The Beaten Path: 5 MMA Prospects to Watch in July

Another month of MMA, another month of high-end prospects plying their craft in hopes of grabbing the attention of a major MMA organization.

Between Titan FC, One Championship, Invicta and RFA, there is no shortage of great fighters who are looking to make a name for themselves. The month of July is filled with MMA action, which allows us to see some of the best prospects in the sport.

That's where we come in. At The Beaten Path, our job is to point you in the direction of these future players so you can get a head start on seeing their handiwork.

So, here are the five prospects you should watch in the month of July.

Division: Middleweight
Age: 26
Record: 3-0 
Next fight: Lucas Rota, Titan FC 34, July 18
See it on: UFC Fight Pass

Look to the future. There, you will see a man by the name of Phil Hawes, who looks to stick around MMA for a long time.

A national champion wrestler at the JUCO level, Hawes brings a fantastic amateur base that combines with sheer muscle, athleticism and explosiveness. The top middleweight prospect recently brought his game to Greg Jackson's camp, where he has made great improvements and looks to be a blue-chipper in the division.

At 3-0 as a pro, Hawes has finished every fight he has participated in. Sure, his opponents haven't been monsters, but he is still young as a fighter and is winning impressively nonetheless.

He gets a big opportunity this month in the form of a bout with Titan FC. Not only is the fight on a big platform of a promotion, but it will air on UFC Fight Pass.

Fans can take a glimpse into the future with Hawes.

Division: Bantamweight
Age: N/A
Record: 10-1-1
Next fight: Bibiano Fernandes, One Championship 29, July 18
See it on: Pay-per-view

When opportunity comes knocking, it's imperative that you answer. That's exactly what Toni Tauru has done by taking a One Championship title bout against Bibiano Fernandes, a top-10 135-pounder in the world.

A submission fighter, Tauru has won seven of his 10 bouts via tapout. When the fight hits the mat, he is dangerous whether he's on his back or on top.

Don't believe me and my assertion that Tauru is an expert submission artist? Look no further than his gogoplata victory over Emil Hartsner—a submission that is rarely seen in MMA.

His back control is uncanny as well. He gets the back, secures position and cinches in rear-naked chokes on demand.

He is on a 10-fight winning streak and is looking to take out one of the best in the world. A win for him would take him from a top prospect to a contender in the division.

Division: Bantamweight
Age: 23
Record: 7-0 
Next fight: Jessy Rose Clark, Invicta 13, July 9
See it on: UFC Fight Pass

When it comes to the best fighters coming out of the MMA hotbed of Sweden, there may be none better than a certain bantamweight. It's not a male fighter either—it's female 135-pounder Pannie Kianzad.

Just 23 years old, she has a great boxing background, as well as a heavy top game on the mat. She has been dominant in all seven of her wins, beating some good European talents along the way.

She is also the Cage Warriors women's bantamweight champion. That is a big accomplishment and the reason Invicta inked her to a contract.

She now comes to America, where she looks to establish her name on a bigger stage. She has Jessy Rose Clark on her plate, a tough Aussie who can give her a run for her money.

Keep an eye on Kianzad. She's a UFC roster member waiting to happen.

Division: Welterweight
Age: 26
Record: 6-0 
Next fight: Paul Bradley, Bellator 140, July 17
See it on: Spike TV

Wrestling is a breeding ground for future MMA prospects. That's where Bellator plucked Chris Honeycutt from, and he has dominated in his run in the company so far.

A running mate of Josh Koscheck, Honeycutt has the throwback Koscheck style, which utilizes a wrestling-heavy style. He is strong and explosive, which allows him to achieve takedowns whenever he pleases.

Honeycutt has the type of style that breeds longevity. He doesn't take much damage in his fights but dishes out plenty of it, making him a contender in the Bellator 170-pound division.

He has Paul Bradley on deck, a guy with a similar style and more experience. It will be interesting to see how he fares.

Division: Featherweight
Age: 27
Record: 9-0 
Next fight: Kurt Holobaugh, Titan FC 34, July 18
See it on: UFC Fight Pass

In terms of top prospects at 145 pounds, Andre Harrison may be No. 1 outside the UFC. That said, he gets a big chance on UFC Fight pass to not only expose himself to a wider audience but gain championship gold with Titan FC.

Harrison is a well-rounded individual with a strong wrestling background who has improved his striking. He has experience with bigger promotions, as he has spent time in Ring of Combat and Titan FC, where he now fights for the featherweight title.

He is a natural athlete and explosive in nature. His physical gifts allow him to gain advantages in the cage. He is usually quicker than his opponent and moves around well in the cage, making him hard to inflict damage on.

Kurt Holobaugh is his current foe. If Harrison gets past him, he is ready for the UFC.