From traditional American wrestling to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the UFC has housed some of the deadliest fighters in the world. These fighters have displayed their skills in the octagon for over two decades and most would agree that they are in a class of their own. But there are only a select few who can manage to be called “Great”. Below, we are going to show you the top 10 UFC fighters of all time.
10. Randy Couture
Couture is an MMA legend and one of the first pioneers in the UFC. He has accumulated quite a reputation in the octagon and has accomplished some impressive feats. For example, he was the first fighter to ever hold titles in more than one weight class. He was entered the most championship fights than any other fighter and has successfully defended his belt on five separate occasions. He is arguably the best heavyweight UFC fighter to ever live.
9. Chuck Liddell
His is labeled as a UFC superstar and has one of the most powerful knockout punches in the game. Liddell holds the record for the most fights won by knockout in a row in the light heavyweight division. Many people recognize his ability and toughness inside of the octagon and because of this he has earned a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. And let’s not forget to mention that he houses a pretty cool hairdo.
8. Royce Gracie
The majority or fighters who enter the UFC octagon have an uncanny ability to knock opponents out with the hands and feet. But Royce Gracie is much different. As a matter of fact, he is the complete opposite. Instead of knocking an opponent out, he will “tap” them out. He is undoubtedly the most skilled UFC grappler to ever play the game. Using his wit and skill, he was able to beat opponents who were significantly larger.
7. B.J. Penn
B.J. Penn is a Hawaiian native who has established himself as one of the greatest lightweight and welterweight fighters in UFC history. He has defended his title more than three times and even holds the record of holding the most wins in that particular division. If you’ve ever watched Penn fight before then you may have noticed that he is extremely well-rounded. He can knockout someone out just as easily as he can choke them out.
6. Tito Ortiz
Tito Ortiz holds the record for the most UFC fights ever and he is a bad, bad man in the octagon. He defended his light-heavyweight title a whopping five times and his constant trash talking before fights has really captivated viewers and created controversy. His persona in the octagon really makes for an exciting watch and there are few who can argue that he is the most successfully light-heavyweight to ever play the game.
5. Frank Mir
Although he was temporarily injured by a horrific accident in 2004 involving a motorcycle, he has come back to reclaim his presence in the heavyweight division of the UFC. Although he has only held the heavyweight title once, he was beaten former title-holders four times in the heavyweight division and today he is still a force to be reckoned with in the ring.
4. Jon Jones
Despite having a young career and only being 23 years old, Jon Jones is one of the highest rising stars in the UFC. He became the youngest fighter ever to hold a UFC title and his ability to defend his title three times has labeled him as one of the greats. He has held his own against monsters like Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Being only 24 years old, the sky is the limit for Mr. Jon Jones.
3. Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes is easily considered one of the most accomplished welterweight fighters in the UFC. He had defended his title seven times and held it for two separate occasions. Not only that, but he holds the record for the most wins in UFC history. All of this skill has even landed him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame and is only behind one other person with the most total fights of all time.
2. Georges St-Pierre
This man ranks second in all-time UFC wins and he only just starting. If you’ve ever watched him in the octagon then you can agree that he is the most technically sound competitor in UFC history. He is a savvy strike who can also knock you out when he sees the chance. Most people would agree that there are few fighters in the UFC who can even keep up with him, and one of those fighters sits right above him on this list.
1. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva is a monster in the octagon. He is a master in Taekwondo, Judo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He makes even the most skilled UFC fighters look like garbage in the ring. His ability to dodge and parry punches is unmistakably the best to ever exist in side of the octagon. He holds the record for the most consecutive wins at 14 and has defended his middleweight belt a massive nine times. Anderson “The Spider” Silva is undoubtedly the best to ever play the game and it is only a matter of time, most people believe, before he and St. Pierre stand toe-to-toe to battle it out for the best ever.