It’s a source of endless debate; who are the greatest UFC fighters of all time? This is why we came up with our list for the top 5 fighters to ever step into the UFC octagon.
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0)
With an undefeated record of 29-0, it isn’t hard to see how Khabib makes it onto a list of the best UFC fighters of all time. Known as “The Eagle,” Nurmagomedov competed in the lightweight division, in which he was the longest-reigning champion, holding the title from April 2018 to March 2021.
The only reason Khabib isn’t higher up on this list is his early retirement which saw him only defend his title three times. It should be noted however that he was able to submit all three of his title defense opponents; Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in dominant fashion.
4. Anderson Silva (34-11-0, 1 NC)
Anderson Silva comes in fourth on our list with one of the most dominant reigns in UFC history. Sila managed to hold the UFC Middleweight Championship for a record 2,457 days spanning all the way from 2006 until 2013. This spell included a then-record in the UFC for 16 consecutive victories.
While Silva piled up a number of losses during the latter part of his career, it doesn’t take away from his rule of the octagon during his peak. His commanding presence in the ring and ability to incur surprise knockouts made Silva one of the most exciting fighters ever to watch.
3. Demetrious Johnson (24-4-1)
DJ or “Mighty Mouse” was able to keep the UFC Flyweight Championship from 2013-2017, producing 11 straight title defenses. His eventual loss is also under constant debate, as his split-decision loss to Henry Cejudo in August of 2018 could have easily been decided in his favor.
Johnson tends to get overlooked in the discussion for the greatest fighters of all time due to his conservative personality and machine-like fighting style. His resume however speaks for itself, taking a hold of a then less popular flyweight division and putting it on the map.
2. George St. Pierre (26-2-0)
Canadian George St Pierre is widely regarded as the one of greatest fighters in MMA history and could easily be at the top of this list. GSP was a two division champion in the UFC, holding both the welterweight and middleweight championships in his illustrious career.
GSP retired with the record for most wins in title bouts and the second-longest combined title streak in UFC history (2,204 days) while defending his title nine consecutive times. He then returned in November 2017 at UFC 217 and defeated Michael Bisping to win the middleweight title. He became only the 4th fighter in UFC history to become a multi-division champion.
1. Jon Jones (26-1-0 1 NC)
Our pick for the greatest UFC fighter of all time should come as too big a surprise. Jon “Bones” Jones won the light heavyweight title at just 23 years old and then went on to defend it 11 times. Jones holds many records in the light heavyweight division, including most title defenses, most wins and longest win streak.
Jones is still an active fighter and is expected to be contesting for the heavyweight title in the coming months. If he is able to add the heavyweight jewel onto his crown he should cement his place at the top of this list for years to come.
