5 current UFC fighters who silenced their critics in style

#2. UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira

Glover Teixeira joined the UFC nine years ago at the age of 31. Teixeira was a dominant force in the Brazilian regional MMA scene and was famously unable to compete in the United States due to visa issues.

Many believed the Brazilian joined the world's premier MMA organization a little too late in his career. However, he proved his doubters wrong and went on a five-fight winning streak after joining the promotion, earning himself a title shot against Jon Jones. He lost to Jones via unanimous decision at UFC 172.

His next nine bouts would see him go 5-4 in the light heavyweight division and the consensus opinion was that he was past his prime.

Much to the surprise of the entire MMA community, Teixeira has enjoyed an unbelievable career resurgence since turning 40 in 2019. Once again, he went on a five-fight winning streak to secure another shot at the title. He was booked to take on light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the main event of UFC 267.

Glover Teixeira produced one of the most inspiring performances in MMA history. He dominated Jan Blachowicz in the first round and locked in a rear-naked choke in the second to win the belt.

Despite being the underdog, the 42-year-old Brazilian emerged victorious and produced one of the most memorable feel-good moments of the year.

Watch Glover Teixeira’s post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier below:

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#1. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira joined the UFC in 2010. The Brazilian endured a turbulent run in the promotion which culminated in spectacular fashion at UFC 262 last year.

Oliveira took on Michael Chandler for the vacant lightweight championship following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Throughout the course of his career, ‘Do Bronx’ was accused of giving up in fights and not showing the heart of a champion. This notion was put to the test against Chandler as the American hurt Oliveira on numerous occasions in the first round of their bout.

However, the 32-year-old mounted an admirable comeback in the second round, knocking out his American counterpart 20 seconds into the round to win the belt.

It was his next bout, however, that truly changed the public perception of the Brazilian.

Oliveira took on Dustin Poirier in his first title defense at UFC 269. The Brazilian was the betting underdog going into the bout as many believed he would struggle against the power and pressure of 'The Diamond'. Additionally, Poirier was widely considered the uncrowned champ going into the fight, despite Oliveira holding the belt.

Lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, in the lead-up to the fight between Oliveira and Poirier, called the Brazilian "a quitter" and downplayed his chances of winning against 'The Diamond'.

However, Oliveira made a resounding statement with a stunning victory over Poirier. Adding to his record for most submission wins and finishes in promotional history, 'Do Bronx' locked in a rear-naked choke in the third round of the bout.

Poirier was forced to tap and Oliveira secured his first title defense.

2021 saw Charles Oliveira go from being a top contender in the toughest division to becoming an undisputed world champion. Moreover, there were a lot of lingering doubts surrounding the Brazilian's willingness to fight through adversity. He silenced his critics in style, producing two come-from-behind victories against top contenders in the 155 lbs division.