5 current UFC fighters who remind us of  legends from the past

#4: Kamaru Usman – the new Georges St-Pierre (former UFC welterweight champion)

Kamaru Usman's style inside the octagon is definitely reminiscent of Georges St-Pierre

Reigning UFC welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman has always stated that his goal is to surpass the legacy of the widely-recognised greatest fighter of all time, Georges St-Pierre.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ still has a long way to go before achieving this feat. So far, he has put together five successful title defenses compared to GSP’s total of nine, but he has got the time to get there.

Part of the reason why Usman has been so successful is that he followed the blueprint laid down by St-Pierre during his lengthy reign as champion. More than any other fighter right now, Usman seems capable of emulating the Canadian’s virtuoso performances.

Just like St-Pierre, Usman’s main strength lies in wrestling. Like GSP, he seems capable of taking any opponent he faces to the ground, using a mix of phenomenal grappling technique and strength.

The Nigerian Nightmare’ has picked up more standing knockouts in the octagon than GSP did. However, the way in which he uses his stiff jab to set up his strikes – largely allowing him to pick his foes apart – comes right out of the Canadian’s playbook.

Fans have targeted Usman for being a dull fighter at times which St-Pierre also had to also deal with throughout his career. If Usman’s goal is to surpass St-Pierre’s legacy, then by emulating the Canadian’s style in the octagon, he’s going about it the correct way.

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#3: Justin Gaethje – the new Chuck Liddell (former UFC light heavyweight champion)

Justin Gaethje's takedown defense and heavy hands are often reminiscent of Chuck Liddell

Though forgettable now, given that so many years have passed, Chuck Liddell was undoubtedly the UFC’s biggest star in his prime.

‘The Iceman’ held the promotion’s light-heavyweight title from 2005 to 2007. He made four successful title defenses, and his finishes of opponents like Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz made him the planet’s most feared knockout artist.

Liddell’s chin eventually failed him, causing a quick decline at the end of his UFC career. However, at his peak, his brand of power-punching, particularly on the counter, and impenetrable takedown defense made him a genuine monster inside the octagon.

Sure, Liddell’s chin eventually failed him – causing a quick decline at the end of his UFC career – but at his peak, his brand of power-punching, particularly on the counter, and impenetrable takedown defense made him a genuine monster inside the octagon.

The current light-heavyweight division doesn’t have a fighter to closely compare to Liddell, but the lightweight division certainly does in the form of former interim champion Justin Gaethje.

Like Liddell, the softly-spoken Gaethje prefers to do his talking inside the octagon. Despite coming from a strong wrestling background, ‘The Highlight’ prefers to grapple in reverse, using his skills to stay vertical to use his heavy hands.

Gaethje could be considered more reckless than Liddell, but ‘The Iceman’ often took hard shots – allowing his chin to pull him through his wins. More recently, though, ‘The Highlight’ has developed a more Liddell-like game. He prefers his opponents to make a move towards him before destroying them with his brutal counter shots.

Will Gaethje be able to emulate ‘The Iceman’ by claiming UFC gold at some point? Only time will tell, but a lack of distinctive Mohawk aside, this comparison is clear to see.