5 veteran fighters who could still become UFC champions

#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.