Guys who applied themselves after "gifted wins"

[jcow3]

I'm watching the Pacquiao-Bradley undercard, and the announcers were just discussing Gilberto Ramirez, saying how in his last fight he looked unimpressive and was potentially "gifted" a decision, but in this current fight he looks outstanding.

Roy jones Jr. said that sometimes when guys win fights that they "weren't supposed to win", it gives them confidence and motivation, and in their next fight they apply themselves and make noticeable improvements.

Who are some guys in the ufc who have won decisions that maybe shouldn't have gone their way, but instead of being "exposed" their next fight (whatever that means) made major improvements and went on an impressive streak?

One guy that comes to mind is khabib after the gleison fight- he looked unbeatable against RDA, although I admit it was two years ago.
I could also see Corey Anderson going on a similar streak (although the lawlor fight really could've gone either way).

 

[Yabuki]

Is more common with guy that loses the gifted decision than with the ones that win. less common in mma than it is in Boxing.

 

[jcow3]

Yeah I definitely imagine that's the case. That being said, Frankie Edgar looked a million times better in the rematch against BJ then he did in their first fight, which many thought should have gone to Penn- although who knows how motivated BJ was.

 

[MEAN357]

Tim Bradley went apeshit after his first fight w/ pac.

 

[OldBoy91]

Rashad. Won a very iffy decision against Bisping at UFC 78, then went on to KO Chuck and Forrest in his next two fights. Becoming world champion in the process.