5 UFC fighters whose return matches ended in losses

#2 Royce Gracie

The original MVP didn't have a good return

Royce Gracie is another name that froths to the very top of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s most elite list of performers. Having graced the sport since way back during its formative years, Gracie was responsible for bringing upon a revolution, more in favour of grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This was later adopted by the generations to come and to date, is one of the most decisive aspects of all-round fighting ability.

He even held the distinction of being the winner of the UFC 1 tournament held in the year 1993, going through seven other competitors and defeating the likes of Ken Shamrock and Gerard Gordeau in the semi-finals and finals, respectively. Gracie was also involved in the longest ever fight in UFC history with Shamrock.

Post that match, Gracie left the UFC. He made his much-awaited return 11 years later to square-off against Matt Hughes, who at that point in time, was the Welterweight Champion.

The match didn’t quite go Gracie’s way and he was defeated in the very first round following a series of heavy punches by the champion. The loss would mark his departure from the UFC. He was later tested positive for anabolic steroids in 2007.