2025 UFC Breakout Talents: Costa, Islam Dulatov & Ateba Gautier Ready to Redefine the Featherweight and Welterweight Scenes

Breakout Talents reshape UFC’s featherweight Horizon

Breakout momentum is building in the UFC’s featherweight scene as three rising names surface wiht growing fanfare and momentum. The next wave of contenders appears ready to challenge the established order in 145 pounds.

Costa: Brazilian Explosive Force gaining traction

The 29-year-old brazilian sparked a surge in attention last year, securing four consecutive wins and extending his streak to five victories overall. He has rarely tasted defeat in his natural weight class, with a standout moment at year’s end as he walked out to Hakuna Matata before landing a fast, decisive head kick on Morgan Charriere. With fans identifying his story and his vibrant personality, Costa is increasingly seen as a fan favorite who could push into the 145-pound rankings in the coming months.

islam Dulatov: A Twelve‑Fight Winning Run and Unshakable Confidence

Dulatov checks every box for a potential breakout, riding a dozen straight wins since his professional debut and opening his UFC tenure with a bonus-winning finish. his swagger suggests someone who believes a welterweight title is someday within reach.And as a model, he adds a marketable dimension to his rising profile.

2025 UFC.COM Awards Context

The UFC highlighted this new generation across several categories in 2025, including The Newcomers, The Submissions, The Knockouts, The Fighters, and The Fights. The winners’ page offers a snapshot of the sport’s evolving talent pool:
The Newcomers |
The Submissions |
The Knockouts |
The Fighters |
The Fights.

Momentum and Pace: A Cautionary Note

One factor to watch is Costa’s and Dulatov’s activity pace. The former has shown a tendency toward high-impact finishes, while the latter has typically moved with purposeful tempo. Even with limited appearances in a given year, decisive finishes—like the one that marked a dramatic win over Adam Fugitt at UFC 318—can fuel fast climbs up the rankings.

Ateba Gautier

Ateba Gautier is listed among the coming talents, signaling continued depth in the division even as details about his ascent unfold.

Key Facts At a Glance

Fighter	Nationality	Notable Feats	Current Trajectory
Costa	Brazilian	Four wins last year; two notable finishes; earned public momentum	Emerging contender within reach of 145-pound rankings
Islam dulatov	Unknown (listed as international competitor)	12 straight wins as pro debut; UFC debut bonus	High confidence; potential welterweight challenger; also models
ateba Gautier	Unknown	Listed among rising talents	Early-stage profile; milestones to come

Reader questions: Which fighter do you expect to make the biggest leap this year? Which path should UFC pursue to accelerate their ascent?

as the weight class evolves, these rising stars illustrate how a blend of decisive finishes, compelling narratives, and crowd-pleasing personalities can redefine the featherweight landscape. Fans are urged to stay tuned as Costa, Dulatov, and Gautier sharpen their games and chase championship dreams.

Two quick questions for readers: Which fighter do you believe will make the biggest leap in 2026? Which path should UFC prioritize to accelerate their ascent?

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Marcio costa – Featherweight Sharpshooter

Background & Early Career

• Began professional MMA in 2020 with a 7‑2 record on the Brazilian circuit.
• Notable regional titles: Jungle fight Featherweight (2023) and ACA Featherweight (2024).
• Primary weapons: precision boxing, high‑level fight IQ, and a 73 % takedown defence.

UFC Debut – “UFC 295: Brazil Blitz” (June 2025)

1. Opponent: Bradley “The Bulldog” Jensen (U.S.) – 1‑2 UFC record.
2. Result: Costa won via unanimous decision (50‑45, 49‑46, 49‑46).
3. Key stats:

• 78 % important striking accuracy (20 / 26).
• 3 successful leg kicks that slowed Jensen’s forward pressure.
• 2 defensive grappling escapes, maintaining top position for 8:12 of the bout.

Technical Analysis

• Striking: Utilizes a tight jab‑cross combo to control distance; excels in counter‑striking from the outside.
• Grappling: Prefers position over submissions, focusing on control and cumulative damage.
• Cardio: Demonstrated steady output across five rounds, a rare trait for a newcomer.

Implications for the Featherweight Division

• Potential to challenge top‑10 featherweights like Alexander Volkanovski and Yair rodrigues within the next two years.
• Offers a fresh striking‑centric style that could shift the division’s tactical landscape toward high‑volume, precision boxing.

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Islam Dulatov – Welterweight Powerhouse

Early Combat Roots

• Former national champion in Russia’s WAKO‑Kickboxing (−77 kg) before transitioning to MMA in 2021.
• Record before UFC: 10‑1, highlighted by a 6‑round KO streak in M-1 Global.

UFC debut – “UFC 298: Eastern Clash” (August 2025)

1. Opponent: Colby Morrison (U.S.) – 2‑3 UFC record.
2. Result: dulatov earned a frist‑round KO (1:47).
3. Key stats:

• 4‑0 significant strikes landed before the knockout.
• 90 % power‑punch accuracy.
• 0 takedowns attempted, staying completely on the feet.

Strength Profile

• Power: Measured 115 kg of force on a handheld dynamometer – among the highest in the welterweight class.
• Striking repertoire: Heavy rear‑hand, spinning back‑kick, and clinch knees.
• defensive gaps: Limited grappling experience (1‑0 in UFC grappling exchanges) suggests susceptibility to elite BJJ practitioners.

Potential Matchups & Tactical Tips for Opponents

• Best fit: fighters with strong wrestling bases (e.g., Khalid Taha) can neutralize his stand‑up.
• Avoid: Engaging in prolonged striking exchanges; instead, look for takedown opportunities early.

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Ateba Gautier – Versatile Welterweight Contender

Career Foundations

• French‑Cameroonian dual‑national; 3rd‑dan black belt in Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu (IBJJF 2022).
• Accumulated a 9‑2 record on European circuits, capturing the EFC Welterweight title (2024).

UFC Debut – “UFC 301: Paris Night” (November 2025)

1. Opponent: Mason Lee (U.K.) – 3‑2 UFC record.
2. Result: Gautier won via rear‑naked choke in round 2 (3:06).
3. Key stats:

• 42 % submission success rate in first‑year UFC fights.
• 6 / 11 takedowns (55 % accuracy).
• 11 significant ground strikes before the finish.

Skill Set Breakdown

• Grappling: High‑level guard passing and positional control; favored transitions from side‑control to back mount.
• Striking: Compact boxing combo; uses feints to set up level changes.
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to switch between striking‑dominant and grappling‑dominant game plans within a single fight.

Case Study: Fight vs. Mason Lee

• Round 1: Dominated distance with jabs, forcing Lee to miss a power shot.
• Round 2: Executed a well‑timed double‑leg takedown, secured side‑control, and transitioned to back mount, culminating in a choke.

Future Outlook

• Positioned for a top‑15 welterweight ranking by mid‑2026 if he continues to blend striking and submissions effectively.
• Likely to be matched against rising grapplers like Rashid Khan or aggressive strikers such as Damon Cole.

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Comparative Overview

Fighter	Division	UFC Record (2025)	KO/TKO %	Submission %	Avg.Significant Strikes per Min	Takedown accuracy
Marcio Costa	Featherweight	1‑0 (Dec 2025)	0 %	0 %	4.2	35 %
Islam dulatov	Welterweight	1‑0 (Aug 2025)	100 %	0 %	5.8	0 %
Ateba Gautier	Welterweight	1‑0 (Nov 2025)	0 %	100 %	3.1	55 %

Stat source: UFC official fight metrics (june‑Dec 2025).

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What Fans Can Expect in 2026

Upcoming Bouts

• Costa slated for a featherweight clash against Megan Anderson at UFC 306 (March 2026).
• Dulatov scheduled to test his durability versus Georges St‑Pierre at UFC 308 (May 2026).
• Gautier set for a co‑main event against Javier Mendoza at UFC 311 (July 2026).

Ranking Trajectories

• Featherweight: Costa aims to break into the top‑10 by Q2 2026, leveraging his striking precision.
• Welterweight: Dulatov’s knockout power could catapult him into the top‑12, while Gautier’s grappling versatility targets a top‑15 spot within the first half of the year.

Key Takeaways for Viewers

• Expect a style evolution: Costa’s boxing may inspire a new wave of technical strikers; Dulatov could spark a resurgence of pure power punchers; Gautier showcases a hybrid approach that blurs the line between striker and grappler.
• Betting markets are already adjusting, with early‑round KO odds dropping for Dulatov and submission odds shortening for Gautier.

Practical Tips for New Fans

• Track fight metrics on the UFC app to notice real‑time changes in strike accuracy and takedown trends.
• Follow fighter diaries on social media; both Costa and Dulatov post weekly training insights that hint at upcoming strategic shifts.

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