Fighters We Wish Were Still in Their Primes

There comes a time in every MMA fan's life when they realize that their favorite fighter just is not the same anymore. 

Despite getting knocked out multiple times, continuing to lose or just not having the same flair that they once had, many fighters continue to fight on as if they have something left to prove. 

It's sad when we see guys like BJ Penn, Randy Couture and Mirko Cro Cop retire. 

It's even sadder when we see fighters continue to fight on when they aren't what they used to be. 

Here's a look at the fighters we wish were still in their primes. 

Matt Hughes

Before Georges St.-Pierre and Anderson Silva came around, Matt Hughes was arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter the UFC had. 

Hughes is a two-time welterweight champion who, at the time of his first reign, tied Tito Ortiz for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history. 

Hughes not only fought and defended his title, but he has fought and defeated every other fighter to hold the welterweight title except his trainer Pat Miletich. 

In his last nine fights Hughes has gone 4-5, with all of his losses coming by knockout or submission.

Hughes' last two fights have shown that he just may not be able to take a punch anymore. 

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

At just age 30 it's hard to say that Shogun Rua is past his prime. 

Before Rua came to the UFC he had a 16-2 record with 13 knockouts. 

Since coming to the UFC Rua has gone 4-4. 

Although this does include winning the UFC light heavyweight title and having one of the greatest fights in UFC history with Dan Henderson, long layoffs thanks to injuries have caused Rua to have sub-par performances.

Rua still has a long way to go in his career if he can stay healthy.

But he is not the same Shogun that ran through Pride.  

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson is one of the most well-known and successful fighters in MMA history. 

While Jackson has had some acting roles and appeared on The Ultimate Fighter and Dr. Phil, MMA fans know him best for his slams and knockouts. 

The only problem is Rampage has not knocked anybody out since 2008. 

Since coming to the UFC, Rampage has posted a 7-3 record, has lost only to current or former champions and has been stopped only by Jon Jones. 

But without the slams and knockouts, a Rampage fight just isn't as exciting as it once was. 

Tito Ortiz

Tito Ortiz was once the face of the UFC. 

The former light heavyweight champion holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the division, and was without a doubt one of the most popular fighters in UFC history. 

Ortiz is not the same fighter he once was though. 

After defeating Ken Shamrock in 2006, Ortiz would go on five-year winless streak. 

Although Ortiz has regained much confidence after snapping his losing streak against Ryan Bader and earning a Fight of the Night award in a losing effort to Rashad Evans, Ortiz will never be the same fighter that he was in the early 2000s. 

Wanderlei Silva

Wanderlei Silva is one of the most beloved, aggressive and violent fighters in MMA history. 

Silva's main priority when he fought was giving the fans a good show and boy did he do it. 

Silva won the Pride middleweight championship in 2000 and held the title until 2007. 

Silva was also the winner of the Pride Middleweight Grand Prix in 2003. 

In his last 10 fights though, Silva has gone 4-6 with four of his losses coming by knockout. 

At UFC 139, Silva proved he could still dish out a lot of punishment. But he also showed that he does not have the chin he once had. 

Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Emelianenko is the greatest mixed martial artist to many fans. 

Emelianenko has one of the greatest streaks in the sport, going undefeated between 2001 and 2010. 

His lone loss before 2001 was due to a cut. 

During his long winning streak, Emelianenko won the Pride heavyweight title as well as the Pride 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix. 

Because Emelianenko never fought in the UFC, he has often been criticized by UFC president Dana White as well as fans. 

After going on a three-fight losing streak—all by stoppage—Emelianenko was able to get back in the win column last weekend.

Despite the win, Emelianenko is not the same fighter he once was.