Tag: Aryion Young

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with December wins

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

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 rising Oklahoman training in Colorado at Factory X is eager to show the UFC he’s ready through his first five-round fight.
  • An Albania-born fighter made many sacrifices to travel across the world and pursue MMA training in New York, so he’s determined to make his UFC dreams happen.
  • A former ACA standout has plenty of high level experience, but a an LFA title could put him over the top and make him a layup UFC signing.
  • An experienced Canadian aims to continue consistent performances until the UFC calls.
  • An experienced Mexican combatant hopes a title defense for Urijah Faber’s promotion is enough to attract UFC eyeballs.

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with August wins

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

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.

  • After a near two-year hiatus, one of the best flyweight prospects in the world is back and hopes to join his teammates Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili in the UFC.
  • An Australian regional champion hopes to be the next from City Kickboxing to take a step up to the UFC.
  • A relentless Oklahoma-born up-and-comer looks to notch a win over a UFC alumnus and hopefully head to the big show thereafter.
  • Piling up win after win, a Kazakh flyweight angles to be the next in an influx of fighters from his country headed to the UFC.
  • One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in Texas had to rebuild against a loss to a top-tier opponent in 2023. Back on track, he hopes a win streak leads him into the UFC.