While the general consensus in the combat sports community is that the best MMA fighters only fight in the UFC, it’s been proven on several occasions that combatants from outside the company at times tend to enter the UFC and go on to dominate their individual Ultimate Fighting Championship weight-class they compete in.

Today, we take a special look at some of the best MMA fighters who are not in the UFC right now.

#5 Bibiano Fernandes

Brazilian MMA stalwart Bibiano Fernandes has competed in several Mixed Martial Arts promotions all over the world, and has long been regarded as one of the greatest Bantamweight MMA fighters of his generation. Fernandes lost a controversial split-decision to Kevin Belingon in late 2018, however, apart from the aforesaid loss, the former has had an incredible run in One Championship.

Fernandes is an excellent fighter who has been known for his technical proficiency, irrespective of where the fight takes place. Moreover, the Brazilian MMA veteran has also served as the main sparring partner for former pound-for-pound great and ex-UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson.

Although Fernandes has never competed in the UFC, his brand in the MMA realm is regarded as a highly reputable one nonetheless. The vast majority of combat sports fans, as well as experts, have often asserted that they’d love to see Fernandes make a run at the UFC Bantamweight Title, however, as of now, that seems a tad unlikely. Speaking of which…

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#4 Rory Macdonald

Rory Macdonald was always regarded as the heir-apparent to Georges St-Pierre’s UFC Welterweight throne. After all, the latter had taken Macdonald under his wing at the world-famous Tristar Gym, and ‘Rory Mac’ had a great ascent towards the upper-echelons of the UFC 170-pound division.

However, Macdonald suffered a couple of losses to Robbie Lawler, and although he did win a few fights in between, the Lawler fights were incredibly brutal and are said to have taken a huge toll on the bodies of both fighters. Nevertheless, following a decision loss to Stephen Thompson, Macdonald signed with Bellator MMA.

Macdonald subsequently won the Bellator Welterweight Championship, and now holds wins over the likes of Paul Daley and Douglas Lima – the latter of whom Macdonald beat to win the title. Although Macdonald’s most recent venture of moving up to challenge Bellator Middleweight Champion Gegard Mousasi didn’t work out well for him; the former is still considered to be one of the best MMA fighters today.

#3 Gegard Mousasi

Gegard Mousasi has fought in several highly reputable Mixed Martial Arts promotions all over the world and has achieved tremendous success everywhere he competed. Mousasi was in line for a shot at the UFC Middleweight Title, however, he couldn’t come to terms with the new deal being offered to him by the company.

Resultantly, Mousasi entertained offers from other companies and ended up signing with Bellator MMA. ‘The Moose’ eventually captured the Bellator Middleweight Championship, and successfully defended the title in a ‘Champion vs. Champion’ super-fight against reigning Bellator Welterweight Champion Rory Macdonald.

Mousasi dominated Macdonald on the feet and proceeded to also out-grapple the latter, beating Macdonald via TKO. Mousasi is beyond the shadow of a doubt one of the greatest Mixed Martial Arts fighters of all time, and most combat sports pundits believe that had he stuck around with the UFC, he’d probably have beaten Robert Whittaker for the UFC Middleweight Title.

#2 Vitaly Minakov

Vitaly Minakov is a former Bellator Heavyweight Champion and an undefeated Heavyweight who is widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world today. The Russian combatant presently competes for Fight Nights Global and M-1 Global and was rumored to be returning to Bellator MMA as well in 2018.

If one is to believe the rumblings in the combat sports community, Minakov is unlikely to ever sign with the UFC – with the primary reason behind this, being that like most other fighters outside the UFC, he seems to be a tad wary of signing an exclusive contract with the company which won’t allow him to compete in combat sports events outside the UFC sphere.

Minakov has been praised by many for being one of the most well-rounded fighters in the world and continues to impress fans with his excellent Sambo skills as well as incredible distance management in the striking realm.

#1 Douglas Lima

I’ve got to confess that I’d contemplated putting Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson’s name over here, now that the man has left the UFC and competes for One Championship. However, while most of us credit Johnson for being one of the best fighters in the world, most casual fans almost always overlook former Bellator Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima.

Let’s face it, his decision loss to Rory Macdonald at Bellator 192 was one that could’ve been scored for either fighter. Lima almost finished Macdonald on multiple occasions throughout the fight, and although the judges saw it differently, most fans, as well as experts, scored the bout in favor of Lima.

Lima is presently competing in the Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix, and could very well end up facing Macdonald – with the large majority of combat sports pundits predicting that the two will indeed lock horns once again. Lima is an absolute gem of a fighter, and it’s about time we show him some respect.

Which MMA fighters outside the UFC do you think are the best? Sound off in the comments!

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