ESB MMA Hall of Fame

I can't do a before UFC list so I only comment on the second list. Rampage is far from undisputed IMO. He is the legimate champ in the UFC but he doesnt have the Pride belt in his own weightclass. So he has to beat guys like Shogun to make him undisputed.

In no particular order(and I am gonna forget a few that I will regret)

- Fedor: undefeated and fought all the big names in the most important division.
- Vovchanchyn: Fantastic run in Pride and won many 8 men tournaments often KO-ing guys way bigger than him.
- Royce: Being a pioneer and showing that technique can beat power and size.
-Sakuraba: For being a wizard and fighting everyone they put in front of him.
- Couture: Great wrestler, always comes in shape, willing to fight anyone and he only gets better with age. An inspiration for any fighter. Living legend IMO.

Edit: Put Couture in for Silva.

 

I also don't feel qualified to make a judgement on list one. But list two:

1. Randy Couture - Greatest underdog in history with multiple belt wins in two weight classes.
2. Fedor Emelianenko - Greastest mixed martial artist of his era, probably ever.
3. Sakuraba - It's Sakuraba, goddamnit.
4. Royce Gracie - His early sucess, and he changed the public of perception of "fighting" beyond hitting each other in the face with 10 ouncers.
5. Matt Hughes - Most dominant fighter in a weight class for the longest time.

 

Thanks, but I already regret not putting Couture in there:yep

You're right about him beating the Pride beltholder. I forgot that Henderson held both belts.

 

Dont much pre UFC so just say Cross Trainers list

Randy - great ambassador for the sport
Royce Gracie - showed how to win the bigger guy
Rampage - fav fighter, first undisputed champ - can see why some might not choose though
Tito - yeah I know, but did make MMA mainstream
Penn - most naturally skilled fighter I seen and great to watch, beat dominant champ Hughes from lower weight class

some i left out:
Fedor - not seen enough fights but agree best fighter in world
Hughes - dominated for long time maybe his attitude was a down point
Sakuraba - not seen enough fights

 

I also feel unqualifed for the 1st list I could make one if I wanted but I just dont feel I know enough.

Im trying to go with guys whos careers are done or close to it and have easily cemented there status a guy like Fedor can still do alot more and has a few more years left so ill go with the older guys.

Randy Couture
Royce Gracie
Ken Shamrock
Sakuraba
Chuck Liddell

 

Pre UFC
Ken Shamrock-he was considered the best fighter in the world the day before the first UFC, so I think he should count.
Chris Dolman-First RINGS champion.
Gokor Chivichyan-Championships in Judo, Sambo, and Wrestling, and fought in early NHB matches and one modern one, later became a great instructor.
Kimura-duh

UFC Era
Royce Gracie First UFC champion
Mark Coleman First UFC and Pride Champion, first Pride Champion, first dominant GnP.
Rampage First to unify since the formation of Pride
Matt Hughes Most dominant within weightclass
Randy Couture 5 titles, 2 weightclasses, 43 years old.

Really wish I had room for
Dan Henderson First RINGS King of Kings champ, first to hold titles in 2 weightclass at same time.

 

still dont think Rampage is a HOFer, yeah he unified the title, but come on. He beats Liddell and then a blownup MW, I would hold out on hime for a bit. If he keeps the title for a while and maybe avenges some of his losses, then sure.

 

hrmm, pretty much all the guys who you have on the list, I just think its to early to include Rampage.

 

Aww cmon, you gona put Coleman over Fedor? Is it just to be special or so everyone goes "wtfux?". 11 title defenses against top competition is not better than w/e Coleman did? Other than that solid list.