MMA
The Most Famous MMA Fighters in the World
Mixed Martial Arts has seen many great fighters over its three-decade rich history. However, some of the best talent the octagon has ever seen doesn't always make them famous. Here, we list the five most famous MMA fighters in the world due to their fighting style, achievements and personality.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor//Getty Images
MMA has become the second most-watched combat sport in the world, behind boxing. And despite it being one of the most popular combat sports, some fighters' reputation doesn't always match their true fighting ability. Whereas, in boxing, if you're a great fighter, you will be among the most popular names in the sport.
These MMA fighters come from a wide range of martial arts backgrounds, and their fame comes from their talent, personality, and achievements in the sport. Here, we breakdown the five most famous MMA fighters in the world…
5. Jon Jones
UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones//Getty Images
Jon "Bones" Jones is often regarded as one of the most talented and controversial fighters in combat sports history.
To this day, Jones still holds the record for being the youngest UFC champion in history at the age of 23 and he has defeated a long list of elite fighters throughout his career. Names such as Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson, Daniel Cormier and Lyoto Machida stand out.
Jones’ size and 84” inch reach, balanced striking, and his Greco-Roman ability has made him an icon inside the cage that is yet to be legitimately beaten, at light-heavyweight and now at heavyweight. The single loss on his record came against Matt Hamill when he was disqualified for using a controversial illegal strike named “the downward elbow”, or often referred to as the 12 to 6 elbow. Many fans and fighters believe this strike should not be illegal, and there are rumours that it could soon become a legal strike once again in the near future.
Jones’ career has been marred by countless legal troubles and suspensions, which have affected his legacy outside of the cage. Despite this, his dominance in the light-heavyweight division, where he defended his title multiple times, and his ability to come back from long layoffs and win fights has placed him in the conversation as one of the best to ever do it.
4. Ronda Rousey
Stephanie McMahon and MMA fighter Ronda Rousey//Getty Images
Ronda Rousey is arguably the most famous female fighter in MMA history, and she was key in bringing women's MMA into the mainstream. As a former Olympic judo grappler, Rousey’s devastating armbar submissions and her undefeated streak made her a household name. She became the first female champion in UFC history and dominated the bantamweight division in her prime.
Rousey’s reputation only further increased when she began to appear in movies, and even WWE, where she has now fully transitioned into professional wrestling.
She opened the door for a new generation of female fighters. Although her MMA career ended after two high-profile losses, suffering back-to-back knockouts versus Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, she has had a huge impact on the sport for women.
3. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva kicks Derek Brunson//Getty Images
Anderson Silva is regarded as one of the most skilled and creative fighters in MMA history. The Brazilian was known for his remarkable free-flowing striking, specifically because of his Muay Thai and counter-punching.
Silva dominated the UFC middleweight division for years, holding the longest title reign in the organisation’s history with 2,457 days as champion. However, there are some people who refuse to credit him for his achievements because of a failed drug test. Parts of the MMA community refuse to credit fighters who have tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, hence why they don't put Silva or Jon Jones as the greatest of all time.
Nevertheless, Silva’s highlight reel is filled with iconic knockouts and jaw-dropping finishes, including his front-kick KO of Vitor Belfort.
After leaving the UFC, Silva showed the ability to compete in the boxing ring despite him being past his physical prime.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov kicks Justin Gaethje//Getty Images
Khabib Nurmagomedov is considered one of the greatest fighters to ever step foot into the octagon. The Dagestani fighter is known for his incredible sambo wrestling, which he used to crush and suffocate his opponents, before locking in a submission.
Khabib became the UFC lightweight champion and defended the title several times, against many top fighters such as Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor, before retiring with a perfect 29-0 record.
His rivalry with McGregor was one of the most-watched fights in MMA history, which Khabib won in dominant fashion, eventually forcing “The Notorious” to tap from a crushing neck crank.
1. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor//Getty images
Perhaps the most famous MMA fighter in history, Conor McGregor's influence helped bring new eyes on the sport, particularly fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
McGregor became a global icon when he became the first UFC fighter to hold two titles simultaneously: featherweight and lightweight. But before this, he had a legendary moment when he knocked out the featherweight champion Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds.
McGregor's ability to sell fights through his confident trash talking, and his ability to carry through his predictions during his prime years, made him a global sensation.
His 2017 boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather brought more attention to MMA, and since that bout the UFC's popularity has increased.
Jake Staniland is a sports writer who excels in covering a wide range of sports: football, combat sports and the NFL - All three subjects are his lifelong passions.
Jake is a boyhood Sheffield United fan, which is often a curse that he thanks his family for. His favourite Blades player ever is Billy Sharp