Sometimes a loss can be the most devastating feeling in the world, but in one of the most unpredictable sports it occasionally has matchmakers picking up the phone with an opportunity of a lifetime for another crack at championship gold.
With UFC 248 just around the corner, it’s hard to contain the excitement for Israel Adesanya (18-0) vs. Yoel Romero (17-4).
Sure, this fight isn’t under scrutiny like the upcoming Aldo vs. Cejudo, but there is some controversy as to whether Yoel Romero is jumping the line to get a title shot.
Shockingly, this isn’t the first time this has happened. Here is a list of top fights that came to fruition after the challenger got a title shot coming off of a loss.
Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen — UFC 159
The UFC seemed to want to strike while the iron was hot with Chael Sonnen after his second failed attempt at middleweight championship glory, as he talked himself into a third title opportunity at UFC 159. Sure, Sonnen had jumped the line in the light heavyweight division to get a title shot, but at this point in time the division was trying to figure itself out and needed a quality fight as Jones was in the process of running rampant through everyone that was placed in front of him.
Sonnen is the best in the business at using his gift of gab to propel himself into a title fight and that could be the reason many MMA fans let this one slide. The light heavyweight division was in the palm of Jon Jones’ hands… why not spice it up with the trash-talking Sonnen?
Even though Chael Sonnen did not get the victory against Jones, he started a trend and mapped out a blueprint on how to jump the line and get a title shot – even one in a different division!
Official Result: Jon Jones def. Chael Sonnen KO/TKO · R1 04:33
