5 retired UFC fighters that should be inducted into the Hall of Fame

UFC 200: Tate v Nunes
UFC 200: Tate v Nunes

#2. Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier - UFC 230 Cormier v Lewis
Daniel Cormier - UFC 230 Cormier v Lewis

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.

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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 Silva - UFC 234 Adesanya v Silva
Anderson Silva - UFC 234 Adesanya v 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.

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Edited by John Cunningham
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