5 UFC fights that were exciting on paper but were lackluster in the cage

UFC fights represent the pinnacle of combat sports. Some of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time unveil their inimitable skill-sets under the bright lights of UFC pay-per-views. Most of the time, these bouts are thrilling affairs with fulfilling conclusions like knockouts and submissions.

Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, certain variables interfere with fan expectations and lead to bouts that were exciting on paper being duds once the UFC fighters in question step inside the octagon. The reasons why that is the case vary from matchup to matchup.

Regardless, there have been countless matchups that generated tremendous fan interest after their announcements but failed to meet expectations. This list explores five UFC fights that were well-received after being scheduled but were universally panned after taking place.

#5. Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos - UFC 239

One of the last times Jon Jones fought in the light heavyweight division was against Brazilian power-puncher Thiago Santos. At the time of the bout's announcement, many fans were expecting a thrilling bout. 'Bones' was fresh off his dominant TKO win against Alexander Gustafsson.

AND STILL

Jon Jones defeats Thiago Santos via split decision to retain the UFC Light Heavyweight title

#UFC239 https://t.co/MfZTzGCmn3

Meanwhile, 'Marreta' was at the helm of a four-fight win streak that included three knockouts. Given Jones' reputation as a brutal finisher capable of both TKO'ing and submitting his foes, no one could have predicted the uneventful kickboxing bout that ensued at UFC 239.

Even after the Brazilian bruiser severely injured his knee, which rendered him a one-legged fighter, Jones still refused to outwrestle him en route to a possible TKO. Instead, fans were given a lackluster split-decision affair in Jones' favor.

#4. Israel Adesanya vs. Jared Cannonier, UFC 276

UFC 276 was headlined by Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier. Initial expectations for the bout were high. 'Tha Killa Gorilla' is a crushing knockout artist who has flattened opponents across three different divisions: heavyweight, light heavyweight and middleweight.

BREAKING: Israel Adesanya defeats Jared Cannonier and retains his UFC Middleweight Championship! 🏆 #UFC276 https://t.co/SNE0ZVz2zX

Meanwhile, 'The Last Stylebender' is a slick counter-striker with a deep bag of feints with which he dupes his foes into committing fatal mistakes. The two seemed like a fun recipe for a thrilling bout. Cannonier would have to come forward and use his vicious power while Adesanya walked him into counters.

The bout that was expected, however, was not the matchup that took place. Instead, the former champion hung back at range, content with the idea of landing low kicks and jabs while Cannonier was too timid to press forward. Ultimately, 'The Last Stylebender' emerged victorious after five rounds of low-volume action.

#3. Israel Adesanya vs. Yoel Romero - UFC 248

At one point in time, Israel Adesanya was regarded by many as Anderson Silva's heir apparent. The two bore certain similarities that drew frequent comparisons. First, the two men were rangy counter-strikers who mystified their foes. Second, 'The Last Stylebender' has been vocal about his admiration for 'The Spider'.

After the Nigerian's ascension to the divisional throne at middleweight, he publicly challenged feared 185'er Yoel Romero for his first title defense. 'The Soldier of God' was an Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling and one of the most explosive athletes in UFC history with thunderous knockout power.

Throwback to Israel Adesanya's fight against Yoel Romero.

This was the first of Adesanya's career that was considered lacklustre.

#UFC281 https://t.co/A5N2a5PbUk

Prior to the bout, Adesanya swore to knock his foe over like the Twin Towers in a reference that was widely criticized for being in poor taste. Meanwhile, Romero swore to emerge victorious.

What ended up taking place was a low-volume affair that consisted mostly of low kicks and a few jabs en route to a decision win for Adesanya.

#2. Francis Ngannou vs. Derrick Lewis - UFC 226

Joe Rogan famously described the matchup between Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis as one that couldn't possibly need the judges' scorecards. The future heavyweight titleholder was fresh off a deflating loss to Stipe Miocic in the pair's first encounter.

Regardless, he was still a historic power-puncher with the highest recorded punch in history. The opponent he was scheduled to face to bounce back from the most stinging defeat of his career was Derrick Lewis. 'The Black Beast' is a heavy-handed titan who owns the record for the most knockouts in UFC history.

Derrick Lewis defeats Francis Ngannou by unanimous decision in lackluster contest. thesco.re/2KEIba6 https://t.co/EQL6FJ2SN1

Thus, the clash between him and 'The Predator' was expected to be nothing but fireworks with a guaranteed knockout. Instead, what ensued was one of the most uneventful bouts in recent memory.

Both fighters were too timid to engage and the two men landed a combined 31 strikes over three rounds. Derrick Lewis was awarded the win, but it hardly seemed like a victory.

#1. Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2 - UFC 274

Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza have clashed inside the octagon twice now. Their first bout took place a few months away from 9 years ago. At the time, it was Namajunas' fourth-ever MMA bout. Meanwhile, it was Esparza's 12th professional fight.

The two faced off for the inaugural UFC women's strawweight title. After outwrestling her foe for three rounds, 'The Cookie Monster' secured a rear-naked choke in the opening minute of the third round. The loss had a heavy impact on 'Thug Rose'.

Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza 2 was one of the most difficult fights to score in MMA history.

#UFC281 https://t.co/2yf1Pt5baI

Nearly a decade later, the two met inside the octagon again. Like their first outing, their rematch was for the divisional throne. Yet after all the years that passed, Namajunas' fear of takedowns was prominent. She was so fearful of being outwrestled again that she mounted almost zero offense.

This was especially strange for a fighter known for exciting bouts. She was more concerned with defending her foe's takedowns. Meanwhile, Esparza had grown fearful of her rival's improved striking abilities. She too refused to engage much at all.

The bout, which ended after five rounds of almost no action, was widely panned as arguably the worst fight in MMA history, with Esparza capturing the title from her longtime rival.