On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make MMA big leagues with January wins

For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey starts long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves.

Christien Savoie

Photo via Elite 1 MMA

Record: 7-0
Age: 27
Weight class: Welterweight
Height: 5’11”
Birthplace:
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Next Fight:
Jan. 18 vs. Pat Carroll (4-1) at Elite 1 MMA in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Background: Few welterweights in Canada, if any, possess the same abilities as [autotag]Christien Savoie[/autotag]. Undefeated through his first seven professional outings, Savoie is a force to be reckoned with. Savoie has only gone the distance twice, with his other five victories coming inside the distance by TKO. Savoie hasn’t competed since January 2019, but offers have come his way in the meantime. The UFC offered him a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series, but Savoie turned it down due to it being at middleweight rather than welterweight.

The Skinny: Savoie’s maturity in doing things the right way versus the quickest way is refreshing. He’s taken time in between fights, improved in the gym, and returned in no rush. Additionally, his decision to defer a DWCS offer in order to do things right is unusual – but in a good way. He’s taking the long-term into consideration. Inside the cage, Savoie’s tae kwon do background, power, and brute strength makes him an unusual matchup at 170. Beware of the ground-and-pound. You don’t want this dude on top of you.

In his own words: “I have a unique style and I’m a unique person. I think that culmination is deadly. And I think I’m a guy to prepare for because you’ve never actually trained for me before. Coming from that traditional (tae kwon do) background, it really throws guys off. I’m a really good athlete. I’m a really physically strong guy. Those are a lot of my advantages going into fights.

“I can’t really say there’s anybody in Canada right now making waves. I think I’ll make that case to get that shot (after Jan. 18). I’m a guy who’s easy to advertise. I’m Canadian. I’ve got a unique style, and I think I’m a guy who the UFC would want. So I definitely think I’ll earn my shot with this win. That being said, I’m just focused on this fight and not stressing about the future. But I think that I’ll get my shot after this win.”