What has always stood out about Pinto is his outlook on his craft, the sport, and his position within the promotion, as he’s shown a keen understanding of how everything works and what he needs to do in order to make the most of his considerable upside. Talent-wise, he has the size and weaponry to be a potential force in the division, and as he keeps gaining experience, he should continue to climb the ranks.
Quillan Salkilld
The 2025 UFC.com Newcomer of the Year had to be included on this list, especially given the way Salkilld closed out his rookie year on the UFC roster. Debuting with a 19-second knockout win put the Perth man on the map straight away, but it was his short-notice knockout win over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 321 that truly put the 26-year-old lightweight on a wider radar, as the finish was one of the best of the year and marked just the second time in 15 UFC appearances that Haqparast had been finished.
2025 UFC.COM AWARDS: The Newcomers | The Submissions | The Knockouts | The Fighters | The Fights
Salkilld has won 10 straight since losing his professional debut, which includes a pair of wins over Road to UFC finalist Dom Mar Fan and his DWCS victory over current UFC competitor Gauge Young as well. With good size for the division, a well-rounded skill set and heaps of momentum heading into the year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Salkilld make a push for a place in the rankings before the year is out.
Elijah Smith
Smith is a little more of a long-term prospect than someone that is going to fighting to earn a number next to his name this coming year, but after the way he wrapped up his first year on the UFC roster and given his upside, “Swift” was a no-brainer for this list.