FloCombat Prospect Rankings - February 2018

FloCombat Prospect Rankings - Light Heavyweight - February 2...

FloCombat ranks the top 20 North American light heavyweight MMA prospects for February 2018. 

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

February Notes 

  • Previously unranked Thomas Hoeper enters in the No. 8 spot.

  • Previously unranked Tyler Vogel enters in the No. 14 spot.

  • Previously unranked John Lair enters in the No. 13 spot.


RANK
NAME
AGE
RECORD
COUNTRY
NEXT FIGHT
PREVIOUS RANKING
1
Smealinho Rama
25
10-3
CANADA
 
1
2
Kyle Noblitt
27
9-0
USA
Fights Feb. 10 vs. Jamal Pogues
2
3
Ryan Spann
26
13-5
USA
 
3
4
Alonzo Menifield
30
5-0
USA
Fights Feb. 16 vs. Brice Ritani-Coe
4
5
Cameron Olson
28
9-3 NC
USA
 
5
6
Trevor Carlson
29
11-3
USA
 
7
7
Marc-André Barriault
27
9-1
CANADA
 
9
8
Thomas Hoeper
25
6-2
USA
 
NR
9
Jesse Murray
24
5-2
USA
 
15
10
Dylan Potter
22
5-3
USA
 
12
11
Myron Dennis
28
15-7
USA
 
13
12
Travis Davis
30
5-1
USA
 
14
13
John Lair
26
4-1
USA
 
NR
14
Tyler Vogel
25
5-3
USA
 
NR
15
Karl Reed
28
3-1
USA
 
19
16
Derrick Brown
27
7-5
USA
 
16
17
Kennedy Nzechukwu
25
3-0
USA
 
10
18
Mitchell Sipe
21
3-0
USA
 
17
19
Dashawn Boatwright
29
3-0
USA
 
18
20
Teddy Ash
27
9-3
CANADA
Fights Mar. 2 vs. Todd Stoute
20


#1 – Smealinho Rama (10-3)

Rama is one of the youngest and most experienced fighters on this list, which is why he holds the top billing for the 205-pound class. The 25-year-old is a former WSOF heavyweight champion and boasts wins over Steve Mocco, Jake Hein, and Derek Mehmen. Despite losing two of his last three fights, the Canadian is still one of the most promising talents to come out of the Great White North. Keep an eye out for Rama in the PFL light heavyweight tournament when that gets announced.

#2 – Kyle Noblitt (9-0)

Noblitt is coming off an impressive first-round submission victory over previously undefeated Antônio Paulo Branjão at LFA 21. The 27-year-old now faces Jamal Pogues (3-1) at C3 Fights on Feb. 10.

#3 – Ryan Spann (13-5)

Spann is coming off an impressive come-from-behind knockout win over UFC veteran Alex Nicholson at LFA 32. With the win, the 26-year-old captured the promotion's vacant light heavyweight title. Since losing to Karl Robertson at Dana White’s Contender Series 3 last year, Spann has won three straight fights by stoppage.

#4 – Alonzo Menifield (5-0)

Menifield won his second straight fight by TKO back in December when he stopped Otavio Lacerda at LFA 28. The 30-year-old has won all of his fights by stoppage and is set to face Brice Ritani-Coe at LFA 33 on Feb. 16.

#5 – Cameron Olson (8-3 NC)

Roufusport product Olson has amassed an impressive 6-1 record since moving up to the light heavyweight division last year. The 27-year-old is coming off a second-round submission victory over Jaquis Williams at LFA 29 in December.