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

Every champion in MMA history started 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.

• One of the best pound-for-pound fighters in Australia and a training partner of Alexander Volkanovski feels ready for the call and another victory will only help his cause.
• The Combat FC featherweight champion takes his talents to LFA with a UFC dream.
• The No. 1 pound-for-pound female in the Oceanic regions tested herself all over Europe and now returns home to earn a UFC deal.
• A fighter whose career and life were threatened by a rare health issue, a Canadian featherweight hopes to prove to the UFC once and for all he’s ready for the big show.
• A former UFC fighter hopes to add Tuff-N-Uff to a streak that includes RIZIN and XMMA as he continues to his journey back to the biggest MMA promotion in the world.