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, Bellator, or PFL 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.
- Considered by some the best pound-for-pound fighter in the Australia-New Zealand area, an Alexander Volkanovski training partner aims to prove his UFC worth just in time for a Sydney event.
- A compact lightweight plans to once again show he’s not just size and strength, when he tries to skillfully put on a UFC eye-drawing performance.
- Great on the mic and in the cage, a Carolina-based bantamweight sets out to confirm his UFC call is long overdue.
- A 21-year-old phenom has the opportunity to continue his utter domination on the regional scene. Will it be his final bout before the inevitable UFC step up?
- An exciting and young Texas flyweight is carving out a nice highlight reel, which he’ll look to add to in a potential UFC contract-earning Fury FC main event.