Top 15 MMA Fighters In History

Good list, I agree with almost all of it.

What I am slightly skeptical about is Marco Ruas. Are you basing this on influence on the sport or actual achievements? I understand that Ruas is a pioneer, but as far as MMA goes he hasn't achieved as much as some others that I would put on the list. At the moment I would probably replace him with Mark Coleman.

 

my top 10 in no order have been chosen for being able to dominate as champion at a particular time in the sport. i am not saying Royce Gracie would beat Cro Cop, rather when Gracie fought he was the best in the world.

Rickson Gracie
Kazushi Sakuraba
Royce Gracie
Randy Couture / Dan Severn
Fedor Emelianenko
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Wanderlei Silva
Dan Henderson
Anderson Silva
George St Pierre

 

Unfortunately, my list will make me seem as if I don't know much about the history of MMA. It isn't true, I just feel that it is important to acknowledge that the fighters of today ARE better fighters than the fighters of the earlier MMA era. It's just not true, in my opinion, to say Royce Gracie is a top fighter in MMA history just because he revolutionized the sport. No one pretends John Sullivan was as good as Joe Louis just because he came first.

With that said, the pioneers of the sport have my utmost respect. They were the greatest in their time. They were truly the best fighters in the world. The thing is though, the best fighters in the world have gotten a lot lot lot better.

With that in mind, in no order.

Fedor Emelienanko
Georges St. Pierre
Anderson Silva
BJ Penn
Matt Hughes
Chuck Lidell
Dan Henderson
Antonio Nogueira
Rampage Jackson
Randy Couture.

 

:good

 

What about Shogun? His reign of terror had some big name casualties.

 

Fair enough. I mean there is no doubt that he was on of the pioneers in modern MMA with his Vale Tudo, and I think if he had come around at the right time (like say Rickson Gracie) he would have made a more visible impact on the sport.

Like I said before, I would replace him with Mark Coleman who achieved a huge amount. Two UFC tournaments, first UFC heavyweight champion and Pride GP 2000 champion. Not many have achieved more than that, as much as I dislike the guy.

 

Shogun is like a Ferrari with an ounce of gasoline. Useless after 2 minutes.

 

After 15 seconds of deliberation I agree and put Hendo in over Frank.

 

Frank subbed Hendo. I know Dan improved but the result remains the same prime for prime. You really cant fault Frank for his comp as it was a little watered down with the exception of Sak.

 

Whats with Don Frye? Pretty nasty in his time/prime.