Fedor Shogun Wanderlei Big Nog Cro Cop Henderson Sakuraba Rampage Barnett Gomi Little Nog Coleman I don't know about the order, I just named the first 12 to come to mind.
Mauricio Rua FedorEmelianenko Wanderlai Silva Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera Kazushi Sakuraba Dan Henderson Mirko Filipovic Quinton Jackson Takanori Gomi Ricardo Arona Josh Barnett Antonio Rogerio Noguiera
I wouldn't put Sperry anywhere near that list. No ones mentioned Mark Kerr, Coleman or Vovchancyn. If you mean top 12 in terms of significance any one of those 3 could make that list for their early accomplishments in PRIDE.
I went with Sperry because I thought of Vovchanchyn, and remembered Sperry beat him. What I didn't take into account was Vovchanchyn had a lot more PRIDE appearances, and a better overall record. So, yes, Vovchanchyn should be place higher. I would have to take Vovchanchyn, and Coleman, over Kerr. They both have better overall records, PRIDE and otherwise. Vovchanchyn also has the head to head win over Kerr. I think I'm going to have to replace Sperry with Coleman. Though Vovchanchyn has a lot more PRIDE appearances, I believe Coleman has the more significant wins. Coleman also beat Vovchanchyn, and Coleman doesn't have a losing record in PRIDE. Sperry had an otherwise unimpressive record, and that's why the head to head is more significant for Coleman.
Fedor Sakuraba Big Nog Wanderlei Shogun Hendo Gomi Cro Cop Rampage Arona Coleman Vovchanchyn Guys like Sakurai, Filho, Lil Nog, Kharitonov, Barnett would be just a bit lower.