5 intriguing veteran vs. veteran fights to book in the UFC

Jose Aldo (left) and Dominick Cruz (right) in 2011 [Image via @btsportufc on Instagram]

Since the inception of the UFC in 1993, multiple generations of fighters have plied their trade in the promotion. Hardcore fans of the sport have seen legends of the past draw curtains on their careers as the next wave of competitors take over. To avoid feeding older fighters to younger, healthier and hungrier up-and-comers, the company often pits two veterans against one another.

At UFC 274, longtime MMA fighters Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone are set to lock horns. Lauzon, an alum of The Ultimate Fighter, and Cerrone, a multi-time title challenger in the WEC, are both in the twilight of their professional careers. While their bout doesn't have any implications in regards to the rankings, it promises to be an exciting matchup for the fans and, of course, the two combatants.

Joe Lauzon (left) and Donald Cerrone (right) [Image via @espnmma on Twitter]

While the Lauzon vs. Cerrone bout is a good matchup, there are some other interesting fights to put together featuring MMA veterans. Some of the old-timers discussed in this article are well aware of the fact that they won't be competing in title fights anytime soon. However, a handful are still top-ranked contenders in their respective divisions and are still gunning for UFC gold.

On that note, here are five intriguing veteran vs. veteran fights to book in the UFC.

#5. Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller – UFC lightweight bout

Bobby Green has become quite popular among casual MMA fans in recent times, but those in the know are aware of how long this wiley veteran has been competing at the highest level. The former WEC fighter has been in the UFC since 2013 and is still going strong.

Green's unique style, which rarely sees him get hit with powerful shots, is arguably the reason why he can still hang in there with top contenders. He hasn't absorbed as much damage as most fighters with over 40 fights under their belt. Somehow, he appears to be just as quick as he's always been.

Nine years in the UFC and Bobby Green is still getting better 👊 #UFC271 https://t.co/ENCqFFMlo4

Green's performances against Nasrat Haqparast, ranked contender Rafael Fiziev and former title challenger Al Iaquinta in the last two years showed that he still has plenty to offer. While he came up short in a late-notice bout against Islam Makhachev earlier this year, the fact that he took the fight despite having fought just a few weeks prior saw his popularity reach new heights.

The ideal next opponent for Green would be perennial lightweight contender Jim Miller, who has been on the roster since 2008. The 38-year-old famously fought at both UFC 100 and UFC 200. He has now set himself the target of fighting at UFC 300.

Jim Miller is timeless.

• Joint-most UFC wins.
• Most UFC Fights.
• Most UFC LW wins.
• Most Octagon time in LW division.
• Debut in 2008 at UFC 89.
• Fought UFC 100 and UFC 200.

@JimMiller_155 is still knocking people out at 38 and he wants to fight at UFC 300! https://t.co/FKQGg7lqtH

Interestingly, the UFC have tried to match up Jim Miller with Bobby Green twice previously. Back in 2014, the duo were slated to square off in Baltimore, Maryland, but Green was forced to pull out a week before the fight. Last year, they were scheduled to lock horns at UFC 258, but Green was once again forced to withdraw after collapsing at the weigh-ins.

With Green still looking fantastic and Miller targeting another few years in the sport, a potential fight between the two longtime lightweights is fitting. The chances of this matchup coming to fruition are pretty good. Hopefully, the third time's a charm.