Tag: Kris Vereen

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with October 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 Texas flyweight known as “Lil Dragon” and “Lil Kevin (Holland)” continues to rack up wins en route to what he hopes is a UFC call.
  • An Albanian-born wrestling champion hopes to pick up his second CFFC title defense and attract the eyeballs of a major promotion in the process.
  • A seasoned welterweight has run through everyone in the Southwest regional scene, so he’s running it back with one of his toughest challenges in order to prove himself to the powers that be.
  • The center of one of MMA’s greatest all-time comeback stories, a top Canadian prospect aims to continue to defy the odds toward his ultimate goal.
  • One of upcoming UFC title challenger Brandon Royval’s main training partners, a Factory X staple knows he’s ready for the UFC – it’s just about proving it one more time.

On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with July 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 23-year-old Brazilian featherweight hopes to prove he’s wise beyond his years by picking up another LFA finish.
  • A lengthy Colombian bantamweight aims to join the wave of Latin American fighters headed to the UFC.
  • Wracking up win after win, one of the best pound-for-pound regional fighters in Texas hopes one more victory will push him through the UFC threshold.
  • After a dominant wrestling career at Oklahoma State University, an undefeated welterweight fighter looks to pass his toughest test to date and attract big promotion eyeballs in the process.
  • A surging flyweight hopes a CFFC title punches his ticket to the biggest stage of all.

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

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

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

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

This month:

  • A fighter who was rostered by the UFC and whose opportunity fell through due to circumstances outside of his control continues his mission back toward the promotion.
  • One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in Texas thinks a win over another hungry up-and-comer will earn him a Fury FC title shot – or a UFC call.
  • A bulky welterweight nicknamed “The Muscle Hampster” is ready to continue his success and remain undefeated so the celebratory ice cream tastes even sweeter.
  • A seasoned Florida flyweight fighting for a deep meaning is flying under the radar – and he hopes to change that.
  • A CFFC alum and B2 Fighting Series standout is keeping active in hopes the UFC will take notice.

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

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

  • The Invicta FC strawweight champion already kicked her way into internet virality. Now she looks to secure her spot on a major promotional roster with a title defense.
  • Defying life’s hardships since a young age, a Brazilian is eager to capitalize on his first major opportunity for LFA – and utilize his platform to spread awareness of a rare skin condition.
  • The CFFC bantamweight champion had ups and downs en route to the belt but aims to show the UFC brass the final product is worth the wait.
  • A former Arena Football League player started MMA a bit later than most but is on an accelerated pace with a perfect finishing rate – something he hopes the UFC will recognize.
  •  If you’re looking for a scrap, look no further than the Georgia-born-and-raised fighter angling for a UFC deal against a former WSOF champ at Unified MMA 45.