5 Best MMA fighters not in UFC right now

#1 Douglas Lima

Douglas Lima is an excellent fighter

I've got to confess that I'd contemplated putting Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson's name over here, now that the man has left the UFC and competes for One Championship. However, while most of us credit Johnson for being one of the best fighters in the world, most casual fans almost always overlook former Bellator Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima.

Let's face it, his decision loss to Rory Macdonald at Bellator 192 was one that could've been scored for either fighter. Lima almost finished Macdonald on multiple occasions throughout the fight, and although the judges saw it differently, most fans, as well as experts, scored the bout in favor of Lima.

Lima is presently competing in the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix, and could very well end up facing Macdonald -- with the large majority of combat sports pundits predicting that the two will indeed lock horns once again. Lima is an absolute gem of a fighter, and it's about time we show him some respect.

Which MMA fighters outside the UFC do you think are the best? Sound off in the comments!