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

Modified Jun 26, 2021 14:27 GMT

Which UFC fighters are underperforming at the moment?

#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.

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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.

About the author

Sai is a cricket journalist at Sportskeeda who focuses on listicles and features. A software developer by trade and a writer at heart, he has over 7 years of previous work experience, and always aims to aptly translate his in-depth knowledge and natural affinity for cricket into carefully crafted and well-researched articles.

An ardent Chennai Super Kings supporter who also bleeds blue for his national cricket team, Sai also has a rich history playing the sport. He has featured at the U-16 and the U-19 district levels for Coimbatore, and has also captained his alma mater Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani) Goa's college cricket team in the past.

Sai, who feels Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a one-of-a-kind athlete, has written over 40 exclusives for Sportskeeda based on players from different levels and age-groups. When he is not working, Sai likes to indulge in travelling, music, photography, and keep close tabs on football, basketball, MMA and F1. He harbors a dream to one day become a high-level cricket analyst and a coach.

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Edited by Atharva Papnoi