As we close out 2021, it's time to turn our attention to what's ahead in 2022.
Canada boasts a wealth of promising young talent ready to carve their name into the MMA landscape. The trouble? Most fans haven't caught wind of them yet.
Below are ten fighters who remain in the early stages of their pro careers — each with five fights or fewer under their belts — but who are worth keeping on your radar as 2022 gets underway.
Zack Powell (4-1) – 24 years old, lightweight
Powell would still be riding an unbeaten streak had he not fallen in a heavily debated split decision against Dario Sinagoga at BFL 67. But setting that disputed outcome aside, Powell brings a rock-solid wrestling foundation alongside striking skills that are steadily sharpening, making him a difficult matchup for anyone he faces. Following a December 2021 bout that got scrapped due to COVID protocols, expect Powell to return to the cage in early 2022 and aim for a DWCS call-up.
Nicolas Ouellet (2-0) – 25 years old, featherweight/lightweight
It was a breakout year for the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Ouellet, who launched his pro journey with consecutive first-round submission victories. Once the fight goes to the ground, Ouellet is a genuine danger to secure a finish — regardless of position. And even though he's only fought twice as a professional, he's rapidly positioning himself for a BFL lightweight title opportunity. Watch for Ouellet to keep that momentum rolling at BFL 71 on Feb. 17, where he's slated to compete next.
Teshay Gouthro (4-1) – 27 years old, bantamweight
Gouthro capped 2020 with a decision loss after taking a significant jump in competition level on short notice at LFA 93 against Justin Wetzell, but he bounced back well in 2021 with a decisive TKO victory at BTC 13. His non-stop offensive pressure means Gouthro carries finishing ability every single time he steps inside the octagon. Having fought just twice over the past two years, anticipate a packed schedule for Gouthro in 2022 as he mounts a credible bid for DWCS and the UFC stage.
Jett Grande (2-0-1) – 23 years old, lightweight
Grande wrapped up a tremendous 2021 — his professional debut year — by fighting three times, staying unbeaten, and capping the campaign with a spectacular knockout of Steven Thomas at Unified MMA 42. His stand-up game has taken major leaps in his last two outings, and when combined with his already top-tier grappling, Grande is perfectly positioned to make waves in the lightweight division throughout 2022.
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