5 fights that ended up being missed opportunities for the UFC

#4. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones vs. Anthony Johnson

One of the UFC's biggest what-ifs is a fight between Jon Jones and Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. It’s crazy to think that the first 5 years of Johnson’s MMA career saw him competing at welterweight. In 2014, Johnson would reach his true potential when he returned to the promotion as a light heavyweight. Based on his impressive performances, Johnson earned the opportunity to challenge Jones for the title.

Jones was expected to defend his UFC light-heavyweight championship against Johnson in the main event of UFC 187. The fight ended up being canceled after Jones was involved in a hit-and-run and stripped of his title. As a result, Daniel Cormier replaced 'Bones' and went on to submit Johnson to become the new champion.

Based on Johnson’s knockout power and fighting style, many believed that he would be able to dethrone the dominant champion. Unfortunately, the fight was not rescheduled and fans never got to find out how it would have gone.

---

#3. Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg

Coming in third is then-UFC women’s bantamweight champion 'Rowdy' Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg. From a marketing standpoint, Cyborg-Rousey could have had an enormous impact on the growth of women’s MMA. The promotion could also have further capitalized by having Cyborg and Rousey coach a season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Rousey was undefeated at the time and was dominating the women’s bantamweight division. The former Olympian was a big pay-per-view draw and became a crossover celebrity.

Cyborg was on a different level, striking-wise, and the most feared fighter in women’s MMA at the time.

Unfortunately, fans will never find out as Rousey retired after her loss to Amanda Nunes. Cyborg signed with Bellator MMA after her contract expired, where she is currently the reigning Bellator women’s featherweight champion.