The UFC has reached a monumental milestone, celebrating 30 years of thrilling fights and unforgettable moments. To honor this achievement, MMA Junkie has painstakingly compiled a list of the 30 greatest UFC fighters of all time. This ultimate ranking, comprising the composite scores from 12 esteemed staff members, showcases the creme de la creme of the Octagon.
And now, we unveil the top 5 UFC fighters of all time. These legendary combatants have left an indelible mark on the sport, displaying extraordinary skill, resilience, and determination.
The Top 5 UFC Fighters of All Time
1. Georges St-Pierre – Widely regarded as the greatest UFC fighter of all time, St-Pierre’s dominance and well-rounded abilities have secured his place at the top of our list.
2. Jon Jones – With an unparalleled reign as the light heavyweight champion, Jones’s incredible skill set and unrivaled prowess have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in the Octagon.
3. Anderson Silva – A true legend in the sport, Silva’s striking prowess and record-breaking middleweight title defenses have earned him a well-deserved spot among the top 5.
4. Demetrious Johnson – Known affectionately as “Mighty Mouse,” Johnson’s exceptional talent in the flyweight division and historic accomplishments place him among the greatest fighters in UFC history.
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov – The undefeated Nurmagomedov’s mastery of grappling techniques and unbeatable record make him an undeniable force in the Octagon and a worthy addition to the top 5 list.
Honorable Mentions and Notable Fighters
While the top 5 fighters rightly claim their spots, numerous other remarkable athletes have left an indelible impact on the sport. Kamaru Usman’s impressive winning streak and title defenses, Conor McGregor’s unparalleled charisma and knockout power, José Aldo’s record-breaking featherweight reign, and Chuck Liddell’s captivating fighting style are just a few notable examples of influential fighters who have left their mark.
These fighters, along with others featured on the comprehensive list, serve as a testament to the exciting and awe-inspiring world of UFC. Each has carved their own legacy and contributed to the growth and enduring appeal of mixed martial arts.
The Top 5 UFC Fighters of All Time
According to MMA Junkie’s rankings, the top 5 UFC fighters of all time are Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Demetrious Johnson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. These legendary fighters have earned their spots at the pinnacle of the sport with their exceptional skills and remarkable accomplishments.
At the top of the list is Georges St-Pierre, widely regarded as the greatest UFC fighter of all time. Known for his dominant performances and well-rounded skills, St-Pierre’s legacy is cemented by his reign as the welterweight champion and successful title defenses.
Jon Jones, another exceptional fighter, has left a lasting impact on the sport. With his impressive skills inside the octagon and a record-breaking reign as the light heavyweight champion, Jones has solidified his status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
Anderson Silva, with his legendary striking abilities, has enthralled fans throughout his career. Holding the record for the most successful middleweight title defenses, Silva’s incredible skill set and captivating style have made him an unforgettable figure in the Octagon.
Demetrious Johnson, affectionately known as “Mighty Mouse,” is considered one of the finest flyweight fighters to have ever graced the UFC. His speed, technique, and dominance in the flyweight division are unparalleled, securing his place among the greatest fighters of all time.
Rounding out the top 5 is Khabib Nurmagomedov, known for his unbeaten record and dominant grappling skills. With his unparalleled ability to control and submit his opponents, Nurmagomedov has carved out a legendary career that has left a lasting impression on the sport.
| Rank | Fighter | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georges St-Pierre | Welterweight champion, successful title defenses |
| 2 | Jon Jones | Long reign as light heavyweight champion |
| 3 | Anderson Silva | Most successful middleweight title defenses |
| 4 | Demetrious Johnson | Considered one of the greatest flyweights in UFC history |
| 5 | Khabib Nurmagomedov | Unbeaten record, dominant grappling skills |
Honorable Mentions and Notable Fighters
In addition to the top 5 fighters, several other notable names appear on the list, including Kamaru Usman, Conor McGregor, José Aldo, and Chuck Liddell.
Kamaru Usman is recognized for his impressive winning streak and multiple welterweight title defenses. His dominant performances in the octagon have solidified his status as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC.
Conor McGregor, known for his larger-than-life personality and explosive fighting style, gained fame for his trash-talking and knockout power. He holds the distinction of being the first-ever simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history.
José Aldo, a fighter with incredible skill and resilience, is regarded as one of the greatest featherweight fighters to ever compete in the UFC. With a record-breaking title reign and numerous successful defenses, Aldo’s legacy is etched in the annals of UFC history.
Chuck Liddell, often referred to as “The Iceman,” played a crucial role in popularizing the UFC with his aggressive fighting style and memorable knockouts. His legendary career helped pave the way for the sport’s mainstream success.
These honorable mentions and notable fighters, along with others on the list, have left a lasting impact on the sport of MMA. Their extraordinary talent, legendary careers, and influential contributions have shaped the UFC into what it is today.
FAQ
Who determined the rankings for the top 5 UFC fighters of all time?
The rankings were determined by the composite ranking of MMA Junkie’s 12 staff members’ individual lists.
Who are the top 5 UFC fighters of all time according to MMA Junkie’s rankings?
The top 5 UFC fighters of all time, according to MMA Junkie’s rankings, are Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Demetrious Johnson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Why is Georges St-Pierre ranked as the number one fighter of all time?
Georges St-Pierre is ranked as the number one fighter of all time due to his dominant performances and well-rounded skills.
Why is Jon Jones highly regarded in the UFC?
Jon Jones is highly regarded for his long reign as the light heavyweight champion and his impressive skills inside the octagon.
What makes Anderson Silva a legendary fighter?
Anderson Silva is a legendary fighter known for his striking abilities and successful middleweight title defenses.
Why is Demetrious Johnson considered one of the greatest flyweight fighters in UFC history?
Demetrious Johnson, also known as “Mighty Mouse,” is considered one of the greatest flyweight fighters in UFC history due to his impressive skills and accomplishments in the division.
What makes Khabib Nurmagomedov one of the top 5 UFC fighters of all time?
Khabib Nurmagomedov is known for his unbeaten record and dominant grappling skills, which solidify his place as one of the top 5 UFC fighters of all time.
Who are some notable fighters that appear on the list?
Along with the top 5 fighters, several other notable names appear on the list, including Kamaru Usman, Conor McGregor, José Aldo, and Chuck Liddell.
What are Kamaru Usman’s notable achievements in the UFC?
Kamaru Usman is recognized for his impressive winning streak and multiple welterweight title defenses.
What made Conor McGregor gain fame in the UFC?
Conor McGregor gained fame for his trash-talking and knockout power, becoming the first-ever simultaneous two-division champion in the UFC.
Why is José Aldo regarded as one of the greatest featherweight fighters?
José Aldo is regarded as one of the greatest featherweight fighters in the UFC due to his record-breaking title reign and impressive performances.
How did Chuck Liddell influence the UFC?
Chuck Liddell played a crucial role in popularizing the UFC with his aggressive fighting style and memorable knockouts.
What impact have these fighters left on the sport?
These fighters, along with others on the list, have left a lasting impact on the sport of UFC and have cemented their places in its history.