Some good news shook the MMA world recently, as it was announced that former UFC champion Junior Dos Santos will take on former WSOF champion Blagoy Ivanov this summer at the UFC's debut event in Boise, Idaho. 

While the main card undoubtedly will feature notable veterans, an event in Idaho will provide the perfect opportunity for the UFC to acquire local talent as well.

A decade ago, the Northwest was well-known during Team Quest’s dominance—breeding the likes of Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen, and countless others. The days of these legends are fizzling out, however.

It is time for the new to step in and pick up where the old left off. Luckily for the Pacific Northwest, it should have no problem doing just that. The region has one of the most quickly rising regional scenes in the entire United States. 

Team’s like Sikjitsu and Gracie Barra Portland are really finding their rhythms, producing top promotional talent at a steady clip. 

Oregon, Idaho, and Washington state are making it known they are here to stay in the world of MMA. Most recently, Vancouver, Washington’s Ricky Simon made his UFC debut a triumphant one.  

Here are five prospects from Oregon, Idaho, and Washington who could crack the big show to the thrill of the home crowd July 14 at UFC Fight Night 133. 

5. Miles Hunsinger | WW | 27 y/o | 6-0 | Nampa, ID

Twenty-seven-year-old Miles Hunsinger hasn’t been the most active fighter throughout his career, but he has been both effective and consistent. The “Head Hunter” is unblemished thus far, winning all six of his pro bouts. 

Originally from Nampa, Idaho, Hunsinger has relocated to the mecca of the fight world, Las Vegas. There, Hunsinger trains with some of the best fighters in the world at the world-renowned Xtreme Couture. 

Hunsinger most recently competed for Professional Fighters League, run by his head coach, Ray Sefo. It is unclear if he is still contracted to PFL, however, as Hunsinger was not listed in their official roster released a few weeks ago. 

The Skinny 

Watching his tape, Hunsinger isn’t exceptional in one specific aspect of MMA, but he is talented pretty much everywhere. When he needs to get the fight to the ground, Hunsinger can get it there. If the time isn’t right, he is able to piece up his opponents on the feet.

Hunsinger has fought for some of the best promotions in North America. With that being said, his competition has been on the more inexperienced side of the spectrum.

This fact paired with his inactivity may hurt his chances of scoring a spot on the UFC Boise card, making Contender Series a good back up plan. However, if the UFC matchmakers feel confident in Hunsinger’s abilities, it wouldn’t be the craziest of scenarios for him to end up on the card as a short-notice replacement.

4. Austin Vanderford | WW | 28 y/o | 4-0 | Medford, OR

Austin Vanderford became known to mainstream fans for his relationship with fan favorite UFC women’s flyweight Paige VanZant. Many times in today’s MMA landscape, opportunities turn out to be more about who you know than what you know, making Vanderford a prime candidate for UFC Boise. 

And despite what some may think, Vanderford isn’t just on this list because he is a name by association.

Vanderford is a mere four fights into his professional career, and he’s already shown he’s a force to be reckoned with. The 28-year-old fighter has run through everyone placed in his way thus far—at both the amateur and professional levels.

Back in October in just his third pro bout, Vanderford ran through MMA notable Ben Fodor (aka Phoenix Jones), a veteran of over 10 pro bouts. Despite being at a gross experience disadvantage, Vanderford won a unanimous five-round decision. 

The Skinny

At 6’0”, 170 pounds, Vanderford is a physical specimen. He has frequently displayed his physique is more than just for show. As a matter of fact, Vandeford’s strength and athleticism are two of his greatest tools.

Coming into his mixed martial arts career with a strong wrestling background, Vanderford is a threat to any fighter who is looking to keep the fight standing. His striking is developing fight in and fight out, but the ground is where he thrives.  

It is more than understandable if the powers that be want Vanderford to gain more experience before making the jump to the big show. With that being said, Vanderford’s wrestling is so strong, there are few regional fighters who will be able to stop him at that level. 

Contender Series? That seems like it could be a phenomenal compromise.

3. Liz Tracy | FLW | 29 y/o | 5-2 | Portland, OR

With five wins and two losses to her name thus far, Portland’s Liz Tracy doesn’t have the sexiest record on paper. But as we’ve learned in the past, wins and losses don’t tell the whole story.

Tracy’s lone professional losses came at the hands of two members of the UFC’s roster: Andrea Lee and Ashley Yoder. Losing to the best of the best isn’t anything to get too down on a prospect about.

Tracy clearly hasn’t been discouraged by ending up on the wrong side of these two split decisions. In fact, the 29-year-old has gotten noticeably better every fight.

Most recently, Tracy defeated Denver’s Cheri Muraski via a dominant three-round unanimous decision at Invicta FC 29. The win marked Tracy’s first victory under a major promotion’s banner.

The Skinny 

A Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt, Tracy is well versed when the fight hits the mat. Her grappling abilities were on full display against the aforementioned Muraski, a BJJ black belt. Tracy was the aggressor—engaging the clinch and displaying her takedown abilities and dirty boxing repertoire. 

UFC Boise would be the perfect stage for Tracy to show UFC fans around the world that she belongs. Not to mention, the recently founded UFC women’s flyweight division could use some new additions.

Fresh off her recent victory, Tracy could squeeze in a full camp ahead of a potential bout in the Northwest. If the UFC decides to pass on adding Tracy to the Boise card, expect her to appear on UFC programming sometime in the not-so-distant future.

2. Tyler McGuire | WW | 32 y/o | 10-0 | Spokane, WA

Not many fighters can say they’ve won their first 10 pro mixed martial arts bouts. Spokane, Washington’s Tyler McGuire is one of the few, however. The 32-year-old fighter has dominated the Northwest regional scene since mid-2015, winning an impressive 10 bouts in 34 months as a pro. 

Training under Rick Little at Sikjitsu in Spokane, McGuire has an exceptionally talented team of fighters around him. He has served as the main training partner to past and present UFC veterans including Michael Chiesa, Sam Sicilia, and Austin Arnett. 

Eight of McGuire’s 10 wins have come via finish. In his last bout, McGuire overwhelmed veteran Jerome Jones, submitting the 22-fight veteran in 118 seconds.

The Skinny 

The best word to describe McGuire? “Beast” should work. 

Despite being on the older side of what would be considered a prospect, McGuire has done more than enough to earn his UFC shot.

Spokane’s own has a well-rounded game which centers around his relentless pacing and strong wrestling. His striking has improved greatly over his career, making him a threat wherever the fight takes him. 

If the UFC is looking for a poised, experienced fighter who brings it every outing, they should look no further than McGuire. 

1. Vince Morales | BW | 27 y/o | 7-1 | Ontario, OR

MMA runs in Vince Morales’s bloodline. The Oregonian’s cousin is none other than the former LFA Bantamweight Champion and current UFC fighter Ricky Simon.

Simon isn’t the only UFC veteran you’ll find Morales surrounding himself with. Morales’s coach Tony Fryklund is also notable to MMA diehards for his stints in the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

The 27-year-old has flown grossly under the radar, winning five straight bouts by finish. Although he has competed mostly on untelevised, smaller-name promotions, Morales has fought very solid competition. His combined opponent record (at the time Morales fought them) is 28-9.

In his last bout in January, Morales battered former WSOF bantamweight notable Brandon Hempleman. Midway through the second round, Morales put the bloodied Hempleman away with a serious of vicious strikes.

The Skinny

With all seven of his victories coming inside the distance, “Vandetta” is a finisher through and through. His power and speed are thoroughly impressive for the 135-pound weight class.

As far as cardio is concerned, Morales hasn’t shown any signs that it will be an issue. With that being said, Morales has only been past the second round twice in his professional career.

Stretching back to his youth, Morales’s combat sports career stems from his wrestling career. Impressively, Morales hasn’t had to resort back to very often thus far in his pro MMA career. His submission game isn’t too shabby either, winning two bouts using that skillset.

Morales was scheduled to compete last weekend in Boise at Front Street Fights 17. However, a last-second injury to his opponent, Nick Mamalis, caused the bout to be scrapped entirely.

If UFC Boise isn’t in the MMA gods’ plans for Morales, an opportunity on Contender Series seems likely. 

Honorable mentions:

Chase Hooper, Journey Nelson, Joey Elzea, Rudy Schaffroth, and Terrance McKinney’s lacking fight footage made it hard to gauge what they bring to the cage. 

The UFC’s lack of a women’s atomweight division excluded Julia Jones from the list.

Light heavyweight Thomas Hoeper was excluded from the list due to almost two years of inactivity.

Miranda Granger, Bobby McIntyre, Chris Stone, Chris SanJose, Clint Czeczok, and Clayton York were also considered for this piece and are fighters to watch in 2018.