The top 50 greatest MMA fighters of all time, ranked by fans

October 9, 2025 Kris Isaksen

In a sport as fiercely competitive and globally celebrated as mixed martial arts, naming the “greatest of all time” is no easy task. But thanks to Tapology’s fan-voted rankings, a consensus has formed — one that blends legendary pioneers, dominant champions, and modern-day icons. Here’s a countdown from 50 to 1 of the most revered MMA fighters ever, as chosen by the fans.

#50 Tito Ortiz – the Huntington Beach Bad Boy

Tito Ortiz was one of the UFC's earliest superstars, known for his brash personality and powerful ground-and-pound. With notable wins and rivalries that shaped early MMA, he remains a polarizing but pivotal figure in the sport.

#49 Petr Yan – no mercy in the octagon

Petr Yan’s sharp boxing and relentless pace made him a force in the bantamweight division. Despite recent losses, his technical skill and championship run keep him ranked among the elite.

#48 Valentina Shevchenko – the bullet’s reign

Valentina Shevchenko dominated the women’s flyweight division with clinical precision and world-class striking. Her rivalry with Amanda Nunes and consistent performances earned her respect as one of the best female fighters ever.

#47 Royce Gracie – the original legend

Royce Gracie changed martial arts forever by proving Brazilian jiu-jitsu's effectiveness in the early UFC events. His legacy isn’t just about wins — it’s about launching an entire era of grappling dominance.

#46 Quinton "Rampage" Jackson – power and pride

Rampage Jackson brought raw knockout power and charisma to both the UFC and PRIDE. Known for slamming opponents and thrilling fans, his aggressive style left a lasting impact on MMA’s global rise.

#45 Chris Weidman – the man who dethroned Silva

Chris Weidman shocked the world when he ended Anderson Silva’s legendary winning streak. Though his career was marred by injuries, that defining moment and his championship reign cemented his place in MMA history.

#44 Deiveson Figueiredo – chaos at flyweight

Deiveson Figueiredo brought rare knockout power to the flyweight division. His rivalry with Brandon Moreno showcased thrilling title fights and elevated the lighter weight class in the UFC spotlight.

#43 Fabrício Werdum – submission king of the heavyweights

Fabricio Werdum — Mike Dunn from Sunnyvale, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A world-class grappler, Werdum stunned the MMA world by submitting legends like Fedor Emelianenko. His UFC title win and elite BJJ credentials make him one of the most respected heavyweights ever.

#42 Maurício “Shogun” Rua – PRIDE warrior turned UFC champ

Mauricio Rua — [1], CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shogun Rua blended violent muay thai with old-school PRIDE spirit. His wars with Dan Henderson and rise to UFC gold made him a fan favorite known for heart and heavy hands.

#41 Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira – Minotauro the iron man

Minotauro Nogueira’s toughness was legendary — he took unbelievable punishment and still found ways to win, often by submission. A PRIDE icon and UFC champion, he was revered for his heart and technique.

#40 Tyron Woodley – the chosen one’s championship run

Tyron Woodley had a dominant UFC welterweight title reign, using explosive wrestling and knockout power. While his late-career decline was steep, his peak showed he belonged among the best.

#39 Robbie Lawler – ruthless to the core

Robbie Lawler’s second act in the UFC was one for the ages, with unforgettable wars against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit. His aggression and durability made him a must-watch every time he fought.

#38 Wanderlei Silva – the axe murderer of PRIDE

Wanderlei Silva ruled PRIDE with ferocity, delivering brutal knockouts and showcasing a fearless, brawling style. Few fighters matched his intensity or legendary aura during the 2000s.

#37 Robert Whittaker – the reaper of the middleweights

Robert Whittaker’s technical striking and calm demeanor helped him rise to become middleweight champion. His bouts with Yoel Romero were instant classics, showing his grit and championship caliber.

#36 Lyoto Machida – the dragon’s elusive legacy

Lyoto Machida brought karate back into the spotlight with his unique, elusive style. His UFC title run and highlight-reel knockouts made him one of the most unpredictable fighters of his time.

#35 Aljamain Sterling – the funk master’s rise

Aljamain Sterling’s awkward, grappling-heavy style took time to gain respect, but he eventually captured and defended the UFC bantamweight title. His controversial win over Petr Yan started a solid championship run.

#34 T.J. Dillashaw – speed, skill, and scandal

T.J. Dillashaw’s footwork and striking were among the best in bantamweight history. Despite his suspension for PEDs, his title wins and dynamic style remain influential in the division.

#33 Amanda Nunes – the lioness of women’s MMA

Amanda Nunes is widely considered the greatest female MMA fighter ever, holding titles in two divisions and defeating every former champion she faced. Her retirement in 2023 closed a truly dominant chapter.

#32 Dan Henderson – H-bombs from both sides

Dan Henderson fought in nearly every major promotion and delivered some of the most iconic knockouts in MMA history. His right hand — the H-bomb — was legendary, as was his rivalry with Shogun Rua.

#31 Dricus Du Plessis – stillknocks on the rise

South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis has surged up the rankings with dominant finishes and a relentless fighting pace. With an unbeaten UFC streak, fans are watching closely to see if greatness awaits.

#30 Francis Ngannou – the predator’s power unmatched

Francis Ngannou’s knockout power was unlike anything the UFC had seen — opponents often didn’t make it past the first round. From humble beginnings to heavyweight champion, his story is as inspiring as his highlight reel is terrifying.

#29 Frankie Edgar – the answer to any challenge

Frankie Edgar’s heart and speed made him a fan favorite, especially during his lightweight title reign. He often fought bigger opponents, but his relentless pace and wrestling carried him to the top.

#28 Chuck Liddell – the iceman cometh

Chuck Liddell defined the UFC's early success with his mohawk, iron chin, and devastating right hand. As light heavyweight champion, he helped bring MMA into the mainstream with his aggressive, knockout-heavy style.

#27 Dustin Poirier – the diamond in the trenches

Dustin Poirier's career has been a masterclass in resilience, bouncing back from defeats to become one of the most respected fighters in the sport. His wars with McGregor, Gaethje, and Holloway are modern classics.

#26 Cain Velasquez – cardio and chaos

Cain Velasquez brought relentless pressure and cardio to the heavyweight division, overwhelming opponents with volume and wrestling. Though injuries shortened his prime, at his best, he was nearly unstoppable.

#25 Conor McGregor – the notorious game changer

Conor McGregor transcended MMA, becoming the sport's biggest star and its first simultaneous two-division champion. Love him or hate him, his charisma, left hand, and knockout of José Aldo changed the UFC forever.

#24 BJ Penn – the prodigy who did it all

BJ Penn was a natural talent, winning titles in two weight classes and fighting everyone, everywhere. Though his record faded late in his career, his early dominance and BJJ wizardry made him legendary.

#23 Henry Cejudo – triple C’s triple crown

Olympic gold medalist. Flyweight champion. Bantamweight champion. Henry Cejudo backed up his trash talk with elite wrestling and strategic brilliance, retiring (and returning) with one of the most decorated résumés in MMA.

#22 Randy Couture – the natural pioneer

Randy Couture was a blueprint for wrestling-based success in MMA, winning titles in two divisions and fighting well into his 40s. A true UFC pioneer, he helped lay the foundation for the sport’s future.

#21 Dominick Cruz – the dominator’s movement masterclass

Dominick Cruz revolutionized footwork and defensive movement in MMA. Despite multiple career-threatening injuries, his cerebral fighting style and championship pedigree secured his legacy as a bantamweight trailblazer.

#20 Matt Hughes – country strong dominance

Matt Hughes was the UFC’s welterweight king during the early 2000s, known for overwhelming wrestling and brute strength. His rivalry with BJ Penn and victories over legends like GSP define a true hall-of-fame career.

#19 Charles Oliveira – do Bronx’s submission storm

Charles Oliveira holds the record for most submissions in UFC history and finally reached the top by capturing lightweight gold. His wild style and come-from-behind finishes made him a fan favorite worldwide.

#18 Alexandre Pantoja – the cannibal climbs

Alexandre Pantoja’s recent surge, including capturing the UFC flyweight title, has turned him into a dominant force in the division. With a mix of submissions and grit, he's earned his place among the elite.

#17 Israel Adesanya – the last stylebender’s striking era

Israel Adesanya brought elegance and precision to middleweight, reigning as champion with slick counters and a matrix-like defense. His wins over top contenders and striking artistry set him apart in the modern era.

#16 Fedor Emelianenko – the last emperor of PRIDE

Fedor Emelianenko dominated heavyweight MMA for nearly a decade in PRIDE, showcasing speed, power, and icy composure. Though he never fought in the UFC, his legacy as one of the greatest remains undisputed.

#15 Alex Pereira – poatan’s meteoric rise

Alex Pereira entered MMA with terrifying kickboxing credentials and quickly claimed UFC gold in two divisions. His brutal knockouts and rivalry with Adesanya pushed him into GOAT conversations in record time.

#14 Merab Dvalishvili – the machine’s endless motor

Merab Dvalishvili's pressure-heavy style and relentless wrestling grind opponents down like few others. His winning streak and cardio-fueled performances have built him into one of the most avoided fighters in the UFC.

#13 Ilia Topuria – el matador undefeated

Ilia Topuria's perfect record and flashy finishes have made him one of MMA’s hottest rising stars. With recent wins over top featherweights, fans are watching to see if he’s the next dominant champ.

#12 Stipe Miocic – the firefighter champion

Stipe Miocic is the most successful heavyweight in UFC history, with more title defenses than any other. A calm, hard-working athlete, his victories over Cormier, Ngannou, and Overeem defined an era.

#11 Kamaru Usman – the Nigerian nightmare’s rule

Kamaru Usman ruled the welterweight division with suffocating wrestling and evolved striking. From his win streak to dramatic battles with Covington and Masvidal, Usman carved out one of the most dominant championship legacies.

#10 Max Holloway – blessed with volume and heart

Max Holloway's unmatched output and iron chin have made him a legend in the featherweight division. Known for walking opponents down and out-landing them by the hundreds, his wars with Volkanovski and Ortega are modern classics.

#9 José Aldo – junior, the featherweight king

Jose Aldo — A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com

José Aldo reigned over the featherweight division for nearly a decade, blending brutal leg kicks with defensive brilliance. A true technician and pioneer, his longevity and resume remain among the most respected in MMA history.

#8 Khabib Nurmagomedov – the eagle never fell

Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0, smothering every opponent with his unparalleled grappling. His dominant wins over McGregor, Gaethje, and Poirier secured his place as one of the greatest lightweights of all time.

#7 Anderson Silva – the spider’s striking legacy

Anderson Silva ruled the middleweight division with creativity, precision, and calm destruction. With a record-setting title reign and highlight-reel finishes, he brought artistry to MMA like no one before or since.

#6 Daniel Cormier – DC’s double-champ era

Daniel Cormier’s career spanned two divisions and a host of elite opponents. A former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, his blend of Olympic-level wrestling and knockout power earned him the rare double-champ status.

#5 Islam Makhachev – the new standard at lightweight

Islam Makhachev has taken the lightweight torch from Khabib and run with it, combining stifling wrestling with a sharp, evolving striking game. With back-to-back title defenses, he's carving his own legacy among the greats.

#4 Jon Jones – bones, the untouchable

Jon Jones has defeated every man he's faced, with unmatched fight IQ, reach, and creativity. Despite controversies outside the cage, his dominance in the octagon over multiple generations is without parallel.

#3 Alexander Volkanovski – the great tactician

Alexander Volkanovski’s adaptability, cardio, and tactical genius helped him dominate at featherweight. Wins over Holloway, Ortega, and a bold attempt at double-champ status have made him one of the pound-for-pound best ever.

#2 Demetrious Johnson – mighty mouse’s masterclass

Demetrious Johnson’s reign at flyweight was defined by unmatched technique, creativity, and dominance. His title defenses and one-of-a-kind suplex-to-armbar submission showed why he’s still considered the most complete fighter in MMA.

#1 Georges St-Pierre – Rush, the ultimate champion

Georges St-Pierre tops the fan-voted rankings for good reason — his dominance, professionalism, and all-around skillset made him a true ambassador for the sport. From avenging losses to returning after a four-year hiatus to win another title, GSP is the gold standard for greatness.