Every champion in MMA history started out somewhere.
For those who make it to the highest stage, the journey starts 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, but few will succeed.
This November, five fighters on the verge of achieving major-promotion notoriety return to the cage for what could be their stepping stone fights. There are dozens of fighters inches away from making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.
This month:
- A Russian fighter looks to continue terrorizing the Northeast MMA scene and punch his ticket to the big show by defending his CFFC belt.
- A quietly rising bantamweight prospect continues his undefeated streak. Perhaps, No. 11 will be his lucky number.
- Focused on improvement, a 24-year-old light heavyweight is taking Dana White’s advice in stride as he continues moving closer toward a major promotional contract.
- A 205-pound Wisconsite has picked up five victories in five fights. If he picks up No. 6 in his first LFA headliner, he could be looking at the big leagues.
- A North Carolina State University wrestling standout with slick submission skills thinks he’s ready right now. A win in his Titan FC debut will only bolster that belief.
Scroll through the following pages to see the five fighters who this month find themselves on the doorstep:
Alexander Keshtov
Record: 9-0
Age: 32
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’8″
Birthplace: Russia
Next Fight: Feb. 1 vs. Herbeth Sousa (14-1) at CFFC 81 in Bensalem, Penn. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: What’s the problem with being a beastly Russian fighter in the U.S? Well, no one wants to fight you. Alexander Keshtov has experienced it. The bantamweight fighter eats, sleeps and breathes fighting. Training in kudo (a Japanese hybrid martial art) from a young age, martial arts have been a way of life for Keshtov. He’s compiled an impressive undefeated record and picked up the Ring Of Combat and CFFC titles along the way. Despite averaging only a fight a year (due to lack of willing combatants, visa issues, and military responsibilities), Keshtov always finds a way to stay active. He often competes in amateur fights in his native country (as many as 5-6 in the same day) to fulfill his requirements as a Russian lieutenant.
The Skinny: Keshtov has been UFC or Bellator caliber for a while, but he hasn’t been able to show it as much as he’d like. With his kudo background, striking is deeply ingrained in him – but his grappling is fantastic, too. Training under Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ex-coach, Murat Keshtov, the 32-year-old fighter has formulated a smooth, well rounded game. With another win under the CFFC banner and being against his toughest opponent to date, Keshtov should be inked on the spot.
In his own words: “I am very, very relaxed and put no extra pressure on myself inside or outside the cage. I don’t stress about fights. I’m comfortable in there. I have so much hand-to-hand combat fighting experience. Sometimes I’ve done five or six fights a day with five-minute rounds. The rules are different, of course, but the adrenaline and pressure is kind of the same. Even though I only have nine fights (on my record), I’m experienced in combat sports and fighting.”
“… I’m part of a team in Russia that represents a region in hand-to-hand combat. It’s kind of like professional fighting, but in amateur terms. I’m a lieutenant in the Russian military, and I have to fight. It’s my job. I have to go and compete in hand-to-hand combat.”
“… It’s been tough to get opponents. If we had the right opponents, we would be able to fight. We’ve waited for legit opponents – someone with a good record and experience. Every time we accept, they back out for various reasons. Someone goes to a different promotion. Someone gets injured. We always get stuck with 2-2 and 3-2, and it’s not really worth doing a camp. It’s not all that work. It hasn’t been easy.”
“… I really hope after my fight I go to the UFC. I’m ready and very, very hopeful. Hopefully, I beat my opponent with a 14-1 record. After that, I’m not sure what else I’ll need to do to get to the UFC.”
Askar Askar
Record: 10-0
Age: 25
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’7″
Birthplace: Palestine
Next Fight: Feb. 7 vs. Saidyokub Kakharamonov (6-2) at HFC 42 in Hammond, Ind.
Background: In the UFC or Bellator, flash can get fighters further than on the regional scene. For regional up-and-comers, substance is more important. Born in Palestine, Askar Askar originally picked up fighting to deal with bullies. Since making his hobby his profession, Askar has quietly creeped up the regional ranks. In the long term, however, it’s not about who’s the loudest. It’s about who’s the best. The MTC MMA product has punched, kicked, and grappled his way into double digit undefeated notoriety. He’s competed for a who’s who of top regional organizations, including LFA, Island Fights, Victory FC, and Titan FC.
The Skinny: Askar is well rounded. He’s been in a five-round fight. He’s accompanied close friend Belal Muhammad during UFC fight weeks. He’s used to the lights of big regional promotions. He’s accumulated a 60 percent finishing percentage – so the excitement is there, too. In summation, he’s the full package. Kakharamonov might be Askar’s best challenge to date. If Askar adds another win to his impressive streak, promotions will be downright stupid not to sign him.
In his own words: “For me, (my success) is work ethic. It’s work ethic all day. One thing I noticed (at one point) was I was lacking discipline. That’s crazy because I feel like I have a good work ethic, and I have a good mindset in terms of training. It’s doing something now so it can pay off. That’s my mental. The more I grind into this, in the next few years it’ll be the biggest payoff. It will change my life. That’s my main focus: to make ‘the life’ my life.”
“… If this fight is the one (that gets me signed), let’s go. If it’s not the one, let’s go again. At the end of the day, this isn’t the UFC. This isn’t ONE FC. This isn’t Bellator. Obviously I know I’m going to get to one of those eventually. I’m going to need to get to one of those, but my goal is to make this my life. I don’t want to wake up every day and wonder what I’m going to do today. No, I’m 25 and in the prime of my years. I’m trying to put myself through the ringer so when my time comes, I belong… This is what I want to be doing until the day I day. I’m making sure the foundation I’m laying down brick-by-brick on a daily basis is such when I get my chance, it’s going to be solid. It’s going to be as solid as steel. Nobody is going to be able to go through me.”
Fight footage courtesy of UFC Fight Pass, the UFC’s official digital subscription service, which is currently offering a seven-day free trial. UFC Fight Pass gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s biggest fight library.
Jamal Pogues
Record: 7-2
Age: 24
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Height: 6’2″
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Next Fight: Feb. 21 vs. Alex Polizzi (5-0) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Casual MMA fans might remember Jamal Pogues from his appearance last season on “Dana White’s Contender Series.” Or perhaps they might know him from his 2018 bout vs. Jordan Young at Bellator 201. Regardless, at 24, Pogues has done well for himself. He’s compiled a 7-2 record against opponents with a combined 30-3 record (at the time of their matchup). Training under UFC veteran Joe Stevenson, Pogues thinks he’s finally putting the mental and physical aspects of his game together.
The Skinny: When Pogues was passed over on DWCS, many viewers were surprised – but Pogues wasn’t one of them. His family and friends weren’t happy with the UFC boss’ decision to let him develop, but not Pogues. In fact, he’s unconcerned with that. What’s he been focused on? Development, development, development, development. That’s the name of the game. At 205 pounds, there aren’t a lot of fighters competing with Pogues for major promotion roster spots. The UFC and Bellator are always in need of young fighters there. Until his day comes, Pogues is honing his craft. Already on the UFC’s radar, that day could come if he gets through Polizzi in his first LFA main event.
In his own words: “For me, I’m used to things not going my way. I’m used to the long road. I’m used to things being hard or tough. So Dana White telling me, that didn’t surprise me. I was hurt, but it didn’t surprise me, because I’m used to that. … Through this I’ve realized nothing will be handed. I’ve got to take the hard way up. It’s about being relaxed, staying patient, and letting everything come your way instead of trying to force it. It sounds like old people stuff, but it’s something I’ve learned.”
“… We watched my fight. We improved off my fight. Hopefully this is the one. If it’s not, it’s fine. Each fight, I’m just trying to grow. Every fight, I’m just trying to grow. I just have got to make sure I’m ready for when they give me that call – not like some of these fighters. They go in there, go 0-3, and they’re out. I just have one job, and my job is to get better. I’ll make sure when (the UFC) signs me, they sign me for a reason. Hopefully, this is the one. We’re just taking it a fight at a time, but hopefully it is.”
Alex Polizzi
Record: 5-0
Age: 28
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace: Beloit, Wis.
Next Fight: Feb. 21 vs. Jamal Pogues (7-2) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Born and raised in Wisconsin, Alex Polizzi mostly has competed on the Midwest regional scene. He’s never gone the distance, picking up three TKOs and two submission victories under his belt. All of this has been accomplished in his first 18 months as a professional. In his most recent outing, Polizzi defeated UFC veteran Daniel Jolly by first-round stoppage due to strikes. LFA 82 will be his first major headliner.
The Skinny: Despite his NCAA wrestling background from Northwestern University, Polizzi has a 100 percent finishing rate through five professional fights. There’s something to be said for that. He’s not interested in just grinding out guys. He’s willing to venture out of his comfort zone in order to end a fight – and he’s been successful at it. A win over a “Dana White’s Contender Series” and Bellator alum Pogues could very well earn Polizzi a shot in the major leagues. After all, 20-something-old light heavyweights are a hot commodity these days, right?
In his own words: “It’s kind of cliche for a lot of fighters to say they’re going to be champion. My style is a little unorthodox. … I know I’m not the most technically sound fighter. What I strive for in all of my fights is to make sure if you fight me, win, lose, or draw, you’ll never want to fight me again. …
“In the fights I’ve had, I’m not afraid to expand outside of what’s orthodox within MMA, within the wrestling, within the muay Thai, within the boxing. I’m not afraid to step outside those skillsets and do some unconventional moves. I’ll do unconventional attacks. I’m just hoping people can enjoy watching me do what I do. I’m always having fun out there and I just hope the people watching are having half the fun. That’s what makes it all worth it.”
Max Rohskopf
Record: 4-0
Age: 25
Weight class: Welterweight
Height: 6’0″
Birthplace: Killbuck, Ohio
Next Fight: Feb. 28 vs. Paulo Silva (6-5) at Titan FC 59 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: You’ll be hard pressed to find a four-fight pro with more hype than Max Rohskopf. The North Carolina State University wrestling product has a 100 percent finishing rate. It makes sense considering he trains under BJJ wizard Robert Drysdale at Zenith Jiu-Jitsu in Las Vegas. While one of his biggest problems has been finding fights, Rohskopf has made sure to stay vocal on social media – building his brand during the competition hiatus. His most recent outing came in September – a 61-second victory over “Dana White’s Contender Series” alum Zach Zane at FFC 40.
The Skinny: Rohskopf isn’t your average blue chip prospect. The Ohioan attributes his in-cage success to his grappling – and that’s hard to argue. His submission skills might be the slickest part of his game, which is scary considering his wrestling credentials. His work ethic seems to be pristine, too. Rohskopf wasn’t supposed to be “the next big thing” heading into his wrestling career. He was a blue collar guy who achieved success through working as such. Combining personality with talent and work ethic, Rohskopf seems like a shoe-in for DWCS should he win his next fight. Fighters at 5-0 aren’t typically signed to the UFC, but Rohskopf isn’t a typical fighter. The UFC is coming to Columbus in March – so maybe we’ll see him in the big leagues sooner than expected.
In his own words: “It’s a weird feeling. My whole athletic career, when I was first wrestling, when I first got to college, I wasn’t someone who picked something up fast. I wasn’t really good at wrestling fast. I wasn’t super good in college my first year. I’ve always had a little bit more of an underdog story almost my entire life, just from my upbringing. Now that I’m in a position where people say I’m a ‘blue chip’ or a ‘prodigy’ and all this (expletive), it’s like, ‘I’ve been training this nonstop for 12-13 years straight.’ Through injuries, through a torn labrum, through a broken back, through broken bones. I was in a shoulder sling, getting on the bike for two hours a day because I knew I needed to do something.
“Over the past two years, I’ve really developed myself as an athlete. Now, if I watch something, I can break something down really easily. My fight I.Q. is higher than probably anyone that’s ever been 4-0 in their career. It’s weird with all the hype now, because I never had that. I like it. I like the attention. I like talking. It’s going to be fun, and I’ve always done a little bit better under pressure. …
“I was 1-0 and 2-0 asking FFC to fight UFC vets. I’ve been ready for a while. I’m ready as soon as my manager calls me up like, ‘Hey, you want a short-notice fight in the UFC in three days?’ I can do it. I can always make weight. I’m always in shape, and I’m ready to take it as soon as it happens.
Here are some fighters worth watching who didn’t crack the list, yet are on the verge of something big:
- Batsumberel Dagvadorj (7-0) – Feb. 1 vs. Takashi Yamashita (6-5) at Mongol FC 3 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Herbeth Sousa (14-1) – Feb. 1 vs. Alexander Keshtov (9-0) at CFFC 81 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania (UFC Fight Pass)
- Jasmine Jasudavicius (3-0) – Feb. 1 vs. Gabriella Gulfin (2-1) at CFFC 81 in Bensalem, Penn. (UFC Fight Pass)
- Nathan Maness (10-1) – Feb. 1 vs. Kellen VanCamp (3-2) at HRMMA 114 in Sheperdsville, Ky.
- Josh Harvey (7-0-1) – Feb. 8 vs. Jesse Erickson (9-8) at NEF 42 in Portland, Maine
- David Robins (6-0) – Feb. 8 vs. Damir Ferhatbegovic (4-2) at Valor Fighting Challenge 69 in Knoxville, Tenn.
- Robert Hale (8-4) – Feb. 8 vs. Kenny Cross (9-3) at Lights Out Championship 7 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Kenny Cross (9-3) – Feb. 8 vs. Robert Hale (8-4) at Lights Out Championship 7 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Jared Revel (9-2) – Feb. 8 vs. Drayton Angus (7-9) at BFL 65 in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
- Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels (3-0) – Feb. 8 vs. Jade Masson-Wong (3-1) at BFL 65 in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
- Dejan Kajic (12-7-2) – Feb. 8 vs. Julien Leblanc (5-1) at BFL 65 in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
- Nate Togbah (7-1) – Feb. 21 vs. Jake Childers (7-0) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
- Nate Childers (7-0) – Feb. 21 vs. Nate Togbah (7-1) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
- J.P. Saint Louis (6-3) – Feb. 21 vs. Korey Kuppe (7-3) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
- Nate Smith (5-0) – Feb. 21 vs. Sean Stebbins (2-0) at LFA 82 in Prior Lake, Minn. (UFC Fight Pass)
- Jason Witt (16-5) – Feb. 22 vs. Zak Bucia (18-11) at FAC 2 in Independence, Mo.
- Jacob Silva (5-2) – Feb. 23 vs. Christian Lira (4-3) at Fury FC 42 in Houston
- Kamil Magomedov (8-0) – Feb. 28 vs. Michael Graves (8-1-2) at Titan FC 59 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (UFC Fight Pass)
- Jack Della Maddalena (7-2) – Feb. 29 vs. Glen Pettigrew (7-2) at Eternal MMA 51 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia (UFC Fight Pass)
- Glen Pettigrew (7-2) – Feb. 29 vs. Jack Della Maddalena (7-2) at Eternal MMA 51 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia (UFC Fight Pass)
- Casey O’Neill (3-0) – Feb. 29 vs. Caitlin McEwen (5-1) at Eternal MMA 51 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia (UFC Fight Pass)
- Caitlin McEwen (5-1) – Feb. 29 vs. Casey O’Neill (3-0) at Eternal MMA 51 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia (UFC Fight Pass)
The following fighters were ineligible for this month’s list because they have already been featured as an “MMA Junkie: On the Doorstep” prospect to watch.
