5 most underappreciated champions in UFC history

#2 Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley

UFC 260 Miocic v Ngannou 2: Weigh-Ins

Tyron Woodley has been in the news in the recent past for his boxing bout against Jake Paul, somewhat taking away from his legacy in the UFC. The former welterweight champion, who parted ways with the promotion earlier this year after a string of losses, remains one of the greatest welterweights of all time.

Apart from Georges St-Pierre, Matt Hughes and arguably Kamaru Usman, no one has had more success in the welterweight division than Woodley. An explosive, well-rounded fighter in his prime, 'The Chosen One' racked up wins over talented fighters like Darren Till, Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson, Robbie Lawler and Demain Maia.

The insipid performances he turned in towards the end of his UFC stint have darkened the glow of his MMA career, and the fact that he has never been eloquent on the mic has also contributed to his neglect. But Woodley is one of the greatest UFC champions of all time and must be respected if not admired.

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#1 Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic

UFC 260 Miocic v Ngannou 2: Weigh-Ins

Undoubtedly No. 1 on the list of underappreciated UFC champions, Stipe Miocic hasn't been adequately recognized for his achievements in the toughest division in the promotion. The all-time leader in heavyweight title defenses, the Cleveland native is arguably the greatest of all time in the weight class.

Miocic, who clinched the title with a knockout win against Fabricio Werdum, went on to beat world-class heavyweights like Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou. Daniel Cormier put the brakes on his heavyweight juggernaut, but he recovered well to collect a pair of victories in a famous trilogy.

Miocic lost the title to Ngannou earlier this year, but he is intent on reclaiming his throne. It might not be long before we see the 39-year-old, whose lack of trash talk and fanfare makes him severely underrated, compete in another UFC title fight.