisa' is a bit of an oddball and one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. Having trained in Muay-Thai from a young age, he is a vicious striker, and is perhaps the scariest opponent to have in the division.

Wow what a #KO by #Prochazka against #Reyes #UFCFightnight pic.twitter.com/Y8iGGLXYCV

— Craig Goody (@CraigGoody1979) May 2, 2021

Jiri Prochazka is the inaugural light heavyweight champion at Rizin FF and GCF. He is also one of the most experienced fighters under 30 with 32 fights (28-3-1) on his resume. Although he has fought only twice in the UFC, the Czech knockout artist doesn't have many obstacles ahead of him en route a title fight.

Watch Jiri Prochazka's interview with RT Sport here:

---

#3 Islam Makhachev - UFC lightweight

UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs Moises

Islam Makhachev is the next big thing in the UFC lightweight division. Having trained with Khabib Nurmagomedov since childhood and under the tutelage of Khabib's father Abdulmanap, Makhachev is often called the next Khabib. Makhachev is 20-1 in his MMA career, and is considered one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC lightweight division.

Although the Russian hasn't hit 30 yet, he is dominating his competition left, right, and center. Islam Makhachev has 12 finishes in his career (five in the UFC). With his most recent win against Thiago Moises, Makhachev jumped up four spots to go fifth in the UFC lightweight division.

According to AKA coach Javier Mendez, who has trained Khabib Nurmagomedov and is currently coaching Makhachev, the 29-year-old is even better in some aspects than 'The Eagle'. Rightly so, he is feared by many top-tier fighters in his division, whom Makhachev has publicly called out on several occasions.

He has one of the best takedown stats in the UFC lightweight division, and is also the least-hit fighter amongst the current crop of fighters. The fact that he is under 30 speaks volumes about the early bloomer Makhachev is.