Recently we took a look at "Five Undefeated UFC Fighters Who Struggled to Overcome Their First Loss", but we're positive and optimistic people here at The MMA Mindset, so here's a few that did manage to regain their prior momentum and not fall into obscurity.
Michael "Venom" Page
"MVP" was seemingly on a trajectory towards the UFC and super-stardom, after going 14-0 in his professional MMA career. The London-born fighter had finished 11 of his 14 opponents heading into his fight with Douglas Lima at Bellator 221 in May 2019, however this was no doubt the biggest test of his career. "Venom" suffered this first professional loss, being KO'd in the second round with a powerful right-uppercut from Lima.
Many were curious at how the previously undefeated welterweight would handle this set-back, and since then he has gone on to finish his last 3 opponents all via KO. The disclaimer here, is that the 33-year-old's opponents since the loss, have not been anywhere near the calibre of "The Phenom". Hopefully, Page continues to win and put on exciting fights for everyone.
Cain Velasquez
Velasquez went into his fight at UFC on Fox 1 against Junior Dos Santos with an undefeated record of 9-0, after devastatingly finishing Brock Lesnar in his previous fight. Many considered the California native the top heavyweight in the world, and he was seemingly unstoppable going into his first title defence. However, to the shock of the MMA world, Cain was finished by JDS in the very first round.
Velasquez, the then 30-year-old, went into his next fight and mercilessly TKO'd "Bigfoot" in a pool of his own blood. The former heavyweight champion then went on to complete his redemption arc by defeated Dos Santos twice, in two truly unbelievable fights.
Georges St. Pierre
Georges St. Pierre was only 7-0 going into his title-fight with then welterweight king, Matt Hughes. Despite being only 2 years into his professional career, "Rush" came into this fight with a tremendous amount of hype and expectation. Unfortunately, the evening didn't have the fairy-tale ending for the Canadian, as he lost to Hughes via an armbar, in the first round.
St. Pierre rebounded quickly, winning his next five fights including the likes of Sean Sherk, Frank Trigg and BJ Penn. GSP got his rematch against the American at UFC 65 and made no mistake, TKO'ing Hughes in the second round. Georges did go on to lose to Ultimate Fighter winner Matt Serra in one of the biggest upsets in MMA history, but since has won 13 in-a-row.
Daniel Cormier
Daniel "DC" Cormier took the MMA world by storm when he debuted in 2009. The Olympian burst onto the scene with his heavy-hands and elite wrestling ability, going 15-0 on his way to challenge Jon Jones for the UFC light-heavyweight strap. This would be the start of one of the most intense rivalries in the history of the sport. "DC" came into the fight as, naturally, the under-dog. However, there was definitely the expectation that if anyone could best the reigning champ, Cormier was the one who had the ability.
As was usually the script, the AKA product lost to "Bones" in a hard-fought decision. After Jones was stripped of the title in 2015, Daniel took the opportunity and laid claim to the vacant 205lb belt. He also went on to defend it against dangerous opponents in Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. Cormier did go on to lose again to his bitter rival, however, the decision was over-ruled to a no-contest, and "DC" has since gone on to add the heavyweight title to his mantle. He truly is one of the greats.
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