On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make MMA big leagues with February wins

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, but few will succeed.

This November, five fighters on the verge of achieving major-promotion notoriety return to the cage for what could be their stepping stone fights. There are dozens of fighters inches away from making the jump in the coming weeks, but these five are particularly exemplary.

This month:

• A Russian fighter looks to continue terrorizing the Northeast MMA scene and punch his ticket to the big show by defending his CFFC belt.
• A quietly rising bantamweight prospect continues his undefeated streak. Perhaps, No. 11 will be his lucky number.
• Focused on improvement, a 24-year-old light heavyweight is taking Dana White’s advice in stride as he continues moving closer toward a major promotional contract.
• A 205-pound Wisconsite has picked up five victories in five fights. If he picks up No. 6 in his first LFA headliner, he could be looking at the big leagues.
• A North Carolina State University wrestling standout with slick submission skills thinks he’s ready right now. A win in his Titan FC debut will only bolster that belief.

Scroll through the following pages to see the five fighters who this month find themselves on the doorstep: