5 UFC fighters who have improved exponentially in recent years

#2. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira

Oliveira has improved his record from 23-8 to 31-8

The early stages of Charles Oliveira's UFC career can best be described as mixed. While he would occasionally flash his potential, he suffered a number of losses and bounced between the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

After missing weight a few times as a featherwight, ‘do Bronx’ moved to the 155lb division, this time for good. His second fight in his return to the weight class was a loss to Paul Felder in December 2017.

Since the reversal, Oliveira has reeled off 10 successive wins. The ninth win of the streak was a second-round TKO of Michael Chandler to win the UFC lightweight title at UFC 262. It was followed by a successful defense of the title in a third-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.

You could argue that the sudden upturn in fortunes was due to the move back to 155lb. At lightweight, Oliveira does not have to worry about strenuous weight cuts and his chin (cited as his kryptonite along with his will) holds up better. Also, one can't forget that the Brazilian was very young when he first came to the UFC in 2010.

With his recent successes where he had to battle real adversity, Charles Oliveira has put the doubts over his durability and heart to rest. Also, no one can deny that the current UFC lightweight champion's career turnaround is one of the greatest in MMA history.

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#1. UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno

Moreno has improved his record from 14-5 to 19-5-2

Let us not forget that current UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno was cut from the UFC in 2018 following two straight losses. Yet somehow, he has clawed his way back and now sits atop the promotion's 125lb division.

Moreno seems to be constantly improving and is yet to suffer defeat following his return to the UFC in 2019. He earned his spot back in the company and climbed the ranks to challenge champion Deveison Figueredo for the first time in 2020 at UFC 256.

The bout was a tightly contested draw, but when the rematch came around at UFC 263, Moreno appeared a much superior fighter. He was able to submit Figueredo in the third round to finally get his hands on UFC gold.

Moreno's marked improvement in his second stint in the UFC could be attributed to a better stand-up game. He has always had a good chin and reliable wrestling, but his effectiveness with the hands have gone up a notch. This was most evident in an exciting decision win over Kai Kara-France at UFC 245.

Moreno will face Figueredo for the third time in a title fight at UFC 270 in January 2022.