5 UFC past fighters you've probably forgotten about
Ever since the UFC exploded in popularity in 2005, the roster of fighters that the promotion uses has expanded dramatically. There are now 50+ UFC events every year and with each card featuring anywhere between 10 and 14 fights, it’s natural that a lot of the undercard fighters who sign with the UFC and then wash out go unremembered by fans.
Some fighters on the other hand end up largely forgotten by the UFC’s fanbase despite numerous wins, televised fights and pay-per-view appearances under their belt. Whether it’s down to a lack of a marketable personality or a dull fighting style, the following 5 fighters are all but forgotten about by UFC fans despite their decent success in the promotion.
Note: for the purposes of this article I selected fighters who had at least 5 UFC appearances – including at least 1 main card fight – during their tenure with the promotion.
#1 Jared Rosholt
People forget now, but Jared Rosholt arrived in the UFC in late 2013 with quite a bit of fanfare behind him. ‘The Big Show’ was bringing an impressive wrestling background into the Octagon and he’d racked up a solid 8-1 record on the regional circuit, with his only loss coming at the hands of future UFC title challenger Derrick Lewis.
Standing at 6’2” and weighing 255lbs, Rosholt cut an imposing figure, and right away he won his first three UFC fights against Walt Harris, Daniel Omielanczuk and Soa Palelei. The only problem? Rosholt’s fighting style was dull to say the least, with a wrestling-heavy attack designed to stifle his opponents.
But after a loss to Aleksei Oleinik, a new, more aggressive Rosholt emerged and he smashed Josh Copeland, finishing him by TKO in the third round of their fight. Unfortunately, that was the only time we saw this version of Rosholt, and his next two wins – over Tim Johnson and Stefan Struve – were again considered dull fights.
After the Struve fight, Rosholt was 6-1 in the UFC and so he was given a step up in competition, faced with Roy Nelson in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 82. Rosholt lost the fight by decision, and was subsequently released from his deal. Given his strong record it was a shock of sorts, but taking his fighting style into account, it’s not surprising he’s been largely forgotten since.
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