Top 10 Greatest MMA Fighters of All Time

Honorable Mentions: Matt Hughes (45-9), Alexander Volkanovski (26-2), Coner McGregor (22-6), Chuck Liddell (21-8), Dan Henderson (32-15), Israel Adesanya (24-2), Randy Couture (19-11), Henry Cejudo (16-2), BJ Penn (16-14-2), Max Holloway (24-7)

10. Kamaru Usman

Record: 23-3

Though it may be an unpopular opinion, Kamaru Usman’s inclusion in this list of the greatest MMA fighters in history is well-deserved. Coming from a wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, he became the first Nigerian to hold a UFC championship when he defeated Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title at UFC 235. Usman’s subsequent run as a defending champion, successfully defending his title five times, and having one of the longest win streaks in history (15 fights), showcased his dominance. His versatile skill set, composed fighting style, and relentless pursuit of excellence solidify his place among the sport’s all-time greats, leaving an indelible mark on the history of MMA.

9. Stipe Miocic

Record: 20-4

Stipe Miocic has solidified his status among the MMA goats by successfully defending his heavyweight championship against a formidable trio of opponents in Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, and Francis Ngannou in successive battles. Furthermore, his triumph in two out of three fights against Daniel Cormier to secure the trilogy only heightened his legacy. Despite his second-round knockout loss to Ngannou in March, one should never underestimate Miocic’s resilience, as he prepares to fight another legend, Jon Jones, in a heavyweight title fight. History demonstrates that Miocic resurfaces with unwavering determination following setbacks. 

8. Jose Aldo

Record: 31-8

Starting in World Extreme Cagefighting and eventually making his way to the UFC, Jose Aldo carved his path to becoming the featherweight champion. Aldo’s legacy as the greatest featherweight of all time was solidified as he claimed the WEC featherweight championship, defended the belt twice, and then transitioned to the UFC as the reigning champion when the division was absorbed by the promotion. With an additional seven successful title defenses, his reign only faltered when he encountered Conor McGregor in 2014. His dominance was highlighted by a remarkable winning streak of 18 fights, spanning over a decade. After having a formidable record of 25-1, Aldo finished his final 13 fights, with a disappointing record of 6-7, though his legacy still stands as one of the greatest of all time.

7. Daniel “D.C.” Cormier

Record: 23-3, 1 NC

Daniel Cormier achieved the rare feat of holding two championships simultaneously in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, becoming the second fighter to ever do so. Throughout his MMA career, Cormier conquered top fighters in both weight classes, successfully defending the light heavyweight title three times and the heavyweight belt once. Although he faced major losses against Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, Cormier’s reign as champion was nothing short of impressive and his resume stands as a testament to his numerous accomplishments. Following his retirement after consecutive losses to Stipe Miocic, Cormier has found success as a UFC commentator, showcasing his insight and expertise in the sport he once dominated.

6. Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson

Record: 25-4-1

Demetrious Johnson, despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-3 and 125 pounds, has solidified himself as one of the greatest of all time. With an impressive record of 16-1-1 since moving to the flyweight division, Johnson was widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport for a significant period. As the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, he displayed his supremacy by successfully defending the title a remarkable 11 times. However, DJ didn’t generate significant mainstream attention, resulting in the UFC’s decision to part ways with him after a controversial split decision loss to Henry Cejudo. Nonetheless, Johnson’s dominance continued to shine in ONE Championship, where he triumphantly won their flyweight grand prix tournament, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

5. Anderson “The Spider” Silva

Record: 34-11

Anderson Silva was undoubtedly the greatest striker in MMA history. He held the middleweight championship for an astonishing 2,457 days, which is the longest title reign in UFC history. Silva’s brilliance transcended weight divisions, as he fought in the light heavyweight three times, knocking out James Irvin, Forrest Griffin, and Stephan Bonnar. His dominance was unrivaled, systematically dismantling opponents and displaying a striking game that was years ahead of its time. Though his peak eventually came to an abrupt end due to a devastating injury, for a significant period, Silva reigned as the undisputed best fighter in the world, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

4. Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko

Record: 40-7, 1 NC

Fedor Emelianenko, despite never competing in the UFC, remains a legendary figure and one of, if not the greatest heavyweights in MMA history. Throughout his career in promotions like Pride, Strikeforce, and Bellator, he showcased exceptional skills, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Fedor’s power punching and dominant ground-and-pound style defined him, but his versatility and superb striking abilities were also evident. Although we never witnessed his talents in the UFC, his remarkable 27-fight winning streak, capturing the PRIDE heavyweight title and defeating some of the world’s best, firmly establishes him as one of the all-time greats.

3. Georges St-Pierre

Record: 26-2

Georges St-Pierre, without a doubt, holds the title of the greatest welterweight in UFC history. He showcased his dominance by winning the welterweight championship not once, but twice, and successfully defended it a remarkable nine times. While he did face defeats against Hughes and Serra, he left no doubt in their rematches that he was the superior fighter. Throughout his career, he defeated a formidable lineup of contenders, rarely displaying any weakness. GSP retired at the pinnacle of his game after a brutal, albeit controversial, victory over Johny Hendricks. However, four years later, he came back and defeated Michael Bisping, claiming the middleweight championship, which added another small touch to his legacy.

2. Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov

Record: 29-0

Renowned for his exceptional grappling skills, Khabib Nurmagomedov reigned as an unstoppable force in the UFC lightweight division. His flawless ground game consistently wore down opponents, leading them to submission. Khabib triumphed over the elite of the division, defeating the likes of Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Rafael Dos Anjos, showcasing his unwavering dominance. However, tragedy struck when Khabib’s father passed away, which deeply impacted him. In a stunning decision, he chose to retire at the peak of his career, holding the lightweight championship belt and an undefeated record. This departure left fans and pundits in awe, forever cementing Khabib’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. His remarkable journey stands as a testament to his unrivaled talent, resilience, and unyielding spirit within the octagon.

1. Jon “Bones” Jones

Record: 27-1, 1 NC

Jones has become an unstoppable force in the UFC, rising quickly as the light heavyweight champion at the age of 23, making him the youngest to do so. As a champion, he had a record breaking 11 title defenses. He defeated top fighters like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans, Daniel Cormier, and Vitor Belfort, establishing himself the greatest light heavyweight ever. His one loss coming from a disqualification against Matt Hammill due to throwing illegal elbows. Recently, he made an amazing move up to the heavyweight division and won the championship belt by defeating Cyril Gane. This accomplishment of becoming a two-division champion solidified Jones’ status as the greatest MMA fighter of all time.