There have been many great MMA fighters throughout the years but the questioneveryone makes is thesame, who is the greatest MMA fighter of all time? Of course, it’s not that simple to answer. But here, we’ll try to rank the best 25.
For our ranking we considered differentfactors, includingthe fighters’ competition, accomplishments, and how good they really were in their prime. Those with titles in multiple divisions and morefightsunder their belts also have the upper handon this list.
Some fighters on the list may be wellpast their primebut we are mostly focused on the skill, wins, and competitionwhen they were at their best. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the top 25 greatest MMA fighters of all time!
25. Valentina Shevchenko
It’s safe to say Valentina Shevchenkoisthegreatestfemale striker in the history of MMA. Shevchenko has a long history of winning world championships in Muay Thai as she has won 8 gold medals and one silver while representing both Kyrgyzstan and Peru.
Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan celebrates her win over Julianna Pena (Getty)
Shevchenko hasdefeated the likes of Holly Holm, Julianna Pena, and Jessica Eye. Sheis intimidating and arguably the best female striker the MMA has ever seen. Unlike other fighters, she prefers to counter attack rathern than go for an aggresive style. When attacking, Shevchenkoloves to usetwo-punch combinations.
24. Antonio Nogueira
Antonio Nogueira or “Big Nog” is one of the fewfighters to be the Pride Heavyweight Fighting Champion and the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC).Nogueira had some of the best grappling skills the division has ever seen and he took down some big names like Dan Henderson, Tim Sylvia, and Fabricio Werdum.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira weighs in at the UFC 102 (Getty)
Nogueira came to the UFC from Pride and still managed to win a title which is very impressive.Big Nog retired with a record of 46 total fights, 34 wins, and 21 of those wins by submission which is no surprise to anybody because of how good his grappling skills were.Nogueira got inducted into the UFC’s Hall of Fame in July2016.
Though he capitalized on his jiu-jitsu skills to make the difference, Nogueirahas strengthened himselfwith different variations of submissions to beat his opponents. Besides, he also proved to be capable of taking hits without giving up.
23. Max Holloway
Max Holloway made a strong case to be part of this privileged list after putting on a show on countless occasions. One of the best strikers in MMA history, he took down some big-name opponents throughout his career.
Max Holloway poses on the scale during the UFC 276 ceremonial weigh-in. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Jose Aldo, Charles Oliveira, AnthonyPettis, Brian Ortega, and Frankie Edgar have all lost at least once to Holloway. Besides, he became the first American to win the UFC featherweight championship.
His striking skills earned him the nickname”Blessed,” as he forged a reputation for being a ruthless fighter for his opponent. Additionally, his ability as a finisher has also drawn a lot of praise.
22. Robbie Lawler
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler is one of the most aggressive fighters we have seen. Definitely of the most entertaining fighters to watch on this list Lawler really knew how to put on a show and is the only fighter to have won three “Fight of the Year” awards in a row.
Robbie Lawler punches Johny Hendricks in their welterweight title fight (Getty)
Lawler had some tough fights against the likes of Carlos Condit and Rory McDonaldand his run as champion was excellent. Ruthless really is the perfect nickname for the fighter, whoseknockout power made him an intimidating opponent. He stood out for his explosive hits and strikingpower.
21. Matt Hughes
Matt Hugheshad some of the best techniques to knock his opponentsand wrestle them into inevitable defeat. Hughes would get his opponents to the ground and it was almost a won fight by then because his ground game was at another level.Matt Hughes also has excellent submission skills and good power behind his punches which made him a man to fear.
Matt Hughes of the USA celebrates his win over Carlos Newton of Canada (Getty)
Hughes has wins over some top level opponents like Sean Sherk, BJ Penn, and the one and only Georges St-Pierre.Hughes retired with a record of 54 total fights, 45 wins, and 9 losses. He had some next-level ground skills and unmatched sominance in the ring.
20. Eddie Alvarez
Eddie Alvarez won world championships in both the UFC and the Bellator MM, which is why he made the cut. Achampion in both welterweight and lightweight divisions, Alvarez proved that he can perform in multiple divisions. In the process, he delighted fans.
Eddie Alvarez reacts during UFC 205 Weigh-ins (Getty)
“The Underground King” took down high-profile opponents, including the likes of Anthony Pettis, Rafael dos Anjos, and Eduard Folayang. A two division champion,Eddie Alvarez always gave the fans an entertaining fight.
19. Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya has earned his spot on this list and can only go up from here as he is still active. He has already defeatedthe likes ofAnderson Silva, Kelvin Gastelum, Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker. So we mightbe in front of a generational talent.
Israel Adesanya celebrates his victory over Robert Whittaker (Getty)
Dubbed the “Last Stylebender” for his style of fighting, Adesanya is considered one of the best strikers in theMM world. He has shown some serious skill from the very beginning, winninghis first 20 fights in a row!
18. Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo had a rough startto life in the UFC, having losthis first twobouts.However, in therematch againstDemetrious Johnson he proved his worth bypullingoffan upset. After that fight began one of the most incredible runs ever seen.
Henry Cejudo celebrates his victory against Wilson Reis (Getty)
Cejudo is a two division champion winning in both flyweight and bantamweight while also being the only person to win a UFC title and an Olympic gold medal.He retired with a record of 18 total fights, 16 wins, and 2 losses, his very first two fights.
17. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey made a successful transition from judo to mixed martial arts, getting off to a 12-0 start to her career in the octagon. Before that, she wona bronze medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Rousey loved totrash talk, but she backed it up with great results,winningabantamweight belt.
Ronda Rousey. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contribution to promote women’s UFC, Rousey’s rose to famelet her try her luck in WWE and even in the big screen, as she made an appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise.
16. Randy Couture
Randy Couture is one of the few MMA fighters to become a champion in two different weight classes. Aformer three-time UFC heavyweight champion and two-time light heavyweight champion,Couture’s primed lasted longer than that of other fighters on this list.
UFC heavyweight fighter Randy Couture (left) is interviewed by UFC commentator Joe Rogan (Getty)
“The Natural” has competed in a record 16 title fights, pulling off memorable wins overthe likes of Chuck Liddell andTito Ortiz.On top of that, Couture defied Father Time by reclaiming the UFC heavyweight title in his 40s. His experience in wrestling gave him a trademark fighting style, being a master in takedowns and in dominating top positions.
15. Chuck Liddell
The old school will always rememberChuck Liddell, once the most dominating light heavyweight in the league. “The Iceman”had vicious hands and knew how to takepunches. He had memorable fights and even tookdown some of the biggest names like Vitor Belfort, Tito Ortiz, and Randy Couture.
Chuck Liddell (left) poses with Tito Ortiz (Getty)
Liddell retired with a record of 30 fights, 21 wins, and 9 losses. Back in the day, he was acrowd favorite as his aggressive styledelivered the most entertainingbouts we’veever seen. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2009.
14. Dan Henderson
Dan Hendersonhad absolutelyepic fights at Pride. Remembered for hisamazing striking power, Henderson’s knockouttoMichael Bispinbecame an instant classic. He built his success withgood grappling skills, a monstrous overhand right, and an iron chin that came in handy againsthis tougher opponents.
Dan Henderson climbs the cage after winning his middleweight bout (Getty)
Hendo was a Pride Welterweight Champion, Pride middleweight Champion, and strikeforce light heavyweight Champion. Some of his biggest victories came against the likes ofVitor Belfort, Big Nog, Mauricio Rua, and Fedor Emelianenko. Thoughthe UFC titlewas elusive to him, Henderson still had aremarkable career.
13. B.J. Penn
B.J. Pennmay have gone through a rough patch in UFC, butin his prime, he was an absolute machine – especially in the lightweight division. After all,he was a UFC champion in both lightweight and welterweight.Even though he doesn’t have the most impressive record,there is no denying that Penn had raw talent and went through four divisions.
BJ Penn prepares to fight Yair Rodriguez (Getty)
“The Prodigy” had32 fights, with 16 wins, 14 losses, and 2 draws. Throughout his career, Penn beatMatt Hughes, Jens Pulver, and Diego Sanchez, among others.Penn’s matt work and grappling skills wereunmatched. Additionally, he’s one of the fastest people ever to receive a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
12. Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruzis the only person who was able to defeat Demetrious Johnson in his prime. Cruz had fantastic movements thatno one could guessand a signature fighting style. If injuries hadn’t caught up to him, he would be even higher up on this list.
Dominick Cruz celebrates defeating T.J. Dillashaw (Getty)
“The Dominator”managed to overcome the likes ofTJ Dillashaw, Demetrious Johnson, and Brian Bowles.He retired with a record of23 wins and 3 losses. Besides his impressive record, Cruz brought a new style of fighting to the UFC, withunprecedentedfootwork.
11. Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormierfound success in both light heavyweight and heavyweight. We’re talking about the second fighter in UFChistory to defendtitles in two different weight classesand was the first to ever do it in two divisions.
Daniel Cormier of the United States celebrates his victory over Derrick Lewis (Getty)
Cormier retired with a record of 26 fights, 22 wins, 3 losses, and oneno contest, winninga world championship in every promotionhe fought in. Someof his notable winscameagainst the likes of Josh Barnett, Alexander Gustafsson, and Dan Henderson.He truly dominated almost every opponent he came up against with explosive punches.
10. Stipe Miocic
Stipe Miocicwasa two-time UFC heavyweight championwith next level boxing ability and advanced wrestling techniques. In 24fights, he recorded 20 wins- 15 by knockout -and 4losses. He took some heavy losses but then turned it around and went on to buildone of the best streaks the UFC has ever seen.
Stipe Miocic celebrates his win over Daniel Cormier (Getty)
He has taken out some of the biggest namesin UFC history, includingFabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem,and Daniel Cormier,until he lost toFrancis Ngannou.
9. Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes is the first woman to become a two-division champion (Bantamweight and Featherweight) and the third fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two different weight classes along with Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier.Nunes is widely considered the best female MMA fighter of all time and she can back that up with her results.
Amanda Nunes is carried from the Octagon after her unanimous-decision win over Germaine de Ranamie (Getty)
Nunes is the only fighter in the UFC to defend two titles while actively holding them. She has some very notable wins against some of the top female fighters of all time like Valentina Shevchenko, Holly Holm, Cristiane Justino, and Ronda Rousey.Her knockout power is alsooutstanding and most of her wins have been by knockout.
8. Jose Aldo
A former three-time UFC featherweight champion, Jose Aldobecame the first ever UFC featherweight champion after the WEC/UFC merger.He remained undefeated for over a decade, being one of the most dominant featherweights of all time. But Aldo’s quick loss against McGregor makes some fans forget just how good hereally was.
Jose Aldo poses on the scale during his weigh-in (Getty)
Aldo was a monster in his WEC days. In 38 bouts,he put up 31wins with just 7 losses, beatingbig names like Cub Swanson, Mike Brown, and Urijah Faber.Aldo is considered by many as the greatest featherweight in MMA history. HisMuay Thai techniques, leg kicks and defensive wrestling made Aldo stand out from his peers.
7. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregormight be a social media and trash-talking icon. But besides all the showy stuff, no one can’t deny thatMcGregor is a top fighter.In fact, his left hand is one of the bestthe sport has ever witnessed. There’s a reason he’s the highest-paid MMA fighter of all time.
Conor McGregor poses on the scale during his official weigh-in (Getty)
McGregor made headlines by knocking outJose Aldoin13 seconds, making it the fastest UFC title fight in history.He alsotook down the likes ofMax Holloway, Chad Mendes, Nate Diaz, and Eddie Alvarez. The first fighter to defend UFC titles in two different weight classes, McGregor’s skills not only included boxingtechniques and a powerful left hand, but also playing mind gameswith his opponents.
6. Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson is the one of the bestflyweight championsthe UFC has everhad.Ever since he claimed the throne, he grabbed it with both hands. If you don’t take our word for it, the fact that he’s tied for the most consecutive title defenses at 11 speaks by itself. In addition, he alsoproduced the most takedowns in UFC flyweight history.
Demetrious Johnson celebrates as he defeats Wilson Reis (Getty)
The “Mighty Mouse” beat the likes ofHenry Cejudo, Miguel Torres, and Joseph Benavidez.In 36 bouts,Johnson had 31wins, 4losses, and one draw. It’sfair to wonder ifsomeone will ever come close to what he meantat the flyweight division.
5. Fedor Emelianenko
Fedor Emelianenko never fought in the UFC likemostof thefighters on this list. But that doesn’t take away the fact that he is an absolute machine and has one of the most impressive undefeated streaks(28 consecutive wins).He is often called the best heavyweight fighter ever. His marqueepowerful punches andhead movement to defendwerecrucial for a track record of success.
Fedor Emelianenko, the Winner of the PRIDE Heavy Weight Title Match (Getty)
“The Last Emperor”picked upnotable wins against great opponentssuch asMark Hunt, Mirko Filipovic, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.He has a record of 47fights, with 40wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest. Many consider him the best of all time and his record may be a strong argument for that.
4. Anderson Silva
Back in the day, Anderson Silva would absolutely destroyhis opponents. He holds the record for the longest titledefense in the UFC at 2,457 days.In that period, he also recorded 16 consecutive wins.Silva is without any question one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Anderson Silva of Brazil looks on before fighting against Derek Brunson (Getty)
“The Spider” retired with an MMA record of34 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no contest. He pulled offwins against somethe likes ofVitor Belfort, Rich Franklin, and Dan Henderson.Silva had one of the best counter attacking games ever seen in the sport and his fights were alwaysmouth-watering for fans.
3. Jon Jones
Jon “Bones” Jonesset arecord for being the youngest UFC champion at 23 years old. Aformer two-time UFC light heavyweight champion, he also boasts themost title defenses, longest winning streak, most submission victories, and most wins in that division.
Jon Jones steps on the scale during the UFC 247 ceremonial weigh-in (Getty)
Jones has a record of26 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest. Buthis only losswasa controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill.Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, and Daniel Cormier were just some of his victims.
2. Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre has the most insaneall around skills of any MMA fighter ever. He won UFC championships in both welterweight and middleweight divisions and is considered by many as the greatest fighter in the history of MMA.
Georges St-Pierre of Canada enters the octagon for his UFC middleweight championship bout against Michael Bisping (Getty)
St-Pierretook downthe likes ofMatt Hughes, Nick Diaz, Carlos Condit, and BJ Pennto cement his status among the greatest of all times. He was also ranked as the #1 welterweight in the world for many years before retiring in 2013with a record of 28 fights, 26 wins, and 2 losses.
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1. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedovwasthe longest reigning UFC lightweight division champion. Hissuperb grapplingmade the edge inmany fights,making a strong case to consider himasthe best fighterin MMA history.Not onlydid he win all his fights, he alsodidit in dominating fashion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia poses on the scale during the UFC 254 weigh-in (Getty)
“The Eagle” retired with a perfect record of 29 total fights and 29 wins, something unheard of in MMA. Throughout his extremely successful career, Nurmagomedov beat the likes ofMichael Johnson, Rafael Dos Anjos, and Conor McGregor.
