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Winning a UFC title is the end-goal for most, if not all, mixed martial artists. Doing so represents reaching the peak of the MMA mountaintop. However, every fighter must work their way into the promotion by fighting elsewhere to build a strong enough following and a good enough record to draw interest.
In many cases, fighters who take the time to build themselves into greater fighters end up capturing world titles in other organizations. Eddie Alvarez famously conquered the lightweight division in both Bellator and the UFC. But he isn't the first world champion to sign with the promotion.
To the misfortune of others, not every world champion who joins the promotion is able to replicate their past title-winning success under the bright lights of the UFC. For that reason, this list explores five world champions who failed to capture championship gold under Dana White's banner.
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#5. Wanderlei Silva, former UFC middleweight/light heavyweight
Throughout the history of MMA, certain fighters evoked more fear than others. During his peak, Brazilian buzzsaw Wanderlei Silva was such a fighter. He commanded fear from his opponents and was widely considered to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists in the world between 2000 and 2005.
He helmed a four-year unbeaten streak with 16 wins, one no-contest and one draw. During this time, 'The Axe Murderer' captured the PRIDE middleweight title and PRIDE middleweight grand prix tournament title while breaking the record for the most wins, knockouts, title defenses and longest win streak in PRIDE history.
Unfortunately, he never repeated his success in the UFC. His run in the promotion was abysmal as he was never able to mount a single win streak or come close to a title despite the unprecedented success he achieved in Japan.
#4. Dan Henderson, former UFC middleweight/light heavyweight
Dan Henderson is one of the most well-known knockout artists in MMA history. While he has since retired from fighting, his right hand was considered a weapon of mass destruction capable of nuking any foe. His legendary punching power carried him to numerous world title wins.
He became the first simultaneous two-division champion in a major MMA organization after becoming PRIDE's welterweight and middleweight champion. Additionally, he also captured the 205 lbs title in Strikeforce prior to the promotion's dissolution. But as with most PRIDE legends, he struggled elsewhere.
During his time competing under Dana White's banner, 'Hendo' earned three different title shots. To his misfortune, he failed in every single one of those instances by coming up short twice in middleweight title bouts and once in a light heavyweight title bout.
#3. Alistair Overeem, former UFC heavyweight
At one point in time, Alistair Overeem had a strong claim to being the most terrifying heavyweight in MMA. During his prime years, he was a high-level striker with a brutal clinch-game and herculean physique that left many in fear of the power he poured into his knees and punches.
He spent a large portion of his career plying his trade as a mixed martial artist all around the world. The Dutchman managed to enthrone himself as the Strikeforce heavyweight champion as well as capture the heavyweight title in DREAM, the spiritual successor of PRIDE.
Despite his popularity and elite striking skills, he never managed to claim UFC gold. A waning chin and stylistic mishaps led to losses that derailed some of his attempts at amassing a title run. Once he secured a title fight with then reigning champion Stipe Miocic, he was flatlined within four minutes.
#2. Ben Askren, former UFC welterweight
Olympic athletes are rare in MMA. Due to public disagreements with the promotion's president, Dana White, Ben Askren spent his physical prime competing elsewhere. He became a welterweight champion in Bellator and ONE, leading many to wonder how he would fare in the UFC.
According to 'BMF' champion Jorge Masvidal, the promotion's most famous color commentator—Joe Rogan—once described grappling with Ben Askren as being similar to grappling with multiple people at once. Due to his previous status as an undefeated fighter with a revolutionary wrestling style, he drew significant interest.
He finally signed with the promotion in 2019, but was well past his prime and hindered by a bad hip. 'Funky' won a controversial bout against former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler before being KO'd and submitted in his next two bouts, prompting him to retire from MMA without ever touching UFC gold.
#1. Michael Chandler, UFC lightweight
The only active challenger to Justin Gaethje's status as the most exciting 155'er in the world, Michael Chandler is a dangerous force of nature inside the octagon. He is an extraordinarily powerful and explosive wrestler with dynamite in his hands. He possesses every tool to become a champion.
During his previous stint at Bellator, he was a champion, having captured Scott Coker's lightweight title three different times. Poor decision-making and higher-caliber opponents have kept him from repeating his success in the promotion. At one point, he seemed to be well on his way to capturing the lightweight title.
Unfortunately, Charles Oliveira stopped him courtesy of a picture-perfect left hook that marked the beginning of the end for 'Iron' in their bout. He has since lost two of his last three bouts and is yet to fulfill his dream of becoming a UFC champion.
