When it comes to the UFC, there’s no shortage of legendary fighters who’ve left an indelible mark on the sport. But narrowing down the greatest of all time? That’s no easy task.
ProfitDuel, experts in all things side hustles, have selected five of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, showcasing what makes them worthy of this prestigious title.
While some fighters dominate with brutal knockouts, others have perfected the art of submission, and then there are those whose sheer determination and heart set them apart. In this list, we’ll take a look at five of the most iconic fighters in UFC history.
Just to be clear this isn’t a ranking, because let’s face it, comparing greatness across eras and weight classes can get tricky. Each fighter brought something unique to the octagon, and all of them deserve their spot in the conversation of all-time greats.
Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson is one of the most technically skilled fighters in UFC history. As the UFC’s first Flyweight Champion, he held the belt for a record 11 consecutive title defenses between 2012 and 2018. Known for his speed, precision, and grappling mastery, Johnson's most iconic moment came with his suplex-to-armbar submission against Ray Borg, an unforgettable highlight showcasing his brilliance.
Despite his dominance, Johnson was often underappreciated, likely due to his quiet demeanor and the flyweight division's lower profile. In 2018, he made a surprising move to ONE Championship in a fighter trade, seeking new challenges.
What makes Johnson truly great isn’t just his record, but his adaptability and seamless integration of striking, wrestling, and submissions. While not always in the spotlight, Johnson remains one of the most complete and overlooked fighters in MMA history.
Jon Jones
Jon "Bones" Jones is widely considered one of the most talented fighters the UFC has ever seen. His mix of freakish athleticism, creativity, and fight IQ made him the youngest UFC champion in history at just 23. He dominated the light heavyweight division, racking up wins over legends like Daniel Cormier, Shogun Rua, and Lyoto Machida. His combination of striking, wrestling, and unorthodox techniques made him nearly unbeatable in the octagon.
His talent is undeniable, and after years at light heavyweight, he made his much-anticipated move to heavyweight, winning the title in 2023.
Looking ahead, fans are buzzing about a potential clash with rising heavyweight star Tom Aspinall. Aspinall's speed and well-rounded game could make for a thrilling matchup against Jones, possibly one of the biggest heavyweight fights the UFC could offer.
Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes has cemented herself as the greatest female fighter in UFC history, dominating two weight classes - bantamweight and featherweight. Known for her devastating knockout power and well-rounded skill set, Nunes holds victories over some of the biggest names in women’s MMA, including Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko. Her win over Cyborg in 2018, where she knocked out the feared striker in under a minute, solidified her as a two-division champion and a true force to be reckoned with.
What makes Nunes truly exceptional is her ability to adapt. Whether it’s standing and trading or taking the fight to the ground, she’s proven she can dominate in any area of the game. After an illustrious career, Nunes retired in 2023, going out on top as a champion, leaving behind a legacy unmatched by any female fighter.
Georges St-Pierre
Georges "GSP" St-Pierre is one of the most respected and well-rounded fighters in UFC history. A two-time welterweight champion and a middleweight champion, GSP reigned over the welterweight division for years, with 9 consecutive title defenses. His mix of elite striking, wrestling, and fight IQ made him nearly unbeatable, with wins over top fighters like Matt Hughes, BJ Penn, and Nick Diaz.
St-Pierre wasn’t just about physical prowess, his methodical approach and ability to out-strategize his opponents set him apart. After a long reign at welterweight, he took a four-year hiatus, only to return in 2017 to capture the middleweight title before retiring again at the top.
Though GSP’s dominance inside the octagon was undeniable, it’s his professionalism and respect for the sport that has made him one of the most beloved figures in MMA. His legacy as one of the greatest fighters ever remains untouchable.
Anderson Silva
Anderson "The Spider" Silva is a name that still echoes through MMA history as one of the most iconic champions the UFC has ever seen. As the UFC middleweight champion for nearly seven years, Silva held the longest title reign in UFC history, with 10 consecutive defenses between 2006 and 2013. His striking was nothing short of legendary - silky smooth, precise, and devastating. The front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort and his matrix-like movement in fights made him a fighter who looked almost untouchable in his prime.
Silva wasn’t just a striker; he was an artist in the octagon, making world-class opponents look amateur at times. However, his later career was marked by ups and downs, including a shocking knockout loss to Chris Weidman and multiple leg injuries. Despite this, Silva continued to fight, even after his title reign ended, testing himself against younger contenders.
While his post-prime years weren't as dominant, Silva’s influence on the sport is undeniable. He helped elevate the UFC globally with his exciting, unpredictable fighting style, and his legacy as one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the octagon is secure.
