As 2019 wraps up, Canadian MMA fans have plenty to look forward to in what promises to be a thrilling 2020.
Fight cards are already lined up to launch the new decade, loaded with matchups worth watching.
While there's no shortage of Western Canadian talent potentially gearing up for a UFC call-up, that's not what we're covering today.
Instead, we're spotlighting 10 fighters who are either stepping onto the professional stage for the first time, still building their pro resume, or haven't quite crossed many radar screens yet.
Whatever stage they're at right now, these athletes are poised to create some serious buzz in 2020.
Josh Kwiatkowsi (4-2) PRO
Among the more seasoned competitors on this roster, Kwiatkowski rolls into 2020 carrying serious momentum. After dispatching Randy Mahon via second-round TKO at Rise FC 5 — his toughest challenge yet — the B.C. native sits on a three-fight winning streak. His switch to Checkmat Vancouver has been a boon for his development, and his cage-time improvements continue to be remarkable. Fans should expect him back in action early in the new year.
Gwyn Berry (7-2) AMATEUR
Positioned among Canada's elite amateur prospects across both featherweight and lightweight, Berry is set to turn pro at BFL 65 on Feb. 8. Based out of The Sound Martial Arts in Squamish, B.C., Berry brings the arsenal and technical foundation needed to compete at the highest level. Most recently, he captured the BFL amateur featherweight title at BFL 63 by edging out Dakota Angel. Expect Berry to climb rapidly through the professional standings before 2020 draws to a close.
Ali Wasuk (2-1) PRO
Following a rough start to his pro career, Wasuk rebounded swiftly with consecutive victories. What elevates his threat level in the bantamweight ranks is a lengthy amateur resume that includes an 8-3 mark, highlighted by a standout performance at the 2017 IMMAF World Championships. Wasuk is well-positioned for a title run in 2020, beginning with a February showdown against Nick Ghaeni at BFL 65.
Andrew Mavridis (1-0) PRO
Following a successful professional debut against the perennially difficult Josh Mackenzie at Unified MMA 39, Mavridis displayed no anxiety whatsoever while transitioning from amateur to professional ranks. Having compiled an impressive 7-0 amateur record highlighted by a gold medal performance at the 2019 Canadian National Amateur Championships, Mavridis remains undefeated. He has faced off against some of Western Canada's most formidable and powerful lightweights, proving his remarkable durability. With the versatile skill set he brings to the table, Mavridis stands a strong chance of making waves throughout 2020 in what promises to be a highly competitive lightweight division.
Lucas Neufeld (4-1) PRO – **has since moved to 5-1**
Despite appearing in just a single fight during 2019, Neufeld is gearing up for a pivotal 2020 campaign. Aside from his sole career setback—a decision loss to the tough American prospect Jordan Leavitt—Neufeld has appeared virtually untouchable in his professional run. With his opening 2020 match already booked for January 25 at Fight Night 12, don't be caught off guard if Neufeld lands himself a title shot sometime in the first half of the year.
Thomas Deneve (4-0) AMATEUR
Looking at Deneve's amateur résumé so far, there's really only one adjective that fits Deneve. Deadly. Every single one of his four victories has ended in a first-round knockout, with three of those finishes coming within 30 seconds. After spending most of his amateur career competing for Prestige FC, Deneve has expressed intentions to explore opportunities with additional promotions in 2020, potentially setting the stage for an amateur championship bout at some point this year. Given the serious threat he presents standing, Deneve figures to be one of the prospects to monitor as he advances to higher-level amateur competition and approaches what looks to be an imminent professional debut.
Konstantin Gaivoronskii (5-0) AMATEUR
Never having known defeat in his amateur career, Gaivoronskii represents a genuine threat to every opponent he steps into the cage with. He carries serious knockout power and trains at Toshido MMA, one of the premier facilities in Western Canada. Gaivoronskii is now prepared to prove himself in the professional ranks after being scheduled for his pro debut at Rise FC 5, though his opponent Steve Southern had to withdraw due to injury. Anticipate seeing Gaivoronskii finally make his long-awaited professional debut in early 2020, and expect him to carry forward the momentum from his impressive amateur run.
Radley Da Silva (2-1) PRO
A 2-1 professional record doesn't tell the whole story about Da Silva's actual ability and fight intelligence, which sit well beyond what his three-fight career suggests. After stepping into the professional cage for the first time in 2013 at just 18 years old, Da Silva stepped away for six years to develop both physically and mentally. Upon his return to competition amid considerable hype, Da Silva captured the Rise FC featherweight championship by defeating John Nguyen at Rise FC 5. While his capoeira background certainly makes him an interesting stylistic match-up, Da Silva proves himself to be one of the more complete fighters you'll encounter. Now fully re-engaged in professional competition, don't be shocked if Da Silva quickly ascends to the upper tier of the Canadian featherweight ranks.
Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels (3-0) PRO **has since moved to 4-0**
For those unfamiliar with Horth Wessels, you've genuinely missed out. Still undefeated in both her amateur and professional careers, Horth Wessels represents a truly well-rounded competitor. Based out of The Sound Martial Arts in Squamish, B.C., she brings dangerous striking combined with solid grappling ability. Horth Wessels is scheduled to challenge for her first professional title at BFL 65, facing one of Eastern Canada's top female competitors in Jade Masson-Wong in what could very well position the victor near a UFC opportunity.
Taylor Christopher (1-0) PRO
With a 7-1 amateur resume under his belt, the highly anticipated professional debut of Christopher lived up to every expectation—and then some. After spending over two years away from amateur competition, Christopher finally took to the cage at BFL 64 this past November, walking away with a submission victory over the formidable Cedric Lochard. Boasting amateur triumphs against accomplished opponents such as Josh Kwiatkowski, Philip Romanov, and Blake Sigvaldason, and having gone unbeaten since stepping into the cage for his amateur debut back in 2014, Christopher looks ready to make a swift climb through the professional featherweight standings.
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