10 MMA fighters fans should watch in the second half of 2024

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• Marcus McGehee, Mario Bautista and Kyler Phillips are three up-and-coming fighters to watch at bantamweight coming out of the MMA Lab.
• Tatsuro Taira, Vadim Nemkov and Bo Nickal are promising prospects with the potential to shake up their divisions.
• Kayla Harrison, Khalil Rountree Jr. and Michael Morales are fighters to watch for future performances and potential title fights.

While the first half of 2024 has been an exciting one for mixed martial arts, the second half holds promise for fans around the world: new world champions, rising stars, and elite contenders making their way into the bright lights – all worth keeping an eye on.

As 2024 draws to a close, let's take a closer look at 10 fighters that all fans should keep an eye on.

Ten Marcus McGehee is on the brink of the UFC bantamweight rankings

The first of three MMA Lab fighters on this list

McGee made the jump to UFC in April 2023 and made the most of his first year at the helm, starting his UFC career with a 3-0 record, with all three wins coming by stoppage. McGee is the first of three MMA Lab fighters on this list, proving that Arizona could be a new hotbed of talent in the bantamweight division.

McGehee is super exciting. He's cool, calm and collected in the Octagon, yet displays an aggressive style with crisp kickboxing and flashy caution against whoever is in front of him. He's been a huge help in helping UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O'Malley prepare for his championship bout. Watch as he continues to dominate as he focuses on becoming a legitimate contender in 2025.

9 Mario Bautista is ready for the big stage

Big challenges await this all-round fighter

The second fighter from The MMA Lab is Mario Bautista, ranked #11 in the bantamweight division. He has quietly climbed the ranks and is now ranked in the top 15 in a highly competitive division alongside two teammates, Kyler Phillips and Sean O'Malley.

Bautista combines all aspects of mixed martial arts with the professional athlete he is. He is willing to fight anyone, anytime, and will be a formidable opponent for any challenger. His next bout will be a big Top 15 bout later this year.

8 Kyler Phillips is arguably the best athlete in the bantamweight division.

Another product from MMA Labs looking to make waves in the rankings.

Rounding out the MMA Lab bantamweight group on this list is the most impressive athlete, Kyler Phillips. He's a lifelong fighter who grew up in the gym. He has incredible athleticism with explosive movement and flexibility, and his confidence grows every time he steps into the Octagon.

He's coming off a big win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 299 and has a big top 10 bout coming up later this year. He's a dark horse in the division and could be a champion in the next few years, hopefully if O'Malley moves up to featherweight, he won't let his teammate get in the way of him becoming a champion. MMA fans won't be disappointed to see Phillips show off his athleticism in the Octagon.

7 Tatsuro Taira could become world champion in 2024

Rumours are swirling that the youngster will be the next to challenge for the flyweight title.

Taira is an overlooked contender coming off a big win over Alex Perez in his first main event. He has the potential to be a star at a young age and will be key to UFC's big events in Japan. He is a great example of the next generation of highly well-rounded and talented fighters. He has crisp striking, aggressive grappling skills and is always looking to finish.

At 24 years old, he has a good chance of becoming the youngest UFC champion currently. There are rumors that Pantoja's next challenger is a name that “no one would expect,” and many UFC fans are speculating that it could be Tyra.

6 Vadim Nemkov is a bright spot outside of the UFC

After winning $1 million, he needs to prove himself against the best.

Nemkov is the only non-UFC fighter on this list. He was the Bellator light heavyweight champion for many years, defeating every single one of his Bellator opponents. Now, it looks like he's looking to move down to heavyweight to further his career a bit more.

Many MMA fans are calling for Nemkov to join the UFC to truly test himself, but why would he do that when he can win $1 million against weaker opponents in the PFL? There's also the possibility of a fight with Francis Ngannou in the near future, which is exciting. Fans should keep an eye on Nemkov from now on, because high-level MMA deserves respect no matter where it's from.

Five Bo Nickal's UFC judgement day is approaching

Fans are expecting big games from the highly-anticipated up-and-coming player.

The former NCAA wrestling All-American is creating a lot of buzz in the MMA world. After a perfect start to his UFC career, Nickal seems ready to take the next step towards winning UFC gold. With Adesanya and other middleweight stars nearing the end of their careers, UFC needs to give Nickal a little more push so fans don't miss out on a big fight.

Nickal's wrestling is top notch and his striking has improved dramatically every time he steps into the Octagon. He has the potential to be America's next superstar and there are plenty of fans across the country to root for him. He's already competed in UFC's biggest events and has more bouts lined up through the end of 2024, so there's plenty more to come.

Four Kayla Harrison is the star the women's bantamweight division needs

Possibility of a super fight in women's mixed martial arts next year

With her Olympic win and big paydays in the PFL earning her recognition outside of the UFC, Harrison is set to make her UFC debut at bantamweight at UFC 300 in early 2024. After dominating Holly Holm, she has the résumé to demand a title shot next, but who knows what UFC has planned for her. It will be difficult for her to stay at bantamweight for long, so fans should expect her to make a rapid progress on her path to a title shot.

Her next fight will be extremely important as it has the potential to be a super fight that will bring UFC legend Amanda Nunes out of retirement. They have been talking about a potential fight with each other for years and it would make too much sense for the UFC to pass this one up. Keep an eye on Harrison and her next performance later this year.

3 Khalil Rountree Jr. is the most violent man in MMA.

If he doesn't get in his way, a world title shot is right around the corner.

Unfortunately, a positive drugs test has derailed Rountree's path to a title shot, but he should be back in action in a big title fight later in 2024. Look for a fantastic matchup between him and former champion Jamahal Hill.

Rountree Jr. is one of the most spectacular fighters on the UFC roster. Having seen his career resuscitated after training in Thailand and switching his style to Muay Thai, Rountree fights with ferocity and confidence, confident that he can knock out anyone in front of him.

2 Michael Morales is South America's most promising mixed martial artist

A big competitive leap is next for the 24-year-old.

Morales is a 24-year-old Ecuadorian prospect with an undefeated record and two UFC championships under his belt. He's another great example of a new generation of MMA athletes with great training habits, all-around skill and a great physique.

Later this summer, Morales will face his first big test at the UFC against longtime challenger and veteran Neil Magny. Magny has been the great gatekeeper at the top of the welterweight division for years, and Morales will have a chance to prove himself as he tries to solve the tricky puzzle that is Magny.

1 Carlos Ulberg looks ready to light the fire in City Kickboxing

Fans can expect some big fights this fall.

The final entry on this list is former kickboxer Carlos Ulberg, currently ranked 10th in the light heavyweight division. He trains out of City Kickboxing in New Zealand with the great Eugene Bareman as his head coach and training partners including Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker.

Not only does Ulberg have the looks of a superstar, he also has the MMA skills to thrive in the Octagon. He has been performing well since losing his UFC debut and is poised for a big top 10 fight in 2024. A win would bring him that much closer to a big fight with Alex Pereira. This would be a great storyline for the UFC.