There’s an awfully thin line between the elite fighters who’ve garnered UFC championships and those who’ve—one way or another—failed to ever reach the top of the mountain.
Some of these fighters simply didn’t have what it took to outshine the champion in their respective division. Others, although amply talented, never made their way to the UFC.
Regardless of their excuse for never getting to the pinnacle, these fighters just barely missed out on their chances of etching their names into the UFC history books as champs.
They’ve made their marks on the sport but never got the ultimate payoff. Here are the best fighters to never wear UFC gold.