On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC 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, 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.

• An under-the-radar New Englander looks to capture his second CES MMA title weeks after he captured his first – and punch his ticket to the UFC.
• An 8-1 fighter hopes a win over a prospect with the same record finally propels him into the big show.
• A veteran Oklahoma-born fighter continues to improve and feels an LFA title win will show he’s ready for the next level.
• A surging prospect with a funky arsenal of submissions wants to add another highlight to his reel, an LFA title to his trophy case, and a UFC contract to his resume.
• A South Carolina-based bantamweight is eager to keep up his exciting fights in order to catch the eye of a major promotion.