Las Vegas has always been known as the fight capital of the world — there is no disputing that. 

However, when surveying the East Coast, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a city with a richer fight history than Atlantic City, New Jersey.

On April 21, the UFC will return to “The World’s Playground” for the first time since July 2014.  The promotion will host UFC Fight Night 128 at the Boardwalk Hall — a first for the venue which has hosted over two decades worth of sporting events, concerts, and shows.

The UFC has completed most of its lineup for the Atlantic City card; however, a few spots remain. With one of the most impressive regional scenes in the nation, it will come as no surprise if the UFC looks to take advantage of the homegrown talent New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region has to offer.

Local promotions, most notably CFFC and Ring of Combat, have groomed some of the best American talents in the past few years, including Chris Weidman, Jimmie Rivera, Paul Felder, Aljamain Sterling, and Shane Burgos, just to name a few.

This begs the question: Who’s next? If the UFC does look locally to help fill its return to Atlantic City this April, who should it sign?  

Here are the top five prospects from the area who could best fill that role. 

5. Pat Sabatini 

8-1 Featherweight | 27 years old | Seaside Heights, NJ

CFFC featherweight champion Pat Sabatini may be one of the more underappreciated American prospects in the 145-pound division.  

The 27-year-old fighter training out of MPR Endurance MMA is nearly unblemished in his mixed martial arts career, with his lone loss coming to LFA lightweight champion Robert Watley (No. 1 FloCombat welterweight prospect).

Competing in Ring of Combat, XFE, and, most recently, CFFC, Sabatini has picked up seven submissions in his eight professional victories.

The Skinny:

A grappling wizard when the fight hits the mat, Sabatini has improved in making himself more well rounded. He’s developed an ability to use his striking in order to open up opportunities on the ground. If he continues the constant rate of improvement he has displayed, the sky is the limit for Seaside Heights’ own. 

The UFC should look no further than Sabatini if it needs a late-notice replacement for its Atlantic City card.

4. Alexander Keshtov 

8-0 Bantamweight | 30 years old | Fairfield, NJ

If you had to describe Alexander Keshtov in one word, it would be “savage.” With a nickname like AK-47, it only makes sense the Russian-born adopted son of New Jersey has destructively run through every opponent placed in his way.

Recently, Keshtov signed with notable American regional promotion Ring of Combat. In his promotional debut, Keshtov ripped through undefeated fighter James Quigg in just under three minutes’ time.

Training at K Dojo Warrior Tribe in Fairfield, NJ, Keshtov can only expect to improve as he trains alongside the likes of UFC veteran Alexander Yakovlev, top light heavyweight prospect Azamat Murzakanov, and 17-0 Dagestani Aziz Pahdrudinov. 

The Skinny:

First and foremost, Keshtov is an all-action fighter. His aggressiveness, confidence, and complete disregard for the safety of himself and his opponent make Keshtov an amazingly entertaining fighter to watch.

Wherever his opponent wants to bring the fight, Keshtov is willing to oblige — and impressively, he usually thrives in those situations. Keshtov’s heavy hands, top control, and vicious Muay Thai make him a tough matchup for any opponent.

Whether it be UFC Atlantic City or the second season of the Contender Series this summer, the UFC would be making a big mistake in passing on Keshtov.

3. Joseph Lowry 

7-0 Lightweight | 28 years old | Philadelphia, PA

CFFC lightweight champion Joseph Lowry has undeservedly flown a bit under the radar. The 28-year-old fighter has stayed loyal to his home area, training out of Daddis Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Philadelphia.

Lowry is not only loyal to Philadelphia but to the promotion that helped build him as well, Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC). All seven of Lowry’s professional mixed martial arts bouts have come under the same promotional banner — an admirable feat. It’s both rare and impressive that a fighter would compete for such a high-level promotion throughout his entire ascent up the ladder to the UFC. 

Prospects are often accused of having boosted records, but there is no reasonable way someone could think this about Lowry. 

In his last bout, Lowry defeated former WSOF title challenger Richard Patishnock by knockout in under two minutes.

The Skinny:

Keeping with the theme of the Mid-Atlantic region producing composed and collected fighters, Lowry is no different. His veteran-like fight savvy was never more evident than when he took out CFFC lightweight champion Mike Pope in just one minute’s time back in May 2017. Packing some serious power, Lowry is a scary task for any fighter on the feet. Toss in some nice takedowns, and you’ve got yourself quite the fighter.

Only seven fights into his professional career, Lowry may be ready to take the next step. If the UFC elects not to ink him for UFC Atlantic City, a Contender Series opportunity could be in store for him. Regardless, expect to see Lowry on the biggest stage possible, sooner rather than later.

2. Sean Santella 

19-6-1 Flyweight | 33 years old | Sparta, NJ

Without a doubt the most experienced fighter on this list, “Shorty Rock” has perennially been a competitor on the verge of a UFC contract. Inopportune losses against tough opponents have plagued Santella’s career, but no one can discredit his willingness to take risky fights while riding impressive win streaks. 

In 2016, Santella’s hard work appeared to pay off — he was signed by the UFC and expected to fight Wilson Reis at UFC 201 following an injury to UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. But the biggest opportunity of Santella’s career was over before it started.

Santella took the bout on extremely short notice, which meant there were inevitably a lot of moving parts put into action during the days leading up to the event. Unfortunately for Santella, the parts couldn’t move fast enough. 

In what was a devastating series of events, Santella’s medical papers were not cleared in time, leading to the cancellation of the bout and the ultimate termination of his UFC contract.

The Skinny:

Since his brief tenure on the UFC’s roster, Santella has been on a tear, winning four out of five bouts, with all four victories coming by way of submission. Having been signed to the UFC once before, Santella is definitely on the promotion's radar. 

The UFC knows what it is going to get with the 33-year-old — there aren’t many question marks. His experience and poise are unmatched on the New Jersey regional scene, and his grappling and wrestling skills are excellent. Fighting at a championship level, Santella has five-round cardio and conditioning as well. 

With a lack of high-level flyweights on the market, Santella is a perfect choice for UFC Atlantic City.  

1. Ricky Bandejas 

10-1 Bantamweight | 26 years old/ | Brick, NJ

When scouting the Mid-Atlantic region, Ricky Bandejas is arguably the most-hyped prospect in any weight class — and it’s certainly deserved.  

The 26-year-old New Jersey product has faced the region’s finest fighters, serving as the current CFFC interim bantamweight champion. In his most recent outing, Bandejas defeated 42-fight veteran Nick Mamalis, earning himself a CFFC Knockout of the Year nomination.

The Skinny:

Simply put, Bandejas is the real deal. The Nick Catone MMA product displays the perfect combination of potential and veteran savvy that the UFC should be looking for in its up-and-comers. He is certainly good enough to be in “the big show” right now, and if his rate of improvement fight in and fight out is any sign, the UFC may have the next bantamweight star on its hands. Bandejas’ ability to be both effective and exciting makes for must-see television.

With his combat sports roots running back to his high school wrestling career, the Brick native has rounded out his game, establishing a slick and aesthetically pleasing striking base. Bandejas threatens both submissions and knockouts at all times, showing his versatility as a fighter. Barring an absolute shocker, look for Bandejas to his make his UFC debut in 2018. 

What better place for him to do it than in his backyard at UFC Atlantic City?

Honorable mentions:

With the Mid-Atlantic having one of the strongest regional scenes out there, many top-tier fighters were left out. 

Don’t be surprised if the UFC picks up a fighter or two not listed above. Sean Brady, Mike Trizano, Manny Walo, Sidney Outlaw, and Tony Gravely are also fighters who are most likely on the UFC’s radar, and thus are our runners-up.

By Nolan King