UFC matchmaker Joe Silva doesn’t have the easiest job in the world. Not only does he have to find stylistic contests that will produce an enjoyable fight, but also provide intriguing matchups for the pugilists. After all, a motivated fighter is a better fighter.
Sometimes, a fighter can get work simply based on his name value. Even if a fight is against an unranked opponent, they may possess a certain level of recognition that warrants higher billing. Former champions or big stars imported from other organizations are easy sells for this very reason.
Why do you think so many fighters want to square off with Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva? It’s certainly not because of their divisional rankings.
By etching a win against a quality name onto your resume, you build your own legacy. When discussing a fighter’s worthiness of fighting for a championship, skills are rarely discussed. It’s all about who you’ve beaten in the past.
However, a name doesn’t always have a face. Some fighters may have earned their stripes but haven’t found their way onto your television. Oftentimes, notable stars from the past are discussed as pioneers by commentators, but their fights aren’t on modern highlight reels.
Here is a look at nine famous fighters who have earned their place in MMA history but fans likely couldn’t pick out of a lineup.