5 UFC Fighters WIth Not Much Left in the Tank

The road traveled in mixed martial arts is one full of steep curves, pesky potholes and oncoming traffic.

Veterans of the game know what to look for when traversing such tumultuous terrain, but even they have trouble avoiding flat tires and overheated engines.

Each year we witness new model athletes take to the golden road and bump old trailblazers into the median on their way to the top.

Early exits are often taken, and the aging metal that once ruled the raceway falls victim to the sport's unforgiving chopping block, thus making them future junkyard casualties.

In accordance with these "classics," here are five fighters in the UFC who presumably having nothing left in their tanks.

Nate Marquardt

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Nate Marquardt is far removed from his days as a Strikeforce welterweight champ and UFC top contender.

Having lost three of his last four fights, which include two first-round defeats by way of knockout, The Great is starting to resemble a declining veteran who can't seem to find a shoe that fits.

From welterweight to middleweight, Marquardt is finding it difficult to re-establish himself as one of the elite guys in the promotion.

Instead, he is being used as a divisional steppingstone for guys the UFC is openly gauging.

The 35-year-old is still making a living in the process and apparently adopting that role, but another loss or two should permanently exile him from the world's most prominent MMA outlet.

James Te Huna

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Just two years ago James Te Huna was being mentioned as one of the UFC's up-and-coming light heavyweights.

After racking three straight victories opposite notable mainstays like Joey Beltran and Ryan Jimmo, the New Zealander looked like he was ready for a marquee matchup.

But three first-round defeats and a lackluster middleweight debut later, and Te Huna is quickly becoming a candidate for the UFC's proverbial chopping block.

While he remains one of the more entertaining fighters in the sport, his skill set suffers against any Top 10 opponent, whether at 185 pounds or 205.

2015 will be the year when the 33-year-old either replenishes his gas tank or stalls on a dark, deserted road.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

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There's no debate as to whether Mauricio "Shogun" Rua can still sell a fight.

As one of the most recognizable names of all time, the former UFC light heavyweight champion carries weight wherever he may go.

But at the end of the day, even the most vintage classic get stripped down and thrown on blocks.

In other words, the time has come for the Brazilian to think about reinventing his approach to fighting or figure out where he needs to hand in his retirement papers.

His skill set and Octagon ability are still the most prominent among the other names on this list, but Shogun has taken some unforgiving punishment over his last few fights, and that's a sign in itself.

The 33-year-old could be one more knockout defeat away from the same event horizon that Chuck Liddell experienced.

Frank Mir

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It's a shame that Frank Mir is incapable of defeating a Top 10 opponent because he still has the desire to fight and one of the best ground games around.

But at some point, having four straight crushing defeats has to account for something.

And if Mir is unable to defeat Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva at UFC Fight Night 61 later this month, that undesirable losing streak will expand to five.

Needless to say, the two-time UFC heavyweight champion needs a victory to not only save his job but capture his first win since 2011.

Luckily for Mir, he's one of the best color commentators the sport has to offer and should do just fine when his in-cage act concludes.

Dan Henderson

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A 44-year-old man can usually be seen cutting his lawn or attending his daughter's dance recital.

But when it comes to a true American athlete like MMA legend Dan Henderson, a 44-year-old can be found training all year round to test his resolve against the world's scariest men.

Unfortunately, Hendo's unparalleled spirit and self-belief have not translated to the cage all too well.

Instead, he has compiled a measly 1-5 record over his last six Octagon appearances, including lopsided efforts opposite Daniel Cormier, Vitor Belfort and Gegard Mousasi.

As a matter of fact, the former Pride and Strikeforce champion hasn't beaten anyone besides Mauricio "Shogun" Rua since 2011, although both of their bouts can be considered two of the best fights of the past five years.

With that said, Henderson has paid his dues in this sport and deserves to fight for as long as he wants.

But at some point, his ability to entertain will turn into a promotional sideshow, and the UFC already has CM Punk for that.

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