Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become an increasingly popular sport in recent years, with some of the world’s most skilled athletes competing in the octagon. Throughout the years, there have been several notable champions who have left a lasting impact on the sport, some of which managed to gain worldwide fame and notoriety.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best MMA champions of all time, as well as going through each to see what has led them to the position that they are in now. Let’s get right into it.
Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva, also known as “The Spider,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. He held the UFC middleweight championship for nearly seven years, with 16 consecutive wins in the UFC. Silva is known for his dynamic striking and ability to finish fights, with 23 of his 34 wins coming by knockout.
In addition to his impressive record, Anderson Silva is also known for his unassuming physique and appearance. Anderson Silva just looks like a normal guy you would see on the street – there is nothing about him that screams professional MMA fighter. However, once he gets in the ring, the story changes.
Anderson Silva is one of the most technical fighters ever, using ring knowledge and technique rather than brute force to dominate his opponents. The ease at which he does this is also fascinating – there is nothing quite like watching Anderson Silva dominate a man who is twice his size without breaking a sweat.
Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre, also known as “GSP,” is a former UFC welterweight champion, holding the championship twice and retiring with a record of 26-2. St-Pierre is known for many things, but perhaps most notable are his exceptional wrestling skills, striking ability, and overall athleticism.
Georges St-Pierre is just a jack of all trades – he can do it all. This makes him a fierce opponent to face in the ring as he has very few weaknesses to exploit.
This fighter is also known for his kindness and respect. It is very rare that Georges St-Pierre is ever disrespectful to his opponents, and this makes him extremely likeable. Both for his stand-up personality and his performances in the ring, Georges St-Pierre is a name that is going to be remembered for generations.
Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson, also known as “Mighty Mouse,” is another fighter that is somewhat unassuming. Being on the shorter and lighter side of things, you wouldn’t think that Demetrious Johnson is an UFC flyweight champion just by looking at him. However, do not let his appearance fool you.
He held the UFC flyweight championship for six years, with 11 consecutive title defences. This is primarily thanks to his speed, agility, and technical skill which he utilises so gracefully, and it is for these reasons that he is so entertaining to watch in action.
Another thing that makes Demetrious Johnson stand out is his popularity in the betting world. If you have ever participated in 10cric10.com or something similar you will know just how much trust bettors have in Johnson when he is facing an intense match-up – the belief people have in him is incredible.
Demetrious Johnson is a fighter that has shaped the sport of MMA through his incredible performances and reputation, and he is perhaps the ideal example of why you should not judge someone based on their size.
Jon Jones
Next up, we have Jon Jones. This is a fighter that you are likely going to be somewhat familiar with even if you are not a devout fan of MMA – he has managed to gain worldwide fame and notoriety thanks to his multiple high-profile fights.
Jones held the light heavyweight championship for nearly eight years and has a record of 26-1, something that is extremely impressive in such a competitive weight.
Yet again, Jon Jones is just another fighter that has it all. He dominates his opponents with his size, reach, technical skill, and game knowledge, and watching him put all of his advantages in action is a sight to behold. He has also gained a reputation for being somewhat of a bad sport in recent years, but it seems as though this has only gone to further his fame and notoriety rather than hinder it.
Conor McGregor
Last but not least, we have Conor McGregor. This is a fighter that needs no introduction. Being one of the most well-known and successful fighters in the world, Conor McGregor is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion who is known for his dynamic striking and showmanship.
Conor is most known for his quick knockouts and flashy entrances, as well as his trash talking out of the ring. However, the thing that makes McGregor likeable is that he has demonstrated that it is all for show. After a fight, he always shows the utmost respect for his opponents, and this is one of the main reasons he managed to stay in the limelight for so long.
He’s also an incredibly impressive fighter – Conor has a record of 22-5 and has faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport.
We hope we have been able to give you a better insight into the wonderful world of MMA. Each fighter has left a lasting impact on the sport and has showcased exceptional skill and athleticism in the octagon, and there is a good reason why they have all managed to achieve much more than most other fighters. Whether you are a fan of striking, grappling, or well-rounded fighters, these champions have something to offer.
Who knows what this list will look like in ten years – the world of MMA is constantly adapting and evolving. While we can’t say for sure that better fighters will not rise from the ashes in the next few years, there is no debating that each of the fighters we listed have affected the sport tremendously. See you next time.
