Asian mixed martial arts (MMA) has really taken off in the past few years, due to ONE Championship’s efforts to develop local, homegrown talent. The foundation has been laid out in the region, with a plethora of different martial arts gyms opening up across all corners of Asia.

Unsurprisingly, a few of the most talented up-and-coming prospects have also emerged as a result — fighters who possess the intangible trifecta of skill, will, and charisma.

Here are the top 10 prospects in Asian MMA today.

Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev (4-0, 1NC), Lightweight, Russia

He is fast, extremely aggressive, and a fearsome finisher. The man they call “Dagi” has not met a challenger so far in his young career that he did not completely dominate. With all four of his wins coming in the first round, comprised of one submission and three knockouts, the Russian slugger is one of the most talented men at lightweight.

He has averaged just under a minute of cage time in each outing, proving how overwhelmingly powerful he is. We have not really seen how Arslanaliev can handle a truly live opponent, but that is not his fault. No one he was ever in the cage with seemed willing to give him a real fight.

It will not be long until we see “Dagi” in bigger, more significant bouts, however, but until then we will not be able to fully understand the extent of his overall capabilities as a fighter. But with what he has shown so far in the short time that we have seen him, the man is an absolute force to be reckoned with.

Christian “The Warrior” Lee (5-1), Featherweight, Singapore

18-year-old Christian Lee is the youngest prospect on this list, but what he lacks in overall experience he more than makes up for with incredible raw talent, and an undying passion to achieve his dreams of being one of the best to ever compete in the history of the sport.

Lee is one of the most dynamic fighters in the game right now, with lightning- quick strikes from different angles coupled with his robust grappling technique. Despite learning his first lesson in a recent loss to Martin Nguyen, Lee remains one of the most talented competitors at featherweight.

The way he trains in an unorthodox manner lends a lot to his unique skill set. One of his biggest advantages over opponents is that he is highly unpredictable, and his foes have a difficult time figuring out what he is going to do next. With his swift in-and-out movement, Lee is able to freeze his opponents both physically and mentally before he goes in for the spectacular finish.

Agilan “Alligator” Thani (6-0),Welterweight, Malaysia

In a case of talent meets hard work, Malaysia’s Agilan Thani has certainly put in the man hours to become who he is today — one of the most promising welterweights in all of Asia. Investing his previous fight purses in overseas development, Thani has spent time in the United States going from gym to gym to pick up world-class training in various disciplines including wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The end result has been phenomenal thus far, with Thani maintaining an unblemished record which includes three wins by submission and three by knockout. To say that Thani loves to get guys out of there early is an understatement. Five of his six opponents did not even make it past the first round.

Thani has shown great strength and technique in his victories, two intensely desirable qualities in a top contender. But what is truly remarkable about this young man is that at 21-years of age, there appears to be no ceiling as to what he can accomplish in this sport. 

More impressively, he originally took up MMA to lose weight, shedding almost 60kg and becoming one of the best athletes in Malaysia to get to where he is today.

Istela Nunes (5-0, 1NC), Women’s Atomweight, Brazil

Istela Nunes is one of the hardest working females in the game right now. Despite being just 24 years of age, Nunes is undefeated in five bouts, and has already figured in some grueling bouts including her most recent —a tough excursion against Japanese MMA veteran Mei Yamaguchi.

Nunes debuted in ONE Championship against Yamaguchi, and gave the Japanese fighter all she could handle for three whole rounds. Coming from pretty much relatively unknown to defeating one of the most established females in Asian MMA is no easy task, but Nunes did so with confidence and a true sense of grit and determination.

That one victory alone showed Nunes is a proven commodity, and whoever she faces next should be well-prepared to combat her in every aspect. Could she be next in line for a shot at the title? Possibly. With talent as great as hers, it would hardly be a surprise.

Li Kai Wen (6-3), Featherweight, China

China’s top featherweight is one of the fastest starters in all of Asian MMA. Opponents have to keep constantly on the defensive when they step inside the cage with Li Kai Wen, because he will capitalize on any opening he can manage to find.

There is an inherent beauty in watching Li looking to finish guys with his heavy hands in every strike he throws. There is nowhere to hide from this man once you step inside the cage with him. No matter how great a fighter’s defense is, Li will bring the fight directly to an opponent’s doorstep, forcing them to engage and roll the dice.

Sometimes it works out in his favor, and sometimes it does not, but there is no denying the fact that Li has the ability provide answers to even the biggest questions regarding his foes.

Ahmed “The Wolverine” Mujtaba (6-0), Featherweight, Pakistan

With five of his six wins so far as a professional coming by submission, Ahmed Mujtaba is not known for his striking chops, but he showed in his last fight that should push come to shove, he is as good as the rest of them.

Against Singapore’s Benedict Ang, Mujtaba outclassed his opponent en route to a unanimous decision, covering all bases of the fight game. From stand-up battles to technical exchanges on the mat, Mujtaba just has that intangible ability to outsmart and outmaneuver his foes.

He is Pakistan’s top MMA talent right now and given his overall well-roundedness, big things are in store for “The Wolverine”.

Danny Kingad (4-0) Flyweight, Philippines

Newcomer Danny Kingad is only two fights into his ONE Championship career, and already he has had some spectacular moments in the promotion.

In the two instances we have seen Kingad in the ONE Championship cage, he decimated both Muhammad Haidar and countryman Eugene Toquero, with the Toquero bout coming as a complete shock.

When the match against his fellow Filipino warrior was made, many predicted it would be Kingad’s first real test due to Toquero’s dangerous striking. But Kingad proved that his grappling was much better than advertised, as he disposed of Toquero quite easily, which no one really expected.

At his best, Kingad is a complete mixed martial artist and at such a young age is poised for a highly successful career. And what’s even more appealing is that he can only get better. His dominance over Toquero just shows that what he lacks in experience, Kingad more than makes up for in pure potential.

Keanu Subba (4-2), Featherweight, Malaysia

Although Keanu Subba has had a couple of setbacks in his young career, Subba always makes it a point to learn from his experiences, and apply his adjustments in the next bout.

Once on par with Christian Lee who shares a place on this list, Subba was hobbled by injuries, which has hampered his progress. As a result, Subba took his time in getting his health in order, and now he is ready to reap what he has sown. In his most recent outing, Subba got back on track with a first-round TKO over Waqar Umar.

At 22, Subba is a sponge, learning from experience as well as constant study of various fight disciplines. Besides analyzing video of his opponents, Subba once said that he also watches other fighters, seeing elements he can incorporate into his own repertoire. 

Ma Hao Bin (4-1), Bantamweight, China

22-year-old Chinese fighter “The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin is the ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (CHANGSHA) Bantamweight Tournament Champion.

He has beaten fellow top bantamweight and compatriot Bu Huo You Ga as well as Cambodia’s Chan Rothana in intense encounters inside the ONE Championship cage, but what truly sets Ma apart from the competition is his ability to keep calm under duress.

The smooth operator can defend well against aggressive opponents, and has the presence of mind to stick to his game plan and do what is necessary for victory. Aside from his terrific striking skills, Ma also employs a well-rounded grappling game, which he has proven with two of his four wins coming by submission.

Tiffany “Soul Crusher” Teo (4-0), Women’s Flyweight, Singapore

28-year-old Tiffany Teo began her professional MMA career relatively late in life, but has already amassed an unblemished 4-0 pro-record. She made her ONE Championship debut against Walaa Abbas last November, winning by second-round submission in her first appearance on the big stage.

It was a tremendous performance from the Singaporean, who completely dominated the fight from start to finish against a scrappy Egyptian fighter with a tendency to make fights look ugly. Teo comes from a Muay Thai background, but has recently added Brazilian jiu-jitsu to complete the total package.

She got her nickname the “Soul Crusher” because she wanted to shake off her “girl next door” image and wanted to let people know she means serious business. However, her moniker ended up actually fitting her very well, as the moment she steps into the cage she transforms into a completely different person and sets out to break her opponent’s spirit.

Ev Ting is once again heading home to Malaysia, and this time he is determined to leave with a dominant victory and a future title shot at the ONE Lightweight World Championship.

The New Zealand-based martial artist will return to his birthplace on Friday Night, 10 February, to battle ex-title challenger “The Prince Of Persia” Kamal Shalorus in the main event of ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS, which broadcasts live from Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, the man known as “E.T.” believes defeating the former number one contender in convincing fashion will be enough to secure the title opportunity he desires.

“Obviously, I want to leave a strong statement and have a really good performance. But I have to go in there, be careful, be cautious, and take it as it comes,” the 27-year-old says. “It is no secret I am coming in with my best sprawl-and-brawl game, and it is a matter of hitting him without getting hit or taken down.”

Doing that in-front of his fellow countrymen would make the occasion extra special.

Born in Malaysia, Ting spent the first seven years of his life in the Southeast Asian country before his parents uprooted the entire family to Auckland, New Zealand, for more opportunities. His father worked in the timber industry and his mother worked as a secretary, and they were able to provide their five children with a strong education and a healthy environment.

Young Ting had a diverse group of friends, and played team sports such as rugby and football. He even hung out with the computer-crazy kids. But after graduating from Manurewa High School in 2007, his days of competing in team sports were over. 

Between that and moving to a new community, Ting needed an athletic outlet to maintain his fitness, and hopefully, make some new friends. In late 2009, he found that outlet, and it was practically right around the corner.

“I was in a brand new suburb with no friends, so I went to look for an individual sport,” he remembers. “Luckily, there was an MMA gym that opened up very close by, which is Auckland MMA.” 

He had been a fan of martial arts and enjoyed watching mixed martial arts, so it was a perfect match.

Needless to say, it was an immensely hectic time for the Malaysian-bred Kiwi. In addition to beginning his martial arts journey, he continued his education at Auckland University of Technology and worked as an apprentice for French car manufacturer Peugeot.

Ting, however, was fascinated with MMA. Soon after beginning his training, he competed in a slew of amateur competitions and, finding success, believed he could make a career out of it. Not only did he believe it, but he wanted it. 

Deciding to focus strictly on his budding MMA career, Ting made his professional debut in 2011 and racked up three straight wins in local organizations. In February 2012, just two weeks after his third win, a Hong Kong-based promotion offered him a bout against rising star Mark Striegl.

“E.T.” took the bout on two weeks’ notice, underwent another weight cut and, despite a valiant effort, was submitted via rear-naked choke in the first round. In an odd way, that blemish opened some of his biggest doors. 

“It was actually from that fight where I met not only the right people, but the people that made everything happen,” he explains. “From that loss, I got contracts from the fighters and gym owners in Malaysia, and I would say that was the start of me making my name in Asia.”

After receiving his Diploma of Sport and Recreation from AUT in 2012, Ting spent the next two years refining his game, stacking more wins, re-connecting with his Malaysian roots, and cross-training at Kuala Lumpur-based gym Klinch MMA.

By June 2014, he signed with ONE Championship and further staked his claim on the Asian fight scene. Since debuting with the promotion, he has won six of his seven ONE bouts, and holds victories over the likes of the Kelly brothers, former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario, and Rob Lisita, whom he most recently fought at ONE: UNBREAKABLE WARRIORS in Malaysia last September.

“Now I am on a winning streak and I am one fight away from a title shot,” Ting states. “So yeah, it was a rough and fast start here in Asia, but I am glad I am on the positive end of it.”

The Auckland MMA product is carrying momentum and that could be one of the difference makers in his upcoming battle with Shalorus.

Shalorus, an Iranian National Wrestling Champion now based in Washington D.C., is a Relson Gracie BJJ brown belt who holds a 9-4-2 record with four wins coming by way of submission and one by TKO. He even holds a past victory over current ONE Lightweight World Champion, Eduard Folayang.

The last time the “Prince Of Persia” was inside the cage was two years ago, when he came up short in his quest to dethrone then-champ Shinya Aoki. Amidst the long layoff, Shalorus is hungry for another title shot and, at 39-years-old, he is making a final run at the gold. All of that makes for a very dangerous opponent.

“He is always surrounded by an active gym, so he is still around the scene and knows what it is like to be fighting, so I am not judging him by his ring rust,” Ting says. “I am training for the best version of Kamal Shalorus there is, and I will be prepared for the best wrestling and best takedowns he has.”

It has been a remarkable seven years. Ting went from being a car apprentice looking to make friends and stay fit at an MMA gym, to a near-title challenger in the eastern hemisphere’s biggest fight organization. The martial arts have equipped him with a blossoming career, and so much more.

“The whole martial arts lifestyle is what I breathe and preach. It has changed my life where I am not ripping my hands under cars at seven in the morning anymore and I am getting paid for a 15-minute fight. I used to do that for free, so it has changed my life in a lot of positive ways,” he says.

“As a person and my well-being in general, I would say it has allowed me the ability to find ways to balance it all, and find ways to keep out negative things and ideally attract positive situations. It has allowed me to be more in control of my full self.”