Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has produced many of the most famous MMA fighters over the last 30 years, but global fame isn’t guaranteed. The best FIFA men player award shows that fame and success don’t always align. Here are five of the most famous MMA fighters known for their skills and achievements.
MMA, the second most popular combat sport after boxing, showcases highly skilled athletes whose fame doesn’t always match their talent, unlike winners of the best FIFA men player award.
These most famous MMA fighters, celebrated for their talent and strong personalities, have left a lasting impact similar to the best FIFA men player award winners.
5. Jon Jones
Jon “Bones” Jones is one of the most famous MMA fighters, known for his skill and controversy. At 23, he became the youngest UFC champion and defeated top fighters like Shogun Rua and Daniel Cormier. With an 84-inch reach and a mix of striking and wrestling, Jones is legendary in the octagon. His only official loss came from a disqualification for an illegal “12 to 6 elbow” strike. Despite legal troubles and suspensions, his dominance and comeback wins solidify him as one of the most famous MMA fighters in history.
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4. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is one of the most famous MMA fighters, known for popularizing women’s MMA. As the first female UFC champion, she dominated the bantamweight division with her powerful armbar submissions and an undefeated streak. Even after losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, her impact on the sport remains strong. Rousey expanded her fame by appearing in movies and transitioning to WWE, paving the way for future female fighters.
3. Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva, one of the most famous MMA fighters, is known for his striking and counter-punching, influenced by Muay Thai. He dominated the UFC middleweight division for 2,457 days, the longest reign in UFC history.
However, his legacy has been questioned due to a failed drug test, a common issue among most famous MMA fighters, including Jon Jones. Despite this, Silva’s career boasts unforgettable moments, like his front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort. Even after leaving the UFC, he stayed active in boxing, showing his enduring fighting spirit.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov is seen as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. The Dagestani fighter was known for his exceptional sambo wrestling, which allowed him to overpower and dominate his opponents before securing submissions.
As the UFC lightweight champion, Khabib successfully defended his title against top fighters like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Conor McGregor, retiring with a perfect 29-0 record. His rivalry with McGregor was one of the most-watched MMA events ever, ending with Khabib forcing McGregor to submit with a neck crank.
1. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is possibly the most famous MMA fighter in history. His charisma and bold personality brought widespread attention to MMA, especially from fans in the UK and Ireland.
McGregor made history by becoming the first UFC fighter to hold two titles in different weight classes (featherweight and lightweight) at the same time. His most notable moment was his 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo to win the featherweight title.
His talent for promoting fights through his confident trash-talking, combined with his ability to deliver on his promises during his prime, catapulted him to global fame. McGregor’s 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather drew even more attention to MMA, helping boost the UFC’s popularity.
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