UFC’s Rookie Class of 2024
Read Time:5 Minute, 55 Second
The UFC roster is constantly evolving. There is significant turnover each year as fighters retire, are released, or sign with other promotions. At the same time, new talent flows in. We see new signings, re-signings, and the ever-reliable pipeline of Dana White’s Contender Series, which introduces fresh prospects annually. This is what fueled the Rookie Class of 2024.
While many fighters are thrilled just to make it to the UFC, only a select few rise above the rest. Names like Michael “Venom” Page, Kai Asakura, Reinier de Ridder, Tom Nolan, and Ramon Tavares missed the cut. Either because they suffered a loss, or didn’t have enough fights to make an impact, despite their stardom or potential. These standout prospects go beyond simply competing—they consistently find ways to separate themselves from the pack. Here’s a short list of standouts from this year’s group of UFC debuts:
Carlos Prates
Carlos Prates has truly lived up to his nickname, “The Nightmare.” After earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in August of last year, Prates made an explosive debut this February. In just four fights with the promotion, all ended via KO/TKO. In those fights, he racked up four Performance of the Night bonuses, earning an impressive $200K in bonus money. Quite a remarkable feat for a promotional newcomer. Notably, Prates hasn’t gone to the judges’ scorecards in an MMA bout since 2019, a testament to his finishing ability.
Prates’ recent victories over Li Jingliang and Neil Magny have only solidified his meteoric rise. Jingliang, a former top-15 welterweight, had never been knocked out in his career until he faced Prates. Magny, ranked 15th at the time, also fell victim to “The Nightmare.” With these high-profile wins, Prates has positioned himself as a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. He also set the stage for what could be an even bigger 2025.
Hyder Amil
Hyder Amil might not fit the typical mold of a prospect that Dana White is looking for on Contender Series. At 33 years old, Amil needed to prove that age is just a number. But, he was able to do so and earn a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. After earning the contract, Amil faced a chaotic start to his UFC career. Two opponents falling through before finally being matched with Fernie Garcia in his debut. Despite the setbacks, Amil delivered, securing a second-round KO/TKO in the fight.
He followed that up with a sensational first-round KO/TKO of Jeong Yeong Lee. A fight that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus. With two dominant finishes and an unbeaten record still intact, Amil heads into the next year as a rising force.
Ibo Aslan
Ibo Aslan made his UFC debut in March. He stepped into the Octagon for a rematch against Anton Turkalj—the only man to defeat him, back in 2020. This time, Aslan got his revenge in spectacular fashion, earning a Fight of the Night bonus with a third-round KO/TKO.
His second UFC outing came as the featured prelim at UFC 308, where he faced an undefeated opponent. Aslan delivered another jaw-dropping performance, finishing the fight in under a minute. With the lights getting brighter, his performances have only improved. Remarkably, all 14 of his career wins have come via KO/TKO. It looks like Aslan has no plans of breaking that trend in the UFC. He is already scheduled to fight against an equally imposing Ion Cutelaba in February.
Jean Silva
Jean Silva earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in September last year. And he wasted no time making an impact in 2024. He made his promotional debut in January and has since gone 3-0 in his rookie year. While his second fight came with the blemish of a weight miss, Silva quickly rebounded. As he earned a Fight of the Night bonus just two weeks later in a short-notice fight against Drew Dober.
Taking a bout on short notice after missing weight speaks volumes about the UFC’s belief in Silva. Especially considering the caliber of an opponent like Dober. Training out of the Fighting Nerds gym in Brazil—an emerging powerhouse in MMA—Silva is proving himself to be a rising talent to watch. He continues his UFC journey in February, as Silva will look to continue his upward trajectory.
Oban Elliott
Oban Elliot, known as “The Welsh Gangster,” has been living up to his nickname in impressive fashion. At just 26 years old, he has a bright future ahead. The UFC seems to share that belief, booking him on three consecutive pay-per-views to kick off his promotional career. Elliot made the most of these opportunities, securing victories at UFC 298, UFC 304, and UFC 309.
With each outing, Elliot has shown noticeable improvement. Culminating in his best performance of the year at UFC 309. It was a great way to finish the year a he earned his first UFC finish with a third-round KO/TKO. Not to mention the extra cash award from a Performance of the Night bonus. Always an entertaining fighter, Elliot is proving he’s not just here to compete—he’s here to make a statement.
Vinicius Oliveira
Vinicius Oliveira earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year and made an unforgettable debut in 2024. In his first fight, he left a lasting impression with a spectacular flying knee KO against Benardo Sopaj. The KO earned him both Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors. The highlight-reel finish immediately put him in the spotlight and earned him a step up in competition.
Oliveira followed up his debut with a dominant performance against Ricky Simón, a proven contender in the bantamweight division. While he didn’t secure a finish, Oliveira controlled the fight. He set the pace showcased his skill set against one of the division’s most durable fighters. Looking poised and confident against a divisional staple, Oliveira has positioned himself as a rising star in the bantamweight division. He is already scheduled to fight in February, setting the stage for a potential rankings push in 2025.
Kayla Harrison
Kayla Harrison is no ordinary rookie—she was already a household name before making her UFC debut. That star power earned her a spot on the historic UFC 300 card, where she made an emphatic statement by defeating former UFC champion Holly Holm. Harrison secured the victory with a second-round rear-naked choke, immediately earning a spot in the bantamweight rankings.
She followed up that performance with another dominant win. This time by unanimous decision, further solidifying her position in the division. By year’s end, Harrison finds herself as the No. 2 ranked bantamweight, perfectly positioned for a title shot in the near future. Few fighters could have scripted a better rookie year.
Happy
47 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
29 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
24 %
About Post Author
Average Rating