The 13 Most Underrated Fighters in MMA

Over the past several years, the sport of mixed martial arts has emerged into a global powerhouse.

A major reason for the rapid growth is credited to the fighters who spend hours upon hours dedicating their lives for the opportunity of one day becoming great.

However, the sport of mixed martial arts is already built upon franchise names such as Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Brock Lesnar.

And, while these fighters have certainly earned the right to be considered great, there are many fighters in the sport who go unnoticed and are underrated.

These fighters spend an equal amount of time preparing for their fights but aren't recognized nearly as much as others are.

So, the following slides display the 13 most underrated fighters in MMA today.

Let's take a look.

Edson Barboza

Many mixed martial arts fans across the globe may not even know who Edson Barboza is, as he's only been fighting in the UFC for about a year.

But, Barboza has already established himself as a legitimate contender in the lightweight division.

In fact, Barboza has never lost a single fight, as his current record stands at 9-0 with three UFC victories over Ross Pearson, Anthony Njokuani and Mike Lullo.

Tony Ferguson

If you're not familiar with the name Tony Ferguson, you certainly aren't the only one.

Ferguson entered the sport of mixed martial arts in April 2008 and has been on a fast track to the top of the lightweight division.

Ferguson won the Ultimate Fighter Season 13 and has posted a 2-0 record since joining the UFC.

Alexander Gustafsson

Many UFC fans across the globe believe Alexander Gustafsson may very well be the most underrated fighter in all of mixed martial arts.

Other than his loss to Phil Davis at UFC 112, Gustafsson's career has been nearly scratch-free.

And it's not just Gustafsson's 12-1 record that makes him underrated, but his ability to finish fights, as he's finished 11 opponents in just 12 victories.

Brian Bowles

While many mixed martial arts fans may feel that Brian Bowles doesn't belong on this list, he certainly doesn't receive the amount of credit he should.

In fact, Bowles has lost just one fight in his mixed martial arts career, which came at the hands of Dominick Cruz at WEC 47.

If you remove his one loss, Bowles has been nearly flawless inside the Octagon and is one of the most dangerous submission artists in the bantamweight division.

Cung Le

Cung Le has spent his entire mixed martial arts career fighting for the organization of Strikeforce.

But, Le will make the transition to the UFC when he takes on highly dangerous striker Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139 in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 19, 2011.

Le has just one loss in his career but avenged that loss in his very next fight and remains one of the most underrated fighters in MMA today.

Anthony Johnson

While Anthony Johnson may have gotten off to a slow start in his UFC career, he's recently bounced back by winning five of his last six bouts.

And, Johnson proved how underrated he truly is when he landed a monstrous head kick, knocking out Charlie Brenneman at a Fight Night in October 2011.

Johnson recently made the transition to the middleweight division and is one of the most underrated fighters in MMA today.

Jim Miller

Jim Miller began his mixed martial arts career with an 11-1 record before signing with the UFC in October 2008.

And, since joining, all Miller has done is win, as he's been declared victorious in nine of his 11 fights.

Despite falling short to Ben Henderson in his most recent bout, Miller remains one of the most underrated fighters in all of mixed martial arts.

Tim Boetsch

Since making the transition to the UFC middleweight division, Tim Boetsch has posted a perfect 2-0 record inside the Octagon.

Not only has Boetsch defeated his opponents, but he's dominated them through his spectacular wrestling skills.

However, Boetsch remains one of the most underrated fighters in MMA today, as he's received little recognition for his accomplishments.

Travis Browne

There aren't too many mixed martial artists who can go undefeated and still go unnoticed.

But, Travis Browne is an exception to that rule, as he's posted a career record of 12-0-1 and has won three fights since entering the UFC in June 2010.

Not only is Browne underrated, but so is his striking, as he's knocked out nine opponents in just 12 victories.

Joe Lauzon

While many mixed martial arts fans know who Joe Lauzon is, he still doesn't receive the credit he deserves.

Lauzon has been recently recognized for ending Melvin Guillard's hopes of a title shot, as he submitted him within the first minute of their fight at UFC 136.

Lauzon is one of the most underrated fighters in MMA, as he's displayed 17 victories by way of submission.

Erik Koch

Erik Koch has done just about everything that's been asked of him since entering the sport of mixed martial arts in January 2007.

Koch has won 13 of his 14 career bouts and has provided fans across the globe with exceptional entertainment.

However, Koch remains one of the most underrated fighters, as he continues to climb up the featherweight ladder.

Renan Barao

Renan Barao is slowly moving out of the group of underrated fighters in MMA today, as he continues to dominate his opponents every time he steps foot inside the Octagon.

But, fans don't even realize just how good Barao truly is, as he's won 27 of his last 28 bouts, including a no-contest in 2007.

Barao is slowly but surely moving closer towards a bantamweight title shot, as his dominance can't continue to go unnoticed.

Donald Cerrone

Mixed martial arts fans across the globe got a small glimpse of just how good lightweight fighter Donald Cerrone is when he defeated Dennis Siver at UFC 137.

Cerrone has now won six consecutive fights but still remains one of the UFC's most underrated fighters.

The "Cowboy" is also one of the most underrated entertainers in mixed martial arts as he has a tendency to finish the majority of his bouts.