The 20 Most Dominant UFC Legends: Who Reigns Supreme in 2024? 🏆

Video: Top 20 Greatest MMA Fighters of All Time.

The Octagon has witnessed countless battles, but only a select few have etched their names in the annals of UFC history. We’ve analyzed the careers of hundreds of fighters, considering dominance, longevity, impact, technical skill, championship success, and legacy. This isn’t just a list; it’s a journey through the evolution of MMA, a celebration of the fighters who redefined the sport.

Think about it: who would you put in your personal Top 20? Would you agree with our picks? Let’s dive into the world of UFC legends and see if you can predict who will be crowned the ultimate champion in your eyes.

Quick Answer

This list ranks the top 20 best UFC fighters of all time, considering dominance, longevity, impact, technical skill, championship success, and legacy.
The list includes fighters from various weight classes and eras, showcasing the evolution of MMA.
Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Demetrious Johnson, and Amanda Nunes are among the top contenders for the title of greatest UFC fighter of all time.

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Quick Tips and Facts
Top 20 Best UFC Fighters of All Time
Criteria for Selection
Honorable Mentions
- Fighters Who Almost Made the Top 20
- The Future of UFC: Rising Stars to Watch
Conclusion
- The Legacy of UFC’s Greatest Fighters
- The Future of MMA: A Look Ahead
Recommended Links
FAQ
Reference Links

Quick Tips and Facts

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, known for its high-stakes fights and global reach.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC): A Brief History

The UFC was founded in 1993 by Seán Comb and Art Davie, and its first event, UFC 1, took place on November 12, 1993, in Denver, Colorado. The early UFC events were characterized by a lack of rules and a focus on brutal, no-holds-barred fighting. However, the UFC quickly gained popularity and faced criticism for its perceived violence.

The Evolution of MMA: From Bare-Knuckle Brawls to Global Phenomenon

MMA has evolved significantly since its early days. The introduction of rules and regulations, including weight classes, rounds, and the use of gloves, has made the sport safer and more strategic. The UFC has also played a major role in the sport’s globalization, with events taking place in numerous countries around the world.

The Importance of Rankings and Legacy in UFC

The UFC uses a ranking system to determine the top fighters in each weight class. These rankings are based on a combination of factors, including recent performance, wins, losses, and overall dominance. The rankings are constantly evolving, and fighters can move up or down the list based on their results.

The legacy of a fighter is also an important factor in determining their place in the history of the UFC. Fighters who have achieved multiple championships, defended their titles successfully, and defeated top-ranked opponents are often considered legends of the sport.

Top 20 Best UFC Fighters of All Time

Video: My UFC Top 20 Of All Time (100% Correct).

We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 best UFC fighters of all time, considering a combination of factors, including dominance, longevity, impact, technical skill, championship success, and legacy. This list is subjective and based on our expert opinions and analysis of the fighters’ careers.

1. Jon Jones (27-1 1NC)

Jon Jones is widely considered the greatest fighter in UFC history. He has dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade, winning the title in 2011 and defending it 11 times. Jones is known for his exceptional striking, grappling, and overall athleticism. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Lyoto Machida.

Jon Jones’s dominance in the light heavyweight division is undeniable. He has a unique blend of size, speed, and technical skill that makes him a nightmare for any opponent.

Jones’s only loss came via disqualification in 2019, after he landed an illegal elbow on Cormier. This loss, however, does not diminish his overall achievements.

Jones moved up to heavyweight in 2022 and defeated Ciryl Gane to win the title. He is currently the UFC heavyweight champion.

Jon Jones is a true legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

✅ Dominance: Jones has been the dominant force in the light heavyweight division for over a decade.
✅ Longevity: Jones has been at the top of the sport for a long time.
✅ Impact: Jones has changed the way the light heavyweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Jones is a master of all aspects of MMA.
✅ Championship Success: Jones has won the light heavyweight title and defended it 11 times.
✅ Legacy: Jones is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

2. Georges St-Pierre (26-2)

Georges St-Pierre is another fighter who is often mentioned in the conversation for the greatest of all time. He dominated the welterweight division for years, winning the title in 2006 and defending it nine times. St-Pierre is known for his well-rounded skillset, including his striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Matt Serra, BJ Penn, Josh Koscheck, and Nick Diaz.

St-Pierre’s dominance was so complete that he retired undefeated in 2013. He returned to the UFC in 2017 and won the middleweight title by defeating Michael Bisping. He retired again in 2019, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

✅ Dominance: St-Pierre was the dominant force in the welterweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: St-Pierre had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: St-Pierre changed the way the welterweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: St-Pierre is a master of all aspects of MMA.
✅ Championship Success: St-Pierre has won the welterweight and middleweight titles.
✅ Legacy: St-Pierre is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

3. Anderson Silva (34-11 1NC)

Anderson Silva is widely considered the greatest middleweight fighter of all time. He dominated the division for years, winning the title in 2006 and defending it 10 times. Silva is known for his exceptional striking, particularly his kicks and punches. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, and Vitor Belfort.

Silva’s reign as middleweight champion was one of the most dominant in UFC history. He was known for his ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion, often with highlight-reel knockouts.

Silva’s career was unfortunately marred by a leg break in 2013, which ended his reign as champion. He has continued to fight since then, but he has not been able to recapture the same level of success.

✅ Dominance: Silva was the dominant force in the middleweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: Silva had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Silva changed the way the middleweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Silva is a master of striking.
✅ Championship Success: Silva has won the middleweight title and defended it 10 times.
✅ Legacy: Silva is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

4. Demetrious Johnson (25-4-1)

Demetrious Johnson is often overlooked in discussions of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, but he is arguably the most dominant flyweight champion in history. He won the title in 2012 and defended it 11 times, setting a UFC record for most consecutive title defenses. Johnson is known for his exceptional speed, agility, and technical skill. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo, and John Dodson.

Johnson’s dominance in the flyweight division was remarkable. He was able to defeat opponents with a variety of techniques, including submissions, knockouts, and decisions.

Johnson was traded to ONE Championship in 2018, where he has continued to compete at a high level. He is currently the ONE Flyweight World Champion.

✅ Dominance: Johnson was the dominant force in the flyweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: Johnson had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Johnson changed the way the flyweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Johnson is a master of all aspects of MMA.
✅ Championship Success: Johnson has won the flyweight title and defended it 11 times.
✅ Legacy: Johnson is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

5. Amanda Nunes (23-5)

Amanda Nunes is the most dominant female fighter in UFC history. She has won titles in two weight classes, the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Nunes is known for her powerful striking and her ability to finish fights. She has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Cris Cyborg.

Nunes’s dominance in the women’s divisions is undeniable. She has defeated some of the most feared fighters in the world, and she has done so with ease.

Nunes retired from fighting in 2023, but she is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

✅ Dominance: Nunes was the dominant force in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions for years.
✅ Longevity: Nunes had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Nunes changed the way the women’s divisions are fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Nunes is a master of striking and grappling.
✅ Championship Success: Nunes has won the bantamweight and featherweight titles.
✅ Legacy: Nunes is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

6. Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0)

Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. He retired undefeated in 2020, after winning the lightweight title in 2018 and defending it three times. Nurmagomedov is known for his exceptional wrestling and grappling skills. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov’s dominance was based on his relentless pressure and his ability to control his opponents on the ground. He was known for his suffocating grappling style, which made it difficult for opponents to escape his clutches.

Nurmagomedov’s retirement was a major loss for the UFC, but his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time is secure.

✅ Dominance: Nurmagomedov was the dominant force in the lightweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: Nurmagomedov had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Nurmagomedov changed the way the lightweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Nurmagomedov is a master of wrestling and grappling.
✅ Championship Success: Nurmagomedov has won the lightweight title and defended it three times.
✅ Legacy: Nurmagomedov is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

7. Stipe Miocic (20-4)

Stipe Miocic is the most successful heavyweight champion in UFC history. He won the title in 2016 and defended it three times. Miocic is known for his powerful striking and his durability. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Fabricio Werdum, Junior dos Santos, and Daniel Cormier.

Miocic’s dominance in the heavyweight division was based on his power and his ability to withstand punishment. He was able to defeat some of the most feared fighters in the world, and he did so with a combination of power and precision.

Miocic lost the title to Francis Ngannou in 2021, but he is still considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time.

✅ Dominance: Miocic was the dominant force in the heavyweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: Miocic had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Miocic changed the way the heavyweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Miocic is a master of striking.
✅ Championship Success: Miocic has won the heavyweight title and defended it three times.
✅ Legacy: Miocic is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

8. Conor McGregor (22-6)

Conor McGregor is one of the most popular and controversial fighters in UFC history. He is known for his charismatic personality, his trash-talking skills, and his explosive fighting style. McGregor has won titles in two weight classes, the featherweight and lightweight divisions. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Jose Aldo, Eddie Alvarez, and Dustin Poirier.

McGregor’s rise to fame was meteoric. He quickly became one of the most popular fighters in the world, thanks to his charisma and his ability to generate hype.

McGregor’s fighting style is characterized by his aggressive striking and his willingness to take risks. He has finished many of his opponents with knockouts, but he has also suffered some high-profile losses.

McGregor’s legacy is still being written, but he is undoubtedly one of the most influential fighters of all time.

✅ Dominance: McGregor has been dominant in his wins, but he has also suffered some high-profile losses.
✅ Longevity: McGregor has had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: McGregor has had a major impact on the UFC and the sport of MMA.
✅ Technical Skill: McGregor is a master of striking.
✅ Championship Success: McGregor has won the featherweight and lightweight titles.
✅ Legacy: McGregor is considered one of the most influential fighters of all time.

9. Daniel Cormier (22-3 1NC)

Daniel Cormier is one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. He has won titles in two weight classes, the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Cormier is known for his exceptional wrestling and grappling skills. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Jon Jones, Anthony Johnson, and Stipe Miocic.

Cormier’s dominance was based on his wrestling and his ability to control his opponents on the ground. He was known for his relentless pressure and his ability to finish fights with submissions.

Cormier’s career was marked by a rivalry with Jon Jones, which included two controversial fights. Cormier eventually defeated Jones in 2018 to win the light heavyweight title.

Cormier retired from fighting in 2020, but he is still considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

✅ Dominance: Cormier was the dominant force in the light heavyweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: Cormier had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Cormier changed the way the light heavyweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Cormier is a master of wrestling and grappling.
✅ Championship Success: Cormier has won the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles.
✅ Legacy: Cormier is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

10. Jose Aldo (31-8)

Jose Aldo is widely considered the greatest featherweight fighter of all time. He dominated the division for years, winning the WEC featherweight title in 2009 and defending it seven times. Aldo moved to the UFC in 2011 and continued his dominance, winning the UFC featherweight title in 2011 and defending it six times. Aldo is known for his powerful striking and his aggressive fighting style. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world, including Chad Mendes, Frankie Edgar, and Ricardo Lamas.

Aldo’s dominance was based on his power and his ability to finish fights with knockouts. He was known for his devastating leg kicks and his aggressive striking.

Aldo lost the title to Conor McGregor in 2015, but he has continued to compete at a high level. He is still considered one of the best featherweight fighters in the world.

✅ Dominance: Aldo was the dominant force in the featherweight division for years.
✅ Longevity: Aldo had a long and successful career.
✅ Impact: Aldo changed the way the featherweight division is fought.
✅ Technical Skill: Aldo is a master of striking.
✅ Championship Success: Aldo has won the WEC and UFC featherweight titles.
✅ Legacy: Aldo is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time.

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Criteria for Selection

Video: Top 20 Greatest UFC Fighters of All Time.

We used the following criteria to select the top 20 best UFC fighters of all time:

Dominance and Longevity

We considered the fighters’ overall dominance in their respective weight classes. We also looked at their longevity, or how long they were able to maintain their success at the top level of the sport.

Impact and Influence

We considered the fighters’ impact on the sport of MMA. We looked at how they changed the way the game is played, and how they inspired other fighters.

Technical Skill and Versatility

We considered the fighters’ technical skill and versatility. We looked at their ability to strike, grapple, and defend themselves effectively.

Championship Success

We considered the fighters’ championship success. We looked at how many titles they won, how many times they defended their titles, and how long they held their titles.

Legacy and Fan Appeal

We considered the fighters’ legacy and fan appeal. We looked at how they are remembered by fans and how they have influenced the sport of MMA.

Honorable Mentions

Video: Top 20 Greatest Fighters of All Time.

There are many other great fighters who could have made this list. Here are a few honorable mentions:

Fighters Who Almost Made the Top 20

Israel Adesanya
Henry Cejudo
Kamaru Usman
Alexander Volkanovski
Francis Ngannou
Valentina Shevchenko
Rose Namajunas
Max Holloway
Dustin Poirier
Justin Gaethje

The future of UFC is bright, with a new generation of fighters ready to make their mark on the sport.

Keep an eye on these rising stars, as they are sure to be contenders for the top spots in the rankings in the years to come.

What are your thoughts on this list? Who do you think are the top 20 best UFC fighters of all time? Let us know in the comments below!

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Conclusion

man in white long sleeve shirt and blue pants

The UFC has produced some of the greatest fighters in the history of combat sports. The fighters on this list have all achieved incredible success, both inside and outside the Octagon. They have inspired millions of fans around the world, and their legacy will continue to be debated for years to come.

The future of UFC is bright, with a new generation of fighters ready to make their mark on the sport. We can’t wait to see what these rising stars accomplish in the years to come.

FAQ

woman in black shirt and blue denim shorts sitting on brown wooden bench

Who is the greatest man in UFC?

This is a subjective question, and there is no definitive answer. However, Jon Jones is widely considered the greatest fighter in UFC history, based on his dominance in the light heavyweight division and his exceptional skillset.

Who has the best record in UFC history?

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with a perfect record of 29-0. He is the only fighter in UFC history to have never lost a fight.

What is a famous UFC fighter?

There are many famous UFC fighters, but some of the most well-known include Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Amanda Nunes.

Who is the top paid UFC fighter?

Conor McGregor is the highest-paid UFC fighter of all time. He has earned millions of dollars from his fights, sponsorships, and other ventures.

Reference Links

UFC Official Website: [UFC]
MMA Fighting: [MMA Fighting]
Sherdog: [Sherdog]
UFC Statistics and Records: [UFC Statistics]
MMA News and Articles: [MMA News]
MMA History and Timeline: [MMA History]
Top 10 greatest UFC fighters of all time ranked from Conor …: [talkSPORT]

We hope you enjoyed this article on the top 20 best UFC fighters of all time. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!