The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has seen many great fighters over the years. Some have dominated their divisions for a long time.
Champions come and go, but a few stand above the rest. These Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters have achieved legendary status through skill and dominance.
1. Jon Jones
Jon Jones is the greatest UFC fighter of all time. His reign as light heavyweight champion was dominant. He defeated legends like Daniel Cormier, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and Lyoto Machida.
Jones has combined elite striking, wrestling, and fight IQ. His ability to adapt made him nearly unbeatable. Even outside controversies did not stop his success.
He later moved to heavyweight and won the title. His longevity and skill set put him above all others. No one has surpassed his achievements in MMA.
Most recently, Jones beat Stipe Miocic by TKO in the third round at UFC 309 to defend his heavyweight title, and we may well see him in the octagon soon.
2. Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is the best welterweight in UFC history. He ruled the division for years with his well-rounded style. His wrestling, striking, and fight IQ were elite.
GSP avenged his only UFC losses against Matt Hughes and Matt Serra. He defeated greats like BJ Penn, Carlos Condit, and Nick Diaz. His takedown defence was nearly perfect.
He retired as welterweight champion but later returned. In his comeback fight, he won the middleweight title against Michael Bisping. This cemented his legacy as one of the greatest.
3. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva is the most dominant middleweight in UFC history. He held the belt for over six years. His striking and creativity made him a fan favourite.
Silva’s knockout of Vitor Belfort with a front kick is legendary. He also embarrassed opponents with head movement and counterstriking. His wins over Rich Franklin, Chael Sonnen, and Dan Henderson were defining moments.
Later in his career, he suffered losses. However, his earlier reign was unmatched. His impact on MMA remains strong today.
Brazil has produced many of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, including Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira (1.75). However, Silva was the champion who paved the way for the South American country to become a UFC powerhouse.
4. Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson dominated the flyweight division. He held the UFC title for nearly six years. His speed, technique, and creativity were unmatched.
Johnson’s suplex-to-armbar finish against Ray Borg showed his innovation. He defended his title 11 times, a UFC record. His all-around skills made him one of the most complete fighters ever.
After leaving the UFC, he found success in ONE Championship. Despite his smaller size, his greatness is undeniable. No flyweight has matched his dominance.
5. Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes is the greatest female fighter in UFC history. She dominated both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Her power, striking, and grappling made her almost unstoppable.
She knocked out Ronda Rousey, one of the greatest women’s UFC fighters ever, in 48 seconds. She also defeated legends like Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and Holly Holm. Her win over Cyborg made her a two-division champion.
Nunes retired in 2023 as a double champion. No other woman in MMA has matched her legacy. She remains the best female fighter to ever step into the octagon.
Conclusion
These five fighters shaped the UFC’s history. They dominated their divisions and set records. Their skills and achievements make them the greatest of all time.
Other legends exist, with some such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Alex Pereira pushing our top five close, but these names stand out. They changed the sport and inspired future champions. Their legacies will live on forever.
