5 Fighter's Who Could Have Been All Time Greats


(Kevin Jackson celebrating with another winner)

These are 5 fighter's that have accomplished a good amount in their mma career's, some have even won titles and tournaments, but they still did not live up too their full potential.

Kevin Jackson - The most decorated wrestler to ever enter MMA/NHB. This guy was a gold medalist in 92, not a 7th place or alternate (like Coleman and Severn) this guy was probably the best wrestler on the Olympic squad. He entered MMA in 1997 at an Extreme Fighting event, he faced John Lober (a tough fighter) and he won via arm triangle. He then entered UFC 14's 200 Pound tournamet and submitted 2 nobodies. He then lost to Frank Shamrock and Jerry Bohlander both via armbar, after the Bohlander fight he beat Sam Adkins. Then something happened. The USA Wrestling Olympic team told Kevin (a coach) too choose MMA or Olympic Wrestling. He chose wrestling. If he continued to learn (and he would have) who knows what he could have accomplished.

Kevin Randleman - Another beefed up collegiate all star wrestler with talent for days. Its kind of mind boggling to imagine THe Monster wrestling at 178 pounds because in his MMA career he was a huge beast (sometimes 250). Randleman had a very impressive run to start his UFC career beating former popular champion Maurice Smith, lost a controversial (Randleman won IMO) split decision to Bas Rutten, beat Pete Williams for the title, defended against Pedro Rizzo and then lost to Randy Couture. Thats an extremely impressive run. Unfortunately Randleman seemed to peak during this run and never really grew, he remained an impressive wrestler who would occasionally drop knees (LOOK OUT when he did) and punches from the top. But if I had a nickel for everytime Kevin Randleman was on top of a fighter gasping for air, I'd have a shit load of nickel's. He had some more impressive wins (Rua and Cro Cop) but Randleman never lived up to his full potential. He still accomplished alot though, not trying to knock him at all.

Vitor Belfort - No joke, there was a time when UFC brass thought Vitor Belfort would reign over the promotion for as long as he wanted. They thought he would destroy everyone the way he had Tank Abbott or submit them (Carlos Gracie were talking here) if needed. Randy Couture smashed that pipe dream and Vitor never again really lived up to the lofty expectations that were lofted on him at the age of 19. Hey he still has a chance though when he faces Anderson Silva to finally do it. Belfort did have a title reign but he was kinda a paper champion (dont like to use that term).

Ricardo Arona - He has wins over Guy Mezger, Jeremy Horn, Dan Henderson, Murilo Rua and Alistair Overeem but he has never lived up to his full potential (like the other men on the list). Honestly maybe we can't blame him for being so inactive the past 4 years (2 fights), you would be to if you took that Rampage slam. But if Ricardo Arona had really stayed on top of his craft and fought smart he could have gone down as one of the best all time. He also still has a chance at redemption.

Mark Kerr - Sadly has gotta be the number 1 coulda been of all time in the MMA world. However, Mark Kerr's own demon's did him in. From 1997 to 1999 Kerr posted an 11-0 1 NC record. Although his biggest wins were over Fabio Gurgel, Paul Varelans and Takada. Then something happened, if you have seen Smashing Machine you know what I mean. When Kerr lost his first fight to Kaz Fujita it was clear he was not the same fighter he was even a year ago (yet alone the one from 1998). Kerr basically was living in a living hell and it showed in the ring and cage. He went 1-6 after the Fujita loss, seemed to always gas and was mediocre standing. Kerr has gone 4-11 since Y2K (ya I typed Y2K). His last fight was a 25 second loss to King Mo in 2009, sad to see knowing what he could have been.

Honorable Mention : Mark Hunt (if he trained), Ryan Gracie (if he wasn't the "bad boy"), Ricco Rodriguez (Im ready for wolf to complain)