Counting down to the best MMA fighter of all time

#3 Anderson Silva (1997 to present)

"The Spider" had the longest title reign in UFC history

Ask anybody who they consider among the top UFC fighter's of all time. Many people will answer that question with the following name: Anderson Silva.

Silva began his career in his native Brazil before he jumped to PRIDE in 2002 where he fought four times, winning three; most notably over Alexander Otsuka and Carlos Newton.

In 2006, nine years after his MMA debut, Silva finally found his way to UFC where he won the Middleweight Championship in his second fight for the promotion at UFC 64.

From there, Silva held that title for an incredible record breaking 2,457 day reign, which finally ended seven years after it began at UFC 162 in July 2013, when he dropped the strap to Chris Weidman.

Silva's reign is the longest of any title in UFC history.

His unique fighting style which encompassed aggressive counter-attacking, combined with the sharp head movement of boxing, a precise striking accuracy, the ability to switch between an orthodox stance and southpaw, and a strong ground and submission game, made Silva the finest MMA fighter in the world.

He's defeated a who's who of MMA in his long career including luminaries such as: Rich Franklin (twice), Dan Henderson, Forest Griffin, Demian Maia, Chael Sonnen (twice), Vitor Belfort and Stephan Bonnar.

Unfortunately, the loss of the Middleweight belt spelt the end of Silva's dominance and he has won only one of six fights since. Retirement is close. But what a ride it has been.