Tony Ferguson He is a former UFC interim lightweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
An encouragement to Tony Ferguson. This Saturday (29), the MMA icon steps into the octagon in a commitment that could end his career in Ultimate. Opponent of Bobby Green No. UFC 291, the 39-year-old veteran has suffered five consecutive defeats and, if he stumbles again and is eventually dismissed, he could join the list of great fighters who did not wear linear belts in the company.
In this special note, the team at SUPER FIGHTS selected 10 great stars who had a successful career in the UFC, but did not reach the absolute top of their respective categories. Check it out below.
1) Tony Ferguson
T. Ferguson (left) and A. Pettis (right) fought a great battle in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufcbrasil
A UFC representative since 2011, Ferguson became known for causing real carnage in the octagon. Famous for massacring opponents in his commitments, the North American even took over the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg), but, due to injuries during the time he held the object, he was prevented from fighting to unify the throne.
Used to collecting victims in MMA, Tony hasn't won a fight since 2019. In 2020, the fighter was close to winning the interim title again, which would qualify him for the 'Dream Fight' against Khabib Nurmagomedov. The plan, however, was frustrated by Justin gaethje, who ran over 'Bicho Papão' in the clash. Since then, there have been four more setbacks for the fighter's record.
2) Donald Cerrone
Donald Cerrone (left) fighting against To the fifth (dir.). Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc
Synonymous with good fighting in his MMA days, Donald Cerrone He became a big star in the sport, but he is another great fighter who didn't reach the throne of a category in the UFC. Complete, fierce, the North American gained notoriety for not refusing challenges and always being willing to collaborate with the company.
A highlight for years in the lightweight division, 'Cowboy' competed for the category title in 2015, when he was at his peak in the organization. The fighter, however, ended up badly beaten by Rafael dos Anjos, champion of the time, who did not spare the North American star. After the setback, Donald alternated between good and bad times and retired from MMA in 2022.
3) Yoel Romero
Y. Romero (photo) during his UFC days. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC
Holder of an enviable physical shape, even at an advanced age, when compared to the vast majority of rivals in the Octagon, Yoel romero shined with the Ultimate gloves. A reference in the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg), the Cuban had two interim title fights and one for the linear title during his career in the UFC. In linear terms, there would be four, but in 2018, when he would measure forces with Robert whittaker, the fighter failed to make the weight cut, losing the opportunity to take the belt, in case of victory.
In the opportunities gained by the linear belt, in 2020, Romero, already over 40 years old, had an apathetic challenge against Israel adesanya. In a fight criticized by fans, specialized press and athletes, Yoel ended up overcoming in a unanimous decision. After the setback, the Cuban transferred to Bellator.
4) Joseph Benavidez
J. Benavidez challenged for the UFC flyweight title on four occasions. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Among great stars who have already passed through the UFC, Joseph Benavidez He was certainly one of the most stubborn competitors to put on the organization's gloves. Always a standout at flyweight (up to 56,7kg), the North American had four opportunities to win the Ultimate belt.
In the first two, one in 2012 and the other in 2013, Benavidez was surpassed by the legendary Demetrious Johnson. In 2020, two more frustrated attempts by the fighter, but this time against Deiveson Figueiredo. On both occasions against the Brazilian, Joseph was beaten in the fast lane. In 2021, in a new attempt at redemption, the veteran ended up being surpassed by Askar askarov and announced his retirement as an MMA professional.
5) Jim Miller
J. Miller (left) defeated N. Motta (right) in the UFC Las Vegas 48. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Unlike the fighters already mentioned so far, Jim Miller He never competed for a belt in the organization. The fighter, however, for years was on the outskirts of an opportunity, but came up against challenges that could bring him closer to being a challenger, as in the defeats to Nate diaz (2011) and Donald Cerrone (2014)
Today, at 39 years old, Jim no longer sees an Ultimate title in his future. The fighter, however, remains active in the organization and currently holds the records for the highest number of fights and victories in the company, totaling 41 challenges and 26 positive results.
6) Ronaldo Jacare
R. Jacaré entering the Octagon. Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc)
Hired as a bet for the future of Ultimate, Ronaldo Jacare met expectations for a long period within the company. With the Strikeforce middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg) on his resume, the Brazilian arrived at the company with his 'foot in the door'.
There were five consecutive victories, four on the fast track, until the first stumble: the questionable defeat against Yoel romero, in 2015, in a split decision. The challenge against the Cuban would bring the Brazilian closer to his dream title fight. Ronaldo, however, recovered and triumphed on two more occasions. However, in a new decisive confrontation, this time in 2017, he was overcome by Robert whittaker and moved away from the dream of the title again. The last time Jacaré was close to challenger status was in 2019, when he faced Jack hermansson, UFC Jacksonville. In the fight, the Tupiniquim lost on points and, there, said goodbye to the belt, having lost the next three appearances and retiring in the last setback.
7) Demian Maia
D. Maia submits at UFC Fortaleza. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufcbrasil
Reference in the transition from jiu-jitsu to MMA, Demian Maia shone in two categories in the UFC. Initially, as a representative of the middleweights (up to 83,9 kg.), the icon of the 'gentle art' competed for the throne for the first time in 2010, but was surpassed by the then hegemonic, Anderson Silva.
In 2012, the Brazilian moved to welterweight (up to 77,1kg), a division in which he also had success with his pragmatic but efficient style. In the new group, Maia reached the status of challenger in 2017, but came up against the champion of the time, Tyron woodley. Demian left MMA in 2021.
8) Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson (right) during the UFC days. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Champion of the welterweight tournament at the legendary Pride in 2005, Dan Henderson He had a long 'lifespan' in MMA and competed at a high level until the end of his career. In the UFC, his debut came with a title fight in the light heavyweight category (up to 93kg) right from the start, in 2007. The fighter, however, was surpassed by Quinton'Rampage' Jackson, another star of the extinct Japanese organization.
Henderson's dream wouldn't stop there. A year later, the fighter would face Anderson Silva in a fight to unify the middleweight belt: UFC champion against Pride champion. This time, the American was unsuccessful, as he ended up stopped by 'Spider' at his physical and technical peak. In 2016, Dan, who, in the meantime, won the light heavyweight belt in the now-defunct Strikeforce, fought once again for the UFC middleweight title. In a fight that would determine his retirement, the veteran was defeated by Michael Bisping and left MMA afterwards.
9) Chad Mendes
Aldo (left) and Mendes (right) waged war at UFC Rio 5. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Called the 'prince' of featherweights (up to 65,7kg.) by none other than José Aldo, Chad Mendes He was 'created' to be a world MMA champion. With a successful stint in the iconic WEC, the North American arrived at the UFC undefeated in 11 career fights, an impeccable trajectory that forced Ultimate to cast him, right on his debut, against José Aldo, for the group's belt. In the test, which took place in 2012, better for the 'King of Rio', who won with a historic knockout.
The stumble in front of the manauara didn't shake Chad, who continued trying. After five consecutive victories, the North American once again qualified to face the Tupiniquim, this time in 2014. Just like in the first attempt, another setback for Mendes. The 'prince' left MMA in 2018, after losing to Alexander Volkanovsky, which, at the time, did not yet hold the division throne.
10) Urijah Faber
Urijah faber (left) in a title fight against Dominick Cruz (dir.). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
MMA prodigy, Urijah faber He was successful wherever he went. WEC featherweight champion, the fighter arrived in Ultimate in 2011, fighting as a bantamweight (up to 61,2kg) and, after winning in his debut, qualified to fight for the belt against Dominick Cruz. In the fight, the North American lost on points, but it was just the beginning of a long journey in an attempt to take over the throne of the category. In 2012, after Cruz was injured, the 'California Boy' fought for the group's vacant title, but was beaten by Renan Barao.
Two years later, Faber challenged for the linear belt once again, but, again, stopped against Barão, who was in his prime. In 2016, Urijah had what would be his last test in clashes at the top of the division. Again, against Dominick Cruz, the North American was surpassed and, until the end of his career in 2019, he did not get to fight for the title.
UFC 291 technical sheet
Data: July 29, 2023
Timetable: From 19:30 pm (Brasília time)
Location: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time and UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online
MAIN CARD (23 p.m. Brasília time)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Dustin poirier x Justin gaethje – Fight for the 'BMF' belt
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Jan Blachowicz x Alex Poatán
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Michael Pereira x Stephen Thompson
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Tony Ferguson x Bobby Green
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Michael chiesa x Kevin holland
PRELIMINARY CARD (19:30 p.m., Brasília time)
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Trevin giles x Gabriel Marretinha
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Marcos Foot x Derrick Lewis
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Roman Kopylov x Claudio Ribeiro
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Jake matthews x Darrius Flowers
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Vinicius Salvador x CJ Vergara
Welterweight (up to 77,1kg): Matthew Semelsberger x Uros Medic
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Miranda maverick x Priscila Pedrita
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