Fighters that were mediocre but became something special

[You Will Vote For Dreyga]

There are a lot of guys/girls in this game that seem destined for greatness since day 1. While other come from outta nowhere. Someone who comes in demoing like nothing special but works at their craft and slowly becomes something great.

That is what really impresses me, is watching fighters grow over time.

Who are your best examples of mediocre fighters that were able to great overtime?

 

[Barteh]

Lawler comes to mind. I guess Blachowicz too, he's had a pretty long career that wasn't that special and now he's at the top.

 

[VinceArch]

Never would have I guessed he'd be champion but here we are.

 

[Ube]

Masvidal isn’t special at all. But he’s mediocre as fuck and is making money now. So fuck it

 

[TheMessiah]

Rumble

 

[Fesaine]

Oliveira.

 

[Get To Da Choppa]

Amanda Nunes wasn't mediocre, but no one thought she would be the WMMA GOAT after losing to Cat Zingano and having a record of 9-4

 

[DS66]

Jan B is an obvious answer. A couple others to add to the mix:

Robert Whittaker- Was just okay at 170, lost to Court McGee, KO'd by Wonderboy, didn't look like he would be anything special. But he moved up to 185 and just continually improved and refined his game until he became the absolute killer that he is now.

Charles Oliveira- He always had talent, but never looked like he had the physical or mental strength to be an elite fighter. Seemed to lose every time he took a step up in competition. In the last couple years he's really evolved and added high level striking to his game and reached a completely new level. Could be the best 155er in the world now that Khabib is retired.

 

[Mavrilicious]

Michael Bisping -perfect storm/opportunity or not, being the MW champion is an achievement

Forrest Griffin- 100% nothing special, especially by todays standards. But got by on heart, spamming kickboxing combinations, decent knees and solid mma jujitsu.

 

[humdizzle]

agree with the above. Blachowicz, Whittaker, Oliveria.

Gaethje also had a good turnaround after a rough UFC start.

Bisping through determination and some luck got a belt.

 

[Race Freelie]

Eddie Alvarez

 

[pick999]

Never would have I guessed he'd be champion but here we are.

Only cause jon vacated the belt

 

[Alphafail]

Bisping is the poster boy for this.

 

[slavomir]

Anderson Silva.

 

[Bork Neslar]

Conor

 

[Elvis.]

I would never consider Rda mediocre I’m not saying that at all , but around the time he was losing to guys like Guida , Griffen , Stephens Tibau I never would have believed he would become champion

 

[BjPenn2017]

RDA went from being a middling guy who lost to clay guida to champion of 155 and contending for a belt at 170 with wins over guys like Lawler and Pettis when he looked invincible.

 

[Mesos]

Bisping and Masvidal are prime examples

 

[waldywaldy]

Stipe

 

[WaylonMercy5150]

Bisping