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The UFC, a global powerhouse, rosters well over six hundred fighters. With a promotion as successful as the UFC, unprofessionalism is, unfortunately, a byproduct of its prosperity. After the organization caught fire in 2001, the UFC brass restructured the promotion into a highly sanctioned, organized and controlled environment.
Nonetheless, there are bad apples in any fighting promotion. The UFC remains the top fighting organization in the world. Oftentimes, fighters are tasked with competing through regional circuits before getting a UFC contract. Once a fighter makes it to the big show, there is little, if any, room for unprofessionalism.
However, that does not mean there is no unprofessionalism in the UFC. While some fighters continually fail to make weight, others violate the UFC's code of conduct policy. There are also those who do not fulfill their media obligations. Of course, some acts are so egregious that the promotion has even parted ways with such fighters for their lack of professionalism.
UFC fighters are accused of being unprofessional at an alarming regularity. With a sport as visceral as mixed martial arts, fans get a unique perspective into the fighters they connect with most. On that note, here's a look at five UFC fighters who were accused of being unprofessional:
#5. Paulo Costa
Paulo Costa's ink just dried on this list. The Brazilian admitted he would be unable to make the contracted 186-pound limit for his UFC Vegas 41 fight with Marvin Vettori. With a few days out from the event, many were surprised to see that Costa still had time to cut weight.
After 'The Eraser' seemingly shrugged off the weight miss, a proposal for a catchweight bout of 195 pounds was formulated. When the promotion moved forward with Costa's demands, in the eleventh hour, the contest was once again moved, this time to 205 pounds.
The recent fiasco is the latest example of unprofessionalism in the UFC. Considering Paulo Costa has been away from the octagon for over a year, some thought the former title challenger would be dialed in and on weight, given the time allotment. After surrendering 20% of his purse, the UFC Vegas 41 headliner eventually took place as planned, but at 205 pounds.
Paulo Costa has found himself in hot water before. After facing a USADA violation for illegal IV use, the 30-year-old was suspended from UFC action for six months.
#4. Nick Diaz
As popular as the Diaz brothers are, they have never been treated as centerpieces in the UFC, like a few others. Part of their larger-than-life personas has been fostered by the air of unpredictability the two have displayed throughout their storied careers. While some would simply paint Nick Diaz as anti-establishment, others may interpret his style of doing things as unprofessional.
The infamous Strikeforce brawl in Nashville, Tennessee, comes to mind. After Jake Shields' victory against Dan Henderson, Jason Miller entered the cage unprompted, demanding a rematch. Needless to say, Diaz and his team went on the offensive. In the end, Diaz and Miller were fined and suspended for three months.
After a lengthy lay-off, Nick Diaz returned to action this year against Robbie Lawler. The two first locked horns at UFC 47 in April 2004. Skeptics were concerned the moment the rematch bout was officially announced, but the superstar lived up to his hype, albeit in an unpredictable manner.
While his 'no-show' at a world Jiu-Jitsu expo raised concerns, so did the superstar skipping UFC 266 media day for his fight against Lawler in September. In another display of unprofessionalism, Diaz opted for a 185-pound fight instead of the contracted 170-pound contest. The decision was made in haste, with no specific reason given.
#3. Jon Jones
Jon Jones is one of the biggest stars of the sport, and his track record of being unprofessional is public and well-documented. Jones is unable to adhere to the UFC's code of conduct policy. Considering his blatant disregard for the consequences of the law, the former UFC light heavyweight champion makes this list.
While some attribute his eye-poking habit to unprofessionalism, that is difficult to prove during a fight. Having been the target of various legal troubles, Jones has often been labeled unprofessional.
Recently, Jon Jones was involved in a widely publicized altercation with his fiancé. While innocent until proven guilty, many are adamant that where there's smoke there's fire.
Jon Jones has also been involved in a litany of failed drug tests. The light heavyweight star was flagged for ingesting banned performance-enhancing substances, and faced penalties from USADA. Jones chalks up many of these infractions to tainted supplements.
Jon Jones' first fight against Alexander Gustafsson was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Just over twelve hours after the elegant ceremony, Jon Jones was arrested for the alleged incident with his fiancé. As one of the most successful MMA fighters of his generation, Jon Jones needs to improve his professionalism.
#2. UFC welterweight Mike Perry
UFC welterweight Mike Perry is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster. Inside and outside the octagon, 'Platinum' makes for good entertainment. However, it seems that quirkiness comes at a cost, and professionalism is at the top of the balance sheet.
The Flint, Michigan native started his UFC career hot with back-to-back TKO performances against Hyun Gyu Lim and Danny Roberts. After earning consecutive finishes, the welterweight met Alan Jouban, but suffered his first professional loss.
As Perry suffered losses in the UFC, it seemed his professionalism began to deteriorate. Instead of having an appropriate corner with veterans or fighters assisting him, Mike Perry opted to fight Tim Means on the marquee UFC 255 pay-per-view with no credible corner teammates.
The welterweight went so far as to admit he would have no coaching experience in his corner for his fight against Means. Possessing no combat experience, his significant other, Latory Gonzalez, was his official cornerman. 'Platinum' later acknowledged that she was there only for moral support.
#1. Paul Daley
During a scuffle, Paul Daley charged Koscheck with a left hook after the bell, prompting the UFC to release 'Semtex' shortly after the incident.
The UFC brass released Daley, and also insisted that he be banned for life. Considering Daley's egregious act, UFC president Dana White and company made an example out of Daley's unprofessional behavior.
