Reaching the top of the mountain is extremely difficult in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Many fighters get close to hitting their peak, but fail. Some never get there at all. Certain ones fool us into thinking they are destined for greatness, only to lose to an aging veteran they are supposed to beat. Several shine when we least expect it, reminding us of the excitement and beauty of the sport.
There are of course many variables that come into play on a fighter’s path to glory. Skill, luck, work ethic, opportunity, valor and courage are on the immediate list that comes to mind. There are fighters that are just naturally gifted, compared to others that have to work harder to make up for a lack in talent.
This sport is comparable to Darwinism. Only the strong survive, for all cannot and do not reach the pinnacle of it. Even winning a belt doesn’t necessarily signify greatness, unless you can defend it and continue to do so.
Here are 10 fighters who have yet to reach their peak.