Every young prospect undergoes their trial by fire against a cagey veteran on their way up the ladder.
Saturday night was Thomas Almeida's turn. And did he ever pass his test with flying colors.
The 23-year old, undefeated Chute Boxe fighter stepped into the Octagon at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to meet the always-tough Brad Pickett, who was making his return to bantamweight.
Pickett got the best of the first round in their UFC 189 bout, breaking Almeida's nose in the process.
And then Almeida showed what he's made of.