anderson silva, jose aldo, Fabricio Werdum

The 10 Greatest Brazilian UFC Fighters of All Time – Ranked

October 6, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Brazil has been at the heart of the UFC since its earliest days, producing champions, pioneers, and legends across every era of the sport. From explosive heavyweights to technical submission artists and two-division champions, these ten fighters have etched their names into UFC history. Ranked by titles, records, dominance, and legacy — here are the greatest Brazilian UFC fighters of all time, counted down from 10 to 1.

10. Junior dos Santos – A Knockout Moment in UFC History

Junior dos Santos made history by knocking out Cain Velasquez on the UFC's network television debut in 2011. Though he only held the heavyweight title briefly, that win was watched by over 8 million viewers, making it the most viewed fight in UFC history and securing his place among Brazil’s greats.

9. Charles Oliveira – The Record-Breaking Submission Machine

Charles Oliveira holds the UFC records for most submission wins and most post-fight bonuses. A former lightweight champion, ‘Do Bronx’ captivated fans with his thrilling style and resilience, even as his reign at the top was short-lived.

8. Fabricio Werdum – The Man Who Tamed Fedor and Cain

Fabricio Werdum submitted both Fedor Emelianenko and Cain Velasquez — two of the most feared heavyweights ever. His UFC title run was short, but his elite jiu-jitsu and shocking upsets make him one of Brazil’s most accomplished heavyweights.

7. Lyoto Machida – The Karate Master Who Changed the Game

Lyoto Machida brought traditional karate into the UFC spotlight and used it to win the light heavyweight title. Known for his unique style and unforgettable front-kick KO of Randy Couture, Machida beat some of the biggest names in UFC history.

6. Vitor Belfort – The Teen Phenom Turned UFC Legend

Vitor Belfort burst onto the scene at just 19, winning the UFC 12 tournament with brutal speed and power. Though he never had a long title reign, his longevity and explosive style earned him title shots across three decades.

5. Royce Gracie – The Pioneer Who Started It All

Royce Gracie introduced the world to Brazilian jiu-jitsu by winning three of the first four UFC tournaments. He beat much larger opponents and helped establish MMA as a global sport, making him one of the most influential fighters of all time.

4. Amanda Nunes – The Lioness Who Conquered Two Divisions

Amanda Nunes dominated women’s MMA like no other, holding both the bantamweight and featherweight titles simultaneously. With legendary wins over Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko, she’s widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in UFC history.

3. Alex Pereira – The Knockout Artist on a Fast Track to Greatness

Alex Pereira captured two UFC titles in record time — middleweight and light heavyweight — with devastating knockout power. With several title defenses and a dramatic win to reclaim his belt in 2024, ‘Poatan’ is already among Brazil’s elite.

2. Jose Aldo – The Featherweight King of a Generation

Jose Aldo reigned over the featherweight division for nearly a decade, defending his title seven times and going undefeated for ten years. Despite a shocking KO loss to Conor McGregor, his consistency, toughness, and technical brilliance secure his legendary status.

1. Anderson Silva – The Spider at the Top of the Web

Anderson Silva is the greatest Brazilian fighter in UFC history, with a record-setting 10 title defenses and a six-year reign as middleweight champion. His highlight-reel knockouts, slick movement, and unmatched creativity made him a must-watch and a global MMA icon.