From Liddell to Poatan: see the list of the greatest fighters in UFC history

In order: Chuck Liddell, Conor McGregor, Alex Poatán, Amanda nunes e Jon Jones. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

With just over 30 years of existence, the UFC has a history that is intertwined with that of MMA itself. In these three decades, idols were created and names from various parts of the world were immortalized.

O SUPER FIGHTS prepared a list of the most notable fighters in the organization's history. Titles, popularity, notable rivalries and other ingredients helped create phenomena in the sport. Check out the list and remember historical figures in mixed martial arts.

List of the greatest fighters in UFC history

Chuck liddell

Chuck Lidell has become a UFC phenomenon. Photo: Reproduction X/mmahistorytoday

One of the biggest stars in MMA has achieved success both inside and outside the octagon. Chuck Liddell has become one of the most iconic figures in the spread of the UFC around the world. And thanks to his popularity, it can be said that the American saved the organization of Dana White and the Fertitta brothers from bankruptcy.

With fierce fists and characteristic combinations that are hard to beat, Chuck Liddell won the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) by knocking out – none other than – Randy Couture, at UFC 52. In fact, the standout was a knockout machine. He holds the records for the most knockouts in the division and the longest streak in the UFC, with seven consecutive knockouts.

Protagonist of a decisive phase of the organization, he symbolized on the screen what MMA represented. With an unmistakable mustache and haircut, and shorts – designed by the Brazilian Ed Soares – who justifies the nickname 'Iceman', his coldness warmed the audience. In The Ultimate Fighter – TUF, he trained in the first season and climbed a historic rivalry with Tito Ortiz in the 11th season. That's it, the UFC was on television around the world and the excellent fighter became a legend.

Chuck Liddell has been a member of the UFC Hall of Fame since 2009.

Bj penn

Bj penn fighting for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/ Facebook UFC

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The lightweight category (up to 70,3kg) had its reigns. But surely the first dominance was this man: Bj penn. With strong ties to Brazil thanks to Jiu-Jitsu, the Hawaiian received his black belt from André Pederneiras, from the Nova União academy. BJ built his foundation in BJJ. He was one of the first non-Brazilian athletes to be a Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. In the UFC, he was the lightweight (up to 70,3kg) and welterweight champion.

After being promoted to MMA, Penn did not immediately become champion of the division he would dominate. After a few appearances for the UFC and leaving for another organization, his return to the Ultimate was in a challenge for the welterweight belt (up to 77kg). 'The Prodigy' became champion after submitting Matt hugs at UFC 46 in 2004.

The first to spread the idea of ​​fighting in different weight classes would only win the lightweight belt after a period in K-1 and returning to the UFC in 2006. The following year, the American appeared on TUF and challenged Sean Sherk for the 70,3kg belt, but Sherk was stripped after failing a doping test. The 'crown' would only come in 2008, when he submitted Joe Stevenson in a fight that became known as 'The Bloodbath'.

Randy Couture

Couture made UFC history. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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Another important name for the UFC's spread is Randy Couture. With a high level of fighting until the end of his career, the American from Oregon was three times heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) and two times light heavyweight (up to 93 kg). He was the oldest fighter to become world champion, at 45 years and 60 days. Couture also holds the record for being the oldest athlete to win a fight in the company. When he defeated James Toney, he was 47 years and 68 days old.

Like Liddell, Randy went to the big screen and 'burst the MMA bubble'. He was one of the first coaches on The Ultimate Fighter – TUF. He was a pioneer in the idea of ​​fighters moving to the big screen when he starred in the film 'Expendables', where he played the character Toll Road.

In the first decade of the millennium, Randy had memorable rivalries with Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. Such confrontations contributed considerably to the solidification of the UFC in the United States.

Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva x Demian Maia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

How to talk about UFC without talking about Anderson Silva? The Brazilian is certainly one of the most iconic figures in world MMA. Born in São Paulo, he was raised by his uncles in Curitiba and faced poverty during his upbringing. 'Spider', as he would later become known, began his martial arts career with Taekwondo. Today, the icon is a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo and Taekwondo itself.

After fighting in several organizations, often to earn money to support his family, the Brazilian made history in the UFC between 2006 and 2020, in two appearances. In his second entry into the company, he was crowned middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg). His legacy was marked by iconic moments. Which fan doesn't remember the rivalry with Chael Sonnen? Antagonism resolved with two defeats imposed on the North American by submission and knockout. In fact, incredible knockouts went down in history, such as the one imposed on Vitor belfort with an iconic front kick.

This kick from Anderson Silva against Belfort at UFC 126 in 2011 is HISTORIC!

Nostalgic!

pic.twitter.com/k05vZlTsLl

— Nostalgic Football! (@futnostalgico) May 8, 2025

Anderson Silva has been a member of the UFC Hall of Fame since 2023.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov after winning Conor McGregor. Photo Reproduction/UFC

The leader of the Dagestan clan is a regular fixture in the UFC to this day. And no wonder, the legacy he built as a fighter and coach makes Nurmagomedov a name that needs no introduction.

The lightweight champion with the longest reign in the division, lasting over a thousand days, Khabib defended his belt three times. The fighter became synonymous with assertiveness, as a near-perfect athlete in mixed martial arts. The Russian master's wrestling allowed him to win absolutely every professional fight he entered. At 32, Nurmagomedov announced his retirement with a perfect record of 29 fights and still holding the belt.

The rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov e Conor McGregor (pictured) is one of the most intense in UFC history. The rivalry began even before the fight scheduled for UFC 229. In October 2018, when they finally met in the octagon, tensions exploded when Khabib defeated Conor via submission in the fourth round, leading to an all-out brawl between the two fighters' cornermen and security guards. The rivalry went beyond cage, with both fighters facing disciplinary and financial consequences.

Khabib Nurmagomedov was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Daniel Cormier

D. Cormier in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Today known as a UFC commentator, Daniel Cormier He took up the microphone when he had already built his legacy with the gloves.

'DC' is one of the members of the select group capable of boasting the merit of having won the belts of two Ultimate divisions. He was the second fighter in the history of the organization to be champion simultaneously in two categories, light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg).

During the seven years he was a UFC fighter, he starred alongside Jon Jones one of the greatest rivalries in history. Until 2018, Daniel had only been defeated by his tormentor and no one else. They met twice, with victories for 'Bones'. However, the second fight was converted to 'no contest'. The reason? Jon Jones failed doping. At the end of his career, 'DC' was involved in a trilogy with Stipe Miocic in which he was defeated in the last two clashes, which were the last of his career as an athlete.

Cormier became one of the commentators for the world's largest MMA organization in 2016, a position he holds to this day. He is a recurring image on television channels. He currently presents the 'Good Guy/Bad Guy' together with Chael Sonnen on ESPN in the United States.

Demetrious Johnson

D. Johnson with the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction Twitter UFCNews

The biggest name in the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg) in history is surely that of Demetrious Johnson. The Canadian was the inaugural champion of the category and made his title count. He defended his belt 11 consecutive times, making him the fighter with the most defenses in the history of the organization.

With remarkable speed, 'Mighty Mouse' was dominant between 2012 and 2018 in the Ultimate. He then moved to ONE Championship. The UFC traded Demetrious Jhonson in exchange for Ben Askren in an unprecedented… and frustrating transaction. The American fought only three fights in the organization and lost two. Meanwhile, Jhonson surprised many with his ability to maintain a high level with longevity. Demetrious retired in 2023, at the age of 37.

Georges St-Pierre

G. St-Pierre was UFC welterweight and middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufccanada

Responsible for spreading MMA among Canadians, Georges St-Pierre built a brilliant career in the UFC, especially at the end of the first decade of the millennium and the beginning of the 2010s.

'Rush' is one of those names that are frequent on this list, but rare in the Ultimate universe, who are champions of two categories. Known for his fighting IQ, St-Pierre was on the throne at middleweight and welterweight, where he made an incredible nine title defenses. In addition to his several consecutive victories, he can be proud of having been a strong fighter against doping in his time.

Georges St-Pierre retired from the sport with 26 wins and just two losses. The icon has been a member of the UFC Hall of Fame since 2020.

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is a phenomenon of popularity in the history of MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The legendary Irish fighter revolutionized UFC marketing and trash talking with a meteoric career and unique style. Since his debut in 2013, Conor McGregor quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional boxing and striking skills, winning the featherweight title by defeating José Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194.

Conor McGregor Cam! Never before seen angle of THAT Jose aldo knockout! pic.twitter.com/yNsKd5qV18

— Mcgregor Forever (@mcgregorufc22) August 28, 2024

His rise continued as he became lightweight champion, defeating Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, becoming the first fighter to hold two-division title simultaneously in the UFC.

McGregor is known for his controversial personality and aggressive fighting style. Despite facing tough defeats, such as to Khabib Nurmagomedov e Dustin poirier, his ability to attract new fans and generate interest around his fights helped expand the sport's popularity globally.

The Irishman had a significant financial impact on the UFC, boosting sales of pay per view and generating record revenue for the organization. Their fight against José Aldo at UFC 194, for example, broke PPV purchase records, and his rematch against Nate diaz at UFC 202 was also a commercial success. Additionally, his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. generated a fortune in revenue, even though it was not organized by the UFC.

Despite having announced his retirement several times, even though he has fights under contract with the UFC, McGregor continues to be a prominent figure in the world of mixed martial arts.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey He held the bantamweight belt between 2013 and 2015. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Vanguard. This word is capable of defining Ronda Rousey. It would not be an exaggeration to say that she is responsible for introducing Women's MMA into the UFC ranks, after Dana White had been categorical in saying that this would never happen. But the blonde bombshell was able to dissuade the almighty from the idea when she was seen by the CEO.

Ronda became a reference. She was the inaugural women's bantamweight champion. Rousey also paved the way for the UFC to create the other women's divisions, bantamweight and strawweight. For a long time, the American was considered the best fighter in the world and even a name capable of beating male athletes. 'Rowdy' was known for her ability to end fights very quickly. To give you an idea, between 2014 and 2015, she had the combined time of four fights of just two minutes and ten seconds. Ronda Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

Chris Cyborg

Chris Cyborg is an MMA legend. Photo: UFC Disclosure

Talking about Women's MMA is to immediately remember Chris Cyborg. The Brazilian name made history around the world.

Champion in several organizations, in the UFC the Paraná native held the featherweight belt. In her career, after losing in her debut, she went on an undefeated streak of 21 fights.

Although he is a big name in MMA and has conquered the world of combat sports, Dana White has not been conquered. The two had a turbulent relationship, with the Brazilian frequently complaining while she was fighting for the UFC, and exchanging barbs later.

Historically feared, Cris Justino has seen the rise and retirement of names like Ronda Rousey e Amanda nunes, but remains active and has aspirations of taking up boxing at the age of 39. She was the first Brazilian to be champion in the Ultimate, when she won the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg).

Amanda nunes

Amanda nunes had two bantamweight reigns (2016-2021; 2022-2023). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

An undisputed 'GOAT'. This is Amanda nunes!

The Brazilian from Bahia built an impeccable legacy, being a double champion, when she won the bantamweight and featherweight belts. Nunes entered the group of MMA's greats, without refutation, after a historic victory over the famous Ronda Rousey with a knockout applied in the title fight in 2016.

Amanda was out of the sport for two years and now has public intentions of returning to the octagon. When she announced her retirement, she could boast a record of 14 wins and only one loss. This setback has been suffered by Julianna Pena in 2022, but with a rematch confirmed immediately, in a brutal revenge.

Recently, Amanda nunes was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

José Aldo

José Aldo He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

Recently retired for the second time, José Aldo Júnior had a cinematic history in sports. It's no wonder he became a movie in Brazil.

The inaugural featherweight champion, he defended the belt seven times and became recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Some victories became iconic. In his debut against the Canadian Mark hominick, Aldo won by unanimous decision, but the image that would remain forever in the fans' memories was his opponent's forehead, which had a shocking swelling thanks to the Brazilian's blows.

But the Manaus native's path in the organization was not all about glory. The reign of the King of Rio ended up being interrupted by Conor McGregor, in December 2015. On the rise, the Irishman shocked the world by knocking out the Brazilian in just 13 seconds. To this day, this is the fastest victory in a title fight in the history of the event. He would later regain the title at UFC 200, winning Frankie Edgar. Aldo is the fighter with the most belt defenses in the featherweight division, having retained it seven times.

After returning to the octagon in 2024, two years after the first retirement announcement, José Aldo suffered bad results and left the sport for good recently, in UFC 315, when he was defeated by Aiemann Zahabi.

For his contributions, the Brazilian was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023, as part of the modern wing.

Jon Jones

Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309. Photo: UFC Reproduction

Controversial, strong, controversial and practically unbeatable. Jon Jones He is loved and hated, but never questioned as one of the best in history.

The current heavyweight champion is certainly on the podium of the greatest fighters in UFC history. With a record of 30 fights, he has only one loss on his record. And even then, it was by disqualification. When he faced Matt Hamill, 'Bones' used the 12/6 elbow, which was banned at the time.

The American has already held another belt. The light heavyweight belt, where he was dominant. In fact, the conquest came early. Jon Jones He was only 23 years old when he became champion in 2011.

The fighter has the longest undefeated streak in UFC history, with 19 fights, and holds the record for the most title fights: 15. Jon Jones is already a member of the organization's Hall of Fame.

Alex Poatán

Alex Poatán celebrates UFC title win. Photo: Twitter/UFC

The darling of Brazilians has fans all over the world. Alex Pereira has become a phenomenon in a short space of time. From a poor background in São Bernardo do Campo, the fighter was a tire repairman before turning professional at the age of 26. But the man known as 'Poatan' in the fight – a reference to his origins, meaning 'Hands of Stone' – never needed much time to do what needed to be done.

The Brazilian was already a recognized champion in Glory when he left the organization to go to the UFC, in 2022. He was the first fighter to be champion of the kickboxing organization and the largest MMA organization in the world.

In just three years, Alex Poatán He won titles in two Ultimate categories, middleweight and light heavyweight, breaking the record for time between the title of one division and another, in addition to being one of the seven names to defend the belt three times in the same year. In the UFC, in such a short time, he won seven fights by knockout and, in a year when the company was struggling to headline cards, he got three main fights at the last minute. He quickly became an idol and is on his way to immortalizing himself.