Author: Andrew Saunders

5 Fighters Who Should Have Been UFC Champions

In UFC history, only 44 men across seven weight classes have ever been fortunate enough to call themselves a UFC champion. On September 22, either Demetrious Johnson or Joseph Benavidez will join the elite group when they square off for the inaugural U…

In UFC history, only 44 men across seven weight classes have ever been fortunate enough to call themselves a UFC champion. On September 22, either Demetrious Johnson or Joseph Benavidez will join the elite group when they square off for the inaugural UFC flyweight championship.

Of the many failed challengers for UFC gold, only a few truly should have been able to call themselves champion but were unable for various reasons.

Here is a look at five fighters who should have been UFC champion but never made it to the top of the mountain.

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Power Ranking the Most Successful Returns to the Octagon

In the revolving door that is the UFC, fighters come and fighters go on a regular basis. Some are released after a series of unsuccessful bouts. Others are released for poor behavior or failed drug tests. In the older days before the UFC was the undisp…

In the revolving door that is the UFC, fighters come and fighters go on a regular basis. Some are released after a series of unsuccessful bouts. Others are released for poor behavior or failed drug tests. In the older days before the UFC was the undisputed king of MMA, several fighters left in search of greener pastures and bigger paydays.

However, in many instances, former UFC veterans have found their way back to the Octagon. For example, at UFC 152, both Matt Hamill and Vinny Magalhaes will both make their promotional return. Also on the card are Vitor Belfort, Vladimir Matyshenko and Seth Baczynski, who are amid successful return tenures.

Unfortunately, not everyone who makes their way back to the UFC has a successful go at it. Some are downright awful and never collect their elusive win.

Let’s take a look at the entire spectrum. Here is a power ranking of the 25 most successful returns to the Octagon.

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UFC: 6 Fighters You Should Never Bet Against

Sports fans love to make predictions about the outcome of upcoming events. Whether it is based on an educated guess regarding a stylistic matchup or simply faith in their favorite fighters, betting on the action is a common practice that can help kick …

Sports fans love to make predictions about the outcome of upcoming events. Whether it is based on an educated guess regarding a stylistic matchup or simply faith in their favorite fighters, betting on the action is a common practice that can help kick up your level of enjoyment and also make you some money on the side.

That is, of course, if you bet on the right person.

In the world of mixed martial arts, anything can happen. That variable makes our sport so much more difficult to predict than others. While some fights are fairly simple to predict, there are several pugilists that have a certain X factor which allows them to defy the odds, time and time again.

How you decide to bet is completely your decision, but in hopes of saving you some of your hard earned money, here is a list of seven fighters who you should never bet against.

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Power Ranking the Next 5 UFC Fight Cards

With the cancellation of UFC 151, fans have been dealing with a roller coaster of emotions. Many continue to resent Jon Jones for refusing the bout with Chael Sonnen. Some are excited about the upcoming UFC 152 card which will now offer two title fight…

With the cancellation of UFC 151, fans have been dealing with a roller coaster of emotions. Many continue to resent Jon Jones for refusing the bout with Chael Sonnen. Some are excited about the upcoming UFC 152 card which will now offer two title fights. Others are fearful that Dan Henderson may spend the last competitive year of his illustrious career sitting on the sidelines. 

Regardless of how you are feeling, there are a lot of UFC events coming our way in the next two months. Three titles are on the line, and intriguing bouts will take place in nearly every weight class.

Which events are we most excited about? Let’s take a look at the next five UFC fight cards, ranked by pure awesomeness.

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B/R Official Rankings for September: The Top 10 Lightweights in MMA

The month of August was an important period of time for the lightweight division in mixed martial arts. Benson Henderson successfully defended the UFC lightweight championship in a rematch with former top dog Frankie Edgar. However, that was hardly the…

The month of August was an important period of time for the lightweight division in mixed martial arts. Benson Henderson successfully defended the UFC lightweight championship in a rematch with former top dog Frankie Edgar. However, that was hardly the only activity that occurred in the division.

In a pair of outstanding bouts, Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone each picked up exciting victories against Jamie Varner and Melvin Guillard, respectively. 

Big-named fighters moved in and out of the division in August as well. Welterweight star Diego Sanchez officially announced a return to lightweight, while Frankie Edgar is the newest member of the UFC featherweight roster.

As if that’s not enough, the next challenger for Henderson and his UFC championship were announced in the form of Nate Diaz. 

This is the official Bleacher Report MMA rankings of MMA’s lightweight division for the month of September 2012.

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Alistair Overeem: 5 Possible Opponents for His UFC Return

Alistair Overeem has no interest in waiting for a title shot before stepping back into the Octagon. With champion Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez competing on the New Year’s card, The Reem avoids potentially sitting on the sidelines until next May…

Alistair Overeem has no interest in waiting for a title shot before stepping back into the Octagon. With champion Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez competing on the New Year’s card, The Reem avoids potentially sitting on the sidelines until next May, when the victor is ready for competition.

In fact, both JDS and Velasquez are somewhat injury prone and have each fought only three times in the past two years. The decision to not wait prevents Overeem from potentially missing most of 2013.

Overeem is eligible to reapply for a license on December 27, so it’s feasible that he could participate at UFC 155 only two days later. However, for the past five years, there have been no less than two January cards, so The Demolition Man likely won’t have to wait long if Dana White doesn’t feel comfortable by banking on the expedience with the issuing of Overeem’s new license.

In any event, here is a look at five potential opponents for Alistair Overeem upon his return.

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