From the humblest cages to the brightest arenas in the world, mixed martial arts have given rise to true titans of combat. It’s not just about brute strength or refined technique—it goes beyond that.
It’s a blend of courage, strategy and, in many cases, a touch of madness. Every fighter who has stepped into the octagon has left something behind—blood, sweat or a story to tell—but only a select few have reached legendary status.
These pioneers, from those who laid the foundation to the current champions who continue to elevate the level of competition, have all contributed to the growth and worldwide popularity of MMA.
25. Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan reacts following her fight against Alexa Grasso of Mexico for the Women’s Flyweight title during UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche in 2024. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Hailing from Kyrgyzstan, Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko is renowned for her striking precision and tactical prowess. With a background in Muay Thai and kickboxing, she seamlessly transitioned into MMA, dominating the flyweight division.
Her title defenses in the UFC have showcased her versatility, blending striking and grappling with seamless fluidity. Beyond her athletic achievements, her disciplined approach and dedication to martial arts have solidified her status as one of the premier fighters in women’s MMA.
24. Antonio Nogueira
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira of Brazil steps on the scale during the UFC 198 weigh-in at Arena da Baixada stadium on May 13, 2016. (Source: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Antônio “Minotauro” Nogueira is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist whose resilience and submission skills earned him legendary status. As a former PRIDE and UFC heavyweight champion, his ability to withstand punishment and secure victories from seemingly insurmountable positions made him a fan favorite. His epic battles, particularly in PRIDE, are etched in MMA history, reflecting his warrior spirit and technical mastery.
23. Max Holloway
Max Holloway looks on before his featherweight title bout against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia during UFC 276 at T-Mobile Arena on July 02, 2022. (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Max “Blessed” Holloway, from Hawaii, is celebrated for his relentless pace and striking volume. As a former UFC featherweight champion, his tenure was marked by notable victories over elite competition. His ability to adapt and push the tempo has made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch, embodying the fighting spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.
22. Robbie Lawler
Robbie Lawler prepares for a welterweight bout against Niko Price during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena on July 08, 2023. (Source: Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler‘s career is a testament to perseverance and tenacity. After initial ups and downs, his resurgence led him to capture the UFC welterweight title. His bouts, characterized by their intensity and ferocity, have become classics, showcasing his willingness to engage in all-out wars and his unyielding determination.
21. Matt Hughes
Matt Hughes of the USA and current Welterweight Champion celebrates his win over Carlos Newton of Canada during the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2002. (Source: John Gichigi/Getty Images)
Matt Hughes, a dominant force in the welterweight division during the early 2000s, utilized his wrestling pedigree to control and overpower opponents. As a two-time UFC welterweight champion, his rivalries and title defenses have cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greats, influencing a generation of fighters with his grappling-centric approach.
20. Eddie Alvarez
FC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez reacts to the crowd after his UFC 205 Open Workouts at Madison Square Garden on November 9, 2016. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez‘s career is marked by his success across multiple organizations, including Bellator and the UFC. Known for his gritty fighting style and resilience, his ability to adapt and overcome adversity has earned him respect and accolades, including the UFC lightweight championship.
19. Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya of Nigeria poses on the scale during the weigh in for UFC 293 at the Hilton on September 08, 2023. (Source: Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya has captivated the MMA world with his striking artistry and charisma. As a former kickboxer, his transition to MMA has been seamless, capturing the UFC middleweight title and defending it against top contenders. His ability to read opponents and execute precise techniques has set him apart as a striking savant.
18. Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo reacts after defeating TJ Dillashaw in the first round during their UFC Flyweight title match at UFC Fight Night at Barclays Center on January 19, 2019. (Source: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Henry “Triple C” Cejudo‘s athletic journey is nothing short of remarkable. An Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, he transitioned to MMA and achieved the rare feat of becoming a two-division UFC champion (flyweight and bantamweight). His evolution from a wrestler to a well-rounded mixed martial artist underscores his dedication and competitive spirit.
17. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey faces off against Amanda Nunes of Brazil in their UFC women’s bantamweight championship bout during the UFC 207 event in 2016. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey broke barriers as the first female fighter signed by the UFC, rapidly becoming the organization’s inaugural women’s bantamweight champion. Her armbar submissions and quick finishes garnered widespread attention, propelling women’s MMA into the mainstream and inspiring countless female athletes.
16. Randy Couture
Randy Couture speaks with the media during the Strikeforce Challengers Main Card bout at Dodge Theater on August 13, 2010. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Randy “The Natural” Couture‘s career is distinguished by his ability to defy age and expectations. A three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time light heavyweight champion, his Greco-Roman wrestling foundation allowed him to implement effective game plans against various opponents, solidifying his status as a tactical mastermind.
15. Chuck Liddell
Chuck Liddell (@MercuriusFilius)
Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is a name synonymous with the rise of MMA into mainstream sports culture. Known for his striking prowess and signature mohawk, he became the face of the UFC during the early 2000s.
His aggressive fighting style and knockout power led him to become the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, with memorable victories over rivals such as Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture.
His influence extended beyond the octagon, as he played a pivotal role in bringing MMA to a broader audience, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
14. Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson during his middleweight bout at UFC 199 at The Forum on June 4, 2016. (Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Dan “Hendo” Henderson‘s career is a testament to versatility and resilience, spanning multiple weight classes and organizations. Beginning as an Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler, he transitioned to MMA, where his heavy right hand, famously dubbed the “H-Bomb”, became a feared weapon.
He achieved significant success in PRIDE Fighting Championships, securing titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His knockout victory over Wanderlei Silva at PRIDE 33 to claim the middleweight title is among his career highlights.
Transitioning to the UFC, Henderson continued to face top-tier competition. His bout against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139 is often cited as one of the greatest fights in MMA history, showcasing his grit and determination.
13. B.J. Penn
BJ Penn prepares to fight Yair Rodriguez during the UFC Fight Night event at the at Talking Stick Resort Arena on January 15, 2017. (Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
B.J. “The Prodigy” Penn‘s natural talent and Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess led him to become a two-division UFC champion (lightweight and welterweight). His willingness to take on challenges in multiple weight classes and his early adoption of cross-training have left a lasting impact on the sport.
12. Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz celebrates defeating T.J. Dillashaw to win the World Bantamweight Championship during UFC Fight Night 81 at TD Banknorth Garden on January 17, 2016. (Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Dominick Cruz didn’t just dominate the bantamweight division—he reinvented it. Known for his elusive movement, unorthodox footwork, and cerebral approach to fighting, he was nearly impossible to hit cleanly.
His mastery of angles and darting in-and-out style frustrated even the most skilled opponents. As a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, he set the gold standard for the division, with wins over Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, and Joseph Benavidez cementing his legacy.
What makes Cruz even more remarkable is his resilience. Despite suffering multiple career-threatening knee injuries, he staged one of the most inspirational comebacks in MMA history, reclaiming his title in 2016.
His ability to adapt and thrive in a sport where speed and precision are crucial is a testament to his fight IQ and discipline. Even in retirement, his impact on the sport continues as one of MMA’s most respected analysts.
11. Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier of the United States celebrates his win by submission over Derrick Lewis of the United States in their heavyweight title bout during the UFC 230 event. (Source: Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Daniel Cormier’s journey in MMA is one of pure perseverance and versatility. Before entering the octagon, he was an Olympic-level wrestler, which became the foundation of his dominant grappling style.
He captured both the UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles, becoming only the second fighter in history to hold championships in two divisions simultaneously. His ability to control fights through wrestling and deliver knockout power made him one of the most well-rounded competitors in MMA history.
Beyond his accolades, his rivalries with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic helped define his career. His trilogy with Miocic showcased his warrior spirit, while his feud with Jones was among the sport’s most heated. Outside the cage, “DC” remains a beloved figure as a commentator, analyst, and coach, continuing to shape the future of MMA.
10. Stipe Miocic
Stipe Miocic stands in the octagon before his heavyweight championship fight against Daniel Cormier at T-Mobile Arena on July 7, 2018. (Source: Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Stipe Miocic is the definition of blue-collar toughness. A full-time firefighter outside of fighting, he quietly built one of the most impressive resumes in UFC history, defending the heavyweight title a record-breaking three times in his first reign.
His knockout power, combined with underrated wrestling, made him a nightmare matchup for any opponent. Victories over Francis Ngannou, Daniel Cormier, and Fabricio Werdum highlight his ability to take on—and defeat—the best.
Unlike many heavyweights, he relied not just on brute force but also on fight IQ and conditioning. His ability to adjust mid-fight, as seen in his rematch with Ngannou, showcased his tactical mind. While his legacy is still being written, He has already earned his place as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.
9. Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes enters the octagon and does a lap before her fight against Irene Aldana during the UFC 289 event at Rogers Arena on June 10, 2023. (Source: Jordan Jones/Getty Images)
Amanda Nunes didn’t just win—she dominated. As the first woman in UFC history to hold and defend titles in two divisions simultaneously, she redefined what it meant to be an elite female fighter.
Her knockouts of Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm weren’t just victories; they were statements. Her striking power, combined with an underrated ground game, made her nearly unstoppable in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
What set Nunes apart was her ability to evolve. Early in her career, cardio was a concern, but by the time she hit her championship prime, she had eliminated weaknesses and become a complete fighter. After years of ruling over two weight classes, she retired in 2023, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in women’s MMA.
8. Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo prepares for his featherweight title fight against Conor McGregor during UFC 194 at MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 12, 2015. (Source: Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
For nearly a decade, José Aldo was untouchable in the featherweight division. His reign in the UFC and WEC was defined by a mix of devastating leg kicks, pinpoint striking, and near-flawless takedown defense. At his peak, he was considered one of the pound-for-pound best, with wins over Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber showcasing his all-around brilliance.
His greatness wasn’t just about skill; it was about longevity. Even after losing his title to Conor McGregor in a shocking 13-second knockout, he reinvented himself and remained a top contender for years. His ability to adapt and remain elite deep into his career is why many consider him the greatest featherweight of all time.
7. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor of Ireland walks in the octagon before his lightweight bought against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021. (Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Love him or hate him, Conor McGregor changed MMA forever. His meteoric rise from a young Irish prospect to a two-division UFC champion was unprecedented. His left hand became the stuff of legend, knocking out opponents like José Aldo and Eddie Alvarez in spectacular fashion. But his impact wasn’t just inside the cage—his trash talk, confidence, and ability to sell fights turned him into the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history.
Despite his inconsistent record in recent years,he remains the most recognizable fighter in the sport’s history. His boxing match with Floyd Mayweather and his crossover appeal helped bring mainstream attention to MMA. While his competitive future is uncertain, his legacy as one of the sport’s biggest icons is cemented.
6. Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson celebrates after defeating Wilson Reis to win their Flyweight Championship bout on UFC Fight Night at the Sprint Center on April 15, 2017. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson took flyweight fighting to a new level. His technical mastery, lightning-fast reflexes, and ability to blend striking with grappling made him virtually unbeatable at his peak.
His record 11 consecutive title defenses in the UFC showcased his dominance, with finishes like his famous suplex-to-armbar against Ray Borg highlighting his creativity inside the cage.
What made him special was his ability to adapt. He wasn’t just faster than his opponents—he was smarter. Even after leaving the UFC for ONE Championship, he continued to prove his greatness by capturing another title. His combination of skill, intelligence, and longevity makes him one of MMA’s all-time greats.
5. Fedor Emelianenko
Emelianenko Fedor, the Winner of the PRIDE Heavy Weight Title Match in 2005. (Source: Tomokazu Tazawa/Getty Images)
Fedor Emelianenko’s dominance in PRIDE Fighting Championships remains one of the most legendary runs in MMA history. For nearly a decade, he was undefeated, dismantling some of the best heavyweights in the world. His calm demeanor, combined with devastating knockout power and elite grappling, made him a near-perfect fighter.
Even without competing in the UFC, Fedor’s legacy is undeniable. Wins over legends like Mirko Cro Cop, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mark Coleman cemented his place in history. His aura of invincibility, coupled with his stoic presence, made him one of the sport’s most revered figures.
4. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva of Brazil prepares to fight Jared Cannonier of USA in their middleweight bout during the UFC 237 event at Jeunesse Arena on May 11, 2019. (Source: Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
Anderson Silva didn’t just win fights—he made them look effortless. His reign as UFC middleweight champion saw him break records with a 16-fight win streak, including dazzling knockouts of Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort. His head movement and counterstriking were on another level, often making elite fighters look like amateurs.
His ability to toy with opponents, combined with his highlight-reel finishes, made him a once-in-a-generation talent. Even in his later years, when losses piled up, his influence on MMA remained intact. He inspired countless fighters and helped elevate the sport to a global audience.
3. Jon Jones
Jon Jones fights Ciryl Gane of France in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 04, 2023. (Source: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Jon “Bones” Jones is the most naturally talented fighter in MMA history. His reach, creativity, and fight IQ made him the youngest UFC champion ever at 23. His dominance over the light heavyweight division saw him defeat legends like Daniel Cormier, Shogun Rua and Alexander Gustafsson.
Despite his personal controversies, his skill set remains unmatched. His move to heavyweight and subsequent title win further solidified his claim as MMA’s GOAT. Whether fans love or hate him, there’s no denying his greatness.
2. Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre of Montreal, Quebec, Canada speaks at a press conference for UFC 111 at Radio City Music Hall on March 24, 2010. (Source: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Georges St-Pierre’s ability to blend striking, wrestling, and strategy made him one of the most well-rounded fighters ever. As a two-division champion, his dominance in the welterweight division is legendary. His comeback win over Michael Bisping to claim the middleweight title added to his legacy.
GSP’s work ethic and humility made him a role model inside and outside the cage. His ability to game-plan and execute at the highest level ensures his place as one of MMA’s greatest.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov poses for photos during the UFC 229 Press Conference at Radio City Music Hall on September 20, 2018. (Source: Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0, an unheard-of feat in MMA. His grappling pressure was relentless, and his mauling style left no openings for opponents. Wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje cemented his dominance.
His retirement at the peak of his career leaves the question: what more could he have achieved? Regardless, his perfect record and relentless style make him one of the sport’s most dominant champions.
