The landscape of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) can change rapidly due to new fighters emerging and others retiring or transitioning to different promotions. However, some fighters have consistently been regarded as top contenders and dominant forces in their respective weight classes. Here are some of the top MMA fighters who were well-regarded up to that point:
- Jon Jones: Considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, Jon Jones was dominant in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. His diverse skill set, unorthodox style, and long reign as champion set him apart.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov: Retired undefeated, Khabib was the UFC lightweight champion and known for his relentless grappling and dominant performances in the Octagon.
- Amanda Nunes: The reigning UFC women’s featherweight and bantamweight champion, Nunes is widely regarded as one of the best female fighters in history due to her impressive knockout power and well-rounded skills.
- Israel Adesanya: The UFC middleweight champion, Adesanya, is a striking specialist with precise and technical striking.
- Stipe Miocic: Known for his solid boxing and wrestling skills, Miocic is a former UFC heavyweight champion and has notable wins against elite heavyweights.
- Valentina Shevchenko: The UFC women’s flyweight champion, Shevchenko, is a highly skilled striker and has shown dominance in her division.
- Francis Ngannou: A powerful knockout artist, Ngannou became the UFC heavyweight champion with his striking prowess and physical strength.
- Alexander Volkanovski: The UFC featherweight champion, Volkanovski, is known for his relentless pace and well-rounded skills.
- Max Holloway: A former UFC featherweight champion, Holloway is known for his high-volume striking and exciting fighting style.
- Demetrious Johnson: Although he was no longer with the UFC at the time of my last update, Johnson is often considered one of the greatest flyweights in MMA history. He now competes in ONE Championship.
Keep in mind that the MMA landscape is continually evolving, and new talents may have risen to prominence since my last update. Additionally, rankings and opinions on fighter greatness can be subjective and vary between different organizations and media outlets. It’s always good to check the latest rankings and news from reputable MMA websites and organizations to stay up to date with the current top fighters in the world.