15 best UFC fighters of all time, ranked

UFC history: from spectacle to global sport

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) launched in 1993 as a no-holds-barred tournament to determine the most effective martial art. Early icons like Royce Gracie showcased Brazilian jiu-jitsu, quickly shifting the sport toward well-rounded fighters.

By the 2000s, rule changes, weight classes, and the rise of stars like Chuck Liddell and Georges St-Pierre helped transform UFC into a regulated, mainstream sport. Today, it’s a global powerhouse, drawing millions of viewers and producing some of the most popular athletes in sports.

15 best UFC fighters of all time (ranked)

15. Israel Adesanya

Adesanya made his UFC debut in 2018 and quickly rose through the middleweight ranks with elite kickboxing skills. He became UFC Middleweight Champion in 2019 and has multiple title defenses. Known for his striking precision and showmanship, Adesanya has headlined numerous major events and remains one of the sport’s top active fighters.

14. Daniel Cormier

A former Olympic wrestler, Cormier joined the UFC in 2013 and became one of the few fighters to hold titles in two divisions (light heavyweight and heavyweight). He captured the light heavyweight belt in 2015 and the heavyweight title in 2018. Cormier retired in 2020 with a reputation as one of the most well-rounded heavy fighters ever.

13. Max Holloway

Holloway entered the UFC at just 20 years old in 2012. He went on an incredible winning streak to capture the featherweight title in 2017 and defended it three times. Known for his volume striking and durability, Holloway holds several UFC records for significant strikes and remains a fan favorite.

12. Henry Cejudo

Cejudo made his UFC debut in 2014 after winning Olympic gold in freestyle wrestling. He captured the UFC Flyweight Championship in 2018 by defeating Demetrious Johnson, then moved up to win the Bantamweight title in 2019—becoming a two-division champion. Known for his elite wrestling, improving striking, and high fight IQ, Cejudo’s ability to dominate in multiple weight classes secures his place among the greatest UFC fighters of all time.

11. Randy Couture

One of the UFC’s earliest stars, Couture debuted in 1997 and became a six-time champion across heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. Known for his wrestling and longevity, he competed at a high level into his late 40s and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

10. José Aldo

Aldo joined the UFC in 2011 after dominating the WEC and became the inaugural UFC Featherweight Champion. He defended his title seven times, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in the sport’s history. Aldo remained competitive at the highest level for over a decade.

9. Amanda Nunes

Nunes debuted in the UFC in 2013 and became the first woman to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously (bantamweight and featherweight). She defended both belts multiple times before retiring in 2023. With wins over champions like Rousey, Cyborg, and Holm, she’s widely considered the greatest female fighter ever.

8. Stipe Miocic

Miocic made his UFC debut in 2011 and became heavyweight champion in 2016. He holds the record for most consecutive heavyweight title defenses (three) and regained the title in a rematch with Daniel Cormier. His combination of boxing and wrestling made him the most accomplished heavyweight in UFC history.

7. Jon Jones

Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history at age 23 in 2011. He dominated the light heavyweight division for years with multiple title defenses against elite competition. Later moving to heavyweight, Jones added another title, further strengthening his case as one of the greatest ever.

6. BJ Penn

Penn debuted in the UFC in 2001 and became a two-division champion (lightweight and welterweight). A Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion, Penn was one of the first fighters to achieve success across multiple weight classes. His willingness to take on all challengers made him a legend.

5. Anderson Silva

Silva joined the UFC in 2006 and quickly became the middleweight champion. He defended his title a record 10 consecutive times and held the belt for over six years. Known for his striking creativity and highlight-reel knockouts, Silva helped define the UFC’s global popularity.

4. Demetrious Johnson

Johnson became the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion in 2012 and defended his title a record 11 consecutive times. His speed, technique, and fight IQ set him apart. Though he later moved to other promotions, his UFC run remains one of the most dominant in history.

3. Georges St-Pierre

GSP joined the UFC in 2004 and became the welterweight champion in 2006. He defended the title nine times before stepping away in 2013. He returned in 2017 to win the middleweight title, becoming a two-division champion. His discipline and well-rounded skill set made him a model champion.

2. Conor McGregor

McGregor debuted in the UFC in 2013 and became the first fighter to hold two titles simultaneously (featherweight and lightweight). While his championship reigns were shorter than others on this list, his impact on the UFC’s global popularity and pay-per-view success is unmatched.

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov

With a perfect 29-0 record, Khabib retired as UFC Lightweight Champion in 2020. His three successful title defenses and complete dominance over top contenders solidify his place at the top. Few fighters have controlled opponents as thoroughly or consistently as Khabib did during his career.

Best UFC fights of all time

Some fights go beyond wins and losses—they define eras, elevate fighters into legends, and keep fans coming back. These are widely considered among the best UFC fights of all time, perfect examples of why fight night draws a crowd.

Griffin vs. Bonnar

Often credited with saving the UFC, this 2005 war between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar aired live during the finale of The Ultimate Fighter. The back-and-forth striking, relentless pace, and sheer toughness from both fighters captivated viewers. Griffin won by decision, but both men earned contracts—and helped launch the UFC into the mainstream.

Jones vs. Gustafsson

Fans and experts considered Jon Jones nearly untouchable—until Alexander Gustafsson pushed him to the limit. Gustafsson’s takedown defense and striking stunned fans, while Jones showed heart and adaptability. The razor-close decision victory for Jones remains one of the most competitive title fights ever.

Adesanya vs. Gastelum

A modern classic, this interim title fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum delivered five rounds of drama. Gastelum’s power nearly ended the fight multiple times, but Adesanya’s precision and resilience—especially in the unforgettable fifth round—secured him the win and Fight of the Year honors.

McGregor vs. Diaz 2

After losing their first bout, Conor McGregor returned for a rematch with Nate Diaz in one of the most anticipated fights ever. McGregor came out sharp, scoring early knockdowns, but Diaz rallied with his trademark durability. The five-round war ended in a majority decision for McGregor and cemented the rivalry as one of the sport’s best.

Lawler vs. MacDonald 2

This brutal welterweight title fight between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald is legendary for its intensity. Both fighters absorbed incredible damage in a back-and-forth battle, culminating in a dramatic fifth-round TKO by Lawler. The iconic staredown between rounds became one of the most unforgettable images in UFC history.

Best boxers in UFC

While MMA requires a full skill set, some fighters stand out for elite boxing:

• Conor McGregor: Precision, timing, and knockout power
• Max Holloway: Volume striking and durability
• Dustin Poirier: Technical combinations and grit
• Jorge Masvidal: Clean, fundamental boxing skills
• Anderson Silva: Defensive mastery and counterstriking

These fighters blur the line between MMA and traditional boxing, delivering highlight-reel finishes.

Best jiu-jitsu in UFC

Brazilian jiu-jitsu remains one of the most effective disciplines in MMA:

• Charles Oliveira: Record holder for submissions
• Demian Maia: Pure grappling specialist
• Brian Ortega: Dangerous submission artist
• Khabib Nurmagomedov: Master of smothering control and ground dominance
• BJ Penn: One of the first elite BJJ practitioners in UFC

For fans who appreciate technique, these fighters showcase the chess match aspect of MMA.

Top women UFC fighters

Women’s MMA has become a cornerstone of the sport, producing global stars:

• Amanda Nunes: The undisputed GOAT of women’s MMA
• Ronda Rousey: A pioneer who brought mainstream attention
• Valentina Shevchenko: Precision striker and dominant champion
• Joanna Jedrzejczyk: Elite striker and fan favorite
• Rose Namajunas: Technical, unpredictable, and resilient fighter

These fighters helped elevate women’s MMA into headline status.

Undefeated UFC fighters

Going undefeated in MMA is incredibly rare, but these three fighters have done it.

• Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0): The gold standard
• Khamzat Chimaev: A champ with a dominant run
• Ilia Topuria: An explosive and undefeated top-level fighter

Undefeated fighters bring a sense of anticipation, since every fight could be history in the making.