Most of the world’s currently in lockdown, or are at least facing restrictions, massive disruption to their daily lives. For sports fans, being at home isn’t that bad. So long as there’s a TV, it’s time to sit back, relax, and get your sports fix.
People can always immerse themselves in a great sporting spectacle to help get them through tough times. But this is a global pandemic. Sporting events around the world have been canceled. The world’s come to a standstill. But who can we count on to bring a little light into our lives during such tough times? It’s Dana White to the rescue. He’s trying to get the sporting world back up and running by sending fighters out to a private island and getting them into the Octagon.
Sounds like a TV show or game, right? Nope, the Fight Island is real, complete with an Octagon on a beach – you can’t make this stuff up - and plans are gradually moving forward. Who will Dana be able to entice to his Fight Island? Who do MMA fans want to see? If Dana’s struggling to find fighters to fly out, he needs to consider signing these former UFC stars to the Island. These are 13 former UFC stars, some retired, some still competing, that Dana White needs to sign for Fight Island.
13 Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre is regarded by many to be one of the greatest fighters who’s ever lived. He retired after a stellar career in the UFC, having achieved all he wanted to as a professional MMA fighter. But Georges is hungry to learn, and even though he’s retired, he hasn’t stopped honing his skills. He’s certainly still in great shape and would be a star name for Dana White.
12 Cat Zingano
Cat Zingano’s been through a lot in her life. She’s faced tough times but has always continued moving forward. During her time with the UFC, she quickly established herself as a firm fan favorite. As of October 2019, she’s contracted to Bellator MMA, although she hasn’t yet fought for the organization. No doubt Dana would be able to use his checkbook to entice her to Fight Island.
11 Cris Cyborg
Ok, so Dana didn’t exactly have the best relationship with Cris Cyborg. He’s deemed her a “nightmare” to deal with, has said she’s never happy, was always complaining, and was just a nuisance from day one. She’s currently with Bellator MMA. Even so, she put on some great fights with the UFC. All it’ll take is a phone call.
10 Miesha Tate
Miesha Tate created a legacy in the Octagon, one that anyone over the coming years will be hard-pressed to match. She’s still involved with MMA, although she hasn’t competed for four years. Miesha’s all about family, enjoying a slower pace of life. But the prospect of a big payday can draw anyone out of retirement. Fans would love to see Miesha in the Octagon, but we can only dream. Miesha’s currently pregnant so isn’t going to be taking a trip to Fight Island anytime soon.
9 Ronda Rousey
Ronda’s rise to the big time was nothing short of spectacular. She’s transitioned from MMA to wrestling and in the midst of everything, has been trying to establish herself as a Hollywood star. Fight Island will get a massive viewership figure regardless of who shows up, but Ronda Rousey on the bill would cause ratings to go into the stratosphere.
8 CM Punk
CM Punk had plenty of fans during his wrestling days. His professional MMA career hasn’t quite gone according to plan as of yet. He’s yet to emerge victorious in the Octagon. Dana White said, after Punk’s second fight, that he probably wouldn’t fight in the UFC again. If anything would get Punk’s juices flowing, it’d be Fight Island.
7 Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar’s back on the wrestling circuit but currently taking a hiatus. But he’s said time and time again throughout his career, that money is a massive motivation for him. If Dana was to make the call, give him a big payday, there’s a good chance Brock would come to Fight Island. He’s a beast of an athlete too, so it wouldn’t take long for him to get fight-ready.
6 Anthony Johnson
The world misses witnessing the brutal knockout power of Anthony Johnson. Once upon a time he was ranked number one in the UFC rankings and was one of the most feared fighters around the globe. Rumble has enjoyed multiple stints with the UFC and fans would love it if he’d come back again for this one-off entertainment extravaganza.
5 Phil Davis
Phil Davis had a 13-fight stint in the UFC. But he hasn’t fought with the organization since 2015, and he’s enjoyed most of his success with Bellator. He’s a former Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion. But if Dana White was to come calling, Phil would no doubt jump at the chance to get involved with the UFC once again.
4 Brendan Schaub
Brendan Schaub officially retired as a professional MMA competitor five years ago and is enjoying other pursuits. He’s now a stand-up comedian and podcast host, but he’s still very much involved in MMA. Dana White calling Brendan for Fight Island – he’d be able to see the funny side of that, but Brendan won’t be laughing when he gets that payday.
