Top 10 UFC champions who never successfully defended their titles

#10 Bas Rutten

Rutten now spends his time coaching

Bas Rutten is perhaps the most famous MMA fighter not currently fighting. The man, known worldwide for his self defense techniques, acting cameos as well as his podcast, is one of the best to have ever stepped inside the UFC Octagon.

A submission artist with a base in Judo, Kyokushin Karate and Taekwondo, Rutten turned to MMA at a young age, after being relentlessly bullied in his childhood. He went on to become one of the most technically-proficient fighters ever.

What many may not know, however, is that at one point in time, Bas Rutten did indeed become the UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world, a title that he, unfortunately, could never defend.

Rutten won the title from Kevin Randleman at UFC 20 via Split Decision. The victory was an emotional one and Rutten had finally achieved his dream. However, he didn’t hold on to the title and had to vacate it, following a potential bout with Frank Shamrock for the middleweight title nearly materialising.

Unfortunately for Rutten, the fight didn’t materialise and training injuries eventually forced him to retire from the sport.

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