<p>When it comes to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), figuring out who the best fighters ever are always stirs up endless arguments and passionate debates.<br /> Most of the time, the discussion will see names like Georges St-Pierre, Jon "Bones" Jones, and Anderson Silva come up as some of the greatest fighters in MMA history.<br /> But are they really the ones who most deserve this ‘title’?<br /> There is no doubt that these athletes have shown impressive skill, strategy, and dedication, and have often left their fans amazed by what they can do in the cage.<br /> Georges St-Pierre built his reputation on a well-rounded game, while Jon Jones used his unpredictable moves to shatter records to the point of making fighting look almost easy.<br /> But while they are undeniably some of the biggest names around, we’ve found that there are also others who deserve a spot at the table when we talk about the best of the best in MMA.<br /> So, while we may not be able to settle the debate over who the best MMA fighters of all time are, we decided to put in some work and look through facts and performances to understand who the fighters are that have shaped this exciting combat sport.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h2>Criteria to Rank the Best MMA Fighters</h2> <p><br /> Figuring out who’s truly the best in MMA isn’t as simple as figuring out who has been the most prolific scorer in the English Premier League or who has the highest scoring average in NBA history.<br /> To find greatness in MMA, one needs to consider many different factors, ranging from championships and fighting styles to their overall impact on the sport.</p> <h4>Championships and Accomplishments</h4> <p><br /> Championships won definitely matter when ranking fighters, and it seems like a solid foundation for any proper rankings.<br /> Holding titles in major promotions like the UFC (think UFC Heavyweight Champion or UFC Light Heavyweight Champion) is a clear sign of a fighter’s dominance.<br /> On top of that, accomplishments like successful title defenses, major awards, and recognition at big events are a good way to highlight a fighter’s success.<br /> The same goes for their ability to excel at high-level fights. Beating top-ranked opponents over and over again? That’s a big deal, and it is definitely one that separates the best from…well, everyone else.</p> <h4>Skillset and Adaptability</h4> <p><br /> But, as we said earlier, results are not the full picture, as the best MMA fighters have a deep skillset that, to make things possibly more difficult, varies from fighter to fighter.<br /> Some are great at wrestling or jiu-jitsu, while others - like Silva - excel at striking. The very best ones, however, are those who can switch up strategies during a fight and beat their opponents with both strength and wit.</p> <h4><br /> Longevity and Impact</h4> <p><br /> If you consider the intensity of MMA fights, I am sure you will agree with us that sticking around at the top for years is no small feat.<br /> Fighters who keep performing at a high level, like those in the welterweight or UFC Lightweight Championship divisions, show a resilience that never ceases to impress, both at a physical and mental level.<br /> On top of that, there’s also the fact that - like in any sport - the fighters who really deserve to see their names imprinted in MMA’s history are not the ones whose contributions ended at some colorful press conferences, but rather the innovators who brought in new techniques or drew more eyes to MMA, leaving a legacy that goes beyond just wins and losses.</p> <h3>All-Time Greatest MMA Fighters</h3> <p><br /> From wild experiments in little gyms to packed arenas all over the world, MMA has gone from a niche interest to a huge global sensation in just a few decades.<br /> Australia is no exception, either. The popularity and engagement we see on our pages about <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ufc-mma">UFC betting</a> or our beginner’s guide on <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-on-ufc">how to bet on the UFC</a> are a clear sign that many of us love to follow these intense fights.<br /> The fighters below highlight that journey. These are athletes whose skills, determination, and sometimes also larger-than-life personalities kept pushing the sport's limits, making it the success story we know today.<br /> That’s why, before looking into the champions and modern stars that deserve a place in this article, we are going to give a shoutout to the pioneers who first showed everyone what MMA could really be.</p> <h4><br /> The Pioneers Who Shaped the Sport</h4> <p><br /> Back in the early days, guys like Royce Gracie and Mark Coleman really set the stage. Gracie’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu shocked everyone when he beat much bigger opponents, proving that technique can trump size.<br /> Mark Coleman brought “ground-and-pound” into the spotlight, and he has definitely used his wrestling background to change how people fought in the Octagon.<br /> When it comes to ‘MMA pioneers,’ it would be unfair not to include Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell, two fighters who have also made big contributions. Couture’s wrestling and tactical mind, paired with Liddell’s knockout power, have been two key elements in pushing MMA into the mainstream and paving the way for the names that follow in our list of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.</p> <h4><br /> Legends from Different Weight Classes</h4> <p><br /> Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre (GSP) are the names that often come to mind when we talk about the best of the best in this sport because they have literally dominated their divisions.<br /> Silva, “The Spider,” was famous for his striking and his long run as middleweight champ, finishing fights in style.<br /> GSP controlled the welterweight division for what seemed like forever; somehow, he always seemed to know how to adapt to his opponents and how to outsmart them.<br /> If we had to name only one factor among the many that have contributed to make him one of the sport’s most successful fighters, that would unquestionably be his strategic mind.<br /> When it comes to the heavyweights, Fedor Emelianenko is one who became a legend, as the now 48-old Ukraine-born fighter built a career on his toughness and knockout power. Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic also made their mark with big championship wins.</p> <h4><br /> Recent Icons Who Left Their Mark</h4> <p><br /> Conor McGregor is a character that many would either love or hate (to the point of questioning his place on this list), and that’s because he brought to the game both wild charisma and knockout power, raising MMA’s profile everywhere he went.<br /> Like it or not, every McGregor fight felt like an event, and this has definitely helped MMA to go mainstream.<br /> Khabib Nurmagomedov stayed undefeated, dominating with relentless grappling and iron‑disciplined focus. Across a flawless 29‑0 career, he lost only two rounds on the judges’ scorecards, methodically mauling elite strikers like Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje before submitting each of them.<br /> His trademark chain‑wrestling, which is also deeply rooted in Dagestani sambo, pinned foes to the fence, turning every bout into a suffocating clinic in control.<br /> And while McGregor used his personality to ignite debates and push media outlets to pay attention to everything he had to say, Nurmagomedov’s calm stoicism and devotion to family values won worldwide respect.<br /> But since MMA is not a male-only affair, we think this list would not be complete without including Ronda Rousey, a fighter who changed the game for women’s MMA, using her judo and quick finishes to draw in new fans.<br /> Rousey blew the doors off women’s MMA, arm‑barring opponents in under a minute and proving that women could headline and sell pay‑per‑views.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3>Notable Rivalries and Iconic Fights</h3> <p><br /> Certain rivalries and fights have really defined MMA as a sport. Heated stare-downs, title bouts, and dramatic storylines have kept fans glued to their screens.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h4>Historic Title Fights&nbsp;</h4> <p>A handful of championship bouts did more than crown a winner: they rewired the sport’s mythology.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen, UFC 117 (Aug 2010)</strong> – Sonnen rag‑dolled the seemingly untouchable champ for four and a half rounds, building a 22‑minute lead on the scorecards, before Silva slapped on a Hail‑Mary triangle‑armbar with 1:50 left. The instant‑classic comeback proved that even dominant kings could dangle over the cliff’s edge…and survive.</li> <li><strong>Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz I &amp; II (UFC 196 &amp; 202, 2016)</strong> – Booked on 11 days’ notice, the first clash saw Diaz weather the Irishman’s early storm and tap him via rear‑naked choke, detonating one of MMA’s loudest upsets. Five months later the rematch became the promotion’s first non‑title pay‑per‑view to crack two million buys, with McGregor eking out a majority decision after five blood‑and‑beer‑soaked rounds. Together the pair of fights redefined what “must‑see” MMA could look like.</li> <li><strong>Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, UFC 229 (Oct 2018)</strong> – The most lucrative card in UFC history (2.4 million PPVs) delivered a master‑class in pressure grappling. Khabib mauled McGregor for three rounds, dropped him with an overhand, then forced a neck crank in the fourth. The post‑fight melee spilled over the cage, cementing the bout as both a sporting milestone and a cautionary tale about rivalry‑fueled chaos.</li> </ul> <h4>Rivalries That Defined Careers</h4> <p>Some grudges stretched far beyond fight night, shaping divisions and legacies.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate</strong> – Sparked in Strikeforce (2012) and reignited at UFC 168 (2013), their feud (amplified by coaching The Ultimate Fighter 18) pitted Rousey’s trash‑talk and judo armbars against Tate’s never‑quit resilience. It was the storyline that convinced skeptics women’s MMA could headline under bright lights.</li> <li><strong>Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier</strong> – Media‑day brawls, hot‑mic insults, and two razor‑sharp title fights (Jones’s decision win at UFC 182 in 2015 and a KO later overturned to “No Contest” at UFC 214) kept the light‑heavyweight throne controversial for half a decade. Their animosity showcased both the pinnacle of skill and the pitfalls of personal rivalry.</li> <li><strong>Colby Covington vs. Jorge Masvidal</strong> – Once roommates at American Top Team, the pair became MMA’s loudest frenemies. Months of social‑media sniping ended in a grudge‑match main event at UFC 272 (Mar 2022); Covington’s wrestling‑heavy decision win didn’t cool the feud, which spilled into legal drama outside the cage and kept welterweight storylines sizzling.</li> </ul> <h4>Frequently Asked Questions</h4> <h4><br /> <strong>Who are considered the greatest MMA fighters up until now?</strong></h4> <p><br /> While it’s hard to find a definitive answer, most MMA fans will agree on names like Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Anderson Silva. Their records, skills, and big moments in the cage have cemented their status among the best.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Which UFC fighters have left the biggest impact on the sport?</strong></p> <p><br /> Icons like Georges St-Pierre and Ronda Rousey changed MMA with their unique talents and personalities. Their achievements and the barriers they broke still influence the sport today.</p> <p><br /> <strong>How do experts rank the top MMA fighters throughout history?</strong></p> <p><br /> Experts usually look at fight records, titles, and the quality of opponents beaten. They also factor in a fighter’s style and their impact during their prime. It’s a pretty broad approach.</p> <p><br /> <strong>What achievements define an MMA fighter as one of the all-time greats?</strong></p> <p><br /> Big achievements include winning multiple titles, staying undefeated, or pulling off historic wins. Khabib Nurmagomedov, for example, retired undefeated, and others who ruled their divisions for years are right up there too.</p>