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After the pandemic forced the UFC to postpone many events, the promotion officially honored their latest Hall of Fame inductees. The Hall of Fame ceremony took place during International Fight Week and culminated with UFC 266. The star-studded Hall of Fame class was headlined by former UFC middleweight and welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
The Hall of Fame was established in 2003, with MMA legends Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock being the inaugural inductees. The UFC made the right decision in 2015, when they chose to make changes to the selection process. The changes included splitting-up the Hall of Fame into separate categories that ensured each era would be fairly represented. The categories were Pioneer wing, Modern-era wing, Contributors, and Fights.
Even though each inductee has been deserving, there are still many notable omissions. This list will look at 5 retired fighters that should be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
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#5. Former UFC lightweight champion Jens 'Lil Evil' Pulver
When looking back at the history of the UFC, it's hard to overlook the accomplishments of Jens 'Lil Evil' Pulver. It's crazy to think that the inaugural UFC lightweight champion hasn't been inducted into their Hall of Fame. Not only was Pulver the first lightweight champion, but he was a true pioneer for the sport's lighter weight-classes.
'Lil Evil' began his MMA career in 1999 and would quickly move up the ranks in the sport. Pulver earned a reputation for his exciting fighting style. In his first 10 MMA fights, Pulver had a 7-2-1 record with 5 of those wins coming via KO/TKO.
After an 11 second knockout victory over John Smith at UFC 28, Pulver would have an opportunity to make history. Pulver fought Caol Uno at UFC 31 for the inaugural UFC lightweight championship, which he won by unanimous decision.
Pulver etched his name in the history books by becoming the first-ever UFC lightweight champion. 'Lil Evil' followed that up with two successful title defenses over experienced lightweight Dennis Hallman and BJ Penn. Pulver won both fights by decision - a unanimous decision win over Hallman and a majority decision over Penn. However, Pulver would then relinquish the title and leave the UFC due to a contract dispute.
Based on what he accomplished early in his career, there's no reason why Pulver shouldn't have already been inducted.
#4. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Frank Shamrock
Arguably the UFC's biggest Hall of Fame omission is former UFC light heavyweight and Strikeforce middleweight champion Frank Shamrock. The adopted brother of UFC Hall of Famer Ken Shamrock learned from the Lion's Den and created his own legacy. Shamrock had big shoes to fill after his brother Ken left the sport for a more lucrative WWE career.
Not only did Shamrock step out of his brother's shadow, but he also represented the modern era MMA. As the sport evolved, gone were the days of fighters sticking only to one style. The sport had evolved to where if somebody wanted to be the best, they needed to be well-rounded in all areas. Shamrock excelled at that and was a well-rounded fighter compared to those that came before him.
Shamrock's accomplishments in the sport were impeccable. During his 15-year career, Shamrock won the interim King of Pancrase title while competing in the Japanese-based promotion Pancrase.
Shamrock would eventually join the UFC, where he became their inaugural light heavyweight champion at UFC Japan. All of Shamrock’s UFC bouts were title fights and he remained undefeated during his tenure at 5-0. Shamrock had four successful title defenses, including his 1999 Fight of the Year win over Tito Ortiz.
Shamrock later won the WEC light heavyweight championship and Strikeforce middleweight championship before retiring in 2009.
#3. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
Another fighter that deserves to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame is former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. Just looking over his accomplishments in MMA as well as the fighters he's defeated, it shouldn't be up for debate.
Throughout his career, Jackson was a feared striker with devastating power that any moment could put his opponent on a highlight-reel. 'Rampage' became a household name fighting in Pride against some of the best fighters in the sport. Jackson defeated top fighters including Chuck Liddell and Kevin Randleman. Jackson's most memorable win was against Ricardo Arona, which ended with Arona being knocked out following a slam.
'Rampage' joined the UFC in 2007 and once again defeated Liddell, this time for the UFC light heavyweight championship. At UFC 75, Jackson made history by defeating Dan Henderson to unify both the light heavyweight and Pride middleweight championships.
Jackson proved that he was also a maketable fighter for the UFC, which is proven with the pay-per-view buyrates on his main events. Jackson's much anticipated bout with former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans at UFC 114 generated 1,050,000 pay-per-view buys. That number was significant because it was tied for second most pay-per-view buys at the time.
#2. Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier
As it pertains to Daniel Cormier being in the UFC Hall of Fame, it's not a matter of if but when. Unless something drastic happens that changes Cormier's relationship with Dana White, it's safe to say he won't be an annual omission.
'DC' burst onto the scene following a stellar amateur and freestyle wrestling career, and quickly became a top heavyweight in Strikeforce. After entering the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix as a reserve, Cormier ended up replacing Alistair Overeem in the semifinals. Cormier defeated Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva and Josh Barnett to become the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix champion.
Cormier's UFC career was no different. 'DC' defeated Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 187. After his title loss to Jon Jones was ruled a no-contest, Cormier defended his title once more at UFC 220.
After retaining his title against Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 220, Cormier returned to heavyweight, where he challenged UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 226. Cormier defeated Miocic by knockout at 4:33 of the first round and made history by becoming a two-division champion.
Cormier retained the UFC heavyweight championship against Derrick Lewis. However, 'DC' ended up losing the title to Miocic as well as the trilogy bout, and retired from the sport.
Cormier has since transitioned to a broadcasting role, where he shares his knowledge and insight on UFC events and ESPN. Based on Cormier's career and accolades, there is no doubt that he belongs in the Hall of Fame.
#1. Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson 'The Spider' Silva
Anderson 'The Spider' Silva tops this list of retired UFC fighters who should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Depending on who you ask, Silva's run as UFC middleweight champion solidified him as the greatest MMA fighter of all time. Silva was so dominant that there were times his fights looked like he was in an exhibition.
Aside from Silva's first bout with Chael Sonnen and Chris Weidman, he hardly had any trouble defending his title. Silva's performances left fans in awe at times due to how easily he'd knockout an opponent. Even in Silva's light heavyweight bouts, he still toyed with his opponents and won decisively.
One of Silva's most famous knockouts was at UFC 126, when he defeated Vitor Belfort. Silva stunned Belfort with a front kick to earn the knockout win at 3:25 of the first round.
Silva currently holds multiple records in the UFC's middleweight division. Some of Silva's records in the promotion include the longest title reign, most successful middleweight title defenses, and most middleweight title fights.
