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In combat sports such as in the UFC, the term 'ring rust' is a regular topic of concern and conversation. It's used for fighters who take a meaningful period of time away from the sport. Many believe that such performers will not live up to the best of their abilities after extended breaks from professional combat.
There have been plenty of reasons why UFC fighters take time away from the sport. It could be due to injuries, suspensions, or simply wanting to step away for a while.
We ta look at 5 UFC fighters who defy the odds and return from layoffs to deliver stellar performances:
#5. Jon Jones
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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon 'Bones' Jones dominated the 205lbs division for over half a decade. The problem with that, though, is Jones has gone through multiple time frames between his fights. Between 2014-2019, 'Bones' recorded a total of seven fights.
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Whether it was due to Jones facing suspensions for failed drug tests or run-ins with the law, Jones regularly found himself away from the sport. However, 'Bones' always found a way to return after any hiatus and secure his wins.
During his two title reigns between 2011-2015 and 2018-2020, he recorded 11 successful title defenses against names like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Lyoto Machida, amongst others.
Currently, Jon Jones has not fought since his win against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020 due to an ongoing pay dispute regarding his heavyweight debut.
As it stands now, it is unlikely we will see Jones in the cage in 2021, so one can only hope he returns in 2022 as it will mark two years since his last fight.
#4. 'The Korean Zombie'
UFC featherweight contender 'The Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung is a popular fighter amongst fans going all the way back to his WEC days to his current run in the UFC.
In 2013 he challenged Jose Aldo for the UFC featherweight title in a losing effort. Soon after, the popular star was summoned for military service in South Korea, keeping him out of action for three years.
After his time in the military, Sung returned in 2017 for a matchup against Dennis Bermudez, who was no easy assignment. But, surprising many, Jung went on to score an upset victory after delivering a knockout midway through the first round, setting himself right back in the top five rankings.
#3. Nate Diaz
When Nate Diaz lost a very close majority decision loss to Conor McGregor in a rematch after Diaz's win back in 2016, everyone was salivating over the third installment of their rivalry. What happened next? Nothing.
Nate Diaz disappeared from the world of the UFC for two years until 2018. After seeing McGregor not looking to have a rubber fight, Diaz teased a return against UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier. However, injury forced 'The Diamond' to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Diaz.
It wasn't until August 2019 that the Stockton native returned against Anthony 'Showtime' Pettis in a highly anticipated fight. Many questioned what Diaz had to offer at welterweight after taking three years off. Moreover, he was fighting a high-ranked Pettis, who was coming off a knockout-of-the-year contender performance against Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson.
The result ended up being Diaz completely dominating the fight after a slow first round and proving to the world that Nate Diaz was the resident 'BMF' of the UFC. Diaz proceeded to call out the 2019 'Fighter of the Year' candidate at the time, Jorge Masvidal.
#2. Georges St-Pierre
After former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre vacated his title in 2013 to take some time away from the sport, fans waited patiently for his return to the throne.
At one point, it seemed like 'GSP' would never return. Four years later, in 2017, it was announced that the Canadian would be returning. Surprisingly, though, 'Rush' decided to move up to middleweight and challenge Michael Bisping for the title.
There were concerns surrounding the former pound-for-pound king, now 36 years old, making a move up to 185lbs after a four-year hiatus and facing a dangerous puncher like Bisping. 'The Count' had defeated Luke Rockhold, Dan Henderson, and Anderson Silva in a stretch of victories at the time.
St-Pierre showed a vast improvement in striking, displaying a diverse set of tools on the feet, with an increase in power. GSP dropped Bisping with a left hook in the third round and put the champ to sleep with a rear-naked choke to earn his first belt in a new division.
#1. Dominick Cruz
If the UFC needs a poster boy for ring rust being a total lie, look no further than Dominick Cruz, who is arguably the most injury-plagued fighter in the sport's history.
The former UFC bantamweight champion went nearly three years without a fight due to multiple knee surgeries and rehabilitation for career-threatening injuries. In 2013, he was slated to return against Takeya Mizugaki.
Nobody was sure what to expect from Cruz or his health after everything he dealt with during his time away with injuries. But, about a minute into the fight, Cruz looked better than ever after knocking Mizugaki out for his first career knockout loss.
After that win, however, more injuries affected Cruz, making him take another 16-month hiatus before fighting again. Cruz's return was against an even tougher assignment in the form of UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw, a younger and healthier fighter than he was.
But once again, Cruz emerged victorious, defying all odds with a split decision win to regain the title he had never lost.
Do you agree with this list? Let us know in the comments who you think is unaffected by ring rust!
