So today I started looking at the stats and found an interesting trend.
Over the last decade and a half, we have seen a number of very talented and successful fighters that the UFC, for one reason or another, does not fall short of. Due to a relative lack of enthusiasm, some guys have had to go on long (perhaps excessive) winning streaks before the UFC finally gives in and gives them the gold. Here is a list of examples of fighters who had to win at least 9 fights before getting the opportunity:
Merab – 10
Leon – 10
Belal – 10
Islam – 10
Max – 10 (including intermediate)
Cameroon – 9 (11 including TUF)
Duck ship – 9
Whittaker – 9
Ulberg – 9
Now if you start looking back on these fighters’ championships, you’ll notice the trend that prompted me to write this: Each of them won the belt when they were finally given the chance.
Several other fighters have extended their winning streak, but did not reach 9.
Fitch got 8, Cerrone 8, Maynard 8 (before draw), Colby 7, Maia 7, Suarez 7, Fiorot 7.
They all lost.
Arnold Allen and Lerone Murphy hit streaks of 10 and 9, respectively, but didn’t get a title shot before losing the streak. Tony made it to 12 but never fought for the undisputed and has such an enigmatic career that it’s hard to compare him to anyone.
So it turns out that there is no UFC fighter in modern history who won 9+ fights before achieving undisputed gold who then failed to do so.
Movsar Evloev has 10 consecutive wins.
Should we all bet on the dog?
