10 most influential MMA legends in history

Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Ronda Rousey not only dominated but also elevated the UFC to new heights, transforming MMA into a global phenomenon.

Royce Gracie (1993-2015). The Brazilian fighter is an icon of the early UFC era. Competing from 1993, he won three UFC Tournament championships, finishing his career with a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws. Gracie brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to its peak, proving that technique can overcome physique, as he consistently subdued larger opponents with grappling and submission holds. His influence remains to this day, with BJJ becoming an indispensable discipline in MMA. Photo: Reuters

Chuck Liddell (1998-2010). The American legend boasts 21 wins and 8 losses and once held the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Liddell is known for his striking ability, often finishing opponents with knockout punches. He is an iconic figure who helped the UFC explode in the 2000s, bringing MMA out of the niche tournament realm to become a compelling sports entertainment phenomenon. Photo: UFC

Anderson Silva (1997-2020). The Brazilian fighter holds a record of 34 wins and 11 losses, including a 16-fight win streak in the UFC. Silva, nicknamed "The Spider," held the UFC Middleweight Championship for over 6 years, an unprecedented achievement. He is considered a master striker thanks to his impeccable punching, kicking, and counter-attacking techniques. Photo: Zuffa LLC

Randy Couture (1997-2011). With 19 wins and 11 losses, Couture is one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. He is a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and two-time Light Heavyweight Champion, making him one of the most decorated champions in history. Couture is also seen as an inspiration for his late start in martial arts, beginning his career after the age of 30.

Beyond his legendary MMA career, Couture also ventured into film. He is best known for his role as Toll Road in The Expendables action film series, starring alongside Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Jet Li. Couture has also appeared in other films such as The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior (2008), Setup (2011, with 50 Cent and Bruce Willis), and Hijacked (2012), as well as participating in numerous reality television shows in the US, including Dancing with the Stars.

Daniel Cormier (2009-2020). Cormier has 22 wins and 3 losses, and has held both the UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Championships. With a background as an Olympic wrestler, he has excellent wrestling skills but has also developed effective striking. As a respected commentator after retirement, Cormier continues to have a significant influence in the MMA community. Photo: Bleache

Georges St-Pierre (2002-2017). With 26 wins and only 2 losses, St-Pierre is a former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion. The Canadian fighter seamlessly combines wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and striking abilities. He is a model of a well-rounded, disciplined fighter and is considered a national icon in Canada.

After retiring, St-Pierre entered the film industry, playing Batroc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), and has also appeared in numerous sports documentaries, making the image of an MMA fighter more accessible to the public.

Jon Jones (2008-2025). Jones is one of the greatest MMA fighters in history, with 28 wins in 30 professional fights. He holds numerous records in the Light Heavyweight division, including most title defenses, most wins, and the longest win streak. With his long reach, creative techniques, and adaptable fighting style, Jones often dominates opponents in both striking and grappling.

Between 2015 and 2017, Jones was involved in several controversies and lost his title three times. In 2018, he returned to reclaim the Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Alexander Gustafsson. The American fighter voluntarily relinquished the title in 2020, taking a three-year break before returning with a victory over Ciryl Gane to win the Heavyweight Championship.

In November 2024, Jones defended his title with a technical knockout victory via a spinning back kick to the stomach against Stipe Miocic and created a buzz with his celebration, mimicking former US President Donald Trump's dance. He has not competed since and announced his retirement on 21/6.

Khabib Nurmagomedov (2008-2020). Khabib boasts an undefeated record of 29 wins, including 13 in the UFC. The Russian fighter won the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2018 by defeating American opponent Al Iaquinta. He then successfully defended the title three times against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. Khabib's dominance stems from his wrestling, ground control, and suffocating grappling style.

Khabib was once hailed by UFC President Dana White as the greatest fighter in the organization. In 2022, Khabib was officially inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, marking recognition of one of the greatest careers in MMA history. He is considered an icon of the Dagestan region, contributing to the expansion of MMA's influence in Russia and the Muslim world.

Conor McGregor (2008-present). With 22 wins and 6 losses, McGregor has held both the UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Championships, becoming the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history. The Irish fighter is renowned for his fast and precise striking style, particularly his left-handed punch.

McGregor is considered the king of pay-per-view draws in the UFC, featuring in five of the highest-grossing events. The 37-year-old fighter was ranked by Forbes as the highest-paid athlete in the world in 2021, with $180 million. He was also on the list in 2018, earning $99 million and ranking fourth.

McGregor's career is synonymous with MMA, but the fight that elevated him to superstardom in the sports industry was his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. McGregor lost to the American boxer but still earned $100 million in the largely exhibition-style bout.

Ronda Rousey (2010–2016). As the first female icon of the UFC, Rousey (left) has 12 wins and only 2 losses. She held the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship from 2012 to 2015 and is famous for her ippon seoi nage throw – a judo technique in which the fighter uses their shoulder and back as a pivot to throw the opponent over their shoulder and onto the mat – and her lightning-fast armbar submission.

Rousey pioneered the explosion of women's MMA, paving the way for other female fighters to shine. After retiring from MMA, she transitioned to WWE and also ventured into film, appearing in action movies like The Expendables 3 and Furious 7, building a strong female fighter image both in the ring and on screen.

Pioneering fighters like Royce Gracie, Couture, and Liddell built the foundation, proving MMA to be a sport of genuine value.

Meanwhile, the next generation, including Silva, St-Pierre, Jones, Khabib, and McGregor, took the UFC to new heights, transforming MMA into a global phenomenon. This continuous progression has created a journey of constant development, making MMA the most exciting combat sport in the world today.

The photo shows Khabib (right) defeating McGregor with a rear-naked choke at UFC 229. This is considered the most tense and tumultuous fight in UFC history.

Called a "reverse sport" by sociologist Yann Ramirez in his 2021 thesis due to its top-down structure with tight organizational control, MMA has its deep roots in the UFC event held in Denver, Colorado, USA on 12/11/1993.

Through various tournaments, the UFC realized that the chaotic clash of styles was no longer suitable. The term "MMA" officially appeared in January 1999. By 2001, unified MMA rules were established, ending the "no rules" era and introducing weight classes, referees, and rounds.

MMA gradually became a regulated sport, with controlled violence and clear regulations. The UFC organization has become a resounding success, currently valued at over $8 billion.

Hong Duy

Photo: Reuters, UFC, Zuffa LLC, Bleache

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