5 oldest UFC contenders who could still become champions
Among the many things that watching the UFC has taught us over the years, there is one that stands out – fighting is a young man's game. We've heard the quote "Father Time is undefeated" on numerous occasions, but there are still some outliers.
Randy Couture famously won the heavyweight title at the age of 43 back in 2007. Glover Teixeira came close to beating Couture's record two years ago, winning the light heavyweight strap at the age of 42, becoming the oldest first-time champion in promotional history.
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The next generation of MMA superstars are set to usurp the old guard over the coming years, but some veterans of the game still have a chance at getting their hands on UFC gold.
On that note, here are the five oldest UFC contenders who could still become champions. Notably, all five fighters discussed below have held a UFC belt at some point in their careers and are still in with a shot at returning to the top.
#5. Valentina Shevchenko (35) – Former UFC women's flyweight champion
Valentina Shevchenko is possibly the likeliest entry on our list to re-claim UFC gold. The former long-reigning flyweight queen was shockingly dethroned by Mexican challenger Alexa Grasso, and their rematch is highly anticipated.
with Valentina Shevchenko.
Alexa Grasso is ready to run it 🔙 with Valentina Shevchenko.
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Valentina Shevchenko was looking to defend her title for the eighth time going into her bout with Alexa Grasso at UFC 285. After a fairly competitive opening three rounds, Grasso sent shockwaves across the MMA community, submitting the champion in the penultimate frame.
Shevchenko turned 35 earlier this year, making her one of the oldest fighters in the flyweight division. While she has reiterated on multiple occasions that she intends to continue fighting for a long time, her last two fights have shown that the rest of the division has seemingly caught up to her, with Taila Santos pushing her to the limit and Grasso finishing her.
'Bullet' is a fiery competitor and will be itching to make amends when she runs it back with Grasso. Shevchenko will likely be the betting favorite for the rematch, and if she performs on the night, could kickstart her new reign in style.
#4. Colby Covington (35) – Former interim UFC welterweight champion
Colby Covington, arguably the most polarizing and controversial figure in the UFC, was uncharacteristically quiet over the last year, until recently re-surfacing during UFC 286 fight week in London.
'Chaos' surprisingly weighed in as the back-up fighter for the recent welterweight title clash and now looks set to fight for the championship upon his long-awaited return to the octagon.
Colby Covington is being lined up as the next challenger for Leon Edwards' welterweight title. The former interim champion is coming off his five-round beatdown of bitter rival Jorge Masvidal last year and will get his third crack at undisputed gold very soon.
Having recently turned 35, Covington still has a few years left in the sport. However, if he comes up short against Edwards, his chances at securing another title shot down the line will be reduced drastically, especially with the likes of Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov on the verge of breaking into the title mix.
Covington is a tough stylistic matchup for Edwards. The Collegiate wrestling standout has a limitless gas tank, which coupled with his chain-wrestling makes for a lethal combination.
Colby Covington vows to “break” Leon Edwards when they share the octagon.
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#3. Jan Blachowicz (40) – Former UFC light heavyweight champion
Jan Blachowicz has truly blossomed in the twilight of his professional career. The powerful Polish light heavyweight is still a dangerous contender atop the division, with his recent battle with Magomed Ankalaev showing that he's still capable of competing against the best 205-pounders in the world.
"I don't know if I lost the fight but for sure I'm not the winner"
Jan Blachowicz after the split-draw with Magomed Ankalaev 🙏
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Jan Blachowicz occupies the No.3 spot in the light heavyweight rankings. The former champion is still just one or two wins away from a shot at the belt, which is currently held by Jamahal Hill.
Blachowicz turned 40 in February. Given how close he is to a title shot and the unpredictable nature of the division since Jon Jones' departure, the Polish juggernaut is still a real threat to the throne. All three fighters ahead of him are under 32 and in their prime, so it definitely won't be easy.
On his day, Blachowicz can put anyone to sleep. It remains to be seen whether his title-winning triumph in 2020 was the peak of his career, or another crowning moment is in the offing.
#2. Stipe Miocic (40) – Former UFC heavyweight champion
Arguably the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, Stipe Miocic's accomplishments are worthy of the Hall of Fame. Miocic will have a chance to further cement his legacy by taking out one of the biggest names in combat sports and re-claiming his heavyweight strap when he returns to action later this year.
Tuesday tune-up. https://t.co/hNgILYFIFl
Stipe Miocic looks set to take on longtime light heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones, who recently made light work of Ciryl Gane to win the vacant title. Having never truly tasted defeat inside the octagon, Jones is widely considered the greatest fighter of all time, so Miocic will have his work cut out for him.
While Miocic hasn't competed in over two years, he still poses a tough test for Jones. The former champion's wrestling background and criminally underrated boxing will prove to be tricky obstances for 'Bones' to overcome, making this a highly intriguing matchup.
Win or lose, this might just be the last time we see Miocic compete. The Ohio native will turn 42 this summer and a win over Jones would be the perfect way to cap off a gold-laden career.
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#1. Holly Holm (41) – Former UFC women's bantamweight champion
The oldest entry on our list, Holly Holm, is still in with a real chance of getting her hands on UFC gold. Having recently signed a new six-fight deal with the organization, 'The Preacher's Daughter' is eyeing one last title run.
41 and still a contender #hollyholm https://t.co/ydiqD2d32E
In the first fight on the new deal, Holly Holm delivered a dominant performance against Yana Santos to protect her No.3 spot in the women's bantamweight rankings. Holm notably has two wins over No.2-ranked Raquel Pennington, so can't be too far away from a championship opportunity.
The belt is currently held by Amanda Nunes, who beat her back in 2019. Holm will likely need another big win to re-enter title contention, and with the evolution of her game and much-improved wrestling, a rematch with Nunes is certainly competitive.
Holm will turn 42 later this year. If the former champion re-claims the belt, she'll become the oldest women's champion in UFC history.
41-year-old Holly Holm is gearing up for another title run after signing a new 6-fight UFC contract. 🏆
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