5 world-class UFC fighters who aren't living up to their potential

The UFC has seen several struggling fighters finally fulfill their immense potential and go on to clinch the belt in their respective divisions over the last few years.

Brandon Moreno was cut by the UFC before returning to capture the flyweight title, while others like Jan Blachowicz and Charles Oliveira were nothing more than journeymen before putting together impressive win streaks en route to gold.

Many fighters similarly find themselves at a difficult point in their careers, where it's clear that they aren't making the most of the talent and resources at their disposal. Here are five world-class UFC fighters who aren't living up to their potential.

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

#5 Cody Garbrandt (UFC Record: 7-4)

Only five fights ago, Cody Garbrandt was undefeated and had the UFC bantamweight championship around his waist. However, less than five years since claiming the belt with a historic performance against Dominick Cruz, 'No Love' has four losses and is rapidly falling down the bantamweight rankings.

Garbrandt was knocked out twice by TJ Dillashaw and once by Pedro Munhoz, before briefly resurrecting his career with a highlight-reel knockout of Raphael Assuncao. But after being outboxed by Rob Font, the 29-year-old is considering moving down to 125 lbs.

Garbrandt's mentality was often called into question during his losses to Dillashaw and Munhoz. And although his gameplan and chin received praise against Font, he probably won't be favored to beat any of the top contenders in a stacked bantamweight division.

A shift in division or team may help him realize his immense potential and give him the confidence he needs to mount another run towards the title, irrespective of the division he competes in. Either way, it's clear that Garbrandt is far better than the fighter he appears to be currently.

#4 Conor McGregor (UFC Record: 10-3)

It might be ludicrous to claim that a former two-division UFC champion isn't living up to his potential, but we all know that Conor McGregor is a far better fighter than his recent octagon performances have suggested.

Many believe that the money 'The Notorious' has been raking in has dimmed his motivation, while others are of the opinion that the technical shortcomings he has had all along are finally catching up to him. Either way, it's clear that he is a shadow of the man who obliterated Eddie Alvarez and Jose Aldo.

McGregor was clearly far from his best against Khabib Nurmagomedov, before a win over Donald Cerrone appeared to set his UFC career back on track. But after being knocked out for the first time in his professional MMA career by Dustin Poirier, the Irishman faces a make-or-break fight against 'The Diamond' at UFC 264.

McGregor has had his eye on boxing and other business ventures outside the octagon, and that might be the reason behind him not fulfilling his potential in the UFC. It remains to be seen if he can fashion a vintage showing against Poirier next month.

#3 Zabit Magomedsharipov (UFC Record: 6-0)

Unfortunately for Zabit Magomedsharipov, a series of misfortunes on the scheduling and injury fronts have left his UFC career in limbo. A man who is undefeated in the promotion with notable wins over Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar, the creative striker hasn't stepped foot in the octagon since November 2019.

Zabit has some health concerns that prevent his cardio from reaching the level it should be it, with several sections of the MMA community of the belief that he is considering walking away from the sport altogether due to a lack of motivation and long spells on the sidelines. The 30-year-old was removed from the UFC rankings because of inactivity and has also found opponents hard to come by.

Barring his sketchy cardio, Zabit is an incredibly well-rounded fighter and it would be a crime if he retires without competing for the title. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Dagestan native.

#2 Darren Till (UFC Record: 6-3-1)

One of the brightest prospects in the UFC over the last few years, Darren Till is going through a brief lull in a career that promised much after a six-fight unbeaten run in the promotion. The 28-year-old has now lost three of his last four fights, although it must be said that all three were against quality opposition - Robert Whittaker, Jorge Masvidal and Tyron Woodley.

Till's over-reliance on his powerful left hand has left him a bit one-dimensional at times, and his tendency to pick up injuries hasn't helped his case either. 'The Gorilla' was scheduled to fight recent title challenger Marvin Vettori earlier this year but had to pull out with a collarbone injury. He will now face veteran Derek Brunson in September.

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has expressed an interest in fighting Till, so the Englishman could enter the title conversation with a win over Brunson even if his recent record suggests he hasn't been anywhere near his best. Till could yet fulfill his immense potential in his next few UFC fights.

#1 Dominick Reyes (UFC Record: 6-3)

Currently on a three-fight losing streak in the UFC, Dominick Reyes is perhaps one of the unluckiest fighters in the promotion right now. After commencing his UFC career with six wins on the trot, 'The Devastator' has reached an all-time low with losses to Jon Jones, Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka.

Reyes was on the wrong side of a razor-thin decision against Jones, before suffering violent knockouts against Blachowicz and Prochazka. He had his moments during all three fights, which could've ended in his favor with a bit of fortune.

However, Reyes must return to the drawing board and chalk out a plan to return to the top of the UFC's light heavyweight division. The 31-year-old must place emphasis on improving his defense, as he has eaten a lot of heavy shots over his last few rounds in the octagon. He must also find a way to incorporate his wrestling background into his MMA game.

Reyes faces a race against time to get his career back on track and fulfill his sky-high potential.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

Edited by Atharva Papnoi