As a professional copywriting journalist, I have always been fascinated by the UFC, the most prestigious mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world. The UFC showcases some of the most talented and skilled fighters who are willing to push themselves to the limits inside the Octagon.
With so many exceptional fighters competing in the UFC, it can be challenging to determine the best of the best. In this article, I’ll be discussing the top 10 best UFC fighters of all time. These fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport and are legends in their own right.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- This article features the top 10 best UFC fighters of all time.
- UFC fighters are among the most skilled and talented athletes in the world.
- Determining the best fighter is a subjective and highly debated topic.
Understanding UFC Rankings and Champions
Before we dive into the top 10 best UFC fighters of all time, it’s important to understand how rankings and champions are determined in the UFC.
UFC rankings are determined by a media panel’s vote, and they have a significant impact on a fighter’s career. The ranking determines the matchups, title shots, and the fighter’s overall image in the UFC community.
The UFC has several champions, with the most notable being the undisputed, unified champion. This is the fighter who has beaten all the other champions in their weight class. However, there are instances where a champion is stripped of their title or vacates it, leading to interim champions being crowned.
Champions are also determined by their record, their performances in the octagon, and their impact on the sport. Winning the championship title is one of the greatest achievements a fighter can obtain in the UFC, and it solidifies their legacy in the sport.
Understanding UFC Rankings and Champions
Anderson Silva: The Spider’s Dominance in the Middleweight Division
Anderson Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time and for good reason. The Brazilian mixed martial artist dominated the middleweight division for years and left an indelible mark on the sport.
Silva’s record includes an impressive 34 wins out of 45 fights, with 22 of those victories coming by way of knockout. He held the middleweight belt for a record-breaking 2,457 days and successfully defended it ten times, cementing his status as a true champion in the octagon.
Some of Silva’s most notable victories include his victories against Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Rich Franklin. He was known for his dynamic striking and unpredictable fighting style, often taunting his opponents and making them look foolish in the process.
While Silva’s reign as a champion eventually came to an end, his legacy in the middleweight division remains unmatched. He paved the way for future athletes to dominate the sport with their own unique styles and techniques.
Georges St-Pierre: The Canadian Legend’s Unforgettable Legacy
When it comes to Georges St-Pierre, it’s hard not to mention his unforgettable legacy in the UFC. As a Canadian fighter, St-Pierre made a tremendous impact on the sport and cemented his place in history as one of the best fighters of all time.
St-Pierre’s career was marked by memorable fights and impressive victories. He held the welterweight championship for an impressive nine times and went on a 13-fight winning streak. St-Pierre’s technical skills and strategic approach to fighting made him a formidable opponent in the octagon.
But St-Pierre was more than just a skilled fighter. He was a role model and an ambassador for the sport. He inspired many with his work ethic, discipline, and dedication to excellence. St-Pierre’s influence on the UFC can be seen in the countless fighters he has inspired and the legacy he has left behind.
“I want to be remembered as a great athlete, a great fighter, and a great human being.”
St-Pierre’s impact on the UFC is undeniable, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest fighters to step foot in the octagon. His contributions to the sport have helped elevate it to new heights, and his legacy will continue to inspire fighters for years to come.
Jon Jones: The Controversial and Unstoppable Light Heavyweight Champion
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Jon Jones’ dominance in the light heavyweight division of the UFC. With a record-breaking 14 title fight wins and numerous other impressive victories, he’s earned his place among the best fighters of all time.
Of course, Jones is not without controversy. He’s been stripped of his title multiple times for various reasons, including drug test failures and legal issues. However, when he’s in the octagon, there’s no denying his skill and talent.
Jones’ striking and grappling abilities are practically unmatched, and he’s defeated some of the biggest names in the sport, including Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Quinton Jackson.
Whether you’re a fan or a detractor, there’s no denying that Jon Jones has made his mark on the UFC, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.
Amanda Nunes: The Lioness Reigns Supreme in Women’s MMA
When it comes to women’s MMA, there’s no doubt that Amanda Nunes is the queen of the sport. As a two-division champion, she has shown time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
One of Nunes’ biggest accomplishments was her defeat of Ronda Rousey, who was once considered unbeatable in the women’s bantamweight division. Nunes knocked Rousey out in the first round, cementing her status as the top female fighter in the UFC.
Nunes also holds wins over other notable fighters such as Miesha Tate, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm. Her dominance in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions is a testament to her skill and versatility as a fighter.
Born in Brazil, Nunes has become a trailblazer for female fighters in the UFC. She has inspired a new generation of women to pursue their dreams in the sport and has proven that women can be just as fierce and skilled in the octagon as men.
With her impressive record and undeniable talent, it’s clear that Amanda Nunes will go down in history as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: The Undefeated Eagle of the Lightweight Division
Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the UFC. With an unbeaten record of 29-0, he retired as the reigning UFC lightweight champion in 2020. But it’s not just his impressive record that sets him apart from the rest.
What makes Khabib so special is his grappling ability. He is a master of Sambo and his ground and pound is too much for many of his opponents to handle. He has some of the best takedowns in the business, and once he gets a fighter to the ground, they are in serious trouble.
Of course, Khabib’s record speaks for itself. He has beaten some of the best fighters in the world, including Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Rafael dos Anjos, and Michael Johnson. But it’s not just his wins that have earned him respect. It’s the way he carries himself inside and outside of the octagon.
Khabib is a devout Muslim, and his faith plays a big role in his life. He has always been respectful of his opponents, win or lose, and he has shown humility in victory. In fact, after his win over McGregor, he jumped out of the octagon to attack McGregor’s team, for which he received a suspension and a fine. But he has since apologized for his actions and has moved on from the incident.
Overall, Khabib Nurmagomedov is a true champion in every sense of the word. His skill, his record, and his character make him one of the best UFC fighters of all time, and his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Demetrious Johnson: The Mighty Mouse of the Flyweight Division
When it comes to the flyweight division, Demetrious Johnson is a name that can’t be ignored. The former UFC flyweight champion has an impressive record of 30 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw.
Johnson’s technical skills are unparalleled, and he is known for his quick movements and precise strikes. He holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the flyweight division, with 11 defenses between 2013 and 2018.
Aside from his impressive title defenses, Johnson also had some memorable moments in the UFC. One of his most impressive victories was against Henry Cejudo in 2018, where he won via TKO in the first round. Another notable fight was against Ray Borg in 2017, where he executed an incredible suplex to transition into an armbar submission.
While Johnson is no longer with the UFC, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest flyweight fighters in the promotion’s history. His technical prowess and exciting fights have ensured his place in the MMA hall of fame.
Ronda Rousey: The Queen of Women’s MMA and Pioneer in the UFC
When discussing the top UFC fighters of all time, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of Ronda Rousey. As a pioneer for women in the sport, Rousey’s dominance in the bantamweight division paved the way for future female fighters.
Before joining the UFC, Rousey was already making waves in the MMA world as the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in Judo. In her UFC debut, she quickly proved herself as a force to be reckoned with, winning her first six fights in the first round, all by submission.
Rousey’s most memorable moment came at UFC 157, where she became the first woman to ever fight in the UFC. Her opponent, Liz Carmouche, put up a valiant effort, but ultimately fell victim to Rousey’s signature armbar in the first round.
Over her career, Rousey held the UFC bantamweight title for three years, defending it six times. Her reign came to an end with a shocking loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193.
“I’m really f—ing sad,” Rousey said after the fight. “But it’s just a very big pressure on me, and I know everybody watching was very invested in it, and I appreciate them and I appreciate their support.”
Despite the disappointment, Rousey’s impact on the sport cannot be denied. She opened doors for female fighters and brought new eyes to the UFC. Rousey may not be competing anymore, but her legacy lives on.
Chuck Liddell: The Iceman’s Legacy in the Light Heavyweight Division
When it comes to the light heavyweight division in the UFC, Chuck Liddell’s name is synonymous with excitement and power. The Iceman had a reputation for knocking out opponents with his devastating punches and was known for his fearless approach to fighting.
Liddell’s career in the UFC spanned over a decade, during which he fought some of the biggest names in the sport. He won the light heavyweight championship in 2005 and went on to defend it successfully four times. His knockout victory over Tito Ortiz in 2004 is considered one of the most memorable moments in UFC history.
What set Liddell apart was his exciting fighting style and his ability to connect with fans. He had a larger-than-life personality and was known for his trademark mohawk and shorts. His fights were always highly anticipated, and he never failed to deliver.
Even after retiring from the sport, Liddell’s legacy lives on in the UFC. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009 and remains a beloved figure in the MMA community. His exciting fights and impressive record make him one of the best light heavyweight fighters in UFC history.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! The top 10 best UFC fighters of all time, each with their own unique skills and accomplishments. From Anderson Silva’s dominance in the middleweight division to Ronda Rousey’s role in pioneering women’s MMA, these fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport.
But let’s not forget the importance of UFC rankings and champions in identifying the best fighters. Without these factors, it would be impossible to determine who truly reigns supreme.
As a fan of the UFC, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these incredible athletes and the sport as a whole. Get ready to rumble in the octagon!
FAQ
Q: Who are the top 10 best UFC fighters?
A: The top 10 best UFC fighters are Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Amanda Nunes, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Demetrious Johnson, Ronda Rousey, and Chuck Liddell.
Q: How are UFC rankings and champions determined?
A: UFC rankings are determined by a panel of media members who vote on the divisional rankings. Champions are determined through a combination of title fights and rankings.
Q: What makes Anderson Silva dominant in the middleweight division?
A: Anderson Silva’s dominance in the middleweight division can be attributed to his impressive record, notable victories, and his exceptional skills in striking and defense.
Q: What is Georges St-Pierre’s legacy in the UFC?
A: Georges St-Pierre is considered a legendary fighter in the UFC, known for his memorable fights, influence as a Canadian fighter, and his impact on the welterweight division.
Q: Why is Jon Jones considered controversial?
A: Jon Jones has been involved in various controversies throughout his career, including failed drug tests and legal issues. However, he is also known for his unmatched talent and record-breaking achievements in the light heavyweight division.
Q: What makes Amanda Nunes the reigning queen of women’s MMA?
A: Amanda Nunes’ dominance in women’s MMA is attributed to her accomplishments as a two-division champion, notable victories against top contenders, and her overall impact on the sport.
Q: Why is Khabib Nurmagomedov considered the undefeated eagle?
A: Khabib Nurmagomedov holds an undefeated record in the lightweight division, showcasing his exceptional grappling skills, dominant performances, and notable wins against top-ranked opponents.
Q: What makes Demetrious Johnson the mighty mouse of the flyweight division?
A: Demetrious Johnson’s reign as the flyweight champion, his impressive record, technical skills, and memorable moments in the UFC contribute to his title as the mighty mouse of the flyweight division.
Q: What is Ronda Rousey’s impact on women’s MMA?
A: Ronda Rousey is considered a pioneer for female fighters in the UFC, with her rise to fame, dominant performances, and her role in popularizing women’s MMA.
Q: What is Chuck Liddell’s legacy in the light heavyweight division?
A: Chuck Liddell is known for his contributions to the light heavyweight division, his exciting fighting style, memorable fights, and his lasting impact on the sport.
