Every champion in MMA history started out somewhere.
For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey begins long before they strap on UFC or Bellator gloves. Modern-era fighters progress through the regional ranks with hopes of accomplishing the highest accolades. Many will try, few will succeed.
This month, five fighters on the verge of achieving major-promotion notoriety return to the cage for what could be their stepping stone fight. There are dozens of fighters close to making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.
This month:
- A former UFC signee looks to get back into the world’s most prominent MMA organization with his first CFFC title defense.
- A Canadian middleweight hopes to punch his ticket by earning his first major regional promotion title.
- A Brazilian fighter who has battered the Mexican regional scene looks to make it seven in a row and earn a UFC contract in the process.
- One of Europe’s best pound-for-pound fighters aims for his next Cage Warriors title defense to be his final one before he departs for a major promotion.
- Tristar’s unsung bantamweight thinks another win over a top-tier regional opponent will help his chances of being the UFC’s next signee from Canada.