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The debate over who holds the title of the greatest UFC fighter of all time has been ongoing for years, with MMA fans still divided on the issue. As the sport has evolved, the champions from the early days of the UFC often take a backseat to the accomplishments of more recent fighters.
Despite his immense impact on the sport, UFC superstar Conor McGregor is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest fighters in history. When evaluating contenders for this prestigious title, factors such as their performance, the nature of their victories and defeats, championship wins, successful title defenses, the caliber of their opponents, and their longevity in the sport are all considered essential criteria.
1. Stipe Miocic
Stipe Miocic has cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant forces in UFC history. With four successful title defenses across two championship reigns, he holds the record for the most victories in UFC heavyweight title bouts. His reign also includes the longest consecutive title defense streak in the division, marked by three straight wins.
In addition to his championship milestones, Miocic has earned a UFC heavyweight record nine fight-night bonus awards. These achievements have firmly established him as the consensus greatest heavyweight in UFC history.
2. Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman’s remarkable 15-fight winning streak, which included five successful welterweight title defenses, firmly established him as one of the most dominant forces in UFC welterweight history. Key victories over elite contenders like Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal—both defeated twice—significantly elevated his legacy.
Despite currently being on a three-fight skid, the competitive nature of those losses has kept fans hopeful and intrigued about his potential resurgence in the Octagon.
3. Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier’s historic accomplishment of becoming a simultaneous two-division UFC champion places him among the most elite athletes in the sport’s history. Triumphs over iconic names such as Anderson Silva, Anthony Johnson, Dan Henderson, and Stipe Miocic further cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in mixed martial arts.
His unforgettable rivalry with Jon Jones remains one of the most compelling chapters in UFC history, marked by intense matchups and a storyline that captivated fans worldwide.
4. Jose Aldo
José Aldo is widely celebrated by MMA fans and analysts alike as the greatest featherweight in the sport’s history. His extraordinary nine-year undefeated run—spanning both the WEC and UFC—set a benchmark for dominance in the division. After a stunning 13-second loss to Conor McGregor in 2015, Aldo made a resilient comeback, reclaiming the UFC Featherweight Championship and later earning a title shot in the bantamweight division.
5. Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes took women’s MMA to unprecedented heights during her prime. With victories over elite opponents like Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and a decisive win that marked the end of Ronda Rousey’s career, Nunes built a legacy defined by dominance.
As the only woman in UFC history to hold and successfully defend titles in two weight classes, her reign was unmatched. Her consistent excellence and ability to retain both belts earned her widespread respect, firmly establishing her as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.
6. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva’s striking prowess in MMA is the stuff of legend, defined by his ability to finish opponents with an array of creative and unpredictable techniques. The Brazilian icon brought a level of finesse and innovation to the stand-up game rarely seen in the sport. His greatest accomplishment remains his historic UFC title reign—lasting an astonishing 2,457 days and featuring 16 straight victories—setting a standard of dominance that may never be matched.
7. Jon Jones
Jon Jones’ UFC career is a complex blend of unrivaled talent, headline-making controversies, and an extraordinary list of accomplishments. Despite the turbulence outside the cage, Jones has consistently proven his brilliance inside it. At just 23, he became the youngest champion in UFC history, quickly dismantling a lineup of elite veterans and rising stars in the sport’s modern era.
Following a three-year hiatus, Jones made a triumphant return—seamlessly claiming the UFC heavyweight title and reaffirming his place among the most naturally gifted and accomplished fighters in MMA history.
8. Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre’s legacy in mixed martial arts stands unmatched, defined by his championship success across two weight classes and a spotless record against every opponent he faced.
At his peak, St-Pierre reigned supreme over the welterweight division, defending his title nine times against a stacked lineup of top-tier contenders in one of the UFC’s most competitive eras. His consistent ability to adapt and overcome every challenge cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.
9. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s flawless 29-0 record stands as a testament to his dominance and precision inside the Octagon, firmly establishing him as one of the most formidable figures in MMA history. Signature victories over elite opponents like Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Justin Gaethje further cemented his legacy as a true icon of the sport.
While some debate his standing among the all-time greats due to a relatively brief reign at the top—retiring undefeated at just 32—there’s no denying that Khabib’s unmatched grappling, composure, and perfect record secure his place among the most elite fighters the UFC has ever seen.
10. Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson’s remarkable achievement of defending his flyweight title 11 times between 2013 and 2018 underscores his unmatched mastery of the division. His ability to finish fights with dazzling submissions and knockout victories solidified his place as the undisputed flyweight king.
However, Johnson’s dominance also presented a unique challenge: a lack of worthy competition. His relentless success left few challengers who could threaten his reign. After suffering a controversial decision loss to Henry Cejudo, Johnson transitioned to One Championship, where he continued to thrive and showcase his exceptional skill.
