FloCombat Prospect Rankings - December 2017
FloCombat Prospect Rankings - Welterweight - December 2017
FloCombat ranks the top 20 North American welterweight MMA prospects for December 2017.
Rankings based off the following....
- North American fighters only. For example, Thiago Moises wouldn't qualify for these rankings despite training in the U.S.
- No fighters that have fought for or who are set to fight for the UFC.
- Fighters competing on Dana White's Contender Series included.
- No long-term Bellator fighters or champions. Exceptions for some preliminary fighters.
- All fighters aged 30 and under.
- Rankings based off age, record, and level of competition.
December Notes
- Carlton Minus enters in the rankings in the #10 spot
| RANK | NAME | AGE | RECORD | COUNTRY | NEXT FIGHT | PREVIOUS RANKING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Nakashima | 28 | 8-0 | USA | 1 | |
| 2 | Kyle Stewart | 28 | 9-0 | USA | 2 | |
| 3 | Jaleel Willis | 25 | 8-0 | USA | 3 | |
| 4 | Derrick Krantz | 29 | 20-10 | USA | 4 | |
| 5 | Nick Barnes | 26 | 12-2 | USA | 5 | |
| 6 | Chad Curry | 27 | 9-2 | USA | 6 | |
| 7 | Jason Jackson | 26 | 7-3 | USA | 7 | |
| 8 | Curtis Millender | 29 | 13-3 | USA | 8 | |
| 9 | Mark Lemminger | 24 | 7-0 | USA | 9 | |
| 10 | Sean Brady | 24 | 7-0 | USA | 10 | |
| 11 | Carlton Minus | 24 | 7-0 | USA | NR | |
| 12 | Jared Gooden | 23 | 9-2 | USA | 11 | |
| 13 | Braden Smith | 21 | 8-2 | USA | 12 | |
| 14 | Chris Curtis | 30 | 17-5 | USA | 13 | |
| 15 | Sid Wheeler | 21 | 7-2 | USA | 15 | |
| 16 | Marcus Edwards | 28 | 13-5 | USA | 16 | |
| 17 | Ben Egli | 29 | 10-1 | USA | 17 | |
| 18 | Joey Pierotti | 27 | 8-0 | USA | 18 | |
| 19 | Peter Grajcar | 26 | 5-1 | CANADA | 19 | |
| 20 | Quinton Parks Jr. | 27 | 6-0 | USA | 20 |
#1 -- James Nakashima (7-0)
Nakashima recently captured the LFA welterweight title after taking out No. 4-ranked Derrick Krantz by split decision on Sept. 22. Expect the 28-year-old to be picked up by the UFC soon.
#2 -- Kyle Stewart (9-0)
Stewart is coming off a TKO win over Jason Jackson which unfortunately ended abruptly due to an ankle injury to the Combat Club standout on July 25th. The 28-year-old has won seven of his nine-career fights by stoppage and holds a win over UFC veteran Estevan Payan. With the welterweight division being as deep as it is in the UFC, expect Stewart to compete one more time before getting a UFC call-up.
#3 -- Jaleel Willis (8-0)
Willis captured the V3 Fights welterweight title in June defeating Nolan Norwood by unanimous decision at V3 Fights 60. The 25-year-old boasts wins over previously undefeated fighters Chauncey Foxworth and Omar Johnson. Willis faces Evan Cutts in the main event of LFA 28 on Dec. 8.
#4 -- Derrick Krantz (20-10)
Krantz dropped his LFA welterweight title to James Nakashima on Sept. 22 however he remains in the No. 4 spot due to the fact it was a split decision setback.
#5 – Nick Barnes (12-2)
Barnes defeated previously #5 ranked Chad Curry (9-2) on Aug 25th by split decision. The 26-year-old has won three of his last four fights with his lone loss coming against Brian Camozzi at RFA 43 in Aug. 2016.