5 current UFC fighters with a brilliant redemption arc

#4 Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington

UFC Fight Night: Covington v Woodley

It might be the perfect irony to claim that UFC welterweight Colby Covington has redeemed himself. After all, he's one of the most hated fighters in the UFC, with his politically charged, brash persona making him fall out of favor with several fans.

However, Covington is a unique case, for this persona - and the decision he made to move towards it - not only kept him in the promotion but also found a new section of fans intent on supporting him.

According to accounts from Covington and his manager, the legitimacy of which hasn't been verified, he was going to be cut from the UFC after the October 2017 show in Sao Paulo, irrespective of the outcome of his fight against Demain Maia. 'Chaos' was on a four-fight win streak at the time and had lost only once in eight UFC appearances, so it might seem ludicrous that he would've been cut.

But Covington wasn't anywhere near a big draw then, and needed a way to ensure that people tune into his fights. After an infamous call-out of Brazil post his win over Maia, he kept his place in the promotion and won the interim welterweight title in his next fight against Rafael dos Anjos.

Now undoubtedly one of the best welterweights on the planet and a key component of the UFC, Covington has redeemed himself in a unique way.

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#3 UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno

UFC 263: Adesanya v Vettori 2

The UFC reportedly almost cut Colby Covington, but they definitely cut current flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. In late 2018, after losses to Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja, 'The Assassin Baby' was removed from the UFC's books as the future of the 125-lbs division hung in limbo.

After moving to LFA and beating the flyweight champion Maikel Perez via fourth-round knockout, Moreno was afforded another chance with the UFC. In his return fight, he drew with Askar Askarov in an entertaining fight that could've been ruled in his favor.

Since then, Moreno has never looked back. After wins over Kai-Kara France, Jussier Forniga and Brandon Rovyal, he contested for the gold against Deiveson Figueiredo. Not to be deterred by another draw on his record, the 27-year-old finally got the strap wrapped around his waist with a magnificent performance at UFC 263.

Brandon Moreno is now my favorite current UFC champ. Such an inspiration. And did I mention that he’s an amazing human being. https://t.co/PFi2Qfe1fq

— Koa (@ohkoatakeo) June 23, 2021

From being cut by the UFC to becoming the champion and one of the most loved fighters on the roster, Moreno has come a long way.