5 veteran fighters who could still become UFC champions

Some of the most impactful moments in MMA history involve veterans becoming UFC champions after enduring an arduous journey up the ladder.

No one denies it, the UFC is a machine. It chews fighters up and spits them back out on the regional scene if they aren't up for the task. However, some fighters have staying power, establish residency and make their names known despite not reaching the pinnacle of their craft.

With terms like 'gatekeepers' thrown around commonly, veterans of the sport can often get a bad rap. The truth is, a fighter's evolution first comes from within--the unobservable - and veterans too can reach the top of the mountain. Fairytales remain in the world of imagination, but the highly improbable has occurred all too many times in the UFC.

Defying Father Time, Glover Teixeira recently acquired gold at the age of 42. A seasoned veteran of the UFC, many thought Teixeira would only amount to a former title challenger. The newly minted UFC champion changed the narrative and went from veteran to UFC champion.

Take a look at five veteran fighters who could still become UFC champions.

#5. UFC welterweight Nate Diaz

A veteran of the game, Nate Diaz has been around even longer than his record would suggest. Making his MMA debut in 2004, Diaz won by submission in a lightweight contest against Alejandro Garcia. Diaz started his career alternating between lightweight and welterweight.

As the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 5 Lightweight Tournament, Diaz's star rose even brighter after defeating Conor McGregor. The Stockton native filled in as a short-notice replacement when Rafael dos Anjos was forced out due to injury. While he would fall short in the 2016 rematch with the Irish superstar, many still pondered whether Diaz would realize a UFC championship.

A seasoned veteran with over twenty UFC appearances, Nate Diaz could find himself in title contention with a couple of wins at welterweight. Despite coming up short against the No. 3-ranked Leon Edwards, Diaz showed that he was able to contend with some of the best talent the weight class has to offer.

While it might be a long shot for some, so was Nate Diaz's defeat of Conor McGregor at the time. The Irishman was nearly a 3-to-1 favorite in many sportsbooks when they first fought in 2016. Nate Diaz has been counted out before in his MMA career. With adequate preparation in the wrestling department, Diaz could feasibly string together a few wins and capture gold.

#4. UFC lightweight Jim Miller

Jim Miller is a veteran who could become a UFC champion. In fact, the 38-year-old lightweight has a win over the current champion Charles Oliveira. While 'Do Bronx' has since exacted revenge, the tally is still even at one apiece. Jim Miller is a go-getting finisher and has some of the craftiest chokes in the 155-pound weight class.

Miller's ability to end a fight within an instant hasn't changed since he entered the UFC in 2008. The lightweight sneakily transitions into chokes with plenty of 50K bonuses under his belt. In 2019, two legends collided after Jim Miller submitted Clay Guida with a guillotine choke just fifty-eight seconds into round one.

Jim Miller submitting Clay Guida at UFC on ESPN 5

Incredibly, the New Jersey native has kept his name afloat in lightweight relevancy for well over a decade. Having faced a who's who in the UFC, including the likes of Donald Cerrone, Nate Diaz, Diego Sanchez, and Dustin Poirier, Jim Miller really has seen it all inside the octagon.

Miller recently showcased the power in his hands after earning a knockout victory against Erick Gonzalez. The two exchanged clinch work in the first round until the action climaxed in the second round. After identifying that Gonzalez was overextending his kicks, Miller timed a finishing overhand left. Even at 38-years-old, a veteran like Jim Miller has the tools to win gold in the UFC.

#3. UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson has the tools to become UFC champion. Currently, Thompson is one of the few welterweights that champion Kamaru Usman has yet to face. While he recently suffered a setback to the No. 2-ranked Gilbert Burns, with a couple of commanding victories, Stephen Thompson could be a legitimate threat to the title.

With a karate-based style, 'Wonderboy' relies on movement and timing to deliver his strikes. Utilizing a wide range of kicks, the 38-year-old has set himself apart from the rest of the 170-pound crop. Unfortunately, the No. 5-ranked Thompson came up short twice in two title bids against former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

In 2016, Thompson fought Tyron Woodley and was dropped multiple times during the contest. Despite the hardships, the two fought to a majority draw. Less than five months later, the two rematched in an uneventful fight where Thompson was unable to land any clean shots on the champion. In the end, the judges awarded Tyron Woodley with the victory by a majority decision.

Stephen Thompson fighting Woodley at UFC 205

Having made his debut in 2012, Thompson's longevity is downright impressive. Stephen Thompson could capture UFC gold with the right game plan. With notable wins against Jorge Masvidal and Vicente Luque, the karate specialist is a nightmare match-up on the feet.

#2. UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov

Former Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov has the potential to earn UFC gold. While he recently came up short in a tactical battle against Ciryl Gane, the bout showcased his durability and overall fight IQ. Despite being outgunned by Gane, 'Drago' found success with his kicks. While the hand speed troubled the Russian native, he is still a dangerous striker even in defeat.

Alexander Volkov made his professional MMA debut in 2009. Whenever Volkov enters UFC title eliminator bouts, the six-foot-seven athlete falls short. Once against Derrick Lewis, and then against Ciryl Gane. Regardless of his struggles in the UFC, his striking style could walk him into a world championship if he continues to iron out his wrestling acumen.

After scoring back-to-back TKOs against Walt Harris and Alistair Overeem, Volkov was on the precipice of title contention. The heavyweight's natural size makes weapons available to him that others in his weight class aren't accustomed to seeing.

The Russian's teep kicks are potent weapons. However, Walt Harris was on the receiving end of a kick that landed on his solar plexus. After a flurry of punches, Volkov scored an impressive TKO victory. Overall, Volkov has the physical qualities along with the fighting attributes needed to become a UFC champion.

#1. UFC light-heavyeight Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith has the tools and the drive to become UFC champion. In 2020, it seemed Smith was on the decline, and lost back-to-back contests to top contenders. First, the 33-year-old suffered a brutal TKO when he was defeated by Glover Teixeira.

Less than four months later Smith dropped another fight, a unanimous decision loss to Aleksandar Rakić. After two consecutive losses, with his back against the wall, 'Lionheart' lived up to his moniker and sent his next three opponents back to the drawing board.

En route to Anthony Smith's most recent title run, the American scored three first-round finishes back-to-back. With a renewed desire to fight for the title, it appears Smith is also ready to avenge his loss to fellow contender Aleksandar Rakić. Following Smith's most recent win against Ryan Spann, the light heavyweight targeted December as a possible date for the two to run it back.

With a three-fight winning streak intact, Anthony Smith is a veteran capable of becoming UFC champion. While the loss to Glover Teixeira appeared unsettling in 2020, little did the world know that 42-year-old Teixeira was on an undeniable quest to capture a UFC championship.

Which veteran fighter do you think can still become UFC champion?