Here, we present our own rankings of the top 10 greatest MMA fighters, a list that not only celebrates their achievements but dives into the very essence of what makes these athletes exceptional.

Before we reveal our top 10, let us first pay homage to those who narrowly missed the cut. These honorable mentions deserve their due for the ways in which they’ve shaped and captivated the sport with their unforgettable fights and undeniable talent:

• Henry Cejudo: The Messenger, an Olympic gold medalist turned MMA savant, delivered a masterclass in determination and skill, dismantling doubters and etching his name among the pantheon of dual-division champions.
  
• Stipe Miocic: The blue-collar heavyweight, a firefighter by trade, extinguished the flames of his competition with a stoicism that belied his immense power.
  
• BJ Penn: The Prodigy, a pioneer for lighter weight classes, showcased Hawaiian grit and an insatiable appetite for greatness throughout his storied career.
  
• Conor McGregor: The Irish tornado, with his bombastic persona and thunderous left hand, swept through the MMA world and left it forever changed.
  
• Randy Couture: The Natural’s age-defying exploits and strategic cunning made him an enduring legend in a sport that chews up and spits out so many.
  
• Matt Hughes: The Illinois farm boy, with an unbreakable spirit and unyielding strength, planted his rivals in the canvas as if they were crops in his field.

Now, with anticipation building, we kick off our countdown of the best UFC fighters at number 10, with a fighter who has dominated two UFC divisions for many years already.

#10 – Amanda Nunes

The trailblazers of any sport carry the weight of expectation on their shoulders, and Amanda Nunes, a dynamo from Brazil, has done so with grace and ferocity. Nunes lands at number 10 in our list of best UFC fighters of all time, not just for her dominance in two weight classes, but for the impact she’s had on the sport.

Nunes boasts an impressive record of 22 wins and 5 losses, with a list of vanquished foes that reads like a who’s who of the women’s bantamweight and featherweight divisions. From Ronda Rousey to Cris Cyborg to Valentina Shevchenko, no opponent has been able to resist the force that is Nunes. As the first woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously, her achievements have set the benchmark for female fighters worldwide.

A powerful striker with a keen submission game, Nunes has refined her craft throughout her career. Her Muay Thai roots blend seamlessly with her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, creating a formidable style that has left her adversaries floundering. The ferocity with which she dismantles her opponents is a testament to the depth of her skill set.

Nunes’ impact on the sport extends beyond her accolades, as she’s broken barriers and shattered expectations. As the first openly LGBTQ+ UFC champion, her legacy is one of perseverance, inclusivity, and inspiration for the next generation of fighters.

Her iconic moments, such as the swift dismantling of Ronda Rousey and the electrifying knockout of Cris Cyborg, will forever be etched into the annals of MMA history. Amanda Nunes has undoubtedly earned her place among the greatest UFC fighters ever.

#9 – Alexander Volkvanovski

The ninth-ranked fighter in our enumeration of the top 10 best UFC fighters, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski, has forged a career that’s a mosaic of tenacity, skill, and heart. The Australian featherweight sensation’s journey from rugby league front-rower to UFC gold speaks volumes of his indomitable spirit and the relentless drive that resonates with hardcore mixed martial arts fans.

In a career glittered with achievements, Volkanovski’s record speaks volumes about his dedication and skill. Boasting a 25-2 win-loss record, he’s a champion that never shies away from challenges. He dethroned the legendary Max Holloway to claim the featherweight title and then defended it four times, proving his reign was no fluke.

On the hunt for new challenges, the pound-for-pound best moved up and faced the dominant Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Against all odds, Volkanovski exceeded expectations with an all-time performance and — according to some fans — was unlucky not to walk away the victor once the scorecards were read.

These iconic moments are etched into Volkanovski’s career like the tattoos on his skin. His victories over Holloway, Jose Aldo, and Chad Mendes, together with his complete dominance of the featherweight division earn him a spot in our rankings.

But what truly sets Volkanovski apart is his unyielding resolve in the face of adversity. Case in point: his title defense against Brian Ortega, where he weathered a guillotine choke and a triangle attempt before regaining control and sealing the win.

Alexander Volkanovski’s meteoric rise to the apex of the featherweight division was nothing short of inspiring. His unwavering commitment to self-improvement, combined with his well-rounded skill set, cements him as the ninth-best UFC fighter on our list for now. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, and his legacy will no doubt continue to reverberate through the MMA world for generations to come.

#8 – Jose Aldo

There are those who wear their heart on their sleeve and give everything they have to the sport they love. For Jose Aldo, a boy from Manaus, Brazil, who dared to dream, this love for MMA manifested into an incredible career. Our #8 greatest UFC fighter has left an indelible mark on the featherweight division with a reign that spanned nearly a decade.

Aldo’s record of 30 wins and 8 losses is impressive, but it’s the names on his hit list that truly illustrate his greatness. From Frankie Edgar to Chad Mendes, the Brazilian has faced the best and emerged victorious. With a WEC title and seven UFC title defenses under his belt, Aldo’s era of dominance remains unparalleled in the division.

With a fighting style that melds precision striking, devastating leg kicks, and a granite chin, Aldo has long been a conundrum for his opponents. His Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background coalesce into an explosive and technical approach, leaving fans in awe of his prowess inside the cage.

Though his iconic moments are numerous, it’s impossible to ignore the dramatic loss to Conor McGregor. Yet, in the face of adversity, Aldo has shown time and again that true greatness lies in the ability to rise above setbacks and continue chasing victory. As we move forward in our journey through the best UFC fighters of all time, Aldo’s name will forever hold its rightful place.

#7 – Daniel Cormier

A tapestry woven from resilience and determination, the story of Daniel Cormier exemplifies the spirit of a true champion. As we continue our journey through the best UFC fighters of all time, Cormier takes the #7 spot, earning his place through an illustrious career that saw him capture gold in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.

With a record of 22 wins and 3 losses, Cormier’s resume is a testament to his prowess inside the Octagon. His notable victories over the likes of Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafsson, and Stipe Miocic speak volumes about his ability to rise to the occasion. With two UFC titles to his name, Cormier is one of the rare few to find success in multiple weight classes.

Cormier’s fighting style is an artful blend of Olympic-level wrestling and ever-improving striking skills. Over the years, his striking evolved to complement his wrestling pedigree, making him a well-rounded and dangerous opponent. The versatility of his game has been the bane of many a challenger.

The impact Cormier has had on the sport is immense, both inside and outside the cage. And now, as a commentator and analyst, he’s helped educate fans and elevate the understanding of MMA. His legacy is a tale of perseverance, with his hard-fought rise to the top serving as an inspiration for countless fighters.

From his memorable battles with Jon Jones to his triumphant victory over Stipe Miocic, Cormier has provided no shortage of iconic moments and his journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a true competitor.

#6 – Fedor Emelianenko

As we venture further into the realm of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, we stumble upon the enigmatic Fedor Emelianenko, ranked at #6. Fedor’s dominance in the heavyweight division during the Pride era remains the stuff of legends.

Fedor’s career achievements are staggering. With a record of 40 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no-contest, his conquests of giants such as Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Coleman, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira stand as a testament to his place among the best MMA fighters ever.

The Last Emperor’s fighting style is characterized by his blend of sambo and judo, complemented by crisp striking, and deceptive speed. His evolution as a fighter saw him transition from a grappling-heavy approach to incorporating devastating punches, making him a formidable force in the heavyweight division.

Fedor’s impact on the sport is undeniable. He introduced the world to the power and grace of Russian sambo, opening doors for future generations of fighters. His stoic demeanor and unwavering focus have made him an icon in the MMA community.

#5 – Demetrious Johnson

As we wade through the pantheon of the best MMA fighters of all time, we are greeted by the #5 ranked Demetrious Johnson, a man whose mastery of movement and technique has earned him the moniker “Mighty Mouse.” A force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division, Johnson’s reign was nothing short of spectacular.

Johnson’s career achievements paint an impressive portrait. With a record of 31 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, his dominance in the flyweight division is undeniable. He holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history (11), a feat that encapsulates his reign of terror over the 125-pound weight class.

Renowned for his striking precision and grappling acumen, Johnson’s fighting style is an amalgamation of finely tuned skills. His ability to transition seamlessly between striking and grappling, along with his knack for creating angles and exploiting openings, has left many opponents bewildered and defeated.

Johnson’s impact on the sport is unmistakable. His reign as flyweight champion helped establish the division and brought attention to the smaller weight classes, proving that size is not the sole determinant of greatness.

Mighty Mouse’s most iconic moment, a mid-air armbar submission of Ray Borg, remains etched in the minds of MMA enthusiasts.

And many fans will be unable to forget the competitive back-and-forth battle with Henry Cejudo — a fight that many thought Johnson won.

Since moving to ONE Championship in 2019, Johnson has continued to impress, winning the ONE Flyweight Grand Prix and capturing the ONE Flyweight Championship by avenging his defeat to Adriano Moraes in a rematch in 2022.

#4 – Khabib Nurmagomedov

In the landscape of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov stands as a towering figure, commanding the #4 spot with an undefeated record and an aura of invincibility. From the mountains of Dagestan, Khabib’s journey is one of unyielding determination, culminating in his reign as the undisputed lightweight champion.

With an immaculate record of 29-0, Khabib’s dominance in the lightweight division is unparalleled. His list of conquests includes the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, each falling prey to his relentless grappling and smothering pressure.

Khabib’s fighting style is a masterclass in grappling and ground control. With his roots in sambo and wrestling, he’s crafted an approach that leaves opponents gasping for air and desperate for reprieve. The suffocating pressure of his ground game has become synonymous with his name, a testament to his mastery of the art.

Khabib’s most iconic moment, the submission of Conor McGregor, solidified his place among the greatest UFC fighters of all time. And although the post-fight melee may have damaged his reputation monetarily, Nurmagomedov still remains a role model for many who appreciate his dedication to his craft, respect for his opponents, and unwavering loyalty to his family and team.

As we prepare to enter the top 3 fighters on our list of best UFC fighters, we brace ourselves for a dive into the Matrix, a world where the impossible is made possible. The story of the #3 ranked Anderson Silva awaits.

#3 – Anderson Silva

In our quest to reveal the best MMA fighters of all time, we have arrived at a true enigma, a man who walked the line between art and violence, painting masterpieces with his limbs. At #3, we present Anderson Silva, an extraordinary talent who once reigned supreme in the middleweight division.

Silva’s career achievements are nothing short of legendary. With a record of 34 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no-contest, he captivated fans with his unmatched prowess. He held the UFC Middleweight Championship for an astounding 2,457 days, with 10 successful title defenses during that time, making him one of the best UFC fighters ever.

Silva’s fighting style is a dazzling display of fluidity, creativity, and precision. Known for his striking, particularly his Muay Thai skills, Silva often toyed with his opponents, baiting them into making mistakes before unleashing devastating counterattacks. His uncanny ability to anticipate and evade strikes earned him the nickname “The Spider.”

Silva’s impact on the sport is immense. He has inspired a generation of fighters, demonstrating that martial arts is more than brute force—it is a symphony of movement, timing, and finesse. His reign as middleweight champion solidified the division’s place in the MMA world.

Iconic moments in Silva’s career abound, with his front kick knockout of Vitor Belfort perhaps the most emblematic of his genius. However, Silva’s career was not without controversy, including a positive test for performance-enhancing substances and a bizarre fight against Demian Maia in which he was criticized for his lack of engagement.

Nevertheless, Anderson Silva’s artistry and dominance remain a cornerstone of MMA history. As we shift our gaze to the #2 ranked fighter, Georges St-Pierre, we will explore another facet of greatness, a story of relentless determination and the pursuit of perfection.

#2 – Georges St-Pierre

As we near the summit of our list of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, we find a man whose very name embodies the pursuit of excellence. At #2, we celebrate Georges St-Pierre, a Canadian phenom whose legacy echoes throughout the annals of MMA history.

GSP’s career achievements are staggering, a testament to his dedication and skill. With a record of 26 wins and 2 losses, he dominated the UFC welterweight division for over seven years. He captured the UFC Welterweight Championship twice and later returned to the Octagon to win the Middleweight Championship, showcasing his remarkable versatility. To this day, St-Pierre holds the record for most wins in UFC welterweight title fights (14).

St-Pierre’s fighting style is a seamless blend of striking and grappling, honed through years of relentless training. Adept in Kyokushin karate, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, GSP dismantled his opponents with surgical precision. His superb wrestling skills and takedown accuracy proved invaluable in his bouts, allowing him to dictate the pace and control his adversaries.

Georges St-Pierre’s impact on the sport is profound. Beyond his numerous records and titles, he was a true ambassador for MMA, embodying sportsmanship and humility both inside and outside the Octagon. His dedication to constant improvement and evolution inspired countless fighters and elevated the sport to new heights.

GSP’s career is filled with iconic moments, from avenging his loss to Matt Hughes by capturing the Welterweight Championship to his thrilling return against Michael Bisping, winning the Middleweight title after a four-year hiatus. While critics often cited his lack of finishes in later fights, his tenacity, skill, and grace under pressure remain the hallmarks of his legacy.

Georges St-Pierre is thoroughly deserving of a top spot in our list of the best UFC fighters of all time.

#1 – Jon Jones

At the apex of our top 10 greatest UFC fighters of all time, we find a man whose name is synonymous with unparalleled talent, yet undeniably marred by controversy. Jon Jones, the enigmatic prodigy who has reigned over the light heavyweight division like a specter, casting a long shadow on the sport itself.

Jones’ career achievements are nothing short of legendary. With a record of 27 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no-contest, he dominated the UFC light heavyweight division like no other. His unmatched finishing ability — especially earlier in his career — and propensity for producing highlight-reel moments have cemented his status as the best UFC fighter in the eyes of many.

Jones added to his legacy by stepping up to the heavyweight division and capturing the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2023 following a three-year layoff.

As an MMA virtuoso, Jones’ fighting style is a potent mix of unpredictability and raw athleticism. With a diverse striking arsenal and an uncanny ability to adapt, he has continually evolved throughout his career. Coupling his striking prowess with a strong wrestling foundation, Jones has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon.

Jon Jones’ impact on the sport is undeniably profound, yet deeply divisive. As one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, his prowess in the cage is indisputable. But his turbulent journey outside the Octagon has left an indelible mark on his legacy. Despite the controversies surrounding him, there is no denying the sheer talent and skill that has propelled him to the pinnacle of our rankings.

Among the many iconic moments that define Jones’ career, his early demolition of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to capture the light heavyweight title, his epic wars with Daniel Cormier, and a classic title fight against Alexander Gustafsson stand out. Yet, his storied career has been punctuated by numerous controversies, from failed drug tests to legal issues that have threatened to overshadow his greatness.

In the end, Jon Jones stands alone atop our list of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, a testament to the undeniable power of raw talent, and a reminder of the complexities of human nature.

As we close the book on our journey through the best UFC fighters ever, we ask for your opinions. Do you agree with our rankings of the greatest MMA fighters? Is Jon Jones deserving of the top spot? Who was snubbed? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Top 10 Greatest UFC Fighters of All Time: The Best in MMA History appeared first on The Body Lock.

Adesanya’s most recent outing was a dominant second-round TKO win over the previously undefeated Paulo Costa to defend his middleweight title for the second time.

Despite his post-fight antics that received plenty of criticism, many observers were more impressed with the performance of “The Last Stylebender” on the night.

The former two-weight champion in St-Pierre was one of them as he believes the undefeated Adesanya is not only a perfect fighter, but the total package as well.

“He’s fantastic. I watched his fight the other day. He’s amazing,” St-Pierre told ESPN. “He’s a perfect fighter. He’s clean. Great image, great dancer as well, very entertaining. He’s got it all, he’s got the charisma and everything. He’s a good role model, he has his own style in the way that he does stuff that sometimes shocks people in terms of stuff he does after the fight.

“But it’s all about ‘love me, hate me but don’t ignore me.’ He has his own style. He’s very entertaining. We live in the entertainment business and our job is to entertain the audience and he’s doing it very, very well.”

St-Pierre has long expressed his desire to return for a fight that is high-risk, high-reward and boosts his legacy further. Khabib Nurmagomedov is the one fight he has earmarked repeatedly only for the UFC to shut it down multiple times.

But would he fight Adesanya?

“Rush” laughed at the suggestion before quickly ruling it out, stating that the problems he suffered during his move up to 185 to face Michael Bisping in 2017 taught him something.

“For me, it’s always better to stay at your weight,” he added. “Your body has an optimal weight for performance.”

Perhaps that also rules out any potential fight with Nurmagomedov at below 170 pounds.

The post Georges St-Pierre heaps praise on ‘perfect fighter’ Israel Adesanya: ‘He’s got it all’ appeared first on The Body Lock.

Both fighters had been angling to face each other for a while before St-Pierre ultimately decided to retire from the sport last year, later revealing the UFC wasn’t on board with him facing Nurmagomedov.

However, when recently asked if “The Eagle” could get his wish of facing St-Pierre in a potential last fight, White was receptive to the idea.

"He's been great to the company, he's been great for the sport… I would do anything Khabib wanted to do."@danawhite says he would consider @TeamKhabib's wishes for his final fight, including a potential bout with @GeorgesStPierre. (via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/pqre0cWiqS

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 28, 2020

Speculation has ramped up since of a super fight, especially with Nurmagomedov outlining his goal of facing St-Pierre in April.

But as far as White is concerned as of now, the Dagestan native should focus on Gaethje first who he faces in a lightweight title unification bout at UFC 254 in October.

And even should he get past Gaethje, White still seems to prefer having St-Pierre remain outside the Octagon, especially with the latter landing a fight commentary gig for Canadian speciality French TV channel RDS.

“Well, let’s see what happens with Gaethje,” White told TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter recently. “That fight’s got to happen first. We just hired GSP — he’s the French commentator for us now. That’s more what I’d like to see GSP doing.”

St-Pierre — who turned 39 earlier this year — has repeatedly stated how he has always been happy to have left the sport on top and many fighters such as Daniel Cormier are looking to emulate him in that regard.

And along with “Rush” not needing the money that comes with fighting, White would like to see the former welterweight king remain on top and not compete again.

“You don’t see too many athletes who go out on top,” he added. “GSP has done that, done it very well. He’s got the money, he doesn’t need the money.

“He’s working for us now in a different capacity and I’d love to see him go out on top.”

GSP recently re-affirmed his desire to stay retired, but the Khabib fight could lead to a change of heart

(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/I9kr9MQQca

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 28, 2020

Of course, St-Pierre may still have other ideas.

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UFC president Dana White recently revealed he would be open to making the fight if it was Nurmagomedov’s wish for his final bow in the sport.

St-Pierre — who officially retired last year — has made no secret of his desire to face Nurmagomedov and seemed to pleased after hearing those words from White.

GSP recently re-affirmed his desire to stay retired, but the Khabib fight could lead to a change of heart

(via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/I9kr9MQQca

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 28, 2020

Nurmagomedov would go on to mention facing St-Pierre on a potential date in April 2021.

But first, “The Eagle” will have to get past Justin Gaethje who he faces in a lightweight title unification fight set for UFC 254 on October 24.

And it’s a fight Lee will be keeping an eye on, even though he believes there the outcome is more or less predictable.

“Yeah, I’m gonna be there for that fight. I’m gonna watch that one,” Lee told Helen Yee in a recent interview. “I don’t know, it’s a tough fight. But Khabib is probably going to run over him. Gaethje is kind of one trick at this moment and I can kind of see Khabib running over him again.”

As for St-Pierre vs. Nurmagomedov, Lee is more than ready to help his Tristar teammate in “GSP” prepare for the lightweight champion. Especially as he feels he knows Nurmagomedov’s game inside and out.

“I’ll be healthy by then, I’ll be ready to come back and I’ll be fighting and training,” Lee said. “I’m doing my camp up at Tristar where Georges is. So when he gets ready for that fight, I’m gonna be in his corner. I’ll be part of his training camp to help him get ready for that.

“I feel I know Khabib’s game in and out and we’re gonna come up with something real nice. Khabib’s good, I’ll give it to him, but he ain’t there, he ain’t like that.”

Unsurprisingly, Lee believes there will only be one winner in that fight as well.

“Yeah, for sure, for sure. I don’t think he [Nurmagomedov] stands a chance,” Lee added of whether he thought St-Pierre would win.

You can watch the interview below where Lee gives an update on his current status and his fighting future:

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He’d just defended his bantamweight belt against the division’s leader in WEC/UFC wins and as such, plenty of pundits were baffled as to why he’d quit so suddenly at the age of 33. This week, though, his manager Ali Abdelaziz said Cejudo might fight again, meaning he could perform the same U-turn on retirement as many other UFC stars.

Georges St-Pierre took a hiatus from the sport after he defended his welterweight crown a ninth time against Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 in 2013, earning a decision which most onlookers felt should have gone to the American challenger. St-Pierre, who was plagued with ACL injuries throughout his career, wanted a break and was sick of the razzmatazz that went with sitting at the top tier of fighting. In 2015, UFC president Dana White laughed off rumors of a return for “Rush.” What happened next? St-Pierre returned at middleweight in 2017, submitting Michael Bisping for the title in his 185 pounds debut.

Cejudo could also look to the story of Brock Lesnar, who waved goodbye to the sport after his humbling at the hands of Alistair Overeem at UFC 141 in 2011. Like St-Pierre, Lesnar hated fame and underwent a pair of surgeries for diverticulitis which limited his time in the cage. He moved back to professional wrestling in 2012 and, in March 2015, he signed a new deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. What happened next? Lesnar returned on short notice in 2016, stifling Mark Hunt on the mat for the judges’ nod. (He later tested positive for clomiphene, rendering the bout a no contest).

Cejudo will know, then, how difficult former champions find it to keep their promise of staying away from the Octagon. Stepping away from the discipline and routine of fighting can provide a rude awakening and we have seen the likes of Stephan Bonnar and BJ Penn fall into dark places in retirement.

Thankfully, although Cejudo was adamant at UFC 249 that he is done, he seems to want a quiet life in retirement. Daniel Cormier told Ariel Helwani that he has never seen Cejudo happier and that the “The Messenger” is focused on getting married, having children, and engrossing himself in family life. Without his UFC titles, his high will now come from watching his children develop and giving his time to others, rather than living the selfish life of a fighter.

Cejudo has already become the first man to simultaneously hold and defend two titles in separate weight classes – flyweight and bantamweight – and after winning an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling in 2008, the Mexican-American is warranted if feels he has nothing left to achieve. That said, money talks and St-Pierre and Lesnar both earned the biggest paydays of their careers in their returns to the UFC.

St-Pierre earned $2.5 million for his comeback, more than quadrupling his prior best payout. Lesnar took home $2.25 million when he returned, bettering his previous high of $475,000. That pair may have been among the biggest names in the sport around the late 2000s and early 2010s but regardless of who they were, their tales showed that UFC will dig deep into their pockets to entice absent stars back to the cage.

The idea that Cejudo had a glint in his eye when he made his retirement speech made the moment even stranger and perhaps less believable. And guess what? Cejudo did mention at UFC 249 that if the UFC offered him the right offer, he’d fight again – hence Abdelaziz’s optimism.

If Cejudo can get his head around coming back and make sure this fits around his family life, there are big fights out there for him, particularly at bantamweight. The spindly New Yorker Aljamain Sterling has been snapping at Cejudo’s heels for some time and given his reach and fleet-footedness in the boxing exchanges, he could give the champ-champ a challenge on the feet. Petr Yan looked world-class when dominating the likes of John Dodson and Urijah Faber, while Cody Sandhagen is another contender thanks to his height, range, and box of tricks in the stand-up.

It would be a shame to see the end of Cejudo’s “King of Cringe” persona, and his social media callouts of Cruz, Cody Garbrandt and featherweight king Alexander Volkanosvki – the latter perhaps ironically – have been an amusing sideshow to his career. At flyweight, there’s also a chance to avenge his 2016 setback to Joseph Benavidez, and if there’s anything to temp an athlete back, it’s a point to prove.

That said, it’s the chasing pack at 135 pounds which could provide the greater test. Sterling, Yan, and Sandhagen will always argue that the champion took a safe option by tackling Cruz who was returning after four years out due to a litany of arm and shoulder injuries. Sterling, in particular, would make for a thrilling rivalry and the American’s jibes and trash talk might be able to lure Cejudo back if the money is there.

Cejudo’s return becomes all the more realistic when you study how GSP and Lesnar left the sport. GSP was away for four years and his frosty relationship with White didn’t prevent his comeback, while Lesnar was still signed with the WWE when he battled Hunt, yet that didn’t stop him from negotiating a leave of absence to return to MMA.

Times change, sports shift and move, and decisions can be made in the heat of the moment. In 2019, Alexander Gustafsson dropped his gloves in the Octagon, yet spoke of a comeback less than year later. Dan Hardy has been inactive since 2012 and despite his wolf-heart-syndrome, he also hasn’t ruled out one last hurrah. As such, Abdelaziz was wise to note the potential for Cejudo’s reawakening.

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St-Pierre officially retired last year but has regularly expressed an interest in returning to action for a fight with high risk and high rewards. Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov seemed to be that fighter, but the UFC did not seem too keen on having that fight take place.

So for now, it looks like St-Pierre is done with fighting permanently. But Masvidal feels he can lure him out of retirement.

“Gamebred” had a definitive 2019 where he defeated Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz to quickly become a major star for the UFC. He is targeting a fight with Conor McGregor next, but St-Pierre would be a more than welcome alternative.

But despite the respect he has for St-Pierre, that doesn’t mean Masvidal doesn’t plan on breaking the Canadian’s face if they eventually compete.

“Well, they’ve said this about me, that I resurrect fighters and then I retire them again,” Masvidal told Submission Radio. “So, I wouldn’t mind if GSP jumped on that campaign. In all honesty, as a competitor, I want to fucking break his face. I want to go out there and give him everything I got.

“But I respect the time what he’s done. Then he took, I don’t know how many years off, came back, beat [Michael] Bisping for the legitimate middleweight title. Dude’s a stud. He’s a fucking animal, bro. I would put everything into my being, into my soul, to end this individual, because he’s that good. He’s the type of fighter, this shit would require a nice training camp, isolation away from the world and just focus on the task, just day in and day out, cause he’s a hell of a competitor, and I’m not taking a back seat to nobody in this division. So, I would love it.”

In all likelihood, St-Pierre coming out of retirement to face Masvidal seems highly unlikely.

But then again, given what Masvidal has accomplished since the start of 2019, who is to be completely sure?

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Chael Sonnen, former UFC middleweight title challenger and NCAA Division I wrestler, shared his thoughts on the topic in a recent video.

While he noted that there are differences such as who was the best wrestler in college versus who uses the best wrestling in MMA, he eventually named his five best wrestlers in UFC history:

5. Randy Couture

“Randy Couture came into mixed martial art at 34 years old and was called “The Natural” because he was one of these guys who was just a natural. He was able to close the distance, get a hold of his opponent. The phrase “dirty boxing” was coined after him. Jens Pulver actually coined the phrase but he applied that phrase to Randy Couture. He was a very complete wrestler in the three styles — collegiately, he did well. Freestyle, he was proficient in and won his championships and got his acclaim in Grecko-Roman.

“I think it was his Grecko-Roman that was able to transfer so well into mixed martial arts and the dirty boxing. Randy was not one of those come across the ring and hit the double-leg guys. He would close the distance, he would do it in an upright posture which is how Grecko-Roman is contested and it’s also how MMA is contested.”

4. Jon Jones

“Jon Jones as an amateur won the highest levels of everything that he ever tried to win. He tried to become a state champion for his high school — he succeeded. He went on to junior college. The biggest thing he could win is the junior college national which he did win.

“By the way, I don’t believe he’s been taken down in MMA. [Alex] Gustafsson did get him down but he had the element of surprise. Even in his matches with Daniel Cormier, while many of you might say Daniel took him down, there was enough scramble, get back to your feet fast enough to make even the greatest referees have a debate if was that a takedown. Then when you look at offensively how well he’s able to do, I think it would be very insincere to not put Jon in the list.”

3. Cain Velasquez

“Not only do I not recall a time that he [Velasquez] was taken down but I have seen him in fights where he needed a takedown. He’d prefer to come out there and grind, be in your face, western boxing. This was his preferred style. But every now and then, he’d slip a kick in just to throw you off and when he needed to regroup and catch his breath, when he’d turn to a takedown and grind an opponent out for a little bit, he succeeded. I don’t recall him failing.

“He would mix those takedowns in just enough to keep his opponent guessing. Defensively, his hips were where they needed to be. Opponents would not even try to wrestle with him. He was able to throw them off, he had good footwork, movement, clinching.”

2. Matt Hughes

“Matt Hughes was a two-time Division I All-American. … One thing about top MMA wresters — anyone can shoot a shot. Anybody can get to a leg, two legs or a clinch position. A wrestler will use that as a setup just to get to the next shot. It’s called chain wrestling which you only get if you’re an active wrestler [like Hughes who entered collegiate tournaments while he was active in MMA].

“The sport is good enough to stop one attack. The sport still to this day is not good enough to stop attacks two and three and four. That was a tool that Matt Hughes kept sharp.”

1. Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov

“Georges St-Pierre not only did not get taken down outside of a match with Johny Hendricks, he took down every single opponent he faced including Johny Hendricks. He has to share the spot with Khabib Nurmagomedov who also not only has never been taken down, has done the taking down of every opponent he’s ever faced and has innovated the sport.

“Khabib Nurmagomedov is not near as good as a wrestler, meaning out in the open, middle of the cage, as many of you believe him to be. Watch his fights a little closer, everything he does is designed to push you to the fence. Once you get on the fence, Khabib has ways to pull you off. Use leg entanglements, once he gets you down, he again is using traps, leg entanglements like the sport has never seen. He has innovated and changed the sport.

“He makes the list. How do we have a tiebreaker? Let those boys figure it out.“

The post Chael Sonnen names his top five wrestlers in UFC history appeared first on The Body Lock.

Facing off against jiu-jitsu legend Demian Maia, Askren is feeling some of the pressure.

“This is huge,” Askren told Submission Radio. “If I don’t get this win, I may be in trouble.”

Askren, 35, is currently 1-1 in the Octagon since coming out of retirement to be a part of the “trade” between the UFC and ONE Championship which sent flyweight king Demetrious Johnson to the Asian promotion.

Askren is currently the 11th-ranked welterweight, but a second loss in a row could force him to consider returning to retirement.

” I’d have to think about it,” Askren said. “But man, if I don’t win this fight, I’m knocked way, way, way down the rung. So, I don’t think that’s going to happen, but I’m gonna go in there and mix it up, and then after that we’ll have to see where it goes.”

Askren believes he has a plan to beat Maia. Unlike previous opponents such as Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington and Askren’s close friend Tyron Woodley, “Funky” is willing to engage the fourth-degree black belt on the ground.

“I’m not gonna go out there and do dumb stuff to take Demian down, like, real risky stuff. I’m not gonna do that,” Askren said. “But I will go for the takedowns, and I am very comfortable on the ground. I actually brought in a really high-level grappler for my training camp, and I have a high-level coach in Mark Layman, and just, everything was feeling really good.

“I’m preparing for a lot of positions that I think we’ll see in the fight. So, I’m not gonna just dive in for takedowns, but I probably will get my takedowns, I will secure top position. I think I’m a very dominant top position and I’ll be able to stuff all of his sweeps and land a lot of damage from top.”

Ben Askren on Jorge Masvidal

If Askren is able to fend off Maia, he’ll find himself in position for a potential title run once again.

The brash welterweight has never been shy about naming names, and when asked about a potential rematch with Jorge Masvidal — the man who delivered him his first professional MMA defeat by way of five-second knockout — Askren doubled down on his assertion that he wants to get that one back, and he expects that Masvidal would accept if the offer came his way a second time.

“I made the dude famous, he better be open to [a rematch],” Askren said.

Masvidal did respond to previous comments from Askren about a rematch in a Twitter post on Monday.

Get some wins and we can do it #supernecessary https://t.co/cUDt5hiVYQ

— BMF.eth (@GamebredFighter) October 14, 2019

“Get some wins and we can do it,” Masvidal wrote before adding his now-famous “#supernecessary.”

The months since Masvidal’s win have seen the MMA veteran rise to mainstream stardom, and Askren believes he deserves credit for that ascension.

“I feel like I built him up a huge amount,” Askren said. “I feel like when you look at, there were polls going into that fight [about] which fight is most anticipated of the weekend. You know, I’ve been on two of the biggest cards of the year, and that one won by a freaking landslide over everything else. Yeah, I think there’s no doubt that I helped increase his popularity significantly.”

Ben Askren on Georges St-Pierre

Before Masvidal ignited a rivalry with Askren, “Funky” always had his sights set on former welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre. Even now, amidst rumors of St-Pierre’s return, Askren would be interested in finally putting his skills to test against the UFC legend.

“[The St-Pierre fight is] a gigantic, humongous fight,” Askren said. “I mean, Colby’s not a star, Marty’s not a star. These are guys that, they’re not nearly as big or as popular as they think they are. And GSP’s star I would say, still dwarfs both of those guys.”

And though the welterweight division will soon have two titles — Usman’s undisputed championship belt and the soon-to-be-real “BMF” belt — Askren puts a fight with St-Pierre above all else.

“GSP may not have the belt, but you beat GSP, man, you’re a legend,” Askren said.

His return may be rumored, but St-Pierre’s comeback wouldn’t be to the welterweight division if such rumors are to be true. Numerous outlets have reported that St-Pierre is interested in cutting down to 155 pounds for the first time in his career to face lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

These reports are the latest of the St-Pierre saga, and Askren has begun to grow tired of the back-and-forth.

“I just don’t like it because it’s like, it just feels like – now, obviously he [returned] one time, right? He fought Michael Bisping. But he essentially retired in 2013,” Askren said. “So, we’re six years later. He did have one fight, so I’ll give him credit for that, but it seems like probably like once a quarter, his name pops up linked to somebody, you know?

“And it’s just like, dude, are you gonna fight or you not gonna fight? If you’re not gonna fight, cool. That’s fine. You’re one of the greatest of all time. That’s great, right? If you are gonna fight, hey, let’s get you in here, let’s see you fight a few people. That’s great also.”

Askren compares the situation to that of former featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor. The Irish superstar has teased bouts on numerous occasions since his loss to Nurmagomedov last October, but none have come to fruition.

“It’s kind of the same gig that Conor’s pulling right now,” Askren said of St-Pierre’s rumored return. “Conor’s, you know, every time he calls out somebody, but we haven’t seen him in the cage. And so it’s like, you’re either gonna do this or you’re not gonna do this. And it’s cool for a little, but now you’ve been doing the same thing over and over and over, it’s just like, either do it or don’t do it. We don’t want to hear about it anymore.”

The post Ben Askren on Demian Maia bout: ‘If I don’t get this win, I may be in trouble’ appeared first on The Body Lock.

Earlier this year, Nurmagomedov campaigned for a super fight with St-Pierre. However, it never came to fruition with “GSP” later officially announcing his mixed martial arts retirement.

The topic still comes up nonetheless. St-Pierre notably claimed the UFC wasn’t on board with it because it would be a risk for their “significant investment” in the undefeated Nurmagomedov. That implies “The Eagle” would likely lose to St-Pierre, at least in the UFC’s eyes.

That’s how Zahabi — head coach of St-Pierre — sees the fight going as well as he believes his student has more tools and physical advantages that will lead him to victory.

“I’ll tell you something — outside of all the fighters I work with, Khabib is my favorite fighter,” Zahabi said on the ReRooted podcast. “So it’s impossible for me not to be biased. …I think Georges is more complete to be honest. One, his hands are more refined, his punching skills are more refined. And two, his kicking skills are far more refined that Khabib’s. So if Georges were to play it safe, which I don’t think he would, he could just outpoint Khabib with just his legs. Georges has very seasoned legs, very experienced kicking ability.

“His chances of putting Khabib on his back are just as good as Khabib putting him on his back. He’s heavier, bigger and stronger. Plus he’ll be able to set up his takedowns more because of his longer range and more seasoned striking ability. So if I put them in a wrestling match, maybe it’d be very heated. But if I add Georges’ striking, Georges is very clever to use his striking for setups. To close the distance, to get close to the legs to grab on to you. Now they also have very different wrestling styles. Khabib shoots very low often. In my opinion, it would be very difficult to score on Georges St-Pierre, very difficult. He’s just too big, too strong, too athletic and a very seasoned wrestler.”

Of course, we will never know for sure until the two get locked up inside the Octagon.

For now, that seems impossible. But even if they negate each other’s wrestling, Zahabi feels St-Pierre’s striking is enough to get the win.

“Let’s call the wrestling even for now just to make everybody happy,” he added. “Georges’ striking will give him such a strong edge. That edge will lead to him dominating in wrestling.”

The post Firas Zahabi: Georges St-Pierre could outpoint Khabib Nurmagomedov just by ‘kicking ability’ appeared first on The Body Lock.

Lee made his welterweight debut earlier this year, albeit in a losing effort to Rafael dos Anjos via submission. It notably put him on a two-fight losing streak for the first time in his career, following his unanimous decision loss to Al Iaquinta last year.

With the heavy weight cut to 155 as well as being undersized for the welterweight division, it seems like Lee has no permanent home as of now either. But when it comes to a training camp, he now calls Tristar Gym in Montreal home.

Not only will he look to change his fortunes with a new full-time camp headed by Firas Zahabi, but he will also be training regularly with the likes of former welterweight king St-Pierre and Bellator 170-pound champion Rory MacDonald.

St-Pierre has worked with Lee before and thinks the “Motown Phenom” is certainly championship material.

“He’s a great athlete with incredible potential,” St-Pierre said in a recent interview with The Schmo. “He hasn’t even scratched the surface yet. I don’t know if he even knows himself how good he is. He’s a great, great athlete. Championship material for sure and yeah, it’s going to be fun training with him.”

For now, it looks like Lee wants to face Islam Makhachev in a lightweight bout next. If that fight comes to fruition, it will be interesting to see what effect Tristar will have on his game.

The post Georges St-Pierre: Kevin Lee ‘hasn’t even scratched the surface’ on his potential appeared first on The Body Lock.