Fighters Who Won But Struggled Against Underwhelming Opponents?

[Unfinished Sentenc]

example that comes to my mind is Robert Whittaker's struggle against Darren Till

 

[Davidjacksonjones]

Jones last few fights

 

[Get To Da Choppa]

I would say Tony Ferguson vs Lando Vanatta

Tony was on a 7 fight win streak, and Lando was a 2 week notice newcomer. Tony was in serious trouble a few times but his chin at that time was still good, and eventually snatched a submission win

 

[Egészségére!]

 

[AmbassadorFright]

Whittaker vs Till

Izzy vs Kelvin

Silva vs Sonnen

Covington vs Masvidal

Jones vs Santos

 

[ChimRichalds]

I wouldn't call a complete blowout of a fight to be struggling. Nice attempt though.

 

[JustOnce]

example that comes to my mind is Robert Whittaker's struggle against Darren Till

Darren Till in/near his prime is NOT an underwhelming opponent.

 

[JustOnce]

First example that popped up in my mind was Nick not looking all that hot in EliteXC against Mike Aina.

It was right after beating consensus lw number 1 Gomi too, so....I remember that one pretty well.

When I see "struggling against underwhelming opponent", I guess it fits pretty well.

 

[VinceArch]

I'm sure O'Malley wanted his fight against Kris to go easier then it did.

 

[Cheatr Pan]

Whittaker vs Till

Izzy vs Kelvin

Silva vs Sonnen

Covington vs Masvidal

Jones vs Santos

Agree with all except Covington-Masvidal. Covington did not really struggle against Masvidal and even then, the skill difference between those 2 was not nearly as large as the rest

 

[Izzysexboyfriend]

I would say Tony Ferguson vs Lando Vanatta

Tony was on a 7 fight win streak, and Lando was a 2 week notice newcomer. Tony was in serious trouble a few times but his chin at that time was still good, and eventually snatched a submission win

I think Tony just thought he looked cool flopping around

 

[Liverkick-king56]

Barao vs Gagnon.
Aldo vs Lamas.
Fabricio Werdum vs Mark Hunt
Ngannou vs Lewis
Mighty Mouse vs Tim Elliott

 

[sssleeper]

Whittaker also chose to play a striking chess match against Til.
Til, despite his skid, has given everyone trouble standing. Rob had the grappling abilities to have made that fight a shut out if he chose to go that route.

 

[TempleoftheDog]

I don’t think 50-43, 50-44, and 50-45 counts as “struggling”. Hardy had Gumby arms or something. Just couldn’t get him to tap.

 

[Elvis.]

Well , Fedor did get but on baby giraffe legs against Fujita

 

[idlePulse]

I don’t think 50-43, 50-44, and 50-45 counts as “struggling”. Hardy had Gumby arms or something. Just couldn’t get him to tap.

iirc Georges said he stopped going for the sub because Dan refused to tap and he didn't want to break his arm

 

[Killer Kadoogan]

shogun / forest, crocop / gonzaga....

 

[mjoln]

shogun / forest, crocop / gonzaga....

check title again brother

 

[NoSmilez]

Fedor and Rogers.

 

[Killer Kadoogan]

check title again brother

they eventually won