Best Lightweight Prospect Not Signed to the UFC? Why Richie “El Machete” Miranda Deserves the Call

The lightweight division has long been considered the deepest talent pool in mixed martial arts. With stars competing across the UFC, PFL, Bellator, and other major organizations, earning recognition as a legitimate UFC prospect requires more than just a winning record.

When evaluating the best lightweight prospect not currently signed to the UFC, one name continues to separate himself from the pack: Richie “El Machete” Miranda.

At just 13-1 as a professional mixed martial artist, Miranda has built one of the strongest resumes outside of the UFC while establishing himself as the most accomplished lightweight champion in Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) history.

The Most Accomplished Lightweight Champion in LFA History

For years, LFA has been considered the premier developmental organization for future UFC stars. The promotion boasts over 330 fighters who have gone on to compete in the UFC, including champions and title contenders such as Kamaru Usman, Sean O’Malley, Brandon Moreno, Brian Ortega, and Derrick Lewis.

Miranda’s accomplishments inside the LFA cage place him among the most successful fighters ever to compete under the banner.

The Santa Ana, California native is a three-time LFA Lightweight Champion and has recorded more lightweight title defenses than any 155-pound fighter in promotional history. His championship reign includes victories over some of the toughest competition available outside the UFC.

Most recently, Miranda defended his title against ROC Lightweight Champion Robert Varricchio, securing a rare bulldog choke submission victory. He also successfully defended his belt against previously undefeated Israeli prospect Ilay Barzilay and captured the championship by stopping former USA National Wrestling Champion Richie Lewis via fifth-round TKO.

Elite Collegiate Wrestling Credentials

One of the reasons many scouts believe Miranda is UFC-ready is his high-level wrestling background.

Before beginning his MMA career, Miranda competed for Segerstrom High School before continuing his wrestling career at Santa Ana College. There, he became a two-time NJCAA All-American, earning honors at both 149 and 157 pounds. He later transferred to the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he competed at the NCAA Division II level.

That wrestling pedigree has translated seamlessly into MMA.

Miranda consistently dictates where fights take place, whether utilizing his takedowns, top control, or scrambling ability to neutralize dangerous opponents. Against fellow wrestling standout Richie Lewis, Miranda showcased his ability to overcome elite grappling and break opponents down over five rounds before securing a championship-winning finish.

Dangerous Everywhere: Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Finishing Ability

While Miranda’s wrestling often gets the headlines, his overall skill set has evolved into one of the most complete in the lightweight division.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt, Miranda has demonstrated the ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground. His professional record currently includes multiple knockout victories and submissions, producing a career finish rate above 60 percent.

Among his 13 professional victories are:

• Former ROC Lightweight Champion Robert Varricchio
• Previously undefeated Ilay Barzilay
• Former USA National Wrestling Champion Richie Lewis
• Multiple veteran LFA contenders

Those wins demonstrate something UFC matchmakers often prioritize: victories over quality opposition rather than simply building an inflated record against inexperienced competition.

Bloodline Combat Sports: Training With One of MMA’s Best Teams

Miranda’s development has accelerated under the guidance of former UFC star Cub Swanson at Bloodline Combat Sports in Orange California.

Bloodline has emerged as one of the fastest-rising gyms in the sport, producing high-level professional fighters while earning recognition as a legitimate contender for MMA Gym of the Year honors. Miranda trains alongside elite athletes daily, sharpening every aspect of his game while preparing for the next step in his career.

Helping Cris Cyborg Prepare for Her PFL Return

The respect Miranda has earned within the MMA community extends beyond his own accomplishments.

Currently, he is playing a key role in helping 18-time MMA World Champion Cris Cyborg prepare for her upcoming PFL title defense. Cyborg specifically brought Miranda into training camp due to his elite wrestling background, relentless pace, and ability to simulate championship-level competition.

When one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history seeks out your skills to prepare for a world championship fight, it serves as a powerful endorsement of your abilities.

Why the UFC Should Sign Richie Miranda

The UFC lightweight division is loaded with talent, but few unsigned fighters bring Miranda’s combination of credentials:

• 13-1 professional record
• Three-time LFA Lightweight Champion
• More LFA lightweight title defenses than any fighter in promotion history
• Two-time Collegiate All-American wrestler
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt
• Over 60% finish rate
• Wins over champions, undefeated prospects, and elite wrestlers
• Member of Cub Swanson’s Bloodline Combat Sports team

Most importantly, Miranda has consistently shown the ability to win under pressure against increasingly difficult competition.

The UFC often looks for fighters who have already proven they can perform in five-round championship fights against top prospects. Richie Miranda has done exactly that.

Final Verdict: The Best Lightweight Prospect Outside the UFC?

There are many talented lightweight prospects competing around the world, but few can match the complete package that Richie “El Machete” Miranda brings to the table.

His championship experience, collegiate wrestling pedigree, finishing ability, and proven success against high-level competition make a compelling argument that he is not only one of the best prospects outside the UFC—but potentially the best lightweight prospect not currently signed by the promotion.

If the UFC is searching for its next breakout lightweight contender, Richie Miranda has already done everything necessary to earn the call.