On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC or Bellator 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 or Bellator 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 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.

This month:

• A welterweight finisher hopes his first CFFC title defense will be his only – and he’ll go to the UFC right after.
• One of the most impressive unsigned performances on the inaugural season of Dana White’s Contender Series, comes back after a 3.5-year hiatus with his sights set on earning the contract that eluded him.
• Two Oklahomans hope their LFA homecoming headliners will be eye-catching enough to elevate them to MMA’s big leagues.
• With a title defense for Fury FC, a lightweight standout thinks a UFC phone call could come his way.