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 or Bellator 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 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 signed and released from the UFC earlier this year looks to punch his ticket back now that he’s medically cleared.
- A collegiate wrestler with a crazy backstory aims to show he’s more than a grappler as he seeks his third-straight KO in his first LFA headliner.
- An under-the-radar Canadian welterweight hopes a big step up in competition will propel him to the highest stages in MMA.
- One of France’s top fighters looks to move to 2-0 in Cage Warriors and earn a UFC contract shortly thereafter.
- Irish’s next big thing hopes his mixing pot of skills, confidence, and finishing abilities will help him capture Cage Warriors gold – and catch the UFC’s eye in the process.