20 UFC Prospects Destined For Big Things In 2020
17. Nasrat Haqparast
While Germany isn't known for being a breeding ground for mixed martial arts talent, they might have one in 23-year old Nasrat Haqparast. He lost his first fight in the UFC to the far more experienced Marcin Held. However, he's come on leaps and bounds since then. He had solid unanimous decision victories against Marc Diakiese and Thibault Gouti, who are two very tough opponents. However, it was his last fight that really made people take notice.
After a decent back-and-forth first round against Brazilian striker Joaquim Silva, Haqparast came out in the second round guns blazing. Eventually, the German lightweight landed a crushing punch that put Silva on his back, with the follow-up punches finishing the fight.
Despite having some really good boxing and heavy hands, it's been just as impressive watching Haqparast round out his skill-set while being under the tutelage of Firas Zahabi. The head coach at Tristar Gym in Canada has made a career of moulding top young prospects into world champions, including the likes of Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald.
At this point in his young career. Haqparast is in an extremely good spot and could be trouble for everyone else at 155lb in the near future.