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.
- A former football standout started his MMA career a little later, but is making up for lost time and could be one fight away from the UFC.
- An LFA bantamweight who can walk the walk and talk the talk hopes to prove both worthy of UFC notoriety in his first LFA headliner.
- A two-time IBJJF world champion has shown much brilliance in his MMA career and just needs a little consistency to push him to the ranks of the UFC.
- Arguably the top regional prospect in the world seems to be the full package and a 16th win would just be a cherry on top of an already eye-catching resume.
- An under-the-radar Brazilian featherweight hopes his first LFA headliner will be his ticket to the big show.
