Sherdog’s Top 10Sherdog’s Top 10: Overachievers
Number 5
5. Kenny Florian (14-6)
Massachusetts native Florian ended up in the Ultimate Fighting Championship almost by accident. UFC President Dana White and matchmaker Joe Silva were scouting Drew Fickett -- he was at the time an established welterweight with victories over recognizable names -- for a slot on the first season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” They left the event more intrigued by his opponent, the inexperienced Florian, who had hung tough in a split decision loss.
The rest is history. Florian defeated Chris Leben to earn a spot opposite Diego Sanchez in the middleweight final. Although he lost that fight, he immediately established himself as an exciting, finish-oriented fighter with wins over Alex Karalexis, Kit Cope and Sam Stout. He fought Sean Sherk as the UFC reopened its lightweight division for business and lost a five-round fight for the vacant title to the bigger and more experienced fighter. It took six consecutive wins for Florian to get another crack at championship gold, this time against B.J. Penn, and this, too, resulted in a loss. Florian would get one more shot at a title, this time in a crack at Jose Aldo’s featherweight belt; he lost that, as well.
Recurring back injuries forced Florian to retire in the aftermath of the Aldo fight. His legacy, however, remains that of one of the very best fighters in the UFC’s history to never hold a championship belt. He continues to contribute to the sport today as one of the UFC’s color commentators.
Number 4 » There is nothing exciting about his game, no “Oh, s---” moments that make you leap out of your chair and drop your jaw in awe; and his tendency toward winning close decisions has won him few devotees. Nevertheless, there is something admirable in the fact that he understands exactly what judges are looking for and exactly how to tailor himself toward that end.
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