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#4. Alexander Gustafsson almost became UFC champion
Alexander Gustafsson began his MMA journey in 2007. Before coming to the UFC, he had amassed an impressive eight-fight winning streak. Most of his victories came via KO/TKO.
In 2013, he fought for the light heavyweight belt. This bout against Jon Jones would go down as one of the greatest fights in UFC history. It was a five-round war where the Swedish national would narrowly fail to capture the title.
His incredible performance established him as one of the best. Since then, however, he has won only thrice in eight fights. He retired in 2019 after losing to Anthony Smith. But only a year later, in 2020, he made his comeback.
The much-anticipated comeback of the man who almost beat Jones would not last long. His opponent Fabricio Werdum made him submit via armbar in round one.
#3. Royce Gracie's contribution to MMA is indisputable
Royce Gracie is among the most important fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. He made his pro debut at UFC 1, a one-night tournament. Gracie won the tournament, submitting men almost twice his size. Royce, along with his brothers, was a practitioner of jiu-jitsu.
The Brazilian then went on to win all his fights. Most of his opponents had a size advantage over him but lost to his superior ground game. Gracie then moved to Pride FC, where he and his brothers took part in a legendary rivalry with Kazushi Sakuraba.
In his comeback fight at UFC 60, the legend faced reigning welterweight champion Matt Hughes. It was a non-title fight at a catchweight of 175lbs. Hughes completely dominated the veteran, finishing the fight via ground and pound. Though his comeback was disappointing, Royce Gracie's contribution to MMA is indisputable.
