10 Best MMA Fighters

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Best UFC – MMA Fighters of All Time

There is no way to conclusively decide the ranking and order of the greatest fighters in the history of MMA. Fighters fight in different weight classes and with different skill sets. As any veteran fan of MMA will tell you, “styles make fights.” That same fan will also tell you that it only takes one punch for any fighter to get upset by any underdog. That being said, even if we can debate the order, these fighters have to be considered some of the 10 best of all time.

10. Dan Henderson

– This former Olympic wrestler has competed as one of the best fighters in both the UFC and Pride MMA promotions. “Hendo,” as he is known in MMA circles is a capable striker in addition to his wrestling and grappling abilities. As of 2009, Henderson’s career MMA record was a gaudy 25-7.

9. Quinton Rampage Jackson

– Jackson has been a dynamic personality for MMA in addition to being one of its fiercest competitors. Rampage came to prominence in the Pride organization. After Pride folded he became a light heavyweight champion in the UFC by defeating Chuck Liddell via TKO. Jackson defeated Keith Jardine in March 2009 to amass his 30th career win.

8. B.J. Penn

– Penn has been a dominant force in the UFC’s lightweight division. Penn has many impressive wins, including one over Matt Hughes. Penn even unsuccessfully attempted to break into the welterweight division. Even in losing, it was an impressive attempt.

7. Chuck Liddell

– Liddell is the most famous of all MMA fighters. He dominated in the ring for a six fight winning streak that included two wins over Tito Ortiz and two wins over Randy Couture. Liddell might have fought a little too long as he suffered brutal knockouts at the hands of Rashad Evans and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

6. Matt Hughes

– People either love or hate Matt Hughes, but his talent has never been questioned. Career highlight wins include Matt Sera, B.J. Penn, and Georges St. Pierre on the way to 43 career wins as of 2009.

5. Georges St. Pierre

– St. Pierre is widely considered in the argument for best pound-for-pound fighters of all time. He grew up studying karate, wrestling and Jiu Jitsu to become extremely dangerous and well-rounded. St. Pierre has defeated great fighters like Thiago Alves, Matt Hughes, and BJ Penn.

4. Fedor Emelianenko

– Most people know Emelianenko simply by his first name, Fedor. Emelianenko made his name in Pride. He is well-known for his fighting ability and also for his inability to come to contractual terms with the UFC. Emelianenko is widely considered to be undefeated. He was once TKO’d by a cut as determined by the doctors. Fedor has never been knocked out or forced to quit in his career, except by that doctor.

3. Royce Gracie

– Royce is thought to be the most talented of the many fighters from the Gracie family that helped popularize Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in MMA’s infancy. Gracie dominated the early UFC competitions winning UFC’s 1, 2, and 4.

2. Anderson Silva

– Silva, like St. Pierre is usually on the tip of the tongue when talking about the greatest pound for pound fighters of all time. Silva’s lanky frame and cool demeanor intimidate nearly every opponent he faces. Wins over Dan Henderson and two wins over Rich Franklin highlight Silva’s career. Additionally, Silva stepped up to fight Forrest Griffin, a UFC heavyweight and handed Griffin a historic embarrassment where he seemed to barely be trying.

1. Randy Couture

– Couture is also known as “Captain America.” Couture is widely revered and sometimes considered overrated by MMA fans. His willingness to fight at various weight classes, tough chin, and unwillingness to quit even in the face of a broken arm cements him as a UFC hall of famer and bona fide legend. Couture has competed in 15 title fights and has been a UFC champion on five separate occasions.

Conclusion to Best Fighters

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