It’s undeniable that Australia has quickly emerged as a hotbed for burgeoning talent in the world of MMA. With current stars already on their ascension in the larger organisations like Jack Della Maddalena, Stephen Erceg, Chelsea Hackett & Josh Culibao to name but a few, naturally the question turns to who will be the next up and coming talent to get their shot on some of the biggest stages of them all.

While there is simply too many fighters here in Australia who deserve their shot, in an Instagram poll conducted by From The Stands reporter Josh Betar, several athletes emerged as current ‘fan favourites’ that the Australian fan base are clamouring to see get their chance.

Ben Johnston Emerges As One Of The Most Popular Up & Coming Talents
Photo Credit: Eternal MMA

Ben Johnston was an obvious choice especially coming off a string of dominant victories at Eternal MMA in Australia. With a devastating striking game coupled with an ever developing grappling skillset Ben Johnston certainly holds the capability to put on some incredibly entertaining fights for fans of combat sports around the globe.

Stewart Nicoll Ahead Of A Dominant Performance On Beatdown Promotions
Photo Credit: Beatdown Promotions

If you don’t know who Stewart Nicoll is now is the time to get acquainted with this grappling phenom who is as of yet, undefeated in his pro-career with a string of victories over similar emerging Australian talent as well as international fighters that are also on their ascension. Being arguably one of the most dominant fighters to perform on Beatdown Promotions here in Queensland gaining a finish in his last four fights. With the likes of the aforementioned Stephen Erceg making his impact known in the flyweight division, the injection of Stewart Nicoll into the UFC flyweight division has the potential to begin an era of Australian dominance in the flyweight divisions in MMA.

Justin Van Heerden After Winning The Eternal Belt
Photo Credit: Eternal MMA

One name on this list who has very quickly solidified themselves as one of the most anticipated up and coming fighters is Justin Van Heerden, who very recently set the Australian MMA scene ablaze by signing with HEX Fight Series whilst still being an Eternal MMA champion. Justin’s dedication to the sport and the craft is undeniable, as the man cut weight the last time UFC was in Australia just in the event that a replacement was needed on the card. Justin has always been a fighter who wishes to be active and is willing to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Truly one of the last members of a dying generation of fighters. When this is coupled with his fan friendly and entertaining fighting style, it is undeniable that ‘Lockjaw’ deserves his chance to shine for the world to see.