Sherdog’s Top 10: Late Bloomers

Kenny Florian fought in four different UFC weight classes. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

6. Kenny Florian

A Gracie jiu-jitsu black belt, Florian first appeared on the MMA scene in 2003, beating Jason Giroux via first-round TKO. However, it was his fight against Drew Fickett -- an opponent much larger in stature to whom Florian lost by close decision -- that pressed UFC President Dana White to invite him to participate on “The Ultimate Fighter 1.” The rest is history.

Following his decision loss to Sean Sherk at UFC 64, Florian went on a tear, racking up six victories en route to his second title shot under the Zuffa banner. “KenFlo” fought valiantly against B.J. Penn at UFC 101 but fell short in the fourth round, tapping to a rear-naked choke. With the loss came acclaim, as Florian proved he belonged with the elite of the sport. While many point to Florian’s inability to win a championship, he is the only competitor to ever compete in four different weight classes in the UFC. With just six losses on his professional record, three of them coming in title fights, the now 38-year-old left his mark on the sport.

Following his loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 136, it seemed as if Florian was going to make one last run in the UFC. However, those plans were derailed because of back injuries. Now, his presence is felt as a color commentator for televised UFC events.

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