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, Bellator, or PFL 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 – one for the second time – 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.
- A seasoned veteran of the United Kingdom’s MMA scene is rolling – and thinks one more win for Cage Warriors could be a pivotal one in his career.
- A Cage Warriors champion and one of the current faces of the promotion thinks a rematch against a top-tier fighter he beat years ago should do the trick in getting him a UFC call-up.
- A 21-year-old representative of Myanmar knows he’s young, but thinks he’s nearing the point where the UFC will give him a look.
- Dubbed by many as the future of MMA in the midwest, a 21-year-old super prospect looks to keep the good results rolling and continue his destiny toward international notoriety.
- After a DWCS opportunity fell through in 2020, a Titan FC champion thinks one more title fight win will get him another UFC look.
