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 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 inches away from making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.
This month:
- A fighter whose UFC contract rejection shocked Dana White’s Contender Series viewers earlier this year makes his highly anticipated return.
- A savage flyweight fighter rides the wave of momentum from his Cage Warriors debut into the promotion’s next flyweight title fight.
- A Mexican youngster looks to continue to skyrocket his wins and keep his undefeated record alive before moving to the U.S.
- A former football player and wrestler who delved into MMA to elevate the ceiling of individual athletic success aims to prove he’s better than the rest of the pack in the Northeast regional scene.
- A fighter who earned – and lost – a UFC contract earlier this year hopes to redeem himself with a CFFC title victory.
