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 Dricus Du Plessis training partner had his ticket booked for Canada, so when an opportunity to fight on “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight” popped up he took it with the intentions of earning a UFC contract.
- One of the prospects in all of Canada hopes the second time fighting in front of Dana White will be his ticket to the UFC.
- A Team Alpha Male flyweight has already changed his life through fighting, so imagine what a UFC deal would do.
- An Italian-born UAE Warriors titleholder welcomes another tough challenge that could attract the eyeballs of UFC matchmakers.
- A New England-based fighter, who is an alum of both “The Ultimate Fighter” and Dana White’s Contender Series angles to show he’s finally UFC ready.
