It’s that time of year for us over at MMA Futures and its time for us to give out some hardware for the 2017 MMA year. Today we will be introducing you to the Up and Comer of the year award nominees. This award is awarded to the top amateur fighter that had at least one fight during the year with one of our partner promotions. With no further ado here are your nominees. Once you take a look at them be sure to cast your vote!
Michael Aquila (3-0)
Aquila, a bantamweight fighter, out of Lincoln Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is an impressive fighter and you can watch all three of his 2017 fights in commercial break during your favorite show. All three of his 2017 fights were finished within the 1st minute of the 1st round.
Andy Carter (4-0)
Andy Carter is another young guy that came into 2017 with the guns a blazin’. Carter, with only one fight before 2017, came in and cleaned house with four straight wins, none of which made it to the 3rd round. He also managed to take home belts from 2 of our partner organization, Dynasty Combat Sports and Legion Combat sports. Carter overcame some adversity in his last fight of the year against Eduardo Peralta, but was able to keep his record unblemished.
Thomas Herrera (2-0)
Thomas Herrera is a guy that really amazed us last year as we made out first trip to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Herrera is a Military guy and he always surprises us by donating his ticket sales to charity. He also walked around the arena collecting money to help donate toys for children after his victory at A-Town Throwdown. We need to see more of this in our sport. Both of his wins in 2017 came in the second round and he proved himself to be a well rounded fighter winning by submission and TKO.
David Onama (4-0)
David Onama, a Glory MMA and Fitness prospect, is definately the most experienced guy in this group with a total record or 11-0. With three of his fights going all the way to decision in 2017 you know he’s fighting pretty tough opponents on his way to his pro debut. With Victories against some of the best featherweights in the midwest in 2017 including Spencer Wray, Kyle Powell, and Romious Cortavious Onama proved he is one of the best up and coming athletes in the midwest in 2017.
Haris Talundzic (3-0)
This welterweight fighter is one to look out for in the coming year in the midwest. Training out of Pinnacle Sports and Fitness in Lincoln, NE, he has put together quite a resume of fighting in just a short time. The Dynasty Combat Sports Amateur Welterweight champion even got a chance to show his stuff for LFA.