The Next Generation - Vol 1

In this piece, I spotlight three rising prospects on their journey to potential UFC stardom. My goal is to give these fighters well-deserved recognition before they reach the big stage. Along with a brief introduction to each fighter, I asked them all the same three questions—offering insight into their mindset, expectations, and what fans can anticipate from their careers.

Dominykas Norkus is an under-the-radar prospect with a quietly impressive resume. As an amateur, he went 7-1, competing eight times in just six months. However, as a pro, finding opponents has been a challenge. He's a lightweight but has been taking fights at welterweight just to get fights. Recently signing with UAE Warriors the hope is more challenges and fights are ahead.

For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
I am a 20-year-old Lithuanian/Irish lad who is currently 5-0 as a professional with a 100% finish rate who strives to be better and better every time I step into that cage with his goals set to be in the ufc very soon.

What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
What sets me apart from other fighters is a tough question—almost every fighter will tell you they want to be the best in the world. But for me, the real difference is my team. Team KF isn’t just a gym; it’s a family. The work ethic and drive to improve every day have been ingrained in us from the start by Chris and Tom. It’s unlike any other gym, which is why our slogan is, “We are different.” I truly believe that in the coming years, you’ll be hearing more and more about fighters rising from Team KF.

What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
The legacy I want to leave in this sport is to become the UFC Lightweight Champion— the first Lithuanian-Irish fighter to achieve that feat. With relentless hard work and dedication, I have no doubt that I will make it happen.

Ian Escuza is one of the more promising fighters from Peru on the come-up. As a pro and amateur, he has a 35-5 Muay Thai record. That's led to going straight to the pro ranks and a 6-0 record. Escuza has won all six fights inside the first round. 2024 was a big year for him winning the Inka FC featherweight champion. He is coming off an ACL injury so once healed up he's one to watch for.

For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
Always a good show and high-level striking.

What makes you different than any other fighter that steps in the cage?
My discipline and my fighting IQ. There's a reason why they call me the specimen.

What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
Inspire and motivate others to chase their dreams with dedication, hard work, and wise choices. I want to show my fellow Peruvians that we have everything it takes to reach the top! More importantly, I want to prove that we can be respectful, kind, and still kick some ass.

Austin Clayton is an American prospect who trains out of Florida for Kill Cliff FC. Clayton came from a wrestling background and later transitioned to MMA in 2022. He's 4-0 as a pro and went 4-0 as an amateur. He's finished all his pro fights and is coming off the biggest win of his career in his CFFC debut. Only time will tell but Clayton is a bright prospect at 170.

For the fans that's never watched you what would you tell them to expect?
Expect a show. People pay their hard-earned money and spend their valuable time to make it to these events, so it is my goal as a fighter and athlete to make it worthwhile to them in every way. I look to always put on an exciting fight, with all the theatrics in between. I want people to leave the event feeling fulfilled and inspired. I want them to remember my name and my abilities.

What makes you different than any other fighter that steps into the cage?
I believe my roots. I think a lot of people have no other option but to fight. But I instead chose this lifestyle. I have many options in my life but I chose this as my career. I grew up wrestling, and love the grind of it all. No shortcuts and you only get what you earn. I want to show the only secret to success is passion, hard work and discipline. I’m not only doing this for myself but also to achieve a dream of my dad’s as well, because if this was around in his time, he would 100% be doing it! So when I step in that cage, although there are many unique things about me, it is my “WHY” that separates me from the field.

What legacy do you wanna leave in the sport when it's all said and done?
Truly all I want to leave is the legacy of the best possible Austin Clayton. I don’t want to be anyone or anything I am not, I just want to max out on the potential of who I am in this sport. I want to one day retire and know I have everything I had in my power to be the best I could be and I am content with whatever that is. I truly believe that leaves me as a champion, and game changer of the sport. A needle mover. Someone who inspires the next generation and never steps down from a challenge. Someone who takes risks, who works hard, and gets things done. Most importantly someone who remembers God's will is always greater than my own!