On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC or Bellator with May 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 flyweight on a massive winning streak hopes another finish pushes him toward the biggest of stages.
• An exciting Dana White’s Contender Series alum gets his second chance to compete in front of the UFC president.
• A former Bellator title challenger sets her sights on the UFC.
• A rising star from Factory X thinks an LFA tournament victory will be the stepping stone he needs to earn a UFC deal.
• An experienced CFFC champion expects to keep rolling and show he’s as powerful as anyone in the heavyweight division.