5 UFC fan favorites who are loved despite their losing streaks

Losing is a part of the life of nearly every UFC fighter. Given the intense and physical nature of the sport, the vast majority of fighters experience defeat at some point in their careers.

MMA fans have notoriously short memories, meaning these losses can often result in a major hit to the fighter's popularity. However, there are a few fan favorites who seem immune to this and receive love even when results are not going their way.

The biggest stars in the sport are often prime examples of this. Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal are a combined 1-5 since the start of 2020 but remain some of the most popular fighters in the sport. There clearly is a point of popularity at which losses cease to have a significant impact.

There are other fighters who have achieved this status too. UFC legends typically receive support wherever they go as somewhat of a thank you for all they have put themselves through to entertain the fans. Even when they suffer a defeat, their popularity is not affected nearly as much as a lesser-known fighter's would be.

Here are five UFC fan favorites who are loved despite their losing streak:

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#5. Frankie Edgar - UFC bantamweight

Edgar is 2-5 in his last seven fights

Frankie Edgar has done it all during his UFC run that began way back in 2007. He won the lightweight title in 2010 and has also challenged for featherweight gold on three separate occasions. He recently changed his weight division once again and now competes at bantamweight.

Edgar earned the adoration of the fans for his gritty, determined style that has seen him earn wins over typically larger opponents over the years. He has become a true legend of the sport and as such will undoubtedly receive support for the remainder of his career, regardless of his results.

Edgar is now 40 and has struggled to pick up wins in recent times. He is on a two-fight losing streak and has won just twice in his last seven bouts. Having suffered a KO loss to Marlon Vera last time out, it will be interesting to see what his next step is. In any case, you can be sure the fans will back him all the way.

#4. Donald Cerrone - UFC welterweight

Cerrone is 0-5 (1NC) in his last six fights

Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone is another UFC legend who has developed a relationship with the fans that can't be damaged by a few losses. While he was an elite lightweight for the majority of his career, 'Cowboy's' form has trailed off in recent times as he has not won in his last six bouts.

With that being said, the 38-year-old has consistently faced tough competition. Battles against Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor have contributed to his current losing streak. While some have called for 'Cowboy' to consider retirement, his love of fighting that won so many fans over may lead to him continuing for some time.

Fans will always adore 'Cowboy' given the wealth of moments that the all-time UFC wins leader has provided. He made a name for himself for his willingness to fight any man anytime and regularly taking fights on short notice. It will be very interesting to see what his next move will be in 2022.

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#3. Tony Ferguson - UFC lightweight

Ferguson is 0-3 in his last three fights

Tony Ferguson has built a loyal following through his out-there personality and unique style inside the octagon. 'El Cucuy' is original in everything he does and, as such, receives plenty of support in each of his fights.

Not so long ago, Ferguson was on a ridiculous 12-fight win streak and was set to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight championship. That fight never materialized and he has now found himself on a three-fight losing streak. Despite the losses, he continues to receive plenty of love from the fans.

Given his current losing streak, Ferguson's next fight will be a very important one. Regardless of whether he is able to turn things around or if his current slide continues, his loyal army of supporters won't be jumping ship any time soon.

#2. Darren Till - UFC middleweight

Till is 1-4 in his last five fights

Darren Till is likely the best-placed UFC fighter on this list to turn things around. Despite losing four of his last five fights, 'The Gorilla' is still ranked No.8 in the middleweight division and at 29 years old, he has plenty of time ahead of him.

Till has already challenged for the welterweight title and should he put together some wins, Israel Adesanya has been vocal about wanting a fight with him in the future. While his form has been mixed in recent times, the support he receives from UFC fans has never waivered.

Till earned the love of the fans through his exciting fight style, spectacular walkouts and how genuine he is in every interview. Like many names on this list, his next fight will be very important for the trajectory of his career.

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#1. Nate Diaz - UFC welterweight

Diaz is 1-3 in his last four fights

Nate Diaz is one of the most popular fighters on the entire roster. He has also developed a fandom that somehow continues to grow every time he fights, regardless of whether he wins or loses. His most recent bout against Leon Edwards was a perfect example of this.

In that fight, Diaz was picked apart for the first four rounds before rocking Edwards late in the bout. While he would still lose the fight on the judges scorecards, his reputation continued to grow as an elite fighter who could never be ruled out in any situation.

The Stockton star is also known for not holding back when he is on the microphone, and his rivalry with Conor McGregor has only added to his lore.

Diaz is now in a very interesting position as he has just one fight left on his contract. While it remains to be seen where his career will take him after that, you can be sure that his loyal fanbase will continue to follow his career.