My money is on her having a breakout in 2025, as the back half of her 2024 campaign was marred by a pair of opponent switches (from Tracy Cortez each time, incidentally) that resulted in short notice fights where she struggled to really shine. She has all the skills to be a Top 10 fighter in the 125-pound weight class, and her coach, frequent Coach Conversation contributor Eliot Marshall, sings her praises every chance he gets.
Maverick profiles, to me, as someone that just needs her opportunity against the right opponent. Hopefully she gets that chance in the coming year.
Michael Morales
Like Aliskerov at the top of this 10-pack, Morales is a holdover from last year’s list after having also made just one appearance in 2024….