Best MMA Fighters of All Time

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has gained immense popularity over the years, especially with the rise of the UFC. As the sport continues to evolve, fans often debate who the greatest fighters of all time are. This list aims to highlight the best MMA fighters, focusing on their skills, records, and impact on the sport. Let’s dive into the legendary names that have shaped MMA history.

Key Takeaways

• The debate over the best MMA fighters is ongoing and subjective.
• Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre are frequently mentioned as top contenders for the greatest of all time.
• The fighters listed have made significant contributions to the sport’s growth and popularity.
• Achievements in MMA are not just about wins; they include influence and legacy.
• The sport has evolved, and today’s fighters are more well-rounded than ever.

1. Jon Jones

Okay, let’s talk about Jon "Bones" Jones. The guy is just… different. He’s got this aura of invincibility mixed with a bit of controversy, making him a truly captivating figure. You can’t deny his skill, though. Dana White even calls Jones the greatest mixed martial artist ever. That’s a pretty big statement, right?

Jones became the youngest UFC champion back in 2011. Since then, he’s racked up wins against some serious legends. We’re talking about guys like Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, and Daniel Cormier. It wasn’t just that he won; it was how he won. He seemed to figure out their strengths and then just dominate them. It’s wild.

His record is insane. He has the most wins in UFC light heavyweight history (20), most wins in UFC title fights (15), is tied for the most successful title defenses in UFC history (11), and has the longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (19). Plus, he’s in the UFC Hall of Fame. It’s hard to argue with those numbers.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Jones has had his share of issues outside the octagon, which definitely complicates his legacy. But when you’re talking about pure fighting ability, it’s hard to put anyone above him. He even moved up to heavyweight and snagged the championship belt from Ciryl Gane. Two-division champ? Yeah, that’s a big deal.

Here’s a quick look at some of his accomplishments:

• UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
• UFC Heavyweight Champion
• Youngest UFC Champion Ever
• Ridiculous Win Record

And to think, his only official loss was due to a disqualification because of illegal elbows. Seriously? It’s like something out of a movie. Even Joe Rogan believes he’s the greatest of all time. Whether you love him or hate him, you have to respect what he’s done in the cage.

2. Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre, or GSP as many fans call him, is a name synonymous with mixed martial arts excellence. His impact on the sport, particularly in the welterweight division, is undeniable. He wasn’t just a fighter; he was an athlete who blended striking, wrestling, and grappling into a seamless and dominant style.

He was a thinking fighter, always adapting and evolving. He was also a huge star in Canada, bringing a lot of attention to the sport. He’s also remembered for speaking out against performance-enhancing drugs.

Here’s a quick look at some of his accomplishments:

• UFC Hall of Famer
• Former UFC Welterweight Champion
• Former UFC Middleweight Champion
• Nine UFC Welterweight Title Defenses

St-Pierre’s career is marked by strategic brilliance and a commitment to improvement. He consistently outmaneuvered his opponents, showcasing a fight IQ that set him apart. His ability to learn from past experiences and adapt his game plan made him a formidable force in the octagon.

He holds the record for most takedowns in UFC history, showcasing his wrestling prowess. He beat Michael Bisping for the middleweight title, becoming a two-division champion. He then vacated the title due to ulcerative colitis. He retired on top, which is rare in the sport.

3. Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva, or "The Spider" as many fans call him, is a name that always comes up when talking about the best. He’s often called the greatest striker in MMA history, and it’s easy to see why. I remember watching his fights and just being amazed at how he moved and how easily he could finish opponents.

Silva’s run in the UFC was something else. From 2006 to 2020, he was a force to be reckoned with. He snagged the UFC title pretty early on and then just went on an absolute tear. It wasn’t just that he was winning; it was how he was winning. The guy had some seriously highlight-reel finishes. Remember that front kick knockout against Vitor Belfort? Or how he finished Forrest Griffin with a jab? Crazy stuff.

It’s hard to put into words just how dominant Silva was during his prime. He held the middleweight title for a crazy long time and defended it like ten times. He had this way of making even the toughest fighters look ordinary. Sure, his career didn’t end on the highest note, but that doesn’t change what he accomplished. He’s a legend, plain and simple.

Here’s a quick look at some of his accomplishments:

• UFC Middleweight Champion
• Longest title reign in UFC history (2,457 days)
• UFC record for most consecutive wins (16)
• UFC Hall of Fame inductee

Silva’s impact on MMA is undeniable. He brought a level of excitement and unpredictability to the sport that few others have matched. He’s one of those fighters that you just had to see to believe. He is one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.

4. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov, with his undefeated 29-0 record, is often in the conversation for greatest of all time. His dominance in the lightweight division was something to behold. He retired at a relatively young age, but his impact on the sport is undeniable.

He was known for his relentless wrestling and ground-and-pound, a style that broke many opponents. He didn’t just win; he dominated. It was almost like watching a different sport when he was in his element. He pressured opponents against the cage, took them down, and controlled them. It was a simple, yet effective, strategy.

Here’s a quick look at some of his accomplishments:

• UFC Lightweight Champion
• Longest reign in division history (1,077 days)
• Most takedowns in a UFC fight (21 vs. Abel Trujillo)
• UFC Hall of Famer

Nurmagomedov’s legacy extends beyond his wins and losses. He showed that a focused approach, built around a core skill, could lead to unparalleled success. His retirement also highlighted the personal sacrifices athletes make and the importance of family.

Recently, there’s been talk about who the lightweight greatest of all time really is, and it’s always interesting to see how Khabib’s name comes up. He beat some of the best, and he did it in a way that left no doubt. He’s now coaching others, including Islam Makhachev, which is cool to see. It’s like he’s passing the torch, but his own legacy is secure.

5. Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier, or "DC" as many fans call him, is a name that always comes up in these discussions. Now a commentator, Cormier was a force to be reckoned with. He was the light heavyweight champ and then took the heavyweight title from Stipe Miocic. That’s quite the feat!

Cormier is one of the few fighters to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. He’s fought some tough opponents, including Jon Jones, twice. He’s got a great record and has taken on some of the best fighters out there. He started in Strikeforce and then made a big impact in the UFC. By his fifth fight in the UFC, Cormier was fighting Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship.

Here’s a quick look at some of his achievements:

• Two-division UFC Champion
• Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Winner
• Olympic Wrestler

Cormier’s wrestling background gave him a solid base for MMA. He could control where the fight took place, whether it was on the ground or standing up. His ability to mix wrestling with striking made him a tough matchup for anyone. He’s also known for his sportsmanship and is well-respected in the MMA community. He retired after back-to-back losses to Stipe Miocic.

He’s definitely earned his spot among the greats. He beat the likes of Rashad Evans, and Anderson Silva. He’s got a great legacy, both in and out of the octagon. He’s a true legend of the sport.

6. Amanda Nunes

Amanda Nunes, often called "The Lioness," has a strong case for being the greatest female MMA fighter ever. She’s not just good; she’s dominated the sport for years. Nunes is the first woman to become a two-division UFC champion, holding both the Bantamweight and Featherweight titles simultaneously.

She has a record that speaks for itself. Nunes has wins over some of the biggest names in women’s MMA, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm. Beating those fighters isn’t easy, and Nunes did it convincingly. She’s known for her powerful striking and solid ground game, making her a tough matchup for anyone.

Here’s a quick look at some of her accomplishments:

• First female two-division UFC champion
• Most wins in UFC women’s history
• Longest combined title reign (women’s)

Nunes’ impact on women’s MMA is undeniable. She’s raised the bar for future generations and proven that women can compete at the highest level of the sport. Her legacy is secure, and she’ll be remembered as a true pioneer.

It’s hard to argue against her place among the all-time greats. She’s consistently performed at a high level, and her accomplishments speak for themselves. She’s a true champion and a role model for aspiring fighters everywhere. It’s important to consider the standout performances of 2024 when evaluating her career.

7. Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo, also known as "Triple C," made a significant impact in a relatively short period. He’s one of the few fighters to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously in the UFC: flyweight and bantamweight. That’s pretty wild, right? He also won a gold medal in wrestling at the 2008 Summer Olympics, making him a true triple threat.

Cejudo’s career is marked by some impressive wins, including dethroning Demetrious Johnson. He retired as a reigning champion in 2020, which is a bold move. He came back in 2023, but has since lost three straight recent fights.

• Olympic Gold Medalist (Wrestling)
• Former UFC Flyweight Champion
• Former UFC Bantamweight Champion

Cejudo’s accomplishments across both wrestling and MMA are undeniable. His ability to transition his wrestling skills into effective MMA techniques made him a tough matchup for anyone. He’s got a unique style and a ton of heart, which is why he’s on this list.

While his striking might not be as flashy as some others, Cejudo’s wrestling base and strategic approach to fighting made him a force to be reckoned with. His ability to control opponents and dictate the pace of a fight was a key factor in his success.

8. BJ Penn

BJ "The Prodigy" Penn is a name that always comes up in these discussions. His record might not scream "legend," but it doesn’t tell the whole story. He was a natural talent, earning a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu super fast.

Penn wasn’t afraid to take on anyone, and that’s part of what made him so exciting to watch. He became only the second fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes (welterweight and lightweight). That’s a big deal. He was even in the running for best pound-for-pound fighter at one point.

He did stick around maybe a little too long, ending his career on a losing streak. But in his prime? He was something else. He’s a UFC Hall of Famer for a reason.

Penn’s willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, made him a fan favorite. He embodied the warrior spirit, always looking for a challenge, regardless of size or weight class. This mentality, while sometimes detrimental to his record, cemented his legacy as one of the most exciting and fearless fighters to ever step into the Octagon.

Here’s a quick look at some of his recent fights:

• 2019: Loss via Decision
• 2018: Loss via Submission
• 2018: Loss via Decision

9. Randy Couture

Randy "The Natural" Couture is a legend. He really made a name for himself in the early days of the UFC. He was the first to win titles in two different weight classes.

He was all about competition. Couture participated in 15 championship fights and secured six championship titles. He was also the first UFC fighter to become a two-division champion, winning both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. He even fought for championships in his 40s, becoming the oldest champion in UFC history at 43. He’s in the UFC Hall of Fame, which is pretty cool.

Couture’s career, spanning from 2000 to 2004, saw him capture the heavyweight title and later the light heavyweight championship. His battles with Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell helped establish the UFC in the United States. He is known for his Greco-Roman wrestling skills, using them to control opponents and deliver ground and pound.

Here are some of his accomplishments:

• Three-time UFC heavyweight champion
• Two-time UFC light heavyweight champion
• Oldest fighter to win a bout in UFC history (47 years, 68 days)

10. Fedor Emelianenko

Fedor Emelianenko, often called "The Last Emperor," is a legend. During Pride’s peak in the early 2000s, he became the gold standard in MMA. He beat fighters from all over, like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mirko Cro Cop. It’s a shame he never fought in the UFC, but his legacy is secure.

Fedor had an aura of invincibility. He was a versatile fighter, superb on his feet and on the ground. He could take over fights with his ground-and-pound style.

He went on an amazing 28-fight unbeaten streak. His run in Pride is the stuff of legends. He showed incredible power and skill. He retired in 2023, but his impact on MMA is undeniable. It’s interesting to see Conor McGregor hint at Fedor Emelianenko potentially signing with BKFC BKFC signing.

Here are some of his accomplishments:

• Pride Heavyweight Champion
• 28-fight unbeaten streak
• Defeated multiple champions and legends

11. Chuck Liddell

Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell, with his signature mohawk, was more than just a fighter; he was a pop culture icon. He really stood out, even among other tough MMA fighters. His relentless, knockout-driven style made him a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with.

Liddell’s impact extends beyond his in-ring achievements. He coached on the first season of "The Ultimate Fighter" alongside Randy Couture. That show was a game-changer for the UFC, helping it gain mainstream attention and avoid financial ruin. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009.

Liddell’s success on "The Ultimate Fighter" led to appearances on shows like "Entourage" and "Dancing with the Stars", showing a different side of the fighter. He defended his title four times.

Liddell wasn’t just a fighter; he was a crossover star. He brought MMA to a wider audience and helped pave the way for future generations of fighters. He was a professional kickboxer and Division I wrestler at Cal Poly.

Here’s a quick look at some of Liddell’s accomplishments:

• UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
• Most knockouts in Light Heavyweight division history (10)
• Longest knockout streak in UFC history (seven)
• Tied for most knockdowns in UFC Light Heavyweight history (14)
• Tied for most consecutive fights with a knockdown (seven)

12. Stipe Miocic

Stipe Miocic, a name synonymous with heavyweight dominance, has etched his place in MMA history. He’s not just a fighter; he’s a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, a Division I wrestler, and even played college baseball. Beyond the octagon, Miocic serves as a firefighter paramedic in Ohio, showcasing his dedication to serving his community. At 42, he continues to defy expectations, solidifying his status among the greats.

Miocic’s resume speaks volumes. He’s a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, boasting a record of four title defenses. His victories include wins against formidable opponents like Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, and Junior dos Santos. His recent fights show a mixed bag, but his legacy is secure. He lost via TKO in 2024 and 2021, but won via decision in 2020. He also lost via decision in 2022, but won via decision twice in 2021. He is still largely defying the expectations of fans while, above all else, removing any doubts over his greatness in the land of the giants. After all, the American was able to make three iconic title defenses during his reign.

Miocic’s blend of athleticism, power, and technical skill makes him a threat to anyone in the heavyweight division. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges has been a hallmark of his career.

Here’s a glimpse into some of his accomplishments:

• Former Golden Gloves boxing champion
• Two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion
• Multiple title defenses against top contenders

Miocic’s impact extends beyond his wins and losses. He’s a true athlete and a dedicated public servant, making him a role model for aspiring fighters and everyday people alike. His insights on the best heavyweight in MMA reflect his extensive experience and knowledge of the sport.

13. Cris Cyborg

Cristiane Justino Venâncio, most famously known as Cris Cyborg, has been a force to be reckoned with in women’s MMA for a long time. She’s one of the few fighters to hold championships in multiple major organizations, including Bellator, Strikeforce, and the UFC. That’s quite the accomplishment!

Cyborg’s career is marked by a long period of dominance. From 2005 to 2018, she went undefeated, which is an incredible run in a sport as unpredictable as MMA. While she did lose her UFC featherweight title to Amanda Nunes, she bounced back strong in Bellator, continuing to show why she’s considered one of the best. Her recent performance at the PFL Battle of Giants was a reminder of her skills.

Cyborg’s aggressive style and knockout power have made her a fan favorite. She’s not just a fighter; she’s an entertainer who always brings excitement to the cage. Her impact on women’s MMA is undeniable, inspiring many aspiring fighters.

Here’s a quick look at some of her achievements:

• Bellator Featherweight Champion
• Former UFC Featherweight Champion
• Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Champion
• Multiple knockout wins in boxing

14. Max Holloway

Max Holloway, also known as "Blessed," is a name that always comes up when discussing the best strikers in UFC history. He’s a former featherweight champ, and he defended his title three times. He was the first American to win the featherweight championship in the UFC. Holloway also went on a 13-fight win streak at one point in his career.

He’s known for his incredible striking volume. He landed the most strikes in a career in UFC history with 3,217. That’s just insane. He’s also got a ton of TKO/KO wins. He’s tied for 9th all-time in the UFC with 13.

Here’s a quick look at some of his stats:

• Record: 26-8-0
• Most strikes landed in UFC history: 3,217
• Former Featherweight Champion

Holloway’s fights are almost always exciting. He brings a pace and pressure that few can match, and his durability is something else. He’s a fighter who always comes to put on a show, and that’s why he’s so popular with fans.

15. Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson, man, what a ride. He’s had some serious ups and downs, and it’s tough to see him on a seven-fight losing streak. But you can’t deny the guy’s heart and the absolute wars he’s been in. He’s a fighter through and through. Remember when everyone thought he and Khabib were destined to fight? What a tragedy that never happened!

I saw something about him maybe fighting Dillon Danis. Danis just lost to Logan Paul, so it’s an interesting matchup, to say the least. The founder of GFL is hinting at it, and honestly, I’d watch it. I’m always curious about what exciting matchups are next.

• He’s got a crazy number of finishes in his career. He is known for his relentless pressure and unorthodox striking.
• His fight against Anthony Pettis was an all-time classic. He’s got some of the best cardio in the game.
• He’s always been a bit of a wild card, which makes him exciting to watch. He is a true original in a sport that can sometimes feel a little too cookie-cutter.

It’s hard to count Tony out completely. He’s been through so much, and he’s always found a way to bounce back. Whether he can recapture his former glory remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: he’ll always bring the fight.

16. Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson is a name synonymous with flyweight dominance. For a long time, he was considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. His record speaks for itself, and his skills inside the cage were something to behold. He’s got a record of 25-4-1.

Johnson’s speed, technique, and fight IQ made him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division. His reign as the UFC’s first flyweight champion was marked by a record-breaking 11 consecutive title defenses.

Johnson’s impact on MMA extends beyond just wins and losses. He helped legitimize the flyweight division, proving that smaller fighters could be just as exciting and skilled as their larger counterparts. His fights were often showcases of technical brilliance, and he consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the sport.

Here are some of Johnson’s accomplishments:

• Former UFC Flyweight Champion
• Record for most consecutive UFC title defenses (11)
• ONE Championship Flyweight Champion

While he’s no longer in the UFC, Johnson continues to compete at a high level in ONE Championship, further solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time greats. He is still considered a top flyweight contender today.

17. Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas, or "Thug Rose" as many fans know her, has definitely made a mark in the strawweight division. She’s a two-time strawweight champion in the UFC, which is no small feat. What’s cool about her is that she’s not just a brawler; she’s got a black belt in taekwondo, karate, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. That’s a pretty diverse skillset, and it shows in her fights.

She also holds the distinction of being the first woman in UFC history to reclaim her title after losing it. That shows a lot of grit and determination. At 32, she still has time to add to her legacy. It’ll be interesting to see what she does next.

Rose is known for her unorthodox style and mental fortitude. She’s not afraid to be herself, and that resonates with a lot of people. Her fights are always exciting because you never know what she’s going to do. She’s a true original in a sport where everyone is trying to copy each other.

Here are some of her accomplishments:

• Two-time UFC Strawweight Champion
• Defeated Joanna Jedrzejczyk twice
• Black Belt in multiple martial arts

It’s worth noting some other female fighters who have achieved greatness in the sport, such as Amanda Nunes, who has dominated across multiple weight classes. Rose has faced some tough competition, including the likes of Cat Zingano, and her ability to adapt and evolve makes her a threat to anyone in the division.

18. Fabricio Werdum

Fabricio Werdum, known as "Vai Cavalo," is a legend in the heavyweight division. He’s one of the most accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to ever compete in MMA, and his submission skills have earned him victories over some of the biggest names in the sport. Werdum’s career has had its ups and downs, but his accomplishments are undeniable.

Werdum’s ability to snatch submissions from seemingly impossible positions made him a threat to any opponent, regardless of their striking prowess. His calm demeanor and technical brilliance inside the cage were a sight to behold.

Here’s a quick look at some of his notable achievements:

• Defeating Fedor Emelianenko via triangle choke, ending Emelianenko’s long undefeated streak.
• Becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion by submitting Cain Velasquez.
• Accumulating multiple submission victories over elite competition.

His career record stands at 24-9-1, 1 NC. While he faced losses, including one to Stipe Miocic, his wins against top-tier fighters solidify his place among the greats. He has a total of 22 submission wins, putting him in the top tier alongside fighters like Demian Maia and Jon Jones.

19. Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping, "The Count," is a name that always sparks debate when talking about the best MMA fighters. He wasn’t always the flashiest, but he was tough, durable, and had an incredible will to win. I remember watching him come up through The Ultimate Fighter – he just had that something special. He wasn’t the most athletic, but he had heart.

Bisping’s career is a testament to hard work and perseverance. He clawed his way to the top, facing some absolute killers along the way. He had some tough losses, some controversial decisions, but he always bounced back. That’s what made him so fun to watch. He wasn’t afraid to take a beating, and he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

He finally captured the UFC Middleweight Championship against Luke Rockhold in a huge upset. It was a moment that cemented his legacy. He proved that even if you’re not the most naturally gifted, you can achieve greatness with enough grit and determination. It was a great moment to see Bisping’s career reach its peak.

Bisping’s journey is inspiring. He showed that with enough dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams. He wasn’t always the favorite, but he always found a way to win. That’s what makes him a true legend of the sport.

Here are some of his accomplishments:

• UFC Middleweight Champion
• The Ultimate Fighter 3 Winner
• Longest tenured UFC fighter (at the time of his retirement)

20. Urijah Faber

Urijah Faber, man, what a legend. He was always exciting to watch, win or lose. He had that California Kid energy that was infectious. He might not have reached the very top of the mountain in the UFC, but he was a force to be reckoned with for a long time. He was an honorable mention on many lists, and his legacy in mixed martial arts is undeniable.

He had some serious wars in the WEC and then transitioned smoothly into the UFC. He was always in the mix at bantamweight and featherweight. He had a knack for submissions, especially that guillotine choke. Remember when he came back after a brief retirement? That was wild.

Here’s what made him stand out:

• His relentless pace
• His submission skills
• His never-say-die attitude

Faber was a pioneer for the lighter weight classes. He helped bring attention and respect to the bantamweight and featherweight divisions when they weren’t getting much love. He paved the way for a lot of fighters who came after him.

He may be moving on to new ventures, but his impact on the sport is permanent. He’s one of those guys you just can’t forget.

21. Frankie Edgar

Frankie "The Answer" Edgar, with a record of 24-11-1, definitely deserves a spot on this list. He’s one of those fighters who always brought it, win or lose. I remember watching his fights and just being amazed by his cardio and toughness. He’s got some serious time inside the octagon, and that says a lot about his grit.

Edgar’s known for his wrestling background and relentless pace. He’s faced some of the best in the game across multiple weight classes, which is a testament to his willingness to challenge himself.

He’s up there in some of the all-time stats, which is pretty cool. Check it out:

• Total Strikes Landed: 6th (73)
• Significant Strikes Landed: 9th (11)
• Fight Time: 3rd (7:57:10)

Edgar’s longevity and willingness to fight anyone, anytime, makes him a legend in the sport.

22. Rashad Evans

Rashad Evans, also known as "Suga," is definitely a name that comes up when you’re talking about MMA legends. He had a pretty impressive run, and while he might not be at the very top of everyone’s list, he’s earned his spot in the conversation. He was even mentioned in the honorable mentions section of some lists, which says something about his impact on the sport.

Evans was the light heavyweight champion, and he also won The Ultimate Fighter. He had some really memorable fights, including that knockout win over Chuck Liddell. He had a great wrestling base, and he developed some serious knockout power.

Evans’ career shows how quickly things can change in MMA. He went from being on top of the world to facing some tough losses, but he always showed heart and determination.

Here’s a quick look at some of his accomplishments:

• Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
• The Ultimate Fighter Season 2 Winner
• Knocked out Chuck Liddell with a head kick

23. Joanna Jedrzejczyk

Joanna Jedrzejczyk, a name that’s pretty much synonymous with the strawweight division. She didn’t just fight; she dominated for a good long while. When she grabbed that strawweight title back in 2015, she made history as the first Polish champion in the UFC. That’s a big deal!

She racked up five title defenses, which is nothing to sneeze at. Plus, she holds some serious strawweight records, like most title bout wins and most consecutive wins. And let’s not forget that crazy championship fight with Weili Zhang back in 2020 – total fight of the year material.

It’s hard to overstate how much of an impact Joanna had on the sport, especially for female fighters. She brought a level of intensity and skill that was just awesome to watch. Even though she’s not actively competing anymore, her legacy is definitely secure.

Here are some of her accomplishments:

• Former UFC Strawweight Champion
• Five successful title defenses
• First Polish champion in UFC history
• Fight of the Year (vs. Weili Zhang, 2020)

24. Vitor Belfort

Okay, so Vitor Belfort. Talk about a wild ride. This guy was exciting, controversial, and undeniably talented. He burst onto the scene as a teenager, all explosive power and crazy fast hands. He had some serious ups and downs, but man, when he was on, he was ON.

He had a bunch of wins, some losses, and a whole lot of drama surrounding his career. He fought basically everyone who was anyone back in the day. He was a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure. He definitely left his mark on the sport. It’s hard to forget the explosive power he brought to the octagon.

Belfort’s career is a reminder of how complicated things can get in MMA. He had incredible highs, but also faced scrutiny and controversy. Love him or hate him, he was always entertaining.

Here’s a quick rundown of some things that made Belfort stand out:

• His early knockout power was insane.
• He evolved his game over the years, adding new wrinkles.
• He always brought the excitement, win or lose.

25. Donald Cerrone and more

Okay, so we’ve reached the end of the list, and honestly, there are so many other fighters who deserve a shout-out. It’s tough to narrow it down to just a few, but let’s talk about some names that consistently delivered excitement and left their mark on the sport.

First off, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone is a legend. The guy just loves to fight, and he’s always willing to step in on short notice. He holds records for most fights and most finishes in the UFC. He’s also near the top in total fight night bonuses. He’s a true OG. Speaking of which, he’s back in the UFC’s drug testing pool, so maybe we’ll see him back in action soon!

Beyond Cowboy, there are a bunch of other fighters who deserve recognition:

• Jose Aldo: A dominant featherweight champion for years. His featherweight champion reign was something else.
• Dustin Poirier: Always brings it, win or lose. He’s got some serious grit.
• Michael Chandler: Explosive and always looking for the finish. Pure entertainment.

It’s easy to forget just how many talented fighters have graced the octagon. This list could easily be twice as long, and there would still be deserving names left out. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a fighter.

And of course, we can’t forget about guys like:

• Jim Miller
• Diego Sanchez
• Clay Guida

These guys might not always be at the very top of the rankings, but they consistently put on exciting fights and have built loyal fan bases over the years. They’re the kind of fighters that make MMA so great to watch. They are the exciting fights that make the sport great.

Final Thoughts on MMA Greatness

In the end, picking the best MMA fighters of all time is no easy task. Everyone has their favorites, and opinions vary widely. What makes a fighter great can depend on their skills, records, and the impact they’ve had on the sport. Names like Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre often come up, and for good reason. They’ve set the bar high. But let’s not forget the legends who paved the way, like Royce Gracie. Each fighter has their own story, and that’s what makes MMA so exciting. As the sport continues to grow, new stars will emerge, and the debate over who truly is the greatest will carry on. So, who do you think deserves a spot on this list? The conversation is far from over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the best MMA fighter of all time?

Many people believe Jon Jones is the greatest MMA fighter ever due to his impressive record and skills.

What makes Georges St-Pierre stand out?

Georges St-Pierre is known for his well-rounded skills, having won titles in two weight classes and his ability to adapt in fights.

Why is Khabib Nurmagomedov highly regarded?

Khabib is famous for his undefeated record and his dominant grappling style, making him a tough opponent for anyone.

What achievements does Amanda Nunes have?

Amanda Nunes is celebrated for being the first woman to hold two titles in different weight classes in the UFC.

How did Anderson Silva change the sport?

Anderson Silva is known for his striking skills and long title reign, which helped bring more attention to MMA.

What is unique about BJ Penn’s fighting style?

BJ Penn is recognized for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and his ability to compete successfully in multiple weight classes.