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The UFC has been around since 1993, however, Dana White and the Fertitta Brothers only took over the business in 2001. Under the reign of White, funded by Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, the company rose to its prominent spot as one of the biggest combat sports companies in the world. The 'GOAT' of any sport is a highly discussed topic, and over the last three decades, the organization has seen quite a few.
Today we take a look at the consensus Top 10 fighters in the UFC. This list is based not just purely on fighting skills alone, but also on the impact of the fighter on the UFC or a particular weight division.
#10. Randy Couture
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Randy Couture is one of the most dominant grapplers the UFC has ever seen. 'The Natural' was the man who became a champion in two different weight divisions even before BJ Penn did it. Couture holds the record for most title fights with 16. He also holds the record for the most wins in heavyweight championship bouts with six.
He switched between the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions with ease and used his high-level grappling skills to wear most of his opponents down. He was a trailblazer for the UFC and is a legend of the sport.
#9. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is one of the most influential fighters the UFC has ever seen. It is safe to say that the Irishman is responsible for the fame and reach the company is enjoying today. During his prolific career, his fights brought in record-breaking PPV and live attendance numbers, and his iconic trash-talking press conferences and interviews have been immortalized.
'The Notorious' also had the skills to back up his trash talk. He became the first fighter to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously when he beat Eddie Alvarez in 2016. His dominance and overall skill may not match up to the rest of the fighters on this list, but his influence in the sport has been spectacular.
#8. BJ Penn
BJ Penn is one of the most talented fighters the UFC has seen. 'The Prodigy' was well-rounded in every aspect of his game. He was a volume boxer who would outbox his opponents and had high-level grappling and submission skills. It was these skills that enabled him to become one of the only people to hold a title in two different weight classes.
#7. Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo is the fighter that paved the way for many great Brazilian fighters who joined the UFC. Aldo became the first featherweight champion after the WEC merger. At one point in his career, he was unbeaten for over a decade, winning 18 straight fights before fighting Conor McGregor. His era of domination and his longevity earns him the #7 position on the list.
#6 Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson is currently competing in One Championship. But the American is the inaugural UFC flyweight champion and holds a number of records in the division. 'Mighty Mouse' holds the record for the most takedowns in flyweight history and is known for his quick and unpredictable movement. He was unbeaten for over half a decade and is considered the greatest flyweight in the organization's history.
#5 Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes is the most dominant female fighter the UFC has ever seen. 'The Lioness' has put an end to multiple unbeaten records in her career. The Brazilian is one of four fighters who have held titles in two different weight classes simultaneously. She also holds wins over six former champions.
Her decorated record includes wins against the likes of Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko.
#4 Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva is one of the most talented strikers that the world of MMA has seen. The Brazilian was one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. He holds the record for the longest title reign in the history of the organization, which spanned from 2006 to 2013, a record number of 2,457 days. This reign included another record of 16 consecutive victories.
#3 Khabib Nurmagomedov
The king of ground and pound, Khabib Nurmagomedov is undeniably one of the best grapplers the organization has seen. Hailing from Dagestan, the disciplined fighter has an unblemished record of 29-0. He has fought and beaten the best fighters of his time, including Conor McGregor. Nurmagomedov retired early from the sport after his father passed away.
#2 Jon Jones
A fighter that would have been in the top spot if it weren't for his actions outside the Octagon. Jon Jones is considered the most complete fighter the world of MMA has seen. At light heavyweight, he dominated the entire division and decimated some of the best fighters of his generation with ease. His movement and unpredictable arsenal of weapons made him a force to reckon with.
However, his career will always be marked by his exploits outside the octagon, from various arrests and doping cases against him.
#1 Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre is the golden boy of the UFC, widely considered one of the best MMA fighters to have ever fought. The Canadian's era of dominance lasted almost as long as Anderson Silva and he was also a multi-division champion. He was voted the Canadian Athlete of the Year by Rogers Sportsnet three years in a row. He retired from the sport in 2013 as the reigning champion.
Four years later, he decided to return to the octagon and put on yet another dominant display to become the middleweight champion. Following this feat, he went back into retirement.
