5 fighters who thrived after leaving the UFC
Finally reaching the UFC is what most fans and fighters consider "making it". Unfortunately, this balloon has been burst for many as they realize that being in the promotion doesn't solve all of their problems.
Fighters can be unwarrantedly cut, the pay isn't too great relative to other professional athletes, and there's not much time to put into anything other than training -- these are reasons why entering the organization isn't the saving grace for mixed martial artists.
This promotion is great and is the world leader of combat sports. However, fighters aren't always in it for the brightest lights or to verify themselves as the best. Be it money, enjoying their higher-ups, overall freedom -- fighters have opted for organizations outside of the UFC and have done just fine.
Paige VanZant reveals how leaving the UFC was her best career move: ‘I could retire tomorrow and be financially free’ (@DamonMarrtin) mmafighting.com/2022/3/22/2298… https://t.co/gJU6TuLZcN
Some fighters may be cut and left heartbroken only to find their home in a rival organization. On The Ultimate Fighter, Tim Elliott went on a rant with some UFC hopefuls in attendance.
"You think being in the UFC is going to fix all of your problems? It ain't, I promise you."
Given how fickle the organization can be with their talent and how it's portrayed as the spot to be, it's nice to see fighters doing well after parting ways with it. Whether they continue to fight or pursue other interests, here are 5 fighters who have thrived since leaving the UFC.
#5. Corey Anderson
Despite a rather successful run in the UFC's light heavyweight division, Anderson left an unfulfilled contract and opted to fight under the Bellator banner. This came as a shock to many, as Anderson has some very high-profile names under his win column.
Woah Corey Anderson … https://t.co/ahAdELWUI8
Since leaving the organization, 'Overtime' has compiled 3 wins, all by finish, and more money than he made in 7 years with the organization. Bellator is often criticized for being filled with fighters that can't make it to the top promotion for MMA, but Anderson poses opposition to that argument.
Although Anderson moved to Bellator off of a loss to former champion Jan Blachowicz, he easily could've finished out his contract in the top 10 of the division. Anderson is a prime example of a fighter who did what he believed to be the right move for him personally, despite any outside opinions telling him otherwise. As his career moves forward, he's achieving his goals via winning fights and making as much money as he can.