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1
- Fedor Emelianenko
- "The Last Emperor"
- 40-7-0, 1 NC
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Fedor is one of the most legendary fighters in the young sport of mixed martial arts. That is undeniable. Love him or hate him, you have to accept that he made his mark. Until someone better comes along, he is the best fighter that has ever competed in mixed martial arts.
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2
- Randy Couture
- "The Natural"
- 19-11-0
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Randy Couture was one of the most beloved champions in the history of the UFC. He seemed to be one of those fighters who could make a comeback regardless of age or odds. How could you not love him for that? While his tactics were admittedly sometimes boring, his incredible heart and drive to win always carried him through to victory even as a massive underdog. Not bad for an old man.
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3
- Chuck Liddell
- "The Iceman"
- 21-9-0
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Even while retired, 'The Viceman' is still a legend in his own right. Chuck Liddell deserves all the respect in the world from fans of mixed martial arts. Unfortunately he doesn't always get that respect. The way he exited the sport will forever taint his legacy, rightfully or not. I wish Chuck the best and I honor him with a spot in the Top 3.
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4
- Tito Ortiz
- "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy"
- 21-12-1
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Tito Ortiz may not be the most articulate fighter or even the most consistent (in his later years.) But in his prime, Ortiz was one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. His strategy of ruthlessly smashing his opponents with ground and pound revolutionized the sport. Many forget that Ortiz was once the top light-heavyweight in the world.
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5
- Royce Gracie
- 15-2-3
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Royce Gracie was the first star of mixed martial arts. He brought the sport and jiu jitsu as a whole into the public eye for the first time. Even now, the name 'Gracie' is a household name among MMA fans nearly solely because of Royce.
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6
- Matt Hughes
- 45-9-0
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Hughes -- along with Ortiz -- was one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. He smashed his way through contenders as if they didn't deserve to be in the same Octagon -- let alone the same weight class -- as him. He passed on the torch to the next big thing in Georges St. Pierre, but there is no shame in that. I will always respect Hughes for the mark he made on the sport and the welterweight division itself.
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7
- BJ Penn
- "The Prodigy"
- 16-14-2
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BJ Penn is without a doubt the greatest lightweight of all time. He, too, has passed the torch on to Frankie 'The Answer' Edgar but that does not mean his legacy will fade. Penn embodies the killer instinct and fighting spirit that every combat sport competitor should strive for.
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8
- Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira
- "Minotauro"
- 34-10-1, 1 NC
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Nogueira was once the top heavyweight in the world. Going into the fight against Fedor Emelianenko, many thought it would be a massacre with Nogueira coming out on top with a savvy submission victory. That was not the case and Fedor shocked the world by mercilessly beating Nogueira to a decision win. Nogueira's chin was renowned after the fight, however, and many fights afterwards. Nogueira exudes the heart and determination that anyone in this world could -- and should -- respect.
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9
- Mirko Filipović
- "Cro Cop"
- 38-11-2, 1 NC
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Filipovic transitioned from a rocky kickboxing career into mixed martial arts and -- despite doubts -- he quickly made his mark with a highlight-reel left high kick that stole his opponent's consciousness and the attention of many fans. Whenever an MMA fan thinks of his or her favorite knockout, the image of Igor Vovchanchyn sprawled out limp and unconscious on the canvas springs to mind.
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10
- Vitor Belfort
- "The Phenom"
- 26-14-0, 1 NC
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Vitor Belfort debuted in mixed martial arts at the tender age of nineteen and quickly blazed his way through the rankings in the UFC. He fought at heavyweight, light-heavyweight and middleweight. Several highlight-reel knockouts and years later, Belfort awaits his shot at middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
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11
- Rich Franklin
- "Ace" | 29-7-0, 1 NC
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Franklin is a quiet, humble man. He doesn't talk trash about an opponent. He simply states what he thinks will happen... and then he goes out and 100% attempts to do what he promised to do. Franklin is a former champion and in my opinion, he is -- or should be -- next in line to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Franklin has only ever lost to former champions.
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12
- Georges St-Pierre
- "Rush" | 26-2-0
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St. Pierre is the long-time UFC welterweight champion. He has been criticized for his strategy of controlling challengers -- victims -- on the ground for twenty-five minutes to win unanimous decisions. The undisputable fact, however, is that St. Pierre is one of the top fighters in the sport pound-for-pound. He is undeniably a future Hall of Famer and a legend in his own right. He is possibly the greatest welterweight fighter of all time. I am not a fan, but I do respect St. Pierre for his accomplishments and in the years to come, he will surely advance up lists like this one. His next defense of his title will come against former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields.
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13
- Anderson Silva
- "The Spider" | 34-11-0, 1 NC
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Anderson Silva is one of the best strikers in mixed martial arts today. You must be blind if you weren't staring with your jaw agape as Silva avoided Forrest Griffin's punches like he was in the Matrix and then dropped Griffin with a counter jab to finish the fight. Silva taunts his opponents in the ring, and some call him the 'Muhammad Ali' of MMA. It's too soon to say that, but Silva is certainly one of the best fighters in the sport's history. He is the current UFC middleweight champion, and he will soon defend his belt against former light-heavyweight champion, Vitor Belfort.
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14
- Maurício Rua
- "Shogun" | 27-14-1
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"Shogun" is the current UFC light-heavyweight champion. He competed in a pair of legendary bouts against Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida for the belt, and he also distinguished himself in several highlight-reel battles in Pride Fighting Championships. "Shogun" is considered to be one of the most dynamic fighters in mixed martial arts, and he is beloved by many fans, except the fans of those whom he has brutally defeated.
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15
- José Aldo
- "Junior" | 31-8-0
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Aldo is the former WEC featherweight champion and the current UFC featherweight champion. He has destroyed a long line of fighters without seeming to really break a sweat. Many watched in awe as he picked long-time champion Urijah Faber apart with leg kicks at will. Without a doubt, Aldo may one day take Fedor Emelianenko's place at the top of this list and others like it.
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16
- Wanderlei Silva
- "The Axe Murderer" | 35-14-1, 1 NC
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Silva has long been known for his aggression and knockout power inside the ring and inside the Octagon. Highlight reel videos everywhere are littered with the bodies of "The Axe Murderer"'s victims. Outside the ring, however, Silva is a fan favorite as well. Silva seems to genuinely love and appreciate his fans and the feeling is mutual. Silva is a legend without a shadow of a doubt.
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17
- Lyoto Machida
- "The Dragon" | 26-12-0
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Lyoto Machida dazzled many... into snores with his initial fights in the UFC. He woke many of them up however with highlight reel knockouts of undefeated Thiago Silva and Rashad Evans, capturing the UFC light-heavyweight title. After losing the belt in a pair of legendary bouts with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Machida remains a top contender in the 205 lb. division.
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18
- Rashad Evans
- "Suga" | 20-8-1
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Evans was the winner of the second Ultimate Fighter in the heavyweight division. Quickly dropping down to 205, Evans dominated every opponent, going undefeated en route to capturing the championship. Even after losing the belt to Lyoto Machida in his lone career loss, Evans built a new win streak and is next set to face Mauricio "Shogun" Rua for the belt.
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19
- Quinton Jackson
- "Rampage" | 37-14-0
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"Rampage" slammed his way into the hearts of many MMA fans with his famed knockout of Ricardo Arona in Pride. He went on to the UFC to defeat long-time light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell to win the belt. Despite losing the belt to Forrest Griffin and contemplating retirement at a few points afterwards, Rampage is well on his way to receiving another shot at the title. He is a future UFC Hall of Famer without a doubt.
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20
- Kazushi Sakuraba
- "The Gracie Hunter" | 26-17-1, 2 NC
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"The Gracie Hunter" is famed for his feud with Brazilian jiu jitsu's first family, the Gracies. He was the first man to submit Renzo Gracie. He defeated Royce Gracie in an epic battle that lasted well over an hour before Gracie was forced to throw into the towel. Gracie is currently wallowing in a losing streak and may be contemplating retirement but a legacy like his cannot be tarnished. He is one of the most memorable fighters in the sport.
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21
- Ken Shamrock
- "The World's Most Dangerous Man" | 28-17-3
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In his prime, Shamrock really was considered to be "The World's Most Dangerous Man." After several consecutive losses to Tito Ortiz -- and after injury and age caught up to him -- Shamrock is currently on the sidelines contemplating retirement. He will always be remembered as one of the most exciting fighters in the early days of the UFC.
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22
- Jon Jones
- "Bones" | 27-1-0, 1 NC
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Jon Jones is considered to be one of the most promising young fighters in MMA today. He's taking his rise through the light-heavyweight ranks of the UFC relatively slowly, and he seems to be enjoying himself. Fans and fighters alike eagerly await his chance at a world title.
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23
- Alistair Overeem
- "The Demolition Man" | 47-19-0, 1 NC
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Overeem -- dubbed by the fans as "Ubereem" -- is the current Strikeforce heavyweight champion. He has also won a K1 kickboxing tournament and the Dream heavyweight championship. He is the first man to hold a kickboxing title and an MMA title at the same time. Overeem is thus considered to be one of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division today, and soon he may be considered one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time.
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24
- Sean Sherk
- "The Muscle Shark" | 35-4-1
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Former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk's four career losses have only come in fights against former champions. The list is an impressive one -- even for a list of losses. The list is comprised of names like former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion B.J. Penn, current UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, current UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre and former UFC welterweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes. Sherk is one of the most underrated fighters in the sport today, and I for one am a huge fan.
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25
- Nick Diaz
- 26-10-0, 2 NC
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Current Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz is one of the most controversial fighters in recent combat sports history. But -- love him or hate him -- you have to acknowledge that Diaz is something special. He has that 'it' factor about him. I don't know what 'it' is, but I love it. Diaz always comes to fight, and his jiu jitsu and boxing skill combined with his granite chin is simply awe-inspiring.