MMA’s Rising Stars: ESPN’s 25 Under 25 List for 2024
It’s that time of year again, fight fans! ESPN has unveiled its highly anticipated list of the 25 best MMA fighters under the age of 25 for 2024. This marks the sixth year of the rankings, and as always, it’s a mix of established young stars and up-and-coming prospects who could soon take the MMA world by storm.
The purpose of this list is twofold: to shine a spotlight on the young fighters already making waves in the sport and to predict which prospects are poised to break through on the big stage. But let’s be clear—this list isn’t a crystal ball. Not every fighter on it is destined for superstardom. For every Sean O’Malley, who ranked No. 2 in 2019 and became a UFC champion in 2023, there’s a Jimmy Crute, who topped the 2020 list but has struggled with a 0-3-1 record since 2021.
This year’s rankings were compiled by a panel of experts, including Brett Okamoto, Andreas Hale, Dre Waters, Jeff Wagenheim, Eddie Maisonet, and Laura Sanko. Fighters were evaluated based on both their achievements and their potential. Let’s dive into the top names on this year’s list and see who’s making waves in the MMA world.
1. Tatsuro Taira (14-0)
Division: UFC men’s flyweight
Age: 24 (turns 25 on Jan. 27, 2025)
Last year’s rank: No. 4
Next fight: TBA
Japan’s Tatsuro Taira has been a revelation in the UFC’s flyweight division. Despite MMA’s reputation for being tough on young fighters, Taira has shown remarkable resilience and skill. His split-decision loss to title contender Brandon Royval in October was his first defeat in 16 fights, but it was a battle that proved he’s on the cusp of greatness. With his grappling already at an elite level, Taira’s striking is the final piece of the puzzle. Don’t be surprised if he’s fighting for a title by the end of 2025.
2. Raul Rosas Jr. (10-1)
Division: UFC men’s bantamweight
Age: 20 (turns 25 on Oct. 8, 2029)
Last year’s rank: No. 7
Next fight: TBA
At just 20 years old, Raul Rosas Jr. is already a UFC veteran with five fights under his belt. His grappling is his standout skill, and he’s shown an uncanny ability to impose it on opponents who know it’s coming. Rosas Jr. has even stated he plans to retire by the age of 25. If he continues to develop at this pace, that goal might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
3. Iasmin Lucindo (17-5)
Division: UFC strawweight
Age: 22 (turns 25 on Jan. 8, 2027)
Last year’s rank: No. 14
Next fight: TBA
Lucindo is the youngest woman on the UFC roster, but she’s already a seasoned veteran with 22 fights to her name. After losing her UFC debut in 2022, she’s bounced back with four straight wins, including a split-decision victory over Marina Rodriguez. With 11 finishes in her 17 wins, Lucindo is a force to be reckoned with in the 115-pound division.
4. Rei Tsuruya (10-0)
Division: UFC men’s flyweight
Age: 22 (turns 25 on June 22, 2027)
Last year’s rank: NR
Next fight: Feb. 8 vs. Stewart Nicoll
Tsuruya is a throwback to the days when Japan was a dominant force in MMA. His creative jiu-jitsu game has made him a standout in the flyweight division. At just 22 years old, he’s already shown the poise and skill of a seasoned veteran. His upcoming fight against Stewart Nicoll will be a big test, but Tsuruya has all the tools to pass with flying colors.
5. Mairon Santos (15-1)
Division: UFC featherweight
Age: 24 (turns 25 on June 10, 2025)
Last year’s rank: NR
Next fight: TBA
Santos burst onto the scene with a dominant performance on “The Ultimate Fighter,” where he won the featherweight title with a second-round knockout of Kaan Ofli. His striking and range control make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the 145-pound division. With his TUF victory under his belt, Santos is ready to take on the UFC’s best featherweights.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency is Key: Fighters like Tatsuro Taira and Raul Rosas Jr. have shown that staying active and improving with each fight is crucial for young prospects.
- Grappling Dominance: Many of the fighters on this list, including Taira, Rosas Jr., and Tsuruya, have elite grappling skills that set them apart.
- Room for Growth: Fighters like Iasmin Lucindo and Mairon Santos have already achieved a lot but still have areas to improve, making their potential even more exciting.
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the future of MMA is in good hands. Whether it’s Taira’s quest for gold, Rosas Jr.’s bold retirement plans, or Lucindo’s rise in the strawweight division, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. Who will be the next breakout star? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this list is a must-watch for any MMA fan.
Originally Written by: Brett Okamoto
