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Fighting in the UFC is the end-goal of most of the world's mixed martial artists. It is the premier MMA promotion in combat sports. Thus, countless fighters have poured their hearts and souls into earning a UFC contract. While getting signed to the promotion is difficult, staying in the promotion is even more difficult.
Dana White and co. are typically ruthless when it comes to axing fighters who no longer cut it under their banner. Sometimes, however, they are never given the chance to do so. Although it's odd and uncommon, certain fighters decide to leave the promotion long before they experience a decline in skill and athleticism.
Whether it's due to disagreements over pay or the overall treatment they're subjected to in the UFC, some fighters take the decision to abandon it for greener pastures. With that in mind, this list looks at fighters who left the promotion while still well into their physical prime.
#5. Phil Davis, former UFC light heavyweight
There was a time when the UFC light heavyweight division was teeming with high-level fighters and exciting talent. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Among the skilled 205'ers of yesteryear was Phil Davis, a decorated wrestler with NCAA Division I championship credentials.
Back in 2013, he had only ever suffered one loss and was at the helm of a three-fight win streak, including a victory over former titleholder Lyoto Machida. While he never earned a title shot due to crumbling against the late great Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson, 'Mr. Wonderful' rebounded with a win over a future champion.
He faced Glover Teixeira immediately afterwards. To his misfortune, Ryan Bader handed him another loss. With his contract expiring, fans expected Davis to re-sign with the UFC. He was 13-3 (1) and still in his physical prime. Alas, he chose to sign with Bellator instead and never looked back.
#4. Ryan Bader, former UFC light heavyweight
Former Bellator double champion and reigning heavyweight titleholder Ryan Bader was once a highly touted prospect in MMA. Back in 2010, he and Jon Jones were in similar spots. The pair were undefeated (besides a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill on Jon Jones' part) fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds.
While 'Darth' lost, tasting defeat for the first time didn't break him. He lost several other fights and won several others before settling into a five-fight win streak that culminated with a dominant win over former champion Rashad Evans. Unfortunately, he suffered a one-minute knockout against Anthony Johnson.
While his win streak snapped, rebounded with two highly impressive wins via KO and TKO. Despite being at the peak of his physical powers, 'Darth' opted against remaining in the UFC and pledged himself to Bellator.
#3. Corey Anderson, former UFC light heavyweight
There doesn't seem to be a greater exporter of talent into Bellator than the UFC light heavyweight division. Prior to leaving Dana White's banner, Corey Anderson was a staple at 205 lbs. He is a powerful wrestler with heavy hands but was constantly passed over for greater opportunities.
The promotion even sought to use him as a stepping stone for then rising knockout artist Johnny Walker. This did not sit well with a fighter who sought to one day enthrone himself as the division's resident titleholder. Fortunately, he defeated the Brazilian to extend his win streak to four consecutive victories.
Following a KO loss to Jan Błachowicz, however, his frustrations with the promotion grew to the point where he requested his own release, which was granted. He subsequently signed with Bellator, as have many of Dana White's former 205'ers.
#2. Gegard Mousasi, former UFC middleweight
There used to be a popular narrative surrounding Gegard Mousasi in MMA circles. Many often referred to him as the most skilled middleweight in the world and used that logic to dismiss most of his losses as a result of disinterest. However, as a veteran of nearly 60 MMA fights, his interest cannot be questioned.
Despite the massive amount of hype behind him, 'The Dream Catcher' never quite reached the heights that many expected him to in the UFC. He fought 12 times in the promotion, only losing thrice. Towards the end of his tenure there, he helmed a five-fight win streak, four of which came via KO/TKO.
While one of these wins was against former titleholder Chris Weidman, the Dutchman opted to ply his trade elsewhere and committed himself to Bellator instead.
#1. Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight
While Jon Jones is now the promotion's reigning heavyweight champion, it is only so because the 265 lbs throne was left vacant by its previous claimant, Francis Ngannou. The Cameroonian phenom was never beaten for his heavyweight crown. His last fight under the promotion was an impressive win.
He stunned former interim champion Ciryl Gane by implementing a wrestling-heavy gameplan to overcome the limitations of his injured knee. Despite defending his title, disagreements with the promotion reached a boiling point. Neither party could see eye to eye on nearly any of the Cameroonian's demands.
With no other recourse after his contract came to an end, the promotion released him from their one-year matching rights clause after they couldn't find agreeable terms for a new contract. 'The Predator' became a free agent and the rest is history as he now pursues a high-profile boxing match.
