When it comes to UFC champions who avoided contenders, fans usually think of highlight reels, belt celebrations, and knockout victories. But behind the scenes, some champions carefully avoided certain opponents, protecting their reigns while delaying fights that could have truly defined their legacies. From Conor McGregor to Ronda Rousey, these decisions have left lasting debates in the MMA community.
1. Michael Bisping: Choosing the Safer Path
Michael Bisping shocked the world by knocking out Luke Rockhold to win the middleweight title. However, instead of facing top contenders like Yoel Romero or Jacare Souza, he chose to fight 46-year-old Dan Henderson.
The bout was dramatic and marketable, but it highlighted a pattern that defines UFC champions who avoided contenders—choosing safer matchups to prolong their reigns. Even then, Bisping almost lost, showing how risky it can still be to “pick” opponents.
Fans seeking controversial title runs can also check out The Shortest UFC Title Reigns in MMA History for context.
2. Conor McGregor: Two Titles, Zero Defenses
Conor McGregor is arguably MMA’s biggest star. He held both featherweight and lightweight belts but defended neither. Fighters like Tony Ferguson and Max Holloway were ready, yet McGregor pursued superfights, business ventures, and even boxing spectacles.
This freeze on divisions is a clear example of UFC champions who avoided contenders for financial and strategic reasons. The UFC allowed it because when McGregor generates that much revenue, normal matchmaking rules don’t always apply.
For a look at some of the most controversial moments in the sport, see The Most Shocking Controversies in UFC History.
3. Tyron Woodley: Avoiding Colby Covington
Tyron Woodley dominated the welterweight division but repeatedly delayed a fight with Colby Covington. Covington’s relentless pace and pressure made him a stylistic nightmare.
Woodley postponed negotiations, blamed injuries, and avoided a showdown that could have defined his era. By the time they eventually fought, Woodley had lost his edge, and the high-stakes clash fans wanted never fully materialized.
4. Ronda Rousey: Never Facing Cris Cyborg
Ronda Rousey dominated women’s MMA, but Cris Cyborg remained a looming threat. Bigger, stronger, and faster, Cyborg could have ended Rousey’s reign.
Despite fans and analysts calling for the fight, negotiations stalled over weight and timing. Rousey eventually lost to Holly Holm, leaving fans to wonder what might have happened if Cyborg had been her next opponent.
This remains one of the most famous examples of UFC champions who avoided contenders. For fights where safety and risk were questioned, see 10 Brutal MMA Fights That Should Have Been Stopped Sooner.
5. Aljamain Sterling: Delaying Petr Yan and Avoiding Merab Dvalishvili
Aljamain Sterling strategically delayed his fight with Petr Yan and refused to fight teammate Merab Dvalishvili. Merab’s cardio and relentless pressure made him a dangerous opponent, and Sterling used careful scheduling to protect his reign.
This is another clear case of champions carefully navigating risk while holding a title.
6. Leon Edwards: Freezing Out Shavkat Rakhmonov
After defeating Kamaru Usman, Leon Edwards avoided facing Shavkat Rakhmonov, an undefeated rising star. Edwards chose safer matchups, defending against other contenders while leaving Shavkat waiting.
Fans have long questioned this decision, making Edwards a modern example of UFC champions who avoided contenders. For insight into high-flying bantamweight stars, see Nabil Anane Muay Thai: The 6’4” Prodigy Redefining the Bantamweight Division.
7. Jamahal Hill: Dodging Magomed Ankalaev
Jamahal Hill avoided Magomed Ankalaev, a stylistically dangerous opponent whose patient, defensive approach neutralized Hill’s power striking. Instead, Hill pursued fights that were less risky but less defining.
This demonstrates how fighters sometimes prioritize career management over immediate challenges.
8. Alex Pereira: Jumping Divisions
Alex Pereira, middleweight champion and the only man to finish Israel Adesanya in the UFC, skipped defending his title against dangerous contenders like Ankalaev. Instead, he moved up to light heavyweight, seeking bigger fights and higher payouts.
His decision highlights that UFC champions who avoided contenders aren’t always avoiding conflict—they’re managing legacy and career trajectory.
9. Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan
Ilia Topuria delayed a potential clash with Arman Tsarukyan, who had been dominating opponents and earning the next shot. Topuria’s timing allowed him to avoid a risky fight while letting drama and anticipation build in the division.
This is a recent example of champions managing risk while keeping fans waiting for the match everyone wanted.
Conclusion
Being a champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship isn’t just about athleticism—it’s also about strategy, timing, and risk management. These nine fighters illustrate how some of the most celebrated champions shaped their legacies not only by who they fought, but also by who they avoided.
Which of these UFC champions do you think avoided the toughest fight?
