5 of the most unlikely UFC success stories of 2021

#2. Chris Curtis – UFC middleweight contender

UFC debutant Chris Curtis knocked off two highly-touted prospects in 2021

When the UFC inked journeyman Chris Curtis to a contract in October, it seemed like they’d brought him in as a sacrificial lamb.

‘Action Man’ was signed to fight middleweight uber-prospect Phil Hawes. Their first meeting fell through at late notice and the fight was rescheduled for UFC 268 a month later.

Nobody expected the 34-year old Curtis – who had retired from MMA more than once prior to joining the UFC – to get past ‘Megatron’. Instead, he shocked the world by knocking out the highly-touted prospect in the first round.

Less than a month later, Curtis was back, again on late notice, this time to fight another high-end prospect in the form of Brendan Allen. Despite being written off once more by observers, ‘Action Man’ delivered the goods again, taking Allen out in a rush in the second round.

Considering that nothing on his record suggested he was capable of thriving in the UFC – let alone knocking off two top prospects – it’s easy to understand why Curtis should be considered one of 2021’s most unlikely UFC success stories.

---

#1. Glover Teixeira – UFC light heavyweight champion

Glover Teixeira became an unlikely UFC champion when he beat Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267

Based on his performances in 2020, when he defeated both Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos, it was probably fair to predict that Glover Teixeira might have a solid 2021.

However, nobody really expected that the longtime veteran would end the year with UFC gold wrapped around his waist. This makes him one of the year’s most unlikely success stories.

It would’ve been unfair to deny Teixeira a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title this year. The Brazilian came into 2021 on the back of a five-fight win streak, with just one of those wins going the distance.

At the age of 41, though, the idea of him being the man to dethrone UFC light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz seemed ridiculous.

Blachowicz was on the form of his life after his knockout of Dominick Reyes. His win over Israel Adesanya in April only cemented the idea that he’d reign over the division for a lengthy time.

However, despite Teixeira turning 42 years old just two days prior to their meeting at UFC 267, the Brazilian absolutely dominated Blachowicz on the ground. He eventually finished him off with a second round rear naked choke.

The win not only made Teixeira the oldest fighter in UFC history to claim the light heavyweight title – surpassing the legendary Randy Couture – but it also made him one of the most unlikely champions in UFC history, too.