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, 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 fight. There are dozens of fighters inches away from making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.
This month:
- Only six fights into his pro career, a 23-year-old striker looks to punch (or kick) his way into the UFC by adding another knockout to his highlight reel in Texas.
- A popular CFFC champion thinks a victory in his fourth title defense will deserve a multi-fight deal from a major organization.
- A Danish featherweight hopes to pick up his fourth straight submission win in order to propel himself back to the ranks of the UFC.
- A young Latvian-born light heavyweight angles for his first Cage Warriors title defense to be his last. He thinks he’s ready for the major leagues.
- An undefeated middleweight who won but wasn’t signed on “Dana White’s Contender Series” hopes an Empire FC victory punches his ticket to the big show.
Scroll through the following pages to see the five fighters who this month find themselves on the doorstep:
Mana Martinez
Record: 5-1
Age: 23
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’9″
Birthplace: Texas
Next Fight: Nov. 9 vs. David Rivera (3-0) at Fury FC 39 in Houston, Texas
Background: At 23 years old and with only six pro fights under his belt, it’s no slight that Mana Martinez has flown under the radar. A self-described “new breed” MMA fighter, Martinez has been competing since age 17. Now, six years after he kicked off his amateur career, Martinez is kicking opponents in the face at the professional level. In November 2018, Martinez faced his toughest challenge to date, “Dana White’s Contender Series” alumnus Ricky Turcios. In just under three minutes’ time (2:59), Martinez knocked Turcios out cold.
The Skinny: All of Martinez’s victories have come by way of knockout, but in a variety of methods. Leg kicks, head kicks, leaping punches – you name it. Martinez frequently ends fights in emphatic fashion. He’s competed for LFA and Fury FC – two of the Southwest’s mainstay regional promotions. His victory over Turcios earned him the Fury FC 135-pound strap. So from here on out, Martinez will be preparing for five-round fights, which should ready him even further for the big stage. Like any other fighter with only six fights to his name, Martinez is green in some areas. However, he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down his speedy rate of improvement.
In his own words: “I’m a kid who’s been training since (I) was a younger teen. I’ve just been doing it for years now. It’s not just boxing or athletics, it’s the new age of fighter who are starting to take over. I’ve been doing this for many years. … I think a lot of these fighters these days are trying to grind fights out or just manage to win by decision, but I’m going in there to finish people, whether it’s on the ground or standing. The five wins I’ve had have been all standing or TKO/KO. I’m going in there and looking for the win.
“I’m definitely trying to take it to the next level. I know Iridium Sports Agency will lead me in the right direction. After this fight, when I manage to get another finish into my record and my record is sitting at 6-1, I think I’ll be ready for the next level. Once I make it there, I feel like it’ll only be the beginning for me. I’m young and I’m hungry. This is all I’ve wanted. This is all I’ve ever trained for. Me taking this to the next level, the UFC, would be an honor, and it would only be the beginning for me. After this fight, I’m definitely looking forward to taking this next step with a call-up.”
Pat Sabatini
Record: 11-2
Age: 28
Weight class: Featherweight
Height: 5’9″
Birthplace: Seaside Heights, N.J.
Next Fight: Nov. 16 vs. Mauro Chaulet (14-6) at CFFC 79 in Atlantic City, N.J. (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: CFFC is one of, if not the highest caliber regional promotion in the U.S. outside of LFA. It’s one thing to win for a top-tier promotion, but it’s another thing entirely to be a mainstay. Pat Sabatini is just that. In December, Sabatini clinched the CFFC featherweight title when he defeated Da’Mon Blackshear by four-round unanimous decision.
At CFFC 74 in May, Sabatini picked up his first title defense when he choked out challenger Fabricio Oliveira in the second round. A member of MPR Endurance, Renzo Gracie Philly, and EEFC, Sabatini is training with the region’s best fighters. Splitting time between three gyms provides him with various looks and helps him prepare for anything.
The Skinny: On paper, Sabatini’s grappling skills jump off the page. He’s won nine of his 11 victories by submission. A piece of advice: Don’t let this man get your back. Of his nine submissions, seven have come by rear-naked choke. But his grappling isn’t his only upside. His striking has come a long way and has become a nice compliment to his takedown threat.
Competing for CFFC, CES MMA, and Victory FC, Sabatini has seemingly accepted the toughest tests available. Not all fighters are willing to take on such challenges, but with tough tests comes invaluable experience. Sabatini’s risk has paid off and he’s really starting to perfoem like a seasoned fighter. If he takes out 20-fight veteran Chaulet on Nov. 16, the UFC contract should be his.
In his own words: “There are a lot of people these days that have these padded records. They have good records, but against people that really aren’t adequate opponents. But I always embrace the challenge. I feel like a couple of my earlier fights, in particular, and fights middle of my career so far, they were tough fights, but they’re the ones I grew from and learned from the most.
“I refuse to be outworked. My team will preach the hard work and whatnot. Learning from my mistakes is a big thing I feel separates me from the rest. Any past failures ,I make sure I correct those mistakes and constantly evolve. I feel like I can do whatever I need to do whether it be on the ground, in the clinch, or on the feet. It’s just a product of evolving with the sport.”
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.
Mads Burnell
Record: 12-3
Age: 25
Weight class: Featherweight
Height: 5’9″
Birthplace: Denmark
Next Fight: Nov. 22 vs. Steve Aimable (14-5) at Cage Warriors 111 in London (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Admittedly, Mads Burnell thinks his first UFC stint came too soon. That said, he believes his pink slip was premature, as well. His lone UFC win against Mike Santiago was bookended by losses to Arnold Allen and Michel Prazeres, which were enough for the UFC brass to cut him. Since his departure, Burnell hasn’t lost. Now a Cage Warriors champion, Burnell has submitted Lukasz Rajewski, Ahmed Vila, and Dean Trueman leading up to his Cage Warriors 111 title defense against Aimable. In back-to-back fights, Burnell has pulled off a rare Japanese necktie.
The Skinny: Following his UFC departure, Burnell took his experience on the biggest stage and utilized it to improve while competing on the regional scene. One of the most skilled MMA featherweights on the ground, Burnell is a terrifying threat in the submission department. Five of his wins have come by Japanese necktie, and he even holds a win by brabo choke. Simply put, Burnell is elite.
He’s only 25, but Burnell has displayed he’s improved leaps and bounds since his first UFC stint. Holding and defending a Cage Warriors title offers value considering the other names who have achieved that milestone. A fourth submission at Cage Warriors 111 should be enough to elevate Burnell back to the big show.
In his own words: “I try to stay humble and all that, but I really hope to get back to the UFC. I didn’t feel I showed my best when I was there. In the Arnold Allen fight, I performed really good. But in the Prazeres fight and the Santiago fight, I think those two fights were the two worst performances of my whole career. I would really like to get back and do what I’ve been doing – just do it in the UFC again.
“Since my first UFC stint, I’ve gotten more mature in life. I think being mature as a human being helps you the way you fight in the cage and the way you prepare. Overall, my preparation, my kicks, my standup game, my jiu-jitsu has overall (gotten) better. … When I look back, maybe I was a little too young. But in hindsight, I learned a lot from being in there.”
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.
Modestas Bukauskas
Record: 9-2
Age: 25
Weight class: Light heavyweight
Height: 6’3″
Birthplace: Klaipeda, Lithuania
Next Fight: Nov. 22 vs. Riccardo Nosiglia (8-1) at Cage Warriors 111 in London (UFC Fight Pass)
Background: Born in Lithuania and now living in England, Modestas Bukauskas represents both countries when he steps into the cage. At Cage Warriors 106 in June, Bukauskas made both proud when he finished then-undefeated Norwegian wrestler Marthin Hamlet by strikes in the fourth round. The victory earned him the Cage Warriors title.
Since his first professional victory in May 2015, Bukauskas hasn’t needed the judges’ scorecards. A do-or-die action fighter, Bukauskas has won six fights by strikes and three by submission. A second generation fighter, Bukauskas hasn’t lost a professional MMA contest since 2016 and is riding a five-fight win streak entering his first Cage Warriors title defense.
The Skinny: In 2019, Bukauskas is a matchmaker’s dream. A number of his traits are rare to come across. First off, he’s a young light heavyweight, which – let’s face it – goes a long way. Secondly, he’s a finisher both on the ground and on the feet. Additionally, he has a good personality, is well-spoken, and promotes himself outside the cage (recently, he was featured on a U.K. dating show where he had to pitch himself to 30 females). Bukauskas has been able to show off his cardio and has been to the championship rounds. UFC, Bellator, or other prospective big-league employers won’t have to worry about bringing in a big man with a gas tank that only lasts two minutes.
In his own words: “The fighting style I try to implement is flamboyant. I want to strike with people. I want a very imposing game. I would say what separates me from the rest is coming from a kickboxing background. I can throw a hell of a lot of strikes that most of these guys don’t even know how to throw. Now you’ve got guys like Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker, you have to have some sort of X-factor you’re going to bring to the table as an upcoming star. With me, that’s my kickboxing background and my athleticism.
“I’d like to stand and trade with guys. I have a style very similar to Israel Adesanya, stuffing takedowns and striking at will with my opponent. I use very versatile, different strikes that people don’t normally see. I like to throw something different in the mix that these light heavyweights aren’t familiar with.
“I truly believe that a big finish here, because he’s a very high-level opponent, will definitely punch my ticket to the UFC. Especially, because I know there’s a UFC London card in March. I know they’ll be looking to match people there. Obviously, I’m looking just to make a statement to prove that I’m ready. I know I’m ready for the world level. Now all that’s left for me is to prove it.”
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.
Impa Kasanganay
Record: 6-0
Age: 25
Weight class: Middleweight
Height: 5’11”
Birthplace: Charlotte, N.C.
Next Fight: Nov. 23 vs. Andre Hall (4-1) at Empire FC 4 in Biloxi, Miss.
Background: Fight fans likely remember Impa Kasanganay as being one of the, if not the most impressive fighter from season 2 of “Dana White’s Contender Series” not to earn a UFC deal. Despite being the perceived “B-side” of his matchup against then-undefeated Kailin Hill, Congolese-American Kasanganay put on a tactical, dominant performance against the LFA veteran. The performance earned massive underdog Kasanganay the nod from all three judges, but UFC president Dana White sent him back to regional scene to get more experience.
This could rattle or disappoint a young up-and-comer who just put on the fight of their life, but not Kasanganay. As White proceeded to explain why he didn’t get the contract, Kasanganay smiled and nodded, totally unfazed. In six professional fights, Kasanganay has competed for LFA, Island Fights, and King of the Cage among other promotions. He currently holds a 33 percent finishing rate.
The Skinny: Kasanganay is an anomaly. He’s been competing as a professional for less than nine months, which is insane considering how polished he is as a fighter. Outside the cage, his professionalism is arguably more impressive. His mindset is unusual for a veteran, never mind a prospect.
Why wasn’t the 25-year-old Carolinian upset he didn’t get a contract on DWCS? He says he knows – for a fact – it’s going to happen down the line, so why be upset? Kasanganay has the utmost confidence without an ounce of cockiness present. Already on the UFC’s radar and now with First Round Management, don’t be surprised if it only takes one more fight for Kasanagany to earn the title of “UFC fighter.”
In his own words: “For me, I love to fight. After Contender Series, I knew I was going to fight again. I believe with God, there’s a lot of things I do that rely on my faith. I don’t believe (being disappointed) would be a solid representation of who he’s called me to be, especially the way my parents raised me. You cannot let me disrespect my family’s name. My parents would not have it.
“I don’t go out. I don’t drink. I don’t do anything crazy. I don’t smoke. That’s just not for me. All I care about is combat and fighting. I feel like God gave me a gift and a calling to fight. That’s just in my heart and my spirit. … People have poured their whole heart into what I’m doing. It’s just opened more and more doors.”
“I believe this will punch my ticket, especially working with the First Round team. I believe after this fight, after the performance we put together, that’s the ticket punched. I’m ready to go. I’m ready for short notice in the next week, the next day. I’d love to fight on the Dec. 7 card.”
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.
Here are some fighters worth watching who didn’t crack the list, yet are on the verge of something big:
- Kyle Driscoll (11-3, featherweight) – Nov. 1 vs. Rey Trujillo (24-26) at “Combate 48: Garland”
- Ray Rodriguez (15-6, bantamweight) – Nov. 8 vs. Andy Perez (7-10) at “Combate 49: San Antonio”
- Karlos Vemola (27-5, light heavyweight) – Nov. 9 vs. Attila Vegh (32-9-2) at Oktagon 15 in Prague, Czech Republic
- Josh Harvey (7-0-1, lightweight) – Nov. 9 vs. Jonathan Hines (3-24) at NEF 41 in Portland, Maine
- Louis Cosce (5-0, welterweight) – Nov. 9 vs. Angelo Trevino (7-3) at Zheng Lou Cage Fighting Series 01 in San Francisco
- Carlos Augusto (18-2, featherweight) – Nov. 15 vs. Paulo Pizzo (9-2) at Future FC 10 in Sao Paulo
- Caio Borralho (6-1, middleweight) – Nov. 15 vs. Ykaro Queiroz (1-0) at Future FC 10 in Sao Paulo
- Vinicius Prego (12-2, bantamweight) – Nov. 15 vs. Caiona Batista (11-3) at Future FC 10 in Sao Paulo
- Spike Carlyle (7-1, lightweight) – Nov. 15 vs. Jean-Paul Bosnoyan (2-0) at LXF 4 in Burbank, Calif.
- Adrian Hadribeaj (9-1, welterweight) – Nov. 16 vs. Sinatra Pool (2-4) at Total Warrior Combat in Lansing, Mich.
- Nikolas Motta (10-3, lightweight) – Nov. 16 vs. Juan Gonzalez (7-1) at CFFC 79 in Atlantic City, N.J.
- Juan Gonzalez (7-1, lightweight) – Nov. 16 vs. Nikolas Motta (10-3) at CFFC 79 in Atlantic City, N.J.
- Steve Aimable (14-5, featherweight) – Nov. 22 vs. Mads Burnell (12-3) at Cage Warriors 111 in London
- James Webb (6-1-1, middleweight) – Nov. 22 vs. Nathias Frederick (7-2-1) at Cage Warriors 111 in London
- Brandon Royval (9-4, flyweight) – Nov. 22 vs. Jared Scoggins (9-1) at LFA 79 in Broomfield, Colo.
- Jared Scoggins (9-1, flyweight) – Nov. 22 vs. Brandon Royval (9-4) at LFA 79 in Broomfield, Colo.
- Chad Anhileger (9-5, bantamweight) – Nov. 30 vs. Jamie Siraj (8-2) at Rise FC 5 in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
- Jamie Siraj (8-2, bantamweight) – Nov. 30 vs. Chad Anhileger (9-5) at Rise FC 5 in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
