'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
When UFC fighters have their backs against the wall, some shell up while others bite down on their mouthpiece, dig into their heels and start throwing hands until the referee is pulling them off their opponent. After all, in a promotion as competitive as the UFC, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle.
In order to stay relevant in MMA, these UFC fighters are tasked with not only winning their fights, but performing with the intention of building their own brand as unique athletes. Talk softly and carry a big stick. In most cases, this would work as a professional athlete, but the bombastic rise of 'The Notorious' seemingly changed that. Talking matters and so do weapons.
However, when it comes to staying relevant, success and finishes are of course paramount to UFC fighters maintaining themselves in the rankings. As the world has witnessed countless times, once a UFC fighter has lost two or three bouts in a row, they might be on the chopping block.
Even so, sometimes the most visceral moments in MMA come from UFC fighters who have their backs against the wall. Akin to a clash in the octagon, these combat athletes contend with themselves more than anyone when it is finally time to lace up their leather gloves and walk down the tunnel.
Let's look at a list of five UFC fighters who desperately need a win to stay relevant in this ever-changing mixed martial arts scene.
#5. Conor McGregor - UFC lightweight
Conor McGregor stormed the company and took gold in just over two years. The Irish takeover in 2016 still rings to this day. However, as of late, 'The Notorious' has been unable to capture the lightning in a bottle he once had on standby. With back-to-back losses, Conor McGregor undoubtedly needs a win to stay relevant in the UFC today.
In their January rematch, McGregor fought Dustin Poirier on Fight Island. As the fight progressed, many noticed that former two-division wasn't using the same prodding kicks he implored during their first contest in 2014. Once the second round began, it became clear the toll that Poirier's leg kicks were having on McGregor.
After suffering a second-round knockout, McGregor vowed to exact his revenge against the Louisiana native at UFC 264. In their summer contest less than six months later, McGregor used his kicks early in an attempt to flip the script on 'The Diamond'. However, after being largely dominated for the opening round, McGregor suffered a brutal broken leg at the frame's culmination.
When UFC fighters accrue three losses, as aforementioned, retirement and pink slips begin to enter into the mind of a fighter. Fortunately, the Irish superstar is not there yet, but it will take a Herculean effort to get back into title contention in the 155-pound division.
#4. Darren Till - UFC middleweight
Liverpool's Darren Till has had a tumultuous UFC experience as he now competes with the middleweights. While the 28-year-old tried his hand at welterweight, he ultimately found the weight cut to be too taxing on his body. Following the jump in weight, he initially found success against Kelvin Gastelum in 2019.
After winning with a split-decision victory, it was clear that the striking of Till would be problematic for UFC fighters standing across from him. The Scouser jumped in the rankings and was pitted against former champion Robert Whittaker. While 'The Gorilla' put up a valiant effort, he lost the tactical chess match to 'The Reaper' by unanimous decision.
In a pivotal comeback fight, Till was paired with three-time Division II All-American wrestler Derek Brunson. Till lost the UFC Vegas 36 contest and absorbed his second submission loss in the promotion. The Englishman is certainly in desperate need of a victory when he returns to the cage.
#3. Jorge Masvidal - UFC welterweight
Jorge Masvidal is in a unique situation unlike many UFC fighters. The former title challenger lost to champion Kamaru Usman twice. After being knocked out in their second outing, 'Gamebred' is one of many UFC fighters who desperately need a win to stay connected with bigger paydays.
While the Miami native may be unable to score another title opportunity in the interim, his next fight against Leon Edwards will have massive implications. Edwards is currently riding a 10-fight unbeaten streak. If Masvidal emphatically stops 'Rocky', then it's safe to say that would catapult him into some lucrative conversations.
The last time Masvidal lost two fights consecutively in the UFC, 'Gamebred' went on to stop his next three opponents with strikes, one via doctor's stoppage.
First, Masvidal knocked Darren Till out on home soil. He then reached superstardom after knocking out one of the newer UFC fighters, Ben Askren, with a flying knee in five-seconds. Following those two performances, the Miami native proceeded to stop West Coast's Nate Diaz after a doctor called the contest off. With so many electric moments, perhaps he can secure another one in his next outing.
#2. Marlon Moraes - UFC bantamweight
UFC bantamweight 'Magic' Marlon Moraes has faced stiff competition in the 135-pound division. Along his journey as a UFC fighter, the Brazilian managed to score a head-kick knockout against current champion Aljamain Sterling.
Following his failed bid against Henry Cejudo for the vacant bantamweight gold, it appears the hard-hitting 33-year-old is struggling to pick up momentum in such a competitive weight division. After losing in his title opportunity, Moraes bounced back and was able to narrowly score a decision win against Brazilian legend José Aldo.
With three losses by TKO, 'Magic' will need to present a methodical game plan in his next fight. Often times, he hurts opponents, but struggles to put the finishing touches on a fight. Perhaps with more calculated aggression, Moraes will find the success he is searching for.
Moraes desperately needs to win in order to stay relevant at 135-pounds. In addition, the bantamweight could potentially be fighting to secure his occupation in his next outing.
#1. Tony Ferguson - UFC lightweight
Tony Ferguson, the boogeyman of the lightweight division, was at one point on a 12-fight winning streak, yet still unable to challenge for undisputed gold. While he remains a challenging force in the 155-pound weight class, the former interim champion has recently been in a slump of losses.
'El Cucuy' fought twice in 2020. He first lost to Justin Gaethje via fourth-round TKO. After 'The Highlight' snapped Ferguson's winning streak, the 37-year-old lost to surging contender Charles Oliveira. As 'Do Bronx' advanced to become champion, Ferguson once again signed on the dotted line against Beneil Dariush and fell to a crushing third consecutive loss by decision.
Ferguson's ability to control the pace of the fight remains one of his most powerful weapons. The lightweight previously weaponized cardiovascular pace to great effect against Edson Barboza and Lando Vannata.
With three losses and his back against the wall, Tony Ferguson desperately needs a win to remain relevant in the current UFC landscape.
