On The Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC or Bellator with July 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 month, 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 fired-up featherweight who was passed over on DWCS last season looks to change Dana White’s mind by picking up an LFA title
• An under-the-radar bantamweight with career finishes hopes No. 10 get him signed.
• A relatively unknown Shogun Fights champion expects to make an impressive UFC-call-worthy debut on the national stage.
• A 21-year-old flyweight is riding high off a brutal head kick, feeling confident another finish – and a UFC call – is in her future.
• A seasoned 11-year veteran of MMA thinks he’s closer than ever to finally taking the step up to the UFC – and an LFA title should solidify that.

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