On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with April wins

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 Cage Warriors champion might be the best unsigned prospect in MMA and he hopes to continue showing it one body punch at a time.
• One of the top regional female fighters in Canada hopes to win LFA gold – then make her UFC debut in her home country.
• A Texas-based lightweight who has overcome numerous life hurdles looks to pick up his fourth victory in a row and get on the UFC’s radar once again in the process.
• A heavyweight who also works as a professional wrestler and celebrity body guard takes on his biggest test to date as he tries to figure out which avenue he wants to go down.
• Michigan’s prodigal MMA son returns as he looks for his ninth pro win in as many fights – at 21 years old.