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MMA is one of the few sports in which likeability does not translate to popularity. An organization like the UFC demands flashy, outspoken fighters. Loud-mouthed athletes often generate the most hype, making matchmaking easy and sellable. Polarizing figures are often the most successful in MMA, while likable fighters are pushed to the side in favor of their eccentric counterparts.
This comes in stark contrast to the core tenets of MMA. Respect and humility must come above all else for fighters. With a dearth of these attributes on the UFC roster, the few that show such qualities have become extremely likable.
Georges St-Pierre, one of the best fighters ever, was liked for his intelligent, charismatic, yet respectful behavior. Others, such as Conor McGregor, polarize opinion. The Irishman seems to cross all limits while disrespecting his opponents, making him loved and hated alike. His recent jab at Khabib Nurmagomedov's late father is yet another example of McGregor losing the respect of fans and his colleagues.
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However, brash personas are not always attached with polarizing figures. Some fighters have eccentric personalities, but remain likable nonetheless.
On that note, let's look at five of the most likable fighters in the UFC today:
#5. Dustin Poirier (UFC lightweight)
Dustin Poirier is coming off the two biggest wins of his MMA career. After dominating Conor McGregor at UFC 257, ‘The Diamond’ replicated his performance and picked up another TKO win over the Irishman at UFC 264. Despite being launched into superstardom after two fights against ‘The Notorious,’ Dustin Poirier remains as classy as ever.
Perhaps the greatest example of this was seen during pre-fight events at UFC 264. While Conor McGregor was threatening Poirier’s family, ‘The Diamond’ revealed that he bore no ill-will against the Irishman. A lesser man would’ve stooped to McGregor’s level, but Poirier remained respectful of his trash-talking opponent.
Dustin Poirier has always been a humble competitor. 'The Diamond' continues to give props to the fighters he has faced, even those he has lost against. Poirier recently spoke about Khabib Nurmagomedov's grappling ability, saying the Russian is on another level. 'The Diamond' lost to Khabib at UFC 242.
Poirier's incredible journey from an alcoholic teenager to the top-ranked lightweight in the world has made him a household name. The Louisiana native used mixed martial arts to add structure to his life, and it shows in his demeanor.
Dustin Poirier's genuine persona and elite skills inside the octagon make him very likable. His upcoming lightweight championship showdown against Charles Oliveira could propel 'The Diamond' to even further heights of superstardom in the UFC.
#4. Stephen Thompson (UFC welterweight)
‘Wonderboy’ has been a fan-favorite since his promotional debut at UFC 143. The kickboxing phenom won several followers courtesy of his flashy yet technical style. Since then, Stephen Thompson has been dubbed the ‘Nicest MFer’ (NMF) in the UFC. It’s not hard to see why.
During the build-up to his showdown against welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 209, the two fighters took part in an interview. While ‘The Chosen One’ could be seen maintaining an aggressive attitude in his responses, Thompson calmly asked Woodley why he was being mean. His natural charisma and wit made the champion laugh, breaking his hostile act.
Watch the hilarious interaction below:
Unfortunately for ‘Wonderboy,’ his likability hasn’t translated to big fights. Before facing Gilbert Burns at UFC 264, Thompson’s last fight of note was his second attempt at the welterweight belt against Tyron Woodley. He also hasn’t headlined a card since losing to ‘The Chosen One’ at UFC 209.
For someone who remains an elite contender and a fan-favorite, Stephen Thompson receives little attention from the UFC.
#3. Max Holloway (UFC featherweight)
Max Holloway is a true warrior. The former featherweight champion has been one of the most active fighters in the UFC. He has had 28 fights under the banner since his debut in 2012. An eccentric personality, ‘Blessed’ is never shy of a challenge. Whether it’s beating the legendary Jose Aldo while initially training for Frankie Edgar or destroying Brian Ortega after a health scare, Max Holloway does not back down. This was most apparent when Tony Ferguson’s fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 was canceled. Holloway was ready to step in on one-week notice against the most dominant lightweight the world has ever seen.
It’s this brash, eccentric and self-confident persona that makes Max Holloway likable. ‘Blessed’ has mastered the art of selling himself without disrespecting his opponents. Apart from his tendencies outside the octagon, his antics inside it generate the most eyeballs for Holloway.
‘Blessed’ is an entertaining fighter, to say the least. Holloway holds the record for significant strikes landed in the UFC. With 2618 strikes, ‘Blessed’ enjoys almost a 900-strike lead over second-placed Donald Cerrone. He’s also 10th in the UFC in striking differential, meaning he almost always enjoys the upper hand in standup exchanges. His high-pressure, relentless and destructive style has made him a fan favorite.
On top of his elite technique, Holloway also has a tendency to do hilarious things inside the octagon. During his bout against Brian Ortega at UFC 231, ‘Blessed’ gave a coaching session to his opponent mid-fight. After hitting Ortega with two clean straights, Holloway proceeded to show ‘T-City’ how to block his punches.
Watch the hilarious octagon moment below:
Holloway also loves talking to the commentary team. Especially while he’s fighting someone. During his fight against Calvin Kattar, Holloway produced one of the most viral UFC moments of the year. While in a striking exchange with Kattar, ‘Blessed’ stared at the commentary team and claimed he was the best boxer in the UFC. All while dodging Kattar’s punches and landing his own.
Watch the Matrix-like sequence below:
Max Holloway’s persona outside the octagon and antics inside it make him one of the most likable UFC fighters today.
#2. Brandon Moreno (UFC flyweight)
UFC flyweight champion and LEGO enthusiast Brandon Moreno is one of the most charming fighters on the roster. His ride in the promotion drives it home for most. The Mexican was cut from the UFC after two straight losses to Sergio Pettis and Alexandre Pantoja.
He discussed the feeling on an episode of Brendan Schaub’s Food Truck Diaries series, saying:
"That moment was a really painful process to me because everything wasn't as noble. The UFC released me... and then all the problems started coming into my life. Like no money, personal problems, my youngest daughter had surgery… In that moment I feel like trash. Like a real loser. I don't have too much motivation in that moment.”
Moreno soon earned another shot in the promotion, against Askar Askarov. Although they fought to a draw, the performance was enough to grant the Mexican a prolonged stay in the UFC. He then beat rising star Kai Kara-France and two others before meeting then-champion Deiveson Figueiredo. After fighting to a decision draw in a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender in 2020, Moreno beat the Brazilian in a rematch at UFC 263 to win the flyweight belt and become the first Mexican champion in the promotion’s history.
Brandon Moreno is also an endearing character outside the octagon. He once said he drew inspiration from Rose Namajunas in his fight against Figueiredo. The humble star isn't afraid to show his admiration of other fighters. There are moments he becomes a fan when meeting other UFC superstars. At the press conference for UFC 263, Moreno sat next to cult-hero Nate Diaz. While answering a question, the Mexican professed his admiration of ‘The Stockton Slugger.’ Moreno seemed genuinely delighted to meet Diaz, as a fan would.
Watch the moment below:
The Mexican is also a huge fan of pop vinyl and maintains a large collection. He was seen talking about it with Israel Adesanya during an Embedded episode. He also signs fans’ autographs and card collections when he can. Even Canelo Alvarez was full of praise for Moreno! It’s no shock to see that the UFC flyweight champion has become an extremely likable fighter.
#1. Rose Namajunas (UFC strawweight)
Rose Namajunas is the current women’s strawweight champion. Her rise to the top has been filled with trials and tribulations. She initially won the belt at UFC 217, beating Joanna Jedrzejczyk against all odds. In a mammoth upset, ‘Thug’ knocked Joanna out in the first round. She then beat the Polish superstar again at UFC 223, solidifying her status as a legitimate champion.
However, her second title defense did not go to plan. Facing Jessica Andrade in Brazil, Namajunas lost the fight after being knocked out by a slam in the second round. She was set to face Andrade in a rematch when she withdrew from the fight, citing a pair of deaths in the family during the pandemic.
Despite admittedly struggling with mental health issues and familial matters, Rose stepped up to face strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 261. She shocked the world again after knocking her Chinese opponent out in the first round via a head kick. Rose Namajunas then made a heartfelt and emotional statement in the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Watch the iconic post-fight interview below:
Joe Rogan, on an episode of his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, discussed the post-fight interview and got visibly emotional. Rogan also spoke about her docile nature, and her pre- and post-fight exclamations of, “I’m the best!” According to the UFC commentator, Namajunas uses the words to overcome obstacles and personal hurdles.
Watch Namajunas chanting her magic words:
Her roller-coaster journey and self-belief make Rose Namajunas possibly the most likable fighter on the UFC roster.
