5 Best MMA fighters not in UFC right now

#2 Vitaly Minakov

Vitaly Minakov is one of the best fighters outside the UFC today

Vitaly Minakov is a former Bellator Heavyweight Champion and an undefeated Heavyweight who is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world today. The Russian combatant presently competes for Fight Nights Global and M-1 Global and was rumored to be returning to Bellator MMA as well in 2018.

If one is to believe the rumblings in the combat sports community, Minakov is unlikely to ever sign with the UFC -- with the primary reason behind this, being that like most other fighters outside the UFC, he seems to be a tad wary of signing an exclusive contract with the company which won't allow him to compete in combat sports events outside the UFC sphere.

Minakov has been praised by many for being one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world and continues to impress fans with his excellent Sambo skills as well as incredible distance management in the striking realm.