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Originally Posted by IrishX(aka bornbear)  Usually fighters don't make a name for themselves until they get that title shot and that's the simple truth. |
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Originally Posted by BonesKnows Jones, Gustavsson, DC, Cain, JDS just to name a few that made names for themselves before getting a title shot. Im sure i can come up with tons more those were the ones off the top of my head |
"Name" really being ability to draw PPV. The crazy knockout artists, especially at HW, might be an exception but it's pretty common for guys to be popular but not really major PPV draws until they reach title-fight level IMO.
In fact, in your list, I don't think Jones was a big draw until post belt (maybe not even immediately then), Goose probably still isn't, and DC definitely isn't.