Learn from the upsets and disappointments of hyped UFC fighters. Explore the lessons learned from fighters like Benoît Saint-Denis, Mike Malott, Will Brooks, Alex Oliveira, Derek Brunson, Edmen Shahbazyan, Tyron Woodley, and Darren Till.
| Fight | Winner |
|---|---|
| Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott | Neil Magny |
| Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira | Alex Oliveira |
| Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan | Derek Brunson |
| Tyron Woodley vs. Darren Till | Tyron Woodley |
These fights showcased the upsets and disappointments of hyped UFC fighters. Fighters like Mike Malott, Will Brooks, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Darren Till faced setbacks that impacted their careers.
At UFC 299 , the highly anticipated lightweight bout between Benoît Saint-Denis and Dustin Poirier will take place. Poirier, a well-established star in the 155lbs division, has defeated numerous notable opponents throughout his career. This fight serves as a test for Saint-Denis, as he aims to prove himself against a seasoned veteran.
In the welterweight division, a similar situation may unfold later this year. Rising Kazakh contender Shavkat Rakhmonov is rumored to face the outspoken Colby Covington. Both Saint-Denis and Rakhmonov should learn from the mistakes of past hyped contenders who were outclassed by more experienced fighters.
Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott
UFC 297 was supposed to be the breakthrough moment for Canada’s MMA sensation, Mike Malott. With a flawless finishing record, Malott seemed destined for success. However, his obsession with securing a finish cost him dearly in the fight against Neil Magny. Despite dominating for most of the match, Malott’s fatigue led to a critical mistake, allowing Magny to unleash a ground-and-pound assault that resulted in a TKO just 15 seconds before the fight’s end.
This defeat has significantly impacted Malott’s stock, although a comeback is still possible.
Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira
Will Brooks entered the UFC with high expectations after a successful run and lightweight title reign in Bellator. His debut win over Ross Pearson seemed promising, but everything changed at UFC Fight Night 96. Brooks suffered a devastating TKO loss to an overweight Alex Oliveira. This defeat marked the beginning of a downward spiral for Brooks, who subsequently experienced additional losses and a quick departure from the UFC.
Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan
Derek Brunson has made it his mission to crush the title dreams of rising middleweight contenders. One such contender was Edmen Shahbazyan, who entered their fight with an impressive 11-0 record. However, Brunson delivered a brutal beatdown, securing a TKO victory early in the third round. Since then, Shahbazyan has struggled, winning only one of his last four fights.
Tyron Woodley vs. Darren Till
Darren Till, once considered a potential superstar, faced a harsh reality at UFC 228. Despite an impressive record, Till expressed doubts about his readiness for the title level. Those doubts were confirmed when Tyron Woodley took him down and submitted him with a Brabo choke in the second round. Till has since struggled to regain his footing in the UFC, with a 1-5 record before ultimately leaving the promotion in February 2023.
These examples serve as important lessons for fighters who experience hype and expectations. It is crucial to remain focused, learn from defeats, and continuously improve in order to succeed in the highly competitive world of UFC.
