The next generation of MMA stars is already making its mark, and ESPN’s latest MMA 30 Under 30 list reflects just how much championship talent is emerging across the sport.
The 2026 list features a mix of current champions, former titleholders and fighters ESPN identifies as future championship contenders, with UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van and PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov leading the group. At just 25, Joshua Van is already a UFC champion and sits at the front of ESPN’s latest 30 Under 30 group. Van has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining the UFC in 2023. His championship breakthrough comes after defeating Alexandre Pantoja, before he successfully defends the flyweight title in their rematch. ESPN highlights Van’s activity, confidence and exciting fighting style as some of the qualities that have helped turn him into one of the sport’s young stars.
PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov also features prominently on the list. The 28-year-old remains unbeaten and has already captured championship gold, continuing to build his own career while carrying the famous Nurmagomedov name. ESPN previously placed him among the sport’s leading young fighters, highlighting his undefeated record and championship success.
Former UFC champion Ilia Topuria, former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov, Natalia Silva, Erin Blanchfield, Nassourdine Imavov, Benoît Saint Denis, Youssef Zalal, Tatsuro Taira and several other established UFC names have featured prominently in ESPN’s under-30 rankings. The list also reflects MMA’s growing depth outside the UFC, with PFL names such as Nurmagomedov and other young fighters represented.
The list goes far beyond Van and Nurmagomedov. Former UFC champion Ilia Topuria, former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov, Natalia Silva, Erin Blanchfield, Nassourdine Imavov, Benoît Saint Denis, Youssef Zalal, Tatsuro Taira and several other established UFC names have featured prominently in ESPN’s under-30 rankings. The list also reflects MMA’s growing depth outside the UFC, with PFL names such as Nurmagomedov and other young fighters represented.
What makes this year’s group particularly notable is the level of achievement already reached by many of its members.
Rather than being dominated purely by inexperienced prospects, the list includes fighters who have already competed for titles, won championship belts or established themselves as major contenders. ESPN’s selection process considers both achievement and potential, allowing fighters who have already reached the top as well as those still climbing toward championship opportunities to feature. That combination gives the 2026 class a different feel that these are not simply names to watch in the future. Several are already competing at the highest level of the sport.
From UFC champions to PFL titleholders and emerging contenders, the latest MMA 30 Under 30 list provides a snapshot of the fighters expected to shape the sport’s future. With names such as Joshua Van, Usman Nurmagomedov, Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Natalia Silva and Erin Blanchfield among the young generation, the next wave of MMA stars is already here.
Below is the list of 30 best MMA fighters under the age of 30 ranked by ESPN
- Joshua Van
- Usman Nurmagomedov
- Ilia Topuria
- Michael Morales
- Dakota Ditcheva
- Song Yadong
- Josh Hokit
- Ian Machado Garry
- Natalia Silva
- Quillan Salkilld
- Jean Silva
- Tatsuro Taira
- Navajo Stirling
- Thad Jean
- Gabriel Bonfim
- Salahdine Parnasse
- Ateba Gautier
- Erin Blanchfield
- Payton Talbott
- Lone’er Kavanagh
- Paul Hughes
- Gable Steveson
- Muhammad Mokaev
- Valter Walker
- David Martinez
- Tommy McMillen
- Jose Miguel Delgado
- Raul Rosas Jr.
- Baisangur Susurkaev
- Lasmin Lucindo
