Top 10 Mixed Martial Artists

Mixed Martial Arts has become the globe's most rapidly expanding sport. In 2006, MMA broke pay-per-view records, eclipsing both boxing and professional wrestling. Introduced in 1993 by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, MMA, also known as Ultimate Fighting, aimed to determine the most effective martial art. Royce Gracie, a young Brazilian, emerged victorious using Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a then-little-known grappling style. Modern top fighters are versatile athletes skilled in striking (boxing, muay thai) and grappling (jiu-jitsu, judo, wrestling), coupled with exceptional cardiovascular conditioning. Pankration, an ancient Olympic sport combining wrestling and strikes, shares similarities with MMA. Early modern MMA events had minimal rules and no time limits, but since 1999, state athletic commissions have regulated competitions under the Unified Rules of MMA, which outline 32 fouls. Notably, no fatalities have occurred in sanctioned MMA events.

10. Rickson Gracie 11-0

A standout member of Brazil's renowned Gracie family, Rickson boasts over 400 wins across jiu-jitsu, vale tudo, amateur wrestling, and other combat disciplines. With an undefeated professional record of 11-0, he is the son of Helio Gracie, the founder of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and holds a 7th-degree black belt in Gracie jiu-jitsu. Rickson has consistently championed Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as the ultimate fighting style. His sole blemish occurred in an American Sambo tournament, where he claimed the rules were unclear. Despite his legendary status in MMA, his professional victories were against less formidable opponents, limiting his ranking.

Frank Shamrock, the younger brother of UFC pioneer Ken Shamrock, remains the only fighter to retire as a UFC champion. Renowned as MMA's first truly versatile athlete, he combined exceptional submission skills, wrestling prowess, and precise striking to dominate the UFC in the late 1990s. While his commitment and passion have been questioned, his talent is beyond dispute. After a period of inactivity post-1999, Shamrock attempted a comeback in 2006, though critics argue he lacks the drive to face elite competition.

Known as “The Iceman,” Chuck Liddell played a pivotal role in the UFC's surge in popularity starting in 2005. His back-to-back knockouts of Randy Couture cemented his status as the face of the UFC. With his iconic blue shorts and signature Mohawk, Liddell holds the record for the most wins in UFC history. His legendary knockout power and ability to finish fights with a single punch made him a formidable opponent. Victories over Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture solidified his reputation as one of the most intimidating fighters in MMA history.

A Croatian Parliament member and part of the anti-terrorism unit, Mirko Filipovic earned the nickname “Cro Cop.” He stands out as the first athlete to achieve championship status in MMA after gaining fame in K-1, kickboxing's premier league. Known for his devastating head-kick knockouts, he boasts one of the most impressive highlight reels in the sport. Cro Cop triumphed in the 2006 Pride FC Open Weight Grand Prix, the most prestigious tournament in MMA history, defeating Olympic judo gold medalist Hidehiko Yoshida, former UFC champion Josh Barnett, and Pride FC champion Wanderlei Silva.

Matt Hughes made his UFC debut at UFC 22 in 1999 and spent the next decade establishing himself as the world's most dominant 170-pound fighter. Although B.J. Penn, the Hawaiian prodigy, ended Hughes' title reign in 2004, Hughes reclaimed the championship later that year. When Royce Gracie returned to the UFC in 2006, Hughes demonstrated the evolution of modern MMA fighters by dominating Gracie using Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Gracie's own specialty. Hughes later avenged his loss to Penn but was ultimately knocked out by the rising Canadian star Georges St. Pierre. Hughes also gained fame as a coach on two seasons of the hit TV show, “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Kazushi Sakuraba, primarily competing in Japan's Pride FC, has become an iconic figure embodying the spirit of MMA. His legendary 90-minute battle with Royce Gracie in 2000 marked a pivotal moment in the sport. Dubbed “The Gracie Hunter” for defeating four members of the Gracie family, Sakuraba's unique style, featuring double judo chops, cartwheels, and an extraordinary ability to endure punishment, sets him apart. His indomitable warrior spirit has made him one of the most cherished figures in MMA history.

Randy “The Natural” Couture, a UFC Hall of Famer, transcends the sport much like legends such as Gretzky or Jordan. While many might struggle to name the current heavyweight boxing champion, Couture's name is instantly recognizable as a UFC heavyweight champion. He holds the unique distinction of winning a UFC title six times. A three-time All-American and Olympic alternate in Greco-Roman wrestling, Couture, alongside peers like Mark Coleman, demonstrated the strategic advantage of controlling a fight's positioning. In 2007, at 43, he made history by defeating the younger and larger Tim Sylvia to reclaim the UFC championship.

Wanderlei Silva's intimidating appearance, complete with head tattoos and a piercing stare, matches his fierce fighting style. Known as “The Axe Murderer,” Silva is anything but relaxed. He has a reputation for finishing fights decisively, with knockout victories over notable opponents like UFC champion Rampage Jackson (twice) and Kazushi Sakuraba (three times). Silva held the Pride FC championship for a record six years. A master of Thai boxing and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he trained extensively at Brazil's renowned Chute Boxe Academy. Silva's future includes a move to the UFC and a highly anticipated clash with Chuck Liddell.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, known as “Minotauro,” is celebrated as MMA's premier submission specialist. His resilience, ability to absorb punishment, and counter with precision make him a daunting adversary. Nogueira has never been knocked out or submitted, despite facing the world's elite fighters. Half of his losses came via decision to the top-ranked fighter on this list, underscoring his world-class caliber. With nearly two-thirds of his victories achieved through submissions, his Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills are unparalleled. Nogueira is one of only two fighters to hold the Pride FC heavyweight title and the sole individual to submit Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.

Fedor Emelianenko of Russia stands as the greatest mixed martial artist in history, a claim few coaches or fighters would dispute. Known for his stoic demeanor, Emelianenko has never displayed emotion in the ring, yet he has triumphed over every opponent he has faced, including Olympic wrestlers, NCAA champions, K-1 champions, and UFC titleholders. His only loss, caused by a cut, was decisively avenged five years later. Recognized as the world's top fighter by numerous publications over the past five years, Emelianenko is a national hero in Russia, with even Vladimir Putin among his admirers. Regarded as unbeatable by many, Fedor remains the undisputed #1 MMA fighter until someone proves otherwise.

Contributor: trebek