5 UFC fighters who are unaffected by ring rust

#2. Georges St-Pierre

UFC 217: Bisping v 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.

Still got it! @GeorgesStPierre steps into the Octagon for the first time in over 3 years ‼️‼️‼️#BispingvsGSP pic.twitter.com/bPIquvBqHS

— UFC (@ufc) March 3, 2017

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

UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw v 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.

Win or lose, @TheDomin8r really won, didn't he? To come back after 3 acl surgeries and 1 torn groin? Hats off. Tough SOB. #UFCBoston

— player/coach (@CMPunk) January 18, 2016

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!