Top 10 Most Underrated UFC Fighters

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans often argue about the greatest UFC fighters and current champions. While some fighters get constant recognition, many talented athletes are overlooked. This article ranks the 10 Most Underrated UFC Fighters, highlighting their careers, notable wins, fighting styles, and why they deserve more appreciation from fans and analysts.

List of 10 Most Underrated UFC Fighters

10. Joe Lauzon

Joe Lauzon is well-known for his exciting fighting style and outstanding submission skills. He has consistently delivered thrilling fights and is one of the top UFC fighters in terms of post-fight bonuses. Despite his entertaining performances, Lauzon often goes unnoticed in discussions about the best lightweight fighters. His ability to finish fights both by submission and knockout makes him one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters in the lightweight division.

9. Hector Lombard

Hector Lombard is a former judo expert with explosive knockout power. He gained fame in both Bellator and UFC for his aggressive style and ability to finish fights quickly. Lombard holds the record for the fastest knockout in Bellator history at just six seconds. Although his UFC career didn't reach the same heights, his skills and dangerous striking ability make him one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters of his era.

8. Yushin Okami

Yushin Okami has been a consistent middleweight contender in the UFC. Known for his wrestling-heavy style, Okami relies on strong defense and durability rather than flashy knockouts. His steady performances over the years have made him a reliable competitor, yet he rarely gets credit from fans or analysts. Okami's longevity and skillful grappling make him a classic example of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters in the middleweight division.

7. Josh Barnett

Josh Barnett became the youngest UFC heavyweight champion after defeating Randy Couture. Known for his grappling, submission skills, and heavy striking, Barnett competed across Pride, Strikeforce, and UFC. His career faced controversies and failed drug tests, but his experience and dominance in heavyweight MMA make him one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters in history.

6. Dong Hyun Kim

Dong Hyun Kim, also known as "The Stun Gun," is famous for his precise grappling and control inside the octagon. Kim was the first South Korean fighter to compete and win in the UFC. His judo background, cardio, and ability to neutralize opponents helped him dominate fights quietly. Despite his talent, Kim is one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters who never got the spotlight he deserved.

5. Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit is widely regarded as one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. He won the interim welterweight title in a controversial bout against Nate Diaz. Condit's aggressive striking, endurance, and never-give-up attitude made him a fan favorite. Even with his impressive skill set, he remains one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters due to limited media coverage.

4. Gegard Mousasi

Gegard Mousasi has competed in UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator at the highest levels. Known for his fight intelligence, Mousasi combines striking, grappling, and an exceptional understanding of timing. With over two decades in MMA, Mousasi has rarely received the praise he deserves, making him one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters of all time.

3. Igor Vovchanchyn

Igor Vovchanchyn dominated heavyweight MMA in the 1990s and is remembered for his devastating knockout power. With 41 knockouts in his career, he was one of the most feared heavyweights of his era. Vovchanchyn's career predates the widespread popularity of UFC, which is why many modern fans do not know him. Despite this, his ability to finish fights quickly and consistently makes him one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters, showing that early MMA legends laid the groundwork for the sport's evolution.

2. Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier is one of the most versatile and durable lightweights in UFC history. Known for his striking, resilience, and adaptability, Poirier has defeated elite fighters like Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Justin Gaethje. Despite never holding an undisputed UFC title, his skillset and willingness to face top competition place him among the Most Underrated UFC Fighters. Poirier's career highlights the importance of consistency, technique, and heart in establishing a fighter's legacy.

1. Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping made history as the first British UFC champion. Known for his technical striking, endurance, and fight IQ, Bisping defeated legends like Anderson Silva, Luke Rockhold, and Dan Henderson. He often fought tough opponents without much hype, which makes him one of the Most Underrated UFC Fighters. Bisping's career is a testament to perseverance, strategy, and hard work, showing that even fighters without flashy finishes can leave a lasting legacy in UFC history.