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The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the premier organisation in mixed martial arts (MMA), showcasing the best fighters from various disciplines such as boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai. Since it started in 1993, the UFC has grown exponentially. As a result, many famous UFC fighters have emerged as icons, captivating audiences with their skill and determination in the Octagon. These athletes not only compete for championships but also play significant roles in giving heights to the sport, each bringing their unique style and charisma. From legendary champions like Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva to contemporary stars like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, these fighters have left an indelible mark on MMA and inspiring future generations. So, in this blog, let us learn all about the top 10 famous UFC fighters in MMA, along with their achievements to improve your general knowledge about sports facts.
Table of Contents
List of Most Famous UFC Fighters
The table below highlights ten of the most renowned fighters in UFC history, showcasing their notable achievements and total wins within the organization. Each fighter has made a significant impact on the sport, whether through championship reigns, groundbreaking techniques, or contributions to the popularity of mixed martial arts.
| Famous UFC Fighters | Notable Achievements | UFC Wins |
| Jon Jones | Longest reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion; most title defences at Light Heavyweight | 21 |
| Georges St. Pierre | 2-time UFC Welterweight Champion; UFC Middleweight Champion | 20 |
| Anderson Silva | Longest reigning UFC Middleweight Champion; 16-fight winning streak | 17 |
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | Retired undefeated with a 29-0 record; UFC Lightweight Champion | 13 |
| Randy Couture | 3-time UFC Heavyweight Champion; 2-time Light Heavyweight Champion | 12 |
| Chuck Liddell | Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion; Hall of Famer | 12 |
| B.J. Penn | Former UFC Lightweight Champion; UFC Welterweight Champion | 12 |
| Conor McGregor | First fighter to hold two UFC belts simultaneously (Featherweight and Lightweight) | 10 |
| Ronda Rousey | First UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion; Olympian in Judo | 6 |
| Royce Gracie | The first fighter to hold two UFC belts simultaneously (Featherweight and Lightweight) | 5 |
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All About the Famous UFC Fighters
Now, let’s go through the achievements of famous UFC fighters in detail who have made their mark in the world of mixed martial arts with their incredible talent and unforgettable performances.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters ever. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and current Heavyweight Champion. Known for his unmatchable skill and title defences, his career has also faced notable controversies.
| About Jon Jones | |
| Name | Jonathan Dwight Jones |
| Born | July 19, 1987 (age 37) Rochester, New York, U.S |
| Nickname | Bones |
| Residence | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S |
| Division | Light heavyweight (2008–2020) Heavyweight (2023–present) |
| Weight | 248 lb (112 kg; 17 st 10 lb) |
| Reach | 84+1⁄2 in (215 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S |
| Team | Team Bombsquad (2008–2009) Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2009–2021) Jackson’s MMA Acoma (2021–present) Fight Ready (2021–present) |
| Rank | Black belt in Gaidojutsu under Greg Jackson Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto Alencar |
| Wrestling | NJCAA Wrestling |
Georges St. Pierre
Georges St. Pierre is one of the greatest MMA fighters in history and a former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion. Well-known for his fighting skills and strategic approach, he holds numerous records, including the most title defences in the welterweight division. St-Pierre’s legacy is marked by his dominance and respect within the sport.
| About Georges St. Pierre | |
| Name | Georges St. Pierre |
| Born | May 19, 1981 (age 43) Saint-Isidore, Montérégie, Quebec, Canada |
| Nickname | Rush |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st) |
| Division | Welterweight (2002–2013) Middleweight (2017) |
| Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
| Rank | 3rd dan black belt in Kyokushin Karate Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Bruno Fernandes |
| Years active | 2002–2013, 2017 (MMA) |
Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva known as “The Spider” is a Brazillian mixed, material artist and former UFCMiddleweight Champion, regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. He holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days, with 16 consecutive victories. Silva is celebrated for his unmatchable striking skills, agility and highlight-reek finishes.
| About Anderson Silva | |
| Name | Anderson da Silva |
| Born | 14 April 1975 (age 49) São Paulo, Brazil |
| Other names | The Spider |
| Nationality | BrazilianAmerican |
| Division | Welterweight Middleweight Light Heavyweight |
| Reach | 77+1⁄2 in (197 cm) |
| Fighting out of Team | Curitiba, BrazilChute Boxe Academy (1997–2003) Muay Thai Dream Team (2003–2006) Brazilian Top Team (2003–2006) Black House (2007–2013) Team Nogueira Killer Bees Muay Thai College (Founded/Current Team) |
| Rank | Black prajied in Muay Thai3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Antônio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira5th dan black belt in Taekwondo |
| Years active | 1997–2020 (MMA) 1998, 2005, 2021–present (Boxing) |
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov is a retired Russian mixed martial artist and former UFC Lightweight Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. He retired undefeated with a perfect 29-0 record, showcasing dominant wrestling and grappling skills. Khabib’s career is notable for his victories over top contenders, including Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.
| About Khabib Nurmagomedov | |
| Name | Khabib Nurmagomedov |
| Born | 20 September 1988 (age 36) Sildi, Dagestan ASSR, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Native name | Хабиб Нурмагомедов |
| Nickname | The Eagle |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Division | Lightweight (2008–2010, 2012–2020) Welterweight (2009–2011) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Style | Combat Sambo |
| Fighting out of | Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy Eagles MMA |
| Rank | White belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu Black belt and International Master of Sport in Judo International Master of Sport in Sambo International Master of Sport in Army Hand-to-Hand Combat International Master of Sport in Pankration |
| Years active | 2008–2020 |
Randy Couture
Randy Couture is a former UFC Heavyweight retired American mixed martial artist and a Light Heavyweight Champion, recognized for his grappling and strategic fighting style. A heroic figure in MMA’s growth, he is a Hall of Famer with championships in two weight classes.
| About Randy Couture | |
| Name | Randy Couture |
| Born | June 22, 1963 (age 61) Everett, Washington, U.S. |
| Other names | The Natural |
| Division | Heavyweight (1997–2003; 2007–2009; 2010) Light Heavyweight (2003–2006; 2009–2011) |
| Reach | 75 in (191 cm) |
| Style | Greco-Roman Wrestling |
| Fighting out of Team | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Team Quest (1999–2006) Xtreme Couture (2006–2011) |
| Rank | Black belt in Neil Melanson’s Submission Wrestling System |
| Wrestling | NCAA Division I Wrestling Olympic Alternate Greco-Roman Wrestling |
| Years active | 1997–2011 |
Chuck Liddell
Chuck Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, known for his knockout power. A pivotal figure in popularising MMA, he was a dominant force in the early 2000s. Liddell is also a UFC Hall of Famer.
| About Chuck Liddell | |
| Name | Chuck Liddell |
| Born | December 17, 1969 (age 54) Santa Barbara, California, U.S |
| Other names | The Iceman |
| Division | Light Heavyweight (1998–2010) Heavyweight (2018) |
| Reach | 76+1⁄2 in (194 cm) |
| Fighting out of | San Luis Obispo, California, U.S. |
| Rank | 8th Dan black belt in Kajukenbo Black belt in Koei-Kan Karate Purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu |
| Wrestling | NCAA Division I Wrestling |
| Years active | 1998–2010, 2018 (MMA) |
B.J. Penn
B.J. Penn is known for his exceptional grappling and striking skills. He is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Lightweight and Welterweight Champion. A significant figure in the sport, he was the first fighter to win championships in two different weight classes in the UFC. Penn is renowned for his versatility and competitive spirit throughout his career.
| About B.J. Penn | |
| Name | Jay Dee Penn III |
| Born | December 13, 1978 (age 45) Kailua, Hawaii, United States |
| Other names | The Prodigy |
| Division | Featherweight (2014–2017) Lightweight (2001–2003, 2007–2010, 2018-2019) Welterweight (2004, 2006, 2010–2012) Middleweight (2004–2005) Openweight (2005) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Team | B.J. Penn’s MMA |
| Rank | 5th degree black belt in BJJ |
| Years active | 2001–2014, 2017–2019 |
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor who is known for his striking power and flamboyant personality, is a retired Irish mixed martial artist and former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion. He made history as the first fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously in the UFC. McGregor is also celebrated for his role in popularising MMA worldwide.
| About Conor McGregor | |
| Name | Conor Anthony McGregor |
| Born | 14 July 1988 (age 36) Dublin, Ireland |
| Nickname | Notorious |
| Division | Featherweight (2008–2015) Lightweight (2008–2012, 2016–2018, 2021–present) Welterweight (2016, 2020) |
| Reach | 74 in (188 cm) |
| Team | SBG Ireland |
| Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under John Kavanagh |
| Years active | 2008–present |
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is a retired mixed martial artist and former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion known for her significant contributions to women’s MMA. As the first female fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, she is renowned for her quick victories, frequently finishing opponents with her signature armbar submission.
| About Ronda Rousey | |
| Name | RondaJean Rousey |
| Born | February 1, 1987 (age 37) Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Other names | Rowdy |
| Division | Featherweight (2010–2011) Bantamweight (2012–2016) Professional wrestling (2018–2019; 2022–2023) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Santa Monica, California, U.S.Venice, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 2010–2016 |
Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and a key figure in the history of MMA, known for his role in popularising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He gained fame as the winner of the first UFC tournaments, showcasing the effectiveness of grappling and submission techniques against larger opponents. Gracie’s innovative approach and success laid the foundation for modern mixed martial arts.
| About Royce Gracie | |
| Name | Royce Gracie |
| Born | 12 December 1966 (age 57) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Division | Middleweight Light heavyweight Openweight |
| Reach | 194 cm (76 in) |
| Style | Gracie jiu-jitsu |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Fighting out of | Torrance, California, United States |
| Rank | 7th deg. BJJ coral belt (under Rickson Gracie) |
| Years active | 1993–1995, 2000–2007, 2016 (MMA) 1998 (Submission grappling) |
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FAQs
The greatest UFC fighter is often considered Georges St. Pierre due to his dominant reigns in two weight classes and all-around skill set.
The most popular fighter in UFC history is Conor McGregor, known for his charisma, knockout power, and crossover appeal.
The current No. 1 in UFC rankings varies by weight class, but Alexander Volkanovski or Jon Jones is often regarded as No. 1 pound-for-pound.
Relevant Reads
This was all about the Top 10 Famous UFC Fighters. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!