Fresh Ink: Meet the five fighters the UFC signed in December 2022
The UFC roster is bigger than ever – and it continues to expand.
Fresh faces appear on nearly every card, whether onboarded as short-notice opening fillers, Dana White’s Contender Series signees, or the increasingly rare straight-up additions. Sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of the hustle and bustle of the mixed martial arts news beat, but here at MMA Junkie, we’ve got you covered.
“Fresh Ink” is your list of fighters added to the UFC roster the previous month and provides background on who they are and where they came from.
Luan Lacerda
Record when signed: 12-1
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Bantamweight
Age: 29
Debut: Jan. 21 vs. Cody Stamann (20-5-1 MMA, 6-4-1 UFC) at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro
A Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, [autotag]Luan Lacerda[/autotag] enters the UFC with a tough test in front of him. A Jose Aldo protege who trains under Andre Pederneiras, Lacerda built a respectable resume on the Brazilian regional scene. Of his 12 victories, 10 are submissions.
Sharaputdin Magomedov
Record when signed: 16-0
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Middleweight
Age: 28
Debut: TBA
Pegged by some already as a future UFC champion, [autotag]Sharaputdin Magomedov[/autotag] has the “it” factor and backs it up. While his record is disputed, with databases listing him anywhere between 11-0 and 17-0, one thing is certain: Magomedov has dominated. A powerful and flashy striker, Magomedov likely will add to his violent highlight reel in the UFC.
Yanal Ashmoz
Record when signed: 6-0
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 27
Debut: TBA
Following the path paved by the likes of Noad Lahat and Natan Levy, [autotag]Yanal Ashmoz[/autotag] is the next fighter to represent Israel in the UFC. After five straight finishes to kick off his pro career, Ashmoz competed on a PFL Challenger Series card in 2021. He won the fight by unanimous decision, but did not earn a promotional contract. However, PFL’s loss is the UFC’s gain. Ashmoz trains under Murat Keshtov, the man who served as coach for Khabib Nurmagomedov in his early UFC days.
Nick Fiore
Record when signed: 6-0
Signing type: Short notice
Weight class: Lightweight
Age: 25
Debut: Jan. 14 vs. Mateusz Rebecki (16-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 217 in Las Vegas
The New England Cartel is comprised of four pro fighters. [autotag]Nick Fiore[/autotag] is one of them. Training with Calvin Kattar and Rob Font under coach Tyson Chartier, Fiore long has been destined for UFC notoriety. A slick submission specialist who fights smartly, Fiore takes his first UFC opportunity on short notice – and it’s no easy task.
Christian Leroy Duncan
Record when signed: 7-0
Signing type: Straight up
Weight class: Middleweight
Age: 27
Debut: TBA
[autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag] is the next in a long line of Cage Warriors champions to jump up to the UFC. Duncan is undefeated as a professional with six finishes in seven appearances, including five knockouts and one submission. Prior to his leap into the professional side in 2020, Duncan had a lengthy amateur career with a record of 17-6. He was signed to the UFC on Saturday after his scheduled Cage Warriors 148 bout vs. Jesse Taylor was canceled hours prior to the event. Duncan said he anticipates a promotional debut at UFC 286 in London in March.
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