Who has been THE most effective MMA fighting machine of all-time?

OK, before we begin, this thread-question is

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about all-time pound-for-pound career greatness, it is

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about resume, it is

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about who fought the best fighters, it is

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about who had the most dominant run in the sport, etc etc etc...


...This thread-question is purely about who is the GREATEST fighter in terms of

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and

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that there has ever been...

...naming that fighter, and naming the

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period in which that fighter was at his absolute peak, so it can be pinpointed which

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of that fighter you thought was the number 1 fighting machine of all-time.


I have included some names in the poll, but

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If you think the best MMA fighter you ever seen compete is someone outwith my poll, then simply comment and explain your own choice.

:good


Please comment as well as name your fighter :bbb

 

Why not? :think

 

My top three in history would be thus:

3rd - GEORGES ST PIERRE
Strengths: Top wrestler in MMA at his best, strong all-rounder, excellent speed, good jab, able to utterly dominate and shut down his opponents like no-one else.
Why isn't he #1: Compared to the guys above him, he has a slight weakness in terms of punch resilience. GSP himself seems to acknowledge this fact, often choosing to dominate his opponents with takedowns and top control rather than being confident enough to take anyone on at their own game.

2nd - SHOGUN RUA
Strengths: One of the most vicious strikers ever, Rua has extreme punching power and mental strength. A smart tactical brain, excellent leg and body kicks, and underrated grappling strength.
Why isn't he #1: In the MW GP, L'il Nog seemed to show that Rua could be outboxed when standing up, highlighting Shogun's tendency to wing his punches for power and not box properly using defence to set up his shots more accurately.

1st - FEDOR EMELIANENKO
Strengths: Seems to be able to defeat any fighter in any way, even when he plays into that fighter's hands. Was active at the same time as the other two best heavyweights ever (Nogueira and Cro Cop); beat Nogueira on the ground and on the feet, got his nose broken by Cro Cop then proceeded to convincingly outfight him. Has unorthodox striking skills, single-shot knockout power, amazing submission skills, an iron will - in short, the Sambo master had it all, and more.