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 Coloradan will compete for LFA for the sixth time, but the stakes have never been higher.
- A DWCS winner didn’t earn a contract, but he finally has a willing opponent to face as he awaits a second glance from the UFC.
- A Dagestan-born resident of France with one of the best nicknames in MMA, a slick ground game and the “it” factor hopes a win over a seasoned veteran earns him a slot on the UFC’s debut card in his home country this September.
- Injuries and opponent withdrawals have delayed his return, but this Pacific Northwesterner is ready to show UFC matchmakers he’s worth the wait.
- A Nevada native and former military member moved across the country to train under Joe Lauzon – with UFC aspirations on his mind.
