5 fighters who could make UFC with October wins

Every great MMA champion has a humble beginning. Their journey starts long before they step into the octagon with UFC, Bellator, or PFL gloves. These fighters work their way up through the regional ranks, hoping to someday achieve greatness. However, only a few will actually succeed. This month, we highlight five fighters who are on the verge of making a name for themselves in the major promotions – including one fighter who is returning for the second time.

One rising star in the Texas flyweight division, known as “Lil Dragon” and “Lil Kevin (Holland),” continues to dominate his opponents and hopes to receive a call from the UFC.

An Albanian-born wrestling champion is striving to defend his second CFFC title and catch the attention of a major promotion along the way.

A seasoned welterweight fighter has proven his skills in the Southwest regional scene and is now facing one of his toughest challenges to prove himself to the higher-ups.

A top Canadian prospect, who has one of the greatest comeback stories in MMA history, is determined to defy the odds and achieve his ultimate goal.

Finally, a Factory X staple and training partner of upcoming UFC title challenger Brandon Royval knows he is ready for the UFC and just needs one more opportunity to prove it.

Meet the fighters:

Kevin Fernandez

Vilson Ndregjoni

Record: 8-3
Age: 31
Weight class: Bantamweight
Height: 5’7″
Birthplace: Albania
Next Fight: Oct. 13 vs. Tariq Ismail (7-1) at CFFC 126 in Tampa, Fla. (UFC Fight Pass)

Background: Vilson Ndregjoni, born and raised in Albania, started wrestling at the age of eight. He quickly became a national champion at the youth, junior, and senior levels. Ndregjoni even competed on the international stage and in Olympic qualifiers. In 2015, he came to the United States to compete for a world championship. However, inspired by fighters like Conor McGregor, Ndregjoni decided to transition to MMA. After a two-year hiatus due to an Achilles tendon injury, Ndregjoni jumped back into MMA and turned professional in 2019. He won the CFFC title by knockout in April, although he missed weight in his last fight and the title was not on the line. Despite this setback, Ndregjoni is confident that he can prove himself once again and secure a victory against Tariq Ismail. With his impressive training partners and coaches, he is determined to become the first Albania-born fighter in UFC history.

Kris Vereen

Record: 9-0
Age: 33
Weight class: Welterweight
Height: 5’11”
Birthplace: Enid, Okla.
Next Fight: Oct. 14 vs. Evan Cutts (15-7) at Peak Fighting 32 in Frisco, Texas (Online PPV)

Background: Kris Vereen, a former college football player at East Central University, found his way into MMA after a brief stint in the CFL and the Arena Football League. His athleticism and competitive nature led him to try out judo, where he quickly realized he had much to learn. Despite not initially planning on competing, opportunities presented themselves, and Vereen’s life took a different turn. He eventually crossed paths with UFC veteran Mark De La Rosa, and the rest is history. Undefeated with a 9-0 record, Vereen brings a unique level of athleticism to the sport. With a knack for finishing fights, he is eager to demonstrate his skills once again at Peak Fighting. At the age of 33, Vereen is aware that time is of the essence, and he hopes to receive a short-notice call for his UFC debut. His repeated victories over tough opponents indicate that he is ready for the next level.

Jamie Siraj

Record: 9-2
Age: 29
Weight class: Featherweight
Height: 5’8″
Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Next Fight: Oct. 19 vs. Ryan Rohovich (5-5) at BFL 78 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (UFC Fight Pass)

Background: Jamie Siraj found solace and direction in MMA during a challenging home life. He stumbled upon Revolution Martial Arts and joined under the guidance of former UFC fighter Kajan Johnson, which ignited his passion for the sport. Siraj had his first fight at just 15 years old and was hooked immediately. After a 7-2 amateur career, he made his professional debut in 2014. While he experienced a rocky start with a 3-2 record, Siraj made adjustments to his approach and mindset, ultimately finding consistency. However, just as he was on the cusp of a UFC opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series, his health took a turn for the worse. Siraj was diagnosed with hyper IGE Syndrome, a severe immunodeficiency disorder that left him debilitated. Despite the setback, Siraj managed to make a recovery and is now focused on continuing his winning streak. With a resilient spirit and a burning desire to succeed, Siraj is determined to make it to the UFC and serve as a beacon for others.

These fighters have demonstrated their skills and determination in their respective divisions. With their upcoming fights, they aim to prove they deserve a spot in the major promotions. Their journey to success is filled with challenges, but they are willing to push through and achieve their dreams of becoming MMA champions.

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