Starting Late: MMA Fighters Who Made A Big Impact After Joining The Sport Late

Often you hear about combat sports athletes being dedicated to the game from an early age. But, there are instances where fighters have started Mixed Martial Arts late and have still gone on to make a big impact in the sport. Here are some of those stories…

Mark Hunt (13-14-1)

Despite the big New Zealander having a negative MMA record it's safe to say he had a big impact in the sport. Mark Hunt started out his professional MMA career at 30 years of age and even though he started out late he did in fact challenge for the Pride heavyweight championship as well as the UFC interim heavyweight title.

Hunt was known for his heavy hands which produced some devastating walk off knockout moments. Hunt retired in 2018.
 

Glover Teixeira (33-9)

The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu expert only began training in MMA in his late 20's. At the age of 28 he made his professional MMA debut. Fast forward many years later and Glover Teixeira became one of the most respected and legendary names in the sport.

After competing at the top of the light-heavyweight division for over a decade, Teixeira was eventually crowned the UFC light-heavyweight champion after submitting Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267. This makes him one of the oldest first-time champions in UFC history. Glover would retire in January 2023.

Yoel Romero (16-7)

Image Credits: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Yoel Romero began his MMA journey at the age of 32 after several years of domination on the wrestling scene where he won an Olympic silver medal.

Romero wasn't just known for his wrestling expertise throughout his MMA career, he was also known for his phenomenal athleticism and power which saw him produce 13 KO wins, including helping him win the UFC interim middleweight title.

The Cuban still fights today, most recently winning in February 2024 against Thiago Santos.

Dan Henderson (32-15)

Image Credits: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Dan Henderson started MMA at 29 years of age and despite him being a late bloomer, he had a very successful career in the sport. He's captured multiple titles across several divisions in various organisations.

Back in May 1998, Henderson won the UFC middleweight tournament. In 2005 he won the Pride welterweight Grand Prix as well as the welterweight title. In 2007 he won the Pride middleweight championship. And in 2011 he won the Strikeforce light-heavyweight belt. 

Francis Ngannou (17-3)

Imag Credits: Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

Even though Francis Ngannou started professional MMA at 26, it didn't take him that long to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Just eight years after his debut, “The Predator” would claim UFC heavyweight gold by viciously knocking out Stipe Miocic. He then defended his belt against Ciryl Gane.

Ngannou now fights in the PFL after rejecting improved contract offers from the UFC.