The 15 Greatest UFC Fighters of All Time — Ranked

October 7, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Who is the greatest fighter in UFC history? It’s a question fans and fighters endlessly debate. From champions who ruled entire divisions to icons who pushed the sport into the mainstream, these 15 names define what it means to be an all-time great. Ranked by titles, dominance, records, and the quality of their opponents, here’s the definitive countdown—from #15 to #1.

15. Merab Dvalishvili — The Relentless Machine

Known for his tireless pace and suffocating wrestling, Merab Dvalishvili has quietly built one of the most impressive resumes in the bantamweight division. With a 21-4 record and an endless gas tank, he's beaten top contenders and is knocking on the door of UFC gold.

14. Islam Makhachev — Khabib’s Heir to the Throne

Makhachev took the reins from mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov and became a dominant lightweight force. With a 27-1 record, his skill set mirrors Khabib’s, blending powerful grappling with ever-improving striking, making him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.

13. Conor McGregor — The Global Game-Changer

Though his in-cage record (22-6) isn’t the cleanest on this list, McGregor’s impact on MMA is immeasurable. The first simultaneous two-weight UFC champion, his charisma, power, and marketability elevated the UFC into a global phenomenon.

12. Ilia Topuria — The Undefeated Featherweight King

With a perfect 17-0 record, Ilia Topuria has emerged as one of the most feared rising stars in the UFC. His knockout win over Volkanovski to claim the featherweight crown solidified his place as a top-tier talent in the sport’s most stacked divisions.

11. Stipe Miocic — The Heavyweight Standard

Stipe Miocic (20-5) is the most decorated heavyweight in UFC history, with the most title defenses in the division. Combining boxing, wrestling, and grit, Miocic repeatedly defeated elite contenders and cemented himself as the division’s benchmark.

10. Alexander Volkanovski — The Aussie Who Fought Everyone

Volkanovski (27-4) built his legacy through courage and consistency, defending the featherweight title against legends like Jose Aldo and Max Holloway. Even after setbacks, he reclaimed gold and proved he’s still one of the sport’s elite.

9. Daniel Cormier — The Double Champ with Class

A two-weight world champion (22-3), Daniel Cormier became only the second UFC fighter to hold titles in two divisions at the same time. Despite ending his career with losses to Miocic, 'DC' remains a respected legend for his skill, commentary, and sportsmanship.

8. Amanda Nunes — The Greatest Female Fighter Ever

Amanda Nunes (23-5) reigned supreme in two weight classes, defeating every major name of her era including Rousey, Cyborg, and Shevchenko. Retiring in 2023, she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025 and may yet stage a fairytale comeback.

7. Alex Pereira — The Striker Who Rose Too Fast to Stop

In just 16 professional fights, Pereira (13-3) won UFC titles in two weight classes and knocked out some of the biggest names, including Adesanya and Prochazka. His brutal power and rapid ascent make him one of the most dangerous fighters today.

6. Jose Aldo — The Featherweight Blueprint

Before McGregor’s 13-second KO, Aldo (32-10) was unbeaten for nearly a decade and dominated the featherweight division with speed, technique, and poise. He defended his title seven times and will always be remembered as the division’s original king.

5. Demetrious Johnson — The Flyweight Mastermind

'Mighty Mouse' (25-4-1) was nearly untouchable during his run as UFC flyweight champion, combining wrestling, submissions, and timing like no one else. He set numerous records and continued his success overseas before retiring in 2024.

4. Khabib Nurmagomedov — The Undefeated Legend

Khabib (29-0) retired without ever losing a round, let alone a fight, and dominated everyone put in front of him. From his crushing grappling to emotional retirement after beating Gaethje, his legacy is one of perfection and loyalty to his roots.

3. Georges St-Pierre — The Definition of Greatness

GSP (26-2) ruled the welterweight division for years and returned to capture middleweight gold in 2017. With nine title defenses and two avenged losses, he remains one of the most respected and complete fighters in history.

2. Anderson Silva — The Spider Who Spun a Web of Dominance

Silva (34-11, 1 NC) holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history and delivered some of the most memorable finishes the sport has seen. Though his later career saw losses, his prime was unmatched in creativity, flair, and effectiveness.

1. Jon Jones — The Greatest to Ever Do It

Jon Jones (28-1, 1 NC) reigned supreme at light heavyweight before a triumphant move to heavyweight in 2023. Despite controversy, his dominance across eras, divisions, and against all challengers makes him the UFC’s undisputed GOAT.