Dear UFC: You have a rare opportunity. His name is Nate Landwehr. The 30-year-old American fighter is currently serving as the M-1 Challenge Featherweight Champion, sitting at 12-2 overall in his career. He is the perfect combination of potential, proven results, and in-cage style aesthetics.

“The Train” has become a known commodity over his past six bouts, winning each in dominant fashion. Unlike many prospective UFC signees, Landwehr has already competed against a string of UFC-level talent. 

The records of last his five opponents? 18-7, 10-1, 14-1-1, 13-2-1, and 11-3. That sums up to an overall opposition record of 66-14, which is fairly unwonted.

Russian MMA promotions like ACB, Fight Nights Global, and M-1 Challenge present an interesting crossroads between regional and major promotions. While here in the United States, these promotions aren’t widely considered major competitors in the grand scheme of MMA, much of their talent is top notch and totally untapped in the western markets.

The UFC wouldn’t have to worry about Landwehr’s contractual situation, which is always a concern with prospects competing in a bigger promotion. M-1 Challenge’s recent deal with the UFC allows their champions to transfer over to the UFC without any contractual issues.

It hasn’t been a perfect ride, and some of Landwehr’s fights have been competitive. He’s had moments where he’s been dropped and moments when opponents have controlled him on the ground. But his experience against high-level competition, in five-round fights no less, gives him an invaluable edge.

His takedown defense could use some work, but he’s always managed to be able to get himself off the bottom when taken down. His striking is unorthodox at times—but in a good way. 

His angles are tricky for any opponent. And if his knockout of Mikhail Korobkov was any indication, he possesses some crazy power. Pressure and pacing are two of Landwehr’s strong suits, leading to some frenetically entertaining exchanges. 

Now more than ever, the UFC is targeting fighters who finish fights. Three of Landwehr’s last four victories have come by way of knockout.

While Contender Series could be a possibility, Landwehr elevating straight to the UFC is the best, and most viable, option. Even if the promotion doesn’t bite soon, don’t be surprised to see the 30-year-old featherweight on the UFC’s roster by the end of the year. Another exciting win will make his signing undeniable. He’ll get there sooner or later.

Sign Nate Landwehr.