Now that the buzz has settled after UFC 148, many MMA fans have placed Anderson Silva at the top of the list as the best MMA fighter in history. While an argument could certainly be made to support this claim, there are many other worthy MMA fighters that should be considered for this imaginary title.
While mixed martial arts is not really a new sport, rather than debate who are the best fighters from the last hundred years, it might be best to stick with modern MMA. So for the sake of argument, we will begin our search in 1993 with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship.
No matter how you feel about him personally, Anderson Silva should at the very least be on your Top Ten list of the greatest MMA fighters. Not only does he hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, he is highly skilled in Muay Thai, as well as Tae Kwon Do and the Brazilian dance-fighting art of Capoeira. In addition, his MMA record is pretty much the best ever in the sport with 32 wins and only four losses. He also holds several UFC records, including the longest streak of wins and the most knockdowns.
In the baseball movie, "The Natural," Robert Redford's character wants to be known as "the best there ever was in this game." Randy Couture, who holds the nickname "The Natural," is also considered one of the best in his game. While Silva's record is more impressive, Couture boasts 19 wins over 30 bouts, including wins over some of the best opponents in MMA, including Chuck Liddell and Vitor Belfort. In addition, Couture has won titles in two separate weight classes and only one other fighter has managed that feat.
While many of the greatest fight within the UFC, Fedor Emelianenko has been a notable exception. His nearly ten-year win streak included 27 victories against fighters such as Mirko Filipovic. His fights have been mainly within Pride and RINGS, but that doesn't make his 34-4-1 record any less impressive or notable. Add to that three gold medals at the World Sambo Championship, and you have one amazing fighter. He isn't known as "The Last Emperor," for nothing.
While these three are certainly strong contenders for the best MMA fighter of all time, there are many others who deserve consideration. Some fans would make a case for fighters such as Matt Hughes or perhaps Georges St. Pierre or even BJ Penn as the best in the arena. Whichever fighter you prefer, as the MMA evolves, there will be some new blood dominating the sport and vying for a shot on everyone's Top Ten lists.
While mixed martial arts is not really a new sport, rather than debate who are the best fighters from the last hundred years, it might be best to stick with modern MMA. So for the sake of argument, we will begin our search in 1993 with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship.
No matter how you feel about him personally, Anderson Silva should at the very least be on your Top Ten list of the greatest MMA fighters. Not only does he hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, he is highly skilled in Muay Thai, as well as Tae Kwon Do and the Brazilian dance-fighting art of Capoeira. In addition, his MMA record is pretty much the best ever in the sport with 32 wins and only four losses. He also holds several UFC records, including the longest streak of wins and the most knockdowns.
In the baseball movie, "The Natural," Robert Redford's character wants to be known as "the best there ever was in this game." Randy Couture, who holds the nickname "The Natural," is also considered one of the best in his game. While Silva's record is more impressive, Couture boasts 19 wins over 30 bouts, including wins over some of the best opponents in MMA, including Chuck Liddell and Vitor Belfort. In addition, Couture has won titles in two separate weight classes and only one other fighter has managed that feat.
While many of the greatest fight within the UFC, Fedor Emelianenko has been a notable exception. His nearly ten-year win streak included 27 victories against fighters such as Mirko Filipovic. His fights have been mainly within Pride and RINGS, but that doesn't make his 34-4-1 record any less impressive or notable. Add to that three gold medals at the World Sambo Championship, and you have one amazing fighter. He isn't known as "The Last Emperor," for nothing.
While these three are certainly strong contenders for the best MMA fighter of all time, there are many others who deserve consideration. Some fans would make a case for fighters such as Matt Hughes or perhaps Georges St. Pierre or even BJ Penn as the best in the arena. Whichever fighter you prefer, as the MMA evolves, there will be some new blood dominating the sport and vying for a shot on everyone's Top Ten lists.
About the Author:
Rod Bourgoine loves writing about mixed martial arts benefits. For more info about MMA San Diego or to discover a San Diego boxing gym, please go to The Arena MMA site today.
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