Fighters Only

Issue 158

September 2017

The top talents who have never won a title at the highest level.

1: A GREAT AT TWO WEIGHTS - JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ

One of the best fighters ever in two divisions. ‘Joe B-Wan Kenobi’ was close to beating Dominick Cruz twice at 135lb despite a size disadvantage.

He is better suited to 125lb, but he had the misfortune of having Demetrious Johnson in the way of the UFC belt on two occasions. ‘Mighty Mouse’ squeaked by with a split-decision the first time, and hit a KO the second.

Perhaps it’ll be third time lucky?

2: HEIR TO THE THRONE - KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV

No crown yet, but no other lightweight can boast as flawless a record as the 28-year-old Russian’s 25-0 slate.

Surely it can’t be too much longer before ‘The Eagle’ has landed a title, has his hands raised in triumph and he wraps the lightweight belt around his waist?

3: STILL IN THE HUNT - TONY FERGUSON

Like Khabib, El Cucuy is possibly just one win away from his taste of precious MMA metal.

You can’t deny the Californian is performing at a stratospheric level right now.

4: BEAT THE MAN - RICHARDO ARONA

‘The Brazilian Tiger’ actually beat Pride champ Wanderlei Silva, but his win was in a tournament fight, so he didn’t get to claim the belt.

5: INCHES AWAY - ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON

No one has pushed Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier closer in pursuit of their 205lb titles.

The Swede was a fly’s genitalia away from winning the top prize twice.

6: PEOPLE'S CHAMPION - NATE DIAZ

Despite defeating contenders and champions, the needle mover only had one opportunity at Octagon gold.

Benson Henderson denied him his chance at glory.

7: CLOSE, BUT NO CIGAR - DONALD CERRONE

Another denied a strap by Henderson – twice in WEC – then again in the UFC by Rafael dos Anjos. ‘Cowboy’s’ ambition to wrangle the ultimate honor seems destined never to materialize.