5 veteran fighters who could still become UFC champions

#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?