Fighters who arrived undefeated in belt qualifiers
Khamzat Chimaev arrived undefeated until his duel against Gilbert Durinho, who is worth a chance to fight for the welterweight belt. Remember some other fighters who competed in 'title eliminators' in the UFC without knowing what defeat is.
In 2008, Brazilian Thiago Silva suffered the first defeat of his career against compatriot Lyoto Machida, in a duel that defined the next challenger for the light heavyweight belt.
Just like Thiago Silva, Lyoto Machida also arrived at the duel undefeated in his career and remained that way. The 'Dragon' went on to win the belt against Rashad Evans.
Still in the light heavyweight division, Ryan Bader also arrived undefeated for a title fight, but faced none other than Jon Jones and suffered his first defeat.
Another light heavyweight who suffered his first defeat precisely in a 'title eliminator' was Phil Davis. Mr. Wonderful was defeated by Rashad Evans, who went on to face Jon Jones for the belt.
Speaking of Jones, Daniel Cormier even had success in the undercard against Dan Henderson, but lost his unbeaten record in the title fight against 'Bones'.
Khabib Nurmagomedov not only reached the 'title eliminator' against Edson Barboza undefeated, he won the belt, defended it three times and retired without knowing what it's like to lose.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk reached the tie against Claudinha Gadelha undefeated. The Pole beat the Brazilian, won the belt and defended it on five occasions before suffering her first defeat.
Claudinha Gadelha, in turn, was also undefeated in MMA until she faced Joanna for the chance to fight for the belt and was defeated.
Chad Mendes made noise in the featherweight division, overcoming Rani Yahya to win the right to fight for the belt, but suffered the first defeat of his career at the hands of then champion José Aldo.
Another Brazilian on the list is Paulo Borrachinha, who beat Yoel Romero in 'title eliminator' and only lost when he faced champion Israel Adesanya.