Chris Weidman made his pro debut in Ring of Combat. | Photo: Keith Mills/Sherdog.com
4. Ring of Combat
Aside from King of the Cage, no United States-based promotion has signed and molded more top-flight talent over the years than the New Jersey-based Ring of Combat organization. Promoter Lou Neglia is a longtime fixture in the New York fight scene, with connections to gyms, coaches and fighters that often go back decades or even longer.
It is hard to argue with Ring of Combat’s results. Since the first show in 2002, no fewer than 57 fighters with experience in the organization have fought on UFC cards, including many future stars. Matt Serra, Frankie Edgar, Jim Miller, Costa Philippou, Uriah Hall, Al Iaquinta and Chris Weidman, to name only a few, all passed through the ranks of Ring of Combat before reaching the UFC, and all got tough fights under Neglia’s watchful eye. Even Eddie Alvarez had his first two professional fights in Ring of Combat before embarking on his long and successful career.
For young fighters on the East Coast, Ring of Combat offers one of the very best proving grounds in the world in which to hone their skills. Neglia knows what he is doing.
Number 3 » Russia has been producing excellent fighters for decades, but this recent wave of mixed martial artists is something truly special. The North Caucasus region has been one of the best-kept secrets in the world of combat sports, pumping out Olympic medalists in wrestling and judo for years, but only recently has the area made itself known to fans of MMA, as well. The promotion has been one of the primary venues for fighters from the region to introduce themselves to a broader audience and eventually the world.