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While most of the world recognizes that UFC fighters are among the globe's greatest unarmed combatants, some mixed martial artists fighting under Dana White's banner don't enjoy the same respect afforded to most of their peers. Certain fighters are overestimated, but a select few are generally underestimated.
Most willful Conor McGregor fans will always champion the Irishman thanks to his powerful charisma. 'The Notorious' even convinced the casual masses that he was capable of accomplishing the near-impossible in vanquishing Khabib Nurmagomedov leading up to their clash. Unfortunately, not every fighter enjoys the weight of support to that extent.
These fighters struggle to earn the consistent backing of spectators, media members, and even fellow mixed martial artists despite possessing a serviceable chance at defeating their foes. This list details five such UFC fighters, both active and retired, who were underestimated in general throughout their careers.
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#5. Al Iaquinta, former UFC lightweight
The general consensus during the height of Al Iaquinta's UFC run was that he overperformed and was overranked when he earned a No.4 ranking. The sentiment was echoed by two-time opponent Kevin Lee, who was often praised as a future champion in the making due to his natural athleticism and powerful wrestling.
This led to 'Raging Al' being underestimated by a range of fans and fighters. After Khabib Nurmagomedov defeated him for the vacant lightweight crown at UFC 223, fans and even journalists discredited the Russian's victory by characterizing it as a win that came against a 'real estate agent'.
This sentiment alone questioned the New Yorker's legitimacy as a fighter. Yet, the fighter who Kevin Lee once dismissed as someone he was eager to return to the prelims defeated him. Lee was a foe who many swore would one day capture championship gold, but fell to Iaquinta twice.
#4. Derrick Lewis, UFC heavyweight
Based on his record for the most knockouts in UFC history, Derrick Lewis is one of the most terrifying power-punchers in the promotion. 'The Black Beast' possesses nuclear knockout power in his fists. So while he might not be the most technically skilled mixed martial artist, he is terrifyingly effective.
However, 'The Black Beast' is often underestimated. Former foe Curtis Blaydes threw significant criticism at Derrick Lewis during the leadup to their bout. He questioned his opponent's work ethic and claimed he only had one punch.
Of course, 'Razor's words came back to haunt him after 'The Black Beast' defeated him with a one-punch KO in the second round. Even after the bout, Curtis Blaydes remained defiant, asserting that he'd emerge victorious most times. Other fighters like Alexander Volkov have also underestimated him.
The towering Russian dominated the majority of the three-round fight. However, he grew overconfident and paid the price in round three. He tried to close the distance and fight within range but was caught with a thunderous hook from 'The Black Beast.'
#3. Stipe Miocic, UFC heavyweight
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is the greatest-ever heavyweight in the promotion. However, his greatness is rarely recognized. The part-time firefighter has even felt disrespected by Dana White and upper management due to their alleged favoritism of other fighters.
When the former NCAA Division I wrestler faced Fabricio Werdum for the divisional throne, many dismissed his chances of defeating the Brazilian. During Francis Ngannou's initial ascension, the promotion spent most of its efforts marketing 'The Predator', who was expected to defeat Stipe Miocic.
The all-time great heavyweight was so slighted by his treatment that he refused to have Dana White wrap the title around his waist after his win against the Cameroonian phenom. Yet, this view of him persisted as most spectators gave him a negligible chance of defeating Daniel Cormier in two of their three bouts.
#2. Charles Oliveira, UFC lightweight
Charles Oliveira's recent loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 was nothing the Brazilian hasn't experienced before. The submission specialist has lost before, but he has always bounced back. Instead of regarding it as a sign of resilience, many of his peers identify it as a weakness.
Fans have seen 'do Bronx' tap out and suffer KO/TKO losses. Thus, fighters have questioned the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt's ability and willingness to face and overcome adversity. As their UFC 262 title fight neared, Michael Chandler described Charles Oliveira as a quitter.
The three-time Bellator lightweight champion stated that 'do Bronx' tapped due to strikes against Paul Felder and went so far as claiming that the moment the Brazilian can't impose his will, he wilts. Despite Charles Oliveira's win over 'Iron', Justin Gaethje also echoed the same sentiments.
He referred to the submission specialist as a quitter numerous times during the leadup to their bout, only for him to quit by tapping out to a rear-naked choke within three minutes of the first round.
#1. Michael Bisping, former UFC middleweight
As the first English mixed martial artist to capture a UFC title, Michael Bisping is a legendary figure in his home country's MMA culture. Despite once reaching the peak of divisional success in the promotion, he was never quite favored to win most of his difficult matchups.
Back in 2007, 'The Count' was an undefeated contender on the rise. Similarly, Rashad Evans was an undefeated phenom en route to light heavyweight gold. Once the two men were booked to cross swords inside the octagon, most predictions were grossly in favor of Rashad Evans' chances.
Michael Bisping's struggles against Matt Hamill's wrestling led many to assume 'Sugar' would hand him a lopsided defeat. Instead, 'The Count' fought well enough to earn a split-decision loss. Unfortunately, the label of 'not quite good enough' was one that the Englishman struggled to shake throughout his career.
He was underestimated by Vitor Belfort, fans, Luke Rockhold and especially by Georges St-Pierre. The Canadian great never challenged for the middleweight title during Anderson Silva's reign. However, the moment 'The Count' became the champion, he was perceived as such an easier matchup that 'GSP' pounced.
After all, why else would Michael Bisping's title win over Luke Rockhold be described as a Cinderella story if not to highlight the perceived unlikeliness of him becoming a UFC champion?
