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 – one for the second time – 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:
- Promised another look from the UFC boss, this Dana White’s Contender Series winner aims to get his second win in front of the promotional brass – and a contract, too.
- An undefeated Stipe Miocic training partner who also won on DWCS earlier this year hopes 6-0 will be enough experience for the UFC to bring him on board.
- A training partner of the likes of Islam Makhachev, Daniel Cormier, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and others, this American lightweight has had many ups and a few downs but thinks it’s finally his time.
- A relative unknown from Alabama who burst onto the radar with an 11-second win earlier this year in CFFC hopes winning the promotion’s title will be the stepping stone to a UFC or Bellator opportunity.
- A lifelong martial artist, this French-Canadian angles to keep the success of legendary Tristar gym alive and well with an eye-popping, phone call-earning performance.