MMA: Rampage Jackson and 7 Fighters Who Aren't What They Used to Be

We've all heard the famous quote of "Heroes are remembered but legends never die."

While legends may not die, they certainly lose the edge they once had.

Like most sports, mixed martial arts is filled with fighters who, during their heyday, were considered the very best of the best.

Unfortunately for many of these mixed martial artists, their time as a top-notch fighter has quickly come to an end.

Mixed martial arts is home to many fighters who have lost their appeal and position at the top of the totem pole.

So, the following slides display seven fighters who aren't what they used to be.

Let's take a look.

Tito Ortiz

"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" isn't too bad anymore.

In fact, if we take an in-depth look at what Ortiz has done over the past several years, you'll learn he hasn't done anything at all.

Taking away a submission victory over Ryan Bader at UFC 132, Ortiz hasn't defeated a legitimate opponent or someone other than Ken Shamrock since mid-2006.

It's fair to say Ortiz's time at the top is long gone.

Fedor Emelianenko

There aren't too many fans who don't know the story of the "Fedor Collapse."

Fedor was unbeaten for nearly 10 years, dominating mixed martial arts over the recent decade before his career came tumbling down.

After three consecutive defeats, Fedor now sits with a sub-par win over Jeff Monson and a partially shattered legacy.

Fedor's career is over.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's recent track record can be fairly misleading since Jackson isn't the dangerous knockout artist he was once was.

Jackson is coming off a light heavyweight championship bout where he was picked apart by Jon Jones before he was submitted in the fourth round of action.

It was UFC 92 when Jackson last knocked an opponent out, and even then it was the weak-chinned Wanderlei Silva.

Jackson certainly can still compete in the 205-pound weight division but he's no longer the force he was recognized as for many years.

Rich Franklin

No one will deny that Rich "Ace" Franklin still has some gas in the tank.

However, how much gas that's actually left in the tank is the real question.

And, "Ace" Franklin is quickly turning into a 10 of hearts as he's displayed a mediocre 6-5 record since his loss to Anderson Silva at UFC 64.

Franklin will always be remembered as one of the most well-liked fighters in mixed martial arts, but his elite status is nowhere near what it once was.

Matt Hughes

One of the saddest days in mixed martial arts history occurred when Matt Hughes showed the world he is no longer the contender he once was in a knockout defeat to Josh Koscheck at UFC 135.

While Hughes can still compete with the mid-tier opponents of the 170-pound weight class, his days as a superstar are in the rear view mirror.

Sadly enough for Hughes fans, we're referring to the same fighter who once stood with a career record of 41-4 and held the UFC welterweight title.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Years ago, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira was referred to as the man who was nearly untouchable in the organization of Pride.

Nogueira racked up wins over Mirko "Cro Cop," Dan Henderson, Mark Coleman and Fabricio Werdum.

And, while his recent bouts may not indicate an extreme downfall in his career, Nogueira's fallen far from his throne.

"Big Nog" continues to fight but not at the caliber once displayed.

Wanderlei Silva

"The Axe Murderer" did just that in a non-literal sense throughout his mixed martial arts career.

Unfortunately enough, Wanderlei Silva is rapidly approaching the end of the road in the sport in which he's been fighting for over 15 years.

Since joining the UFC, Silva's career has gone from unbeaten to the beaten.

Silva is no longer the fighter he once was.

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