Hermansson (left) passes Jacaré (right) in the ranking. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
Fearless, Jessica Pile Driver faced a major challenge when replacing Taila Santos last minute at UFC Las Vegas 69. Protagonist of this Saturday's show (18), the former strawweight champion (up to 52,1kg.) measures strength with Erin Blanchfield in a flyweight challenge (up to 56,7kg.). If she wins, the Brazilian could demand a new confrontation for the throne of the division, but, otherwise, the athlete could repeat the scenario experienced by the organization's highlights, who moved away from the 'gold' after being surpassed by rivals behind in the ranking.
Names like Ronaldo Jacare, Gilbert Durinho, Marina Rodrigues and Jussier formiga they paid the price of courage when facing and being overcome in confrontations against opponents who would have to wait 'in line'. With that in mind, the SUPER FIGHTS recalls some episodes in which fighters moved away from being a challenger when faced with similar challenges.
Ronaldo Jacaré x Jack Hermansson (2019)
R. Jacaré (left) fighting J. Hermansson. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook @ufc
Considered a great highlight of the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg.) a few years ago, Ronaldo Jacare He tried, a lot, to fight for a belt in the UFC. Former champion of the extinct Strikeforce, the jiu-jitsu icon hit the post on certain occasions, but it was in 2019 that the most glaring situation occurred.
On April 27 of that season, the Brazilian had a confirmed match against Yoel romero. At stake was the group's title challenger status, secured by Dana White on the eve of the show. The Cuban, however, ended up getting injured, giving way to the, until then, unknown Jack hermansson. In the fight, Ronaldo ended up being defeated by his opponent in a split decision and, after the setback, he no longer won with the Ultimate gloves, saying goodbye to his dream of the title when he retired from MMA in 2015.
Jennifer Maia x Joanne Wood (2020)
J. Maia (right) submitted J. Calderwood (left) in the UFC Las Vegas 5. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Unlike Jacaré, the situation involving Jennifer maia ended up being beneficial to Brazilian fans. The year was 2020 and Joanne Wood had been scheduled to face the flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko. The fight, which would take place in UFC 250, ended up being canceled due to injury to the 'owner of the category'. Without an opponent, the Scot agreed to face Maia around two months later, momentarily 'forgetting' her dream of the title.
Against Jennifer, Wood ended up being the victim of a true Brazilian show. Finished in an overwhelming way in the first round, the fighter said goodbye to her status as challenger, passed, on merit, to the Paraná native.
Marina Rodriguez x Amanda Lemos (2022)
Amanda lemos (dir.) punishes Marina Rodriguez (left) in UFC Las Vegas 64. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @UFCEspanol
For years, a strawweight standout, Marina Rodriguez has been fighting for the category title since her debut in Ultimate, in 2018. With convincing performances, the Brazilian reached the mark of four consecutive victories in the division and occupied a prominent place in the top 5 of the group. A compatriot, however, would ruin the Gaucho's short-term plans.
With the belt in sight, Rodriguez made the commitment against Amanda lemos, known for her aggressiveness and on the rise in the group. The challenge took place in November 2022. In the clash, the Pará native came out on top by managing to impose her game. Amanda's triumph came in the third round, via technical knockout. With the stumble, Rodriguez lost third place in the ranking, giving up the position to her compatriot.
José Aldo x Merab Dvalishvili (2022)
J. Aldo (left) was surpassed by M. Dvalishvili (right) in the UFC 278. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Fueled by three consecutive victories, José Aldo was one of the favorites to face the UFC bantamweight champion (up to 62,1kg), aljamain sterling. Close to having the chance to win the second belt in the organization, and already mentioned by the owner of the throne, the Brazilian refused to remain inactive and paid dearly for his decision.
Escalated to the UFC 278, the manauara prepared to face one of the highlights of the category: Merab Dvalishvili. Seen by many as the fighter who would have an advantage in the fight, Aldo ended up not offering the expected risks to the Georgian and was outclassed on points. At 36 years old, the King of Rio decided to hang up his gloves and let the chance of becoming champion in two Ultimate divisions slip away.
Vicente Luque x Belal Muhammad (2022)
Highlight in the welterweight category (up to 77,1kg.), Vincent Luque he was in a great moment in the organization, with four wins in a row, three of which were on the fast track. A strong candidate for a title fight, the Brazilian fell for the provocations of a former victim and accepted a confrontation that would not be advantageous in his climb for the belt.
In April 2022, 'The Silent Assassin', as he is known, decided to give a second chance to Belal Muhammad |. In the first meeting between the two, the Brazilian knocked out his rival in the first round. Confident, Vicente became a witness to his opponent's evolution and ended up being nullified by the North American. With the setback, the athlete distanced himself from his dream competition.
Dan Henderson x Lyoto Machida (2013)
Lyoto Machida (left) fighting against Dan Henderson (right) by UFC in 2013. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
Former champion of Pride (middleweight), Strikeforce (light-heavyweight) and challenger for UFC middleweight and light-heavyweight belts, Dan Henderson can celebrate a successful career in MMA. The athlete, however, almost didn't have the 'icing on the cake', and thanks to a Brazilian.
In 2012, Dan was chosen to face the already renowned Jon Jones for the title fight in the under-93kg division. The athlete, however, ended up injuring his knee and momentarily said goodbye to his dream.
After losing your place in line to face 'Bones', Henderson would have the opportunity to resume his dream and took on the 'Challengers' Confrontation' against Lyoto Machida, former group champion. With the chance assured, the North American ended up overcoming in a clash that took place at UFC 157. Beaten in a split decision by the judges, the fighter had no further opportunities to compete for the throne of the category.
Jussier Formiga x Henry Cejudo (2015)
Jussier formiga (left) and Henry Cejudo (right) faced each other in 2015, for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
On the rise in the UFC, Jussier formiga He was making a name for himself and beating every opponent who entered the Octagon. Ready to become champion, the flyweight athlete (up to 52,1kg) had to go through the test of fire, to prove that he deserved the desired fight for the belt. Victim of a close decision, the Brazilian was forced to return to the back of the line.
The year was 2015, and the opponent of Jussier formiga was still little known. With only two fights for the organization, Henry Cejudo presented himself and ended the Brazilian's hopes. In a balanced confrontation, the fighters who have high skills in grappling fought until the last second. On that occasion, the future double champion triumphed in a split decision and became the candidate to fight for the belt.
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