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 Dana White’s Contender Series winner who didn’t earn a contract in 2018 competes in his first fight since his “lights out” fight.
- With LFA flyweight champion Victor Altamirano set to compete on DWCS, this Michigan-based, Thailand-trained fighter hopes an interim belt will propel him to the UFC.
- After travel issues prevented an LFA title fight in February, one of Brazil’s top flyweights welcomes the promotion to his home country with open arms.
- For years one of the best fighters in the Texas regional circuit, a surging lightweight hopes to prove his weight issues are under control – and that he’s ready for the big leagues.
- After being passed over on DWCS, a rising Canadian lightweight is still hungry for a finish – and his UFC contract.
