In the world of mixed martial arts, particularly in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), certain athletes capture the limelight with their flamboyant personalities or spectacular finishes. However, there are numerous fighters whose consistent performances and technical prowess have not received the recognition they deserve. This article celebrates the top 10 most underrated fighters in UFC, shining a light on their contributions and showcasing why they should be celebrated among the greats of the sport.
10. Jim Miller
Jim Miller epitomizes endurance and resilience, holding the record for the most bouts in UFC history. Despite his longevity and facing a who’s who of the lightweight division, Miller is seldom mentioned among the elite of the sport. His grappling acumen and ability to engage in wars with top contenders underscore his underrated status.
- Veteran Presence: Few fighters can claim the longevity and durability that Miller has shown, often facing younger, highly touted prospects.
- Grit and Grappling: Miller’s ability to withstand adversity and secure wins via submission against formidable opponents highlights his expertise on the mat.
Miller’s journey in the UFC is a testament to his skill and tenacity, marking him as one of the most underrated fighters in UFC.
9. Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal’s transformation from a street fighter to a UFC title contender is a narrative well-known, yet his earlier UFC career is often overlooked. Masvidal has consistently demonstrated a high-level striking game and an ability to perform against top competition, traits that are undervalued when discussing his overall career.
- Technical Striking: Masvidal possesses a crisp, precise striking style that has allowed him to outbox numerous opponents.
- Big Fight Mentality: His performances in high-stakes fights, often on short notice, showcase his readiness and heart.
Masvidal’s career resilience and fighting style make him one of the top 10 most underrated fighters in UFC.
8. Demian Maia
Demian Maia, a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has utilized his grappling superiority to secure a position among the elite in two weight classes. Despite his achievements, including title shots at both welterweight and middleweight, Maia’s skill set is often overshadowed by more dynamic strikers in the sport.
- Submission Specialist: With numerous submission victories, Maia has demonstrated time and again that he can control and finish fights against the best.
- Strategic Mastery: His approach to minimizing damage and maximizing control in fights exemplifies his high-level strategic thinking.
Maia’s profound impact and unique style affirm his spot as one of the most underrated fighters in UFC.
7. Rafael Dos Anjos
Rafael Dos Anjos has competed against the best in the lightweight and welterweight divisions, often with great success. Despite a championship reign at 155 pounds, Dos Anjos is rarely mentioned in conversations about the all-time greats, a clear oversight given his resume and skill diversity.
- Versatile Arsenal: Dos Anjos combines striking, wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu seamlessly, making him a formidable opponent across weight classes.
- Champion’s Heart: His ability to rebound from setbacks and consistently face top-tier competition underscores his mental and physical toughness.
As one of the most underrated fighters in UFC, Dos Anjos’ achievements and versatility deserve greater acknowledgment.
6. Neil Magny
Neil Magny’s career is characterized by a quiet consistency that has seen him amass a record number of wins in the UFC welterweight division. Despite this, Magny is seldom discussed among the elite, even though his reach, cardio, and tactical intelligence make him a nightmare matchup for any opponent.
- Endurance and Reach: Magny uses his physical attributes effectively, maintaining a high output over rounds while managing distance.
- Tactical Intelligence: His fight IQ allows him to adapt his strategy mid-fight to exploit his opponents’ weaknesses.
Magny’s consistent performance in one of the toughest divisions cements his place among the top 10 most underrated fighters in UFC.
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5. Leon Edwards
Leon Edwards has methodically climbed the welterweight ranks with a series of impressive victories, yet he does not receive the media attention or fanfare of some of his contemporaries. His well-rounded game and ability to dominate fights both on the feet and on the ground demonstrate a championship-level skill set.
- Striking and Control: Edwards excels in striking exchanges and utilizes his wrestling to control where the fight takes place.
- Understated Dominance: His ability to neutralize high-level opponents with minimal fuss highlights his elite capabilities.
Edwards’ tactical acumen and physical tools make him one of the most underrated fighters in UFC, deserving more spotlight for his achievements.
4. Beneil Dariush
Beneil Dariush’s rise through the lightweight ranks has been marked by an array of stunning performances against top competition. However, his contributions often go unnoticed in a stacked division. Dariush combines technical striking with elite grappling, making him a dual threat in any matchup.
- Striking and Grappling Fusion: His seamless integration of high-level striking and grappling makes him unpredictable and difficult to prepare for.
- Clutch Performer: Dariush has a knack for securing victories in high-pressure situations, often turning the tide with his strategic acumen.
Dariush’s position as one of the most underrated fighters in UFC is a reflection of his skill set and performance under pressure.
3. Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira’s journey to the top of the lightweight division was filled with ups and downs, but his record for the most submission wins in UFC history underscores his grappling excellence. Despite his championship status, Oliveira’s earlier career was marked by being undervalued and overlooked.
- Submission Expertise: Oliveira’s ability to find a submission from any position is unmatched in the division.
- Resilience: His comebacks from early career setbacks to achieve UFC gold illustrate his perseverance and growth.
Oliveira’s recent accolades may overshadow his earlier status as one of the most underrated fighters in UFC, but his overall contributions to the sport are immense.
2. Curtis Blaydes
Curtis Blaydes has utilized his wrestling base to establish himself as a top heavyweight contender. Despite his dominance, Blaydes has often been bypassed in conversations about the best in the division, perhaps due to his wrestling-centric approach being less flashy than knockout-centric styles.
- Wrestling Dominance: Blaydes’ ability to control opponents with his wrestling is central to his success, showcasing his athletic prowess.
- Evolving Striking: His striking has improved significantly, adding a dangerous layer to his already formidable skill set.
Blaydes continues to prove why he is one of the top 10 most underrated fighters in UFC, deserving more recognition for his accomplishments.
1. Max Holloway
Max Holloway’s tenure as UFC Featherweight Champion was marked by record-setting performances and incredible durability. Despite these feats, Holloway’s technical brilliance and adaptability are often underappreciated when compared to other champions.
- Volume and Precision: Holloway’s ability to maintain a high pace while landing strikes with precision is legendary.
- Adaptive Strategy: His in-fight adjustments and ability to read opponents are marks of a truly elite fighter.
Holloway not only stands out as one of the top 10 most underrated fighters in UFC but also as one of the sport’s all-time greats, whose skills and heart are worthy of greater recognition.
Summing It Up!
The fighters listed as the top 10 most underrated fighters in UFC exemplify the depth and diversity of talent within the organization. Their stories of perseverance, skill, and determination highlight the complex nature of success in mixed martial arts. While they may not always grab headlines, their contributions to the sport are invaluable, and they deserve recognition as some of the most skilled and resilient fighters in the history of UFC. This exploration not only celebrates their achievements but also encourages fans and analysts alike to appreciate the subtler aspects of what makes a fighter truly great.
