Top 5 Fighters in MMA Who Need a Finish

In MMA, decision wins are common, but most fighters do try to avoid them. UFC President Dana White tells the fighters and up-and-comers to not leave it to the judges. The judges have notoriously made unpleasant calls and to many, have robbed some fighters of their livelihood unjustly. 

Of course sometimes the opportunity to grasp a finish does not always present itself, but for whatever reason these men haven't finished a fight recently, a finish would help them more than other fighters. 

This showcase of five fighters (all UFC) are the ones that desperately need a finish. Whatever way they want to, they need to do it before the last round ends. Whether it be for career integrity, media pleasing, to remain relevant in the MMA world or to grow their fanbase, these fighters are in a race to finish. 

This is, of course, not a compete list, nor is it indicating these five are worse fighters than others! 

No. 5: Tito Ortiz

Tito Ortiz is veteran that has a repertoire of finishes in his past, but they were all before November of 2006. “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” has not emerged in victory in a fight since then, facing five other opponents. His next and possibly last test in the Octagon, is Ryan Bader, who will be a tough fight for him. Tito not only needs a finish, but he also needs a win. 

Decision Ratio: (Wins via Dec/Wins): 5/15  - 33.3 percent

No. 4: Forrest Griffin

He is a crowd favorite with a great personality, but his last finish in the Octagon was in September of 2007. Since then he has fought five times and has won three decisions, and been beaten twice. His last two fights have been by decisions. Facing Shogun Rua in August, if he can win the fight the way he did the first time they met, it will very much help Forrest’s career.

Decision Ratio: (Wins via Dec/Wins): 8/18  - 44.4 percent

No. 3: Gray Maynard

Gray Maynard has not lost once in his career, but he holds a plethora of decisions. His last finish (and only one of two) came in September of 2007. What would follow would be seven decisions in a row, and then a draw in his most recent fight. He faces Frankie Edgar again in hopes to definitively win against "The Answer".

Decision Ratio: (Wins via Dec/Wins): 8/10  - 80 percent

No. 2: Georges St. Pierre

You knew the moment you read the title of this slideshow, that GSP’s name would be on this list. As great as he is, he still carries the burden of his last five of six fights ending in decision, all of which were five-round title defenses. His ratio of decision wins may not be as bad statistically as others, but for media, fans, and critics alike, he desperately needs a finish. Nick Diaz may present the opportunity to silence everyone, and truly establish himself as one of the best in the world.

Decision Ratio: (Wins via Dec/Wins): 9/22  - 40.9 percent

No. 1: Jon Fitch

Jon Fitch is, to many, the person they think about just as much as GSP when talking decision wins. He has not finished a fight since June of 2007.  Since then he has added seven decision wins, one decision loss, and one decision draw to his record. He is ranked in the pound for pound lists to many, but a finish in his next fight would help his image and career.

Decision Ratio: (Wins via Dec/Wins): 13/23 – 56.5 percent