On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC with July 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.

• A surging Brazilian nicknamed “Lok Dog” wins and wins and wins – and thinks this one should be the one that pushes him to the UFC doorstep.
• A former Olympian from Mexico turned his attention to MMA, compiled a 5-0 record, and now awaits a UFC call.
• Taken under the wing of Khabib Nurmagomedov, a wrestling-based American plans to travel across seas to earn a belt – and UFC notoriety thereafter.
• A Cage Warriors staple finally earned his shot at gold and plans to extend his winning streak with a UFC-worthy performance.
• Back in LFA, a South Carolinian who walks the walk and talks the talk thinks it’s a matter of time until he can add “UFC fighter” to his resume.