Top 10 Greatest UFC Fighters of All Time
Explore the careers of the greatest UFC fighters ever. From historic champions to modern legends, we rank fighters based on skill, titles, legacy, and their lasting impact on mixed martial arts.
Fighter Profiles
Men's Division
Championships & Achievements:
Longest light-heavyweight title reign (1,261 days) with seven successful defenses. Became the youngest UFC champion at 23.
Legacy:
Defeated legends like Shogun Rua, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, and Lyoto Machida. Widely regarded as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
Championships & Achievements:
Two-time UFC Welterweight Champion with nine title defenses and former Middleweight Champion.
Legacy:
Returned from retirement to win the middleweight title at UFC 217. His technical fighting style and consistency make him one of the sport's all-time greats.
Championships & Achievements:
Retired undefeated. Won the UFC Lightweight Championship and defended it four times, losing only two rounds in his entire career.
Legacy:
His grappling-heavy style and unblemished record have led many to rank him among the greatest of all time.
Championships & Achievements:
Longtime UFC Middleweight Champion with an unprecedented 2,457-day title reign and 16-fight win streak.
Legacy:
Known as 'The Spider,' Silva had 10 consecutive title defenses and spectacular finishes, cementing his legacy as one of MMA's most skilled strikers.
Championships & Achievements:
'Mighty Mouse' recorded an all-time record 11 consecutive title defenses at flyweight.
Legacy:
His well-rounded skill set and dominance at 125 lbs made him the unanimous No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter for years.
Championships & Achievements:
First UFC fighter to hold two titles simultaneously. Knocked out José Aldo in 13 seconds - the fastest finish in UFC title fight history.
Legacy:
His star power and highlight-reel knockouts have made him one of the sport's biggest stars.
Championships & Achievements:
Most successful UFC Heavyweight Champion ever with three consecutive title defenses (2016-2018).
Legacy:
Tied for most heavyweight title fight wins in UFC history. His wrestling base and heart have earned him a reputation as one of the toughest heavyweights.
Women's Division
Championships & Achievements:
Two-division champion, holding both bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously. UFC women's records for most wins (16) and most title-fight wins (11).
Legacy:
Universally regarded as the greatest female fighter ever. Victories include knockouts of Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and two wins over Valentina Shevchenko.
Championships & Achievements:
Two-time UFC Flyweight Champion with seven title defenses overall.
Legacy:
Her championship victory and title defenses demonstrate her elite striking and technical prowess. Widely considered one of the top female fighters in UFC history.
Championships & Achievements:
First-ever UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion. Held the title for 1,074 days with six defenses. Olympic bronze medalist in judo.
Legacy:
Part of the UFC's first female bout at UFC 157. Her ferocious style and mainstream popularity helped launch the UFC's women's divisions.
Legendary Moments
McGregor vs. Aldo (UFC 194)
Conor McGregor's 13-second knockout of José Aldo - the fastest finish in UFC title-fight history.
Holm vs. Rousey (UFC 193)
Holly Holm's head-kick KO of Ronda Rousey ended Rousey's long title reign in just 59 seconds.
Rousey vs. Zingano (UFC 184)
Ronda Rousey's 14-second armbar win over Cat Zingano showcased her submission prowess.
Johnson vs. Reis (UFC 201)
Demetrious Johnson's armbar submission of Wilson Reis tied Anderson Silva's record of 10 consecutive title defenses.
UFC 157 (2013)
First women's fight in UFC history (Rousey vs. Carmouche), signaling a new era for female competitors.
Khabib's Retirement (UFC 254)
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0 as lightweight champion - a feat rarely seen in the sport.