The top five most undeserved UFC title shots in recent history

The UFC has a reputation for occasionally prioritizing narrative over merit when booking title fights. While the sport often rewards the most deserving athletes, some title challengers are granted opportunities that defy rankings and recent performances. UFC 309’s headliner between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic is just the latest example.

Below are five of the most undeserved title shots in recent UFC history.

1. Khalil Rountree

Khalil Rountree was ranked No. 8 in the light heavyweight division when he faced Alex Pereira for the title at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. Initially, Rountree was set to fight No. 3 Jamahal Hill, but that bout fell through after Rountree tested positive for PEDs and served a suspension. Surprisingly, upon his return, Rountree was fast-tracked to a title shot without a proper No. 1 contender fight.

Adding to the controversy, the No. 1 contender, Magomed Ankalaev, was overlooked despite his stronger resume, including wins over Johnny Walker and a draw against Jan Blachowicz. Rountree’s last victory before facing Pereira was against Anthony Smith, widely regarded as the weakest-ranked fighter in the division. While Rountree put up a spirited effort, Pereira retained his title in a competitive bout.

2. Steve Erceg

Steve Erceg’s title shot against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja raised many eyebrows. Erceg had only defeated one ranked opponent, Matt Schnell, a fighter notorious for his weak chin. Moreover, Erceg’s prior performance was unconvincing, with many believing he narrowly escaped defeat.

The UFC’s decision to push Erceg into the title picture came at the expense of more deserving contenders like Amir Albazi and Muhammad Mokaev. Mokaev, who had just defeated Alex Perez, could have become the youngest champion in UFC history had he been given the opportunity. Instead, he was booked against Manel Kape, whom he defeated with ease. Erceg went on to lose the title fight and subsequently suffered another loss to Kai Kara-France, who now stands closer to a title shot after defeating Kai Asakura.

3. Colby Covington

Colby Covington’s title shot against then-welterweight champion Leon Edwards mirrored the situation surrounding Stipe Miocic. Covington’s inactivity raised significant questions, as his last victory was against Jorge Masvidal, who was no longer with the UFC at the time.

More deserving contenders, such as Belal Muhammad, were bypassed. Muhammad was riding a 10-fight unbeaten streak, capped by a win over Gilbert Burns that has since aged well. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was also rumored to move up and challenge Edwards but had just fought two months prior.

Covington ultimately suffered a brutal loss to Edwards and has remained inactive since.

4. Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland’s title shot against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 shocked fans and pundits alike. Strickland was coming off two wins—one against the unranked Abus Magomedov and another against Nasourdine Imavov, a rising prospect but not an elite contender.

The fight was initially slated to feature Adesanya against Dricus Du Plessis, but Du Plessis pulled out due to injury. Jared Cannonier, on a more impressive two-fight streak with wins over Marvin Vettori and Strickland himself, was a more logical choice.

However, Strickland seized the moment, pulling off the upset of the year to become the middleweight champion and a fan favorite overnight.

5. Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo’s return to the Octagon after a three-year layoff resulted in an immediate title shot against bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. In lower weight classes, where athleticism and timing are critical, such prolonged inactivity is nearly unheard of for a title challenger.

While Cejudo’s prior credentials as a former champion are undeniable, the decision to grant him a title shot over more active contenders sparked widespread debate.

The UFC’s matchmaking often balances merit and marketability, but as these examples demonstrate, deserving fighters are sometimes sidelined in favor of storylines or promotional convenience. While some of these challengers made the most of their opportunities, others left fans questioning the integrity of the title picture

Alec Brown is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email aeb6680@psu.edu.