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.