There are UFC fighters who have become icons within the sport. Georges St-Pierre and Ronda Rousey are some of the most iconic UFC fighters in recent memory—many people have relied on them to win on 20Bet. These fighters have not only become household names but have transcended MMA and become global superstars. Each of these fighters has its own unique story and has become an inspiration to many. But for now, let’s focus on two underrated fighters.
Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is one of the most promising young talents in the UFC today. A native of Louisiana, Poirier began his MMA career in 2009 and quickly established himself as a dangerous fighter with explosive knockout power. He won his first six fights by knockout, including a stunning victory over former WEC champion Jamie Varner.
Poirier rebounded from that loss with a decision win over Joe Duffy in 2011, and then put together an impressive three-fight winning streak that saw him finish both Pablo Garza and Max Holloway by submission. He cemented his status as a top contender in the featherweight division with a decision win over former champion Jose Aldo in 2012 and followed that up with a stoppage victory over Erik Koch in 2013.
In 2014, Poirier moved up to lightweight and continued his winning ways, picking up victories over Diego Ferreira, Bobby Green, and (in a rematch) Jamie Varner. He then suffered a tough loss to Michael Johnson in 2015 but rebounded with a first-round knockout win over Joe Duffy in 2016.
Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson has been ranked as a top lightweight fighter in the world by various media outlets and is currently the #2 ranked lightweight in the UFC.
Ferguson began his mixed martial arts career in 2008 and made his UFC debut in 2011. He won his first six UFC fights before losing to Michael Johnson in 2012. Ferguson then put together a winning streak, which earned him a title shot against Rafael dos Anjos in late 2015. Dos Anjos withdrew from the fight due to injury and Ferguson instead fought fellow top contender Donald Cerrone. Ferguson won the fight by TKO in the second round.
In early 2016, the UFC created an interim lightweight title and Ferguson was matched up against former WEC and UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis for the belt. Ferguson won the fight by unanimous decision to become the UFC Lightweight Champion. But, due to an injury, Ferguson was unable to fight for the title and was stripped of the interim title.
Ferguson bounced back from this setback by winning his next three fights, all by stoppage. He then rematch Michael Johnson in October of 2017 and won the fight via submission in the second round. This win earned Ferguson a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov. The fight took place at UFC 223 in April of 2018. Ferguson lost the fight by submission in the fourth round.
Despite the loss, Ferguson remains one of the top lightweight fighters in the world. He is a dangerous fighter with great submission skills and underrated striking. Ferguson is always a tough fight for anyone in the lightweight division and is a top contender for the title.