5 UFC fighters from the previous generation all new fans should know

#2 Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture

Former UFC two-weight champion Randy Couture

The first UFC fighter to win the title in two separate divisions, Randy Couture enjoyed a storied MMA career spanning 14 years. 'The Natural' was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in June 2006, following which he fought eight times in the promotion.

Couture holds several impressive records. He is the oldest fighter to win a UFC title (43 years and 255 days) and won four championship fights after turning 40. He has also competed in the most championship fights in UFC history (15), putting on six championship reigns and main eventing 18 times.

Couture beat legends like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfort in the UFC, and faced other top-tier competitors like Brock Lesnar, Lyoto Machida and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

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#1 Royce Gracie

20 years ago today, Kazushi Sakuraba defeated Royce Gracie in the longest fight in MMA history.#Pride pic.twitter.com/HmH46TmNUx

— Jon Realejo (@BloodyCanvasJon) May 1, 2020

Arguably the most influential figure in the history of MMA, jiu-jitsu legend Royce Gracie shaped the sport as we know it today. The Brazilian, who won the UFC 1, UFC 2 and UFC 4 tournaments, was the first inductee in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Gracie participated in the longest fight in UFC history (36 minutes) against Ken Shamrock at UFC 5. Using his incredible submission skills to beat considerably bigger fighters who hadn't been exposed to the world of grappling, he introduced a new aspect of MMA to the world.

Gracie's legacy is often contested by critics, but there's no doubting the fact that the UFC wouldn't be anywhere near where it is right now if not for his contributions.