Top 10 UFC fighters of all time includes Conor McGregor, Jon Jones and two formidable heavyweight champions
Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic â two of the UFCâs most decorated fighters â will enter a fiercely anticipated battle for heavyweight supremacy on November 16.
Both combatants have, of course, already cemented their remarkable legacies, but nonetheless remain determined to further extend their illustrious careers.
Jon Jones, the defending champion, is widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, having cemented his dominance over the past 16 years.
And yet, should Stipe Miocic cause a monumental upset at UFC 309, the debate around who is the best ever mixed martial artist could get a lot more interesting.
Based on how things stand ahead of their showdown, though, Bloody Elbow has ranked the top 10 UFC fighters of all time.
10. Alexander Vokanovski
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty ImagesWith three wins over Max Holloway â another UFC legend â Alexander Volkanovski is regarded by many as the most formidable featherweight to enter the octagon.
Not only that, but the Australian even attempted to become a two-weight champion and, despite suffering two defeats to bona fide 155 lb king Islam Makhachev, he has undoubtedly earned the respect of every MMA fan.
9. Daniel Cormier
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesNow an esteemed broadcaster, Daniel Cormier was once a ferocious light heavyweight champion, before dethroning Miocic for the heavyweight strap in 2018.
And so, after joining a handful of fighters in becoming a two-division title holder, while also sharing the cage twice with Jones, Cormier was able to amass a comprehensive resume, taking on some of his sportâs most avoided operators.
8. Stipe Miocic
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesAt the age of 42, Miocic is still largely defying the expectations of fans while, above all else, removing any doubts over his greatness in the land of the giants.
After all, the American was able to make three iconic title defenses during his reign, beating hard-hitting contenders such as Francis Ngannou and Alistair Overeem.
7. Conor McGregor
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCWhile his UFC return remains up in the air, Conor McGregorâs ultimate achievement â to become a duel-weight UFC champion â is something that will be continuously celebrated in years to come.
Additionally, his 13-second demolition over Jose Aldo â a fellow legendary fighter â will always be remembered as one of the all-time greatest MMA performances.
6. Amanda Nunes
Photo by Jordan Jones/Getty ImagesAmanda Nunes, another duel-weight champion, is undoubtedly the most accomplished female fighter in UFC history.
With career-defining victories over the likes of Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm, âThe Lionessâ was able to take womenâs MMA to a whole new level.
And while her scintillating run was momentarily halted by Julianna Pena, Nunes famously showed the heart of a lion to avenge her defeat in their immediate rematch.
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesBefore retiring with a flawless, unbeaten record, Khabib Nurmagomedov proved exactly why he is one of the most elite wrestlers the world has ever seen.
By defeating McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje with three incredible title defenses, fans can only imagine what could have happened if âThe Eagleâ remained at lightweight for a little while longer.
4. Anderson Silva
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCAnderson Silva not only made a staggering ten defenses of his UFC middleweight title, but also dispatched the elite operators of his division with a lethal combination of poise and ruthlessness.
And so, against the likes of Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort â two vastly seasoned champions in their own right â âThe Spiderâ produced some of his most compelling performances.
3. Demetrious Johnson
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesRarely do fighters campaigning in the lower divisions get the appreciation they deserve but, when discussing the career of Demetrious Johnson, it would simply be a crime not to have him in the top five of a GOAT list.
âMighty Mouseâ made 11 defenses of his UFC flyweight title before losing a controversial decision in his rematch with Henry Cejudo.
Nevertheless, his impressive reign was something that fans continue to pay homage to.
2. Georges St-Pierre
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesBy dominating his era at welterweight, and indeed middleweight, Georges St-Pierre has a strong claim to be the number one fighter on this list.
The Canadian has, of course, beaten every man he has ever faced, with his career ultimately culminating in a third-round submission victory over Michael Bisping.
1. Jon Jones
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesWith a disqualification loss to Cormier being his only blemish in MMAâs flagship promotion, Jonesâ run at light heavyweight was something that, quite honestly, may never be matched.
Adopting a dynamic, polished MMA style, âBonesâ is always a box of tricks for any opponent, and now looks to enhance his legacy at heavyweight.
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