boiniznamena – Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport that combines various disciplines of martial arts, such as boxing, wrestling, muay thai, brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and more. MMA fighters compete in a cage or a ring, using strikes, takedowns, submissions, and ground and pound techniques to defeat their opponents. MMA is one of the most popular and exciting sports in the world, attracting millions of fans and producing some of the best athletes in history.
But who are the best fighters in the world of MMA? This is a question that has no definitive answer, as different fighters have different styles, skills, records, and achievements. However, based on some criteria, such as rankings, performances, titles, and legacy, we can try to list some of the candidates for MMA the best fighter in the world. Here are some of them, in no particular order.
1. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the best MMA fighters of all time, and arguably the best lightweight ever. The Russian fighter has a perfect record of 29 wins and no losses, with 8 knockouts and 11 submissions.
He is the former UFC lightweight champion, having defended his belt three times against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. He is known for his dominant wrestling, relentless pressure, and brutal ground and pound. He announced his retirement in 2020, after his father and coach passed away, but he remains at the top of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
2. Jon Jones
Jon Jones is another fighter who is often considered as the greatest of all time, and the best light heavyweight ever. The American fighter has a record of 26 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest, with 10 knockouts and 6 submissions.
He is the former UFC light heavyweight champion, having won the belt at the age of 23, and defended it 11 times against some of the best fighters in the division, such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Dominick Reyes. He is known for his versatile striking, creative techniques, and high fight IQ. He vacated his belt in 2020, to move up to the heavyweight division, where he is expected to challenge for the title soon.
3. Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko is one of the best female MMA fighters in the world, and the current UFC women’s flyweight champion. The Kyrgyzstani fighter has a record of 21 wins and 3 losses, with 7 knockouts and 8 submissions.
She has defended her belt six times, against some of the top contenders in the division, such as Jessica Andrade, Jennifer Maia, and Katlyn Chookagian. She is known for her precise striking, powerful kicks, and slick grappling. She has only lost to Amanda Nunes, the current UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion, in two close decisions.
4. Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya is one of the most exciting and charismatic MMA fighters in the world, and the current UFC middleweight champion. The Nigerian-born fighter has a record of 21 wins and 1 loss, with 15 knockouts and no submissions.
He has defended his belt four times, against some of the best middleweights in the world, such as Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori. He is known for his flashy striking, creative angles, and knockout power. He also tried to become a two-division champion, by moving up to light heavyweight, but he lost to Jan Blachowicz in a close decision.
5. Zhang Weili
Zhang Weili is one of the most dominant and impressive female MMA fighters in the world, and the former UFC women’s strawweight champion. The Chinese fighter has a record of 21 wins and 2 losses, with 10 knockouts and 7 submissions.
She won the belt by knocking out Jessica Andrade in 42 seconds, and defended it once, against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, in one of the best fights in MMA history. She is known for her aggressive striking, explosive power, and strong wrestling. She recently lost her belt to Rose Namajunas, who knocked her out in the first round, but she is expected to get a rematch soon.
These are some of the best MMA fighters in the world, but there are many more who deserve to be mentioned, such as Henry Cejudo, Amanda Nunes, Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, and more. MMA is a sport that is constantly evolving, and new stars are emerging every day. The best MMA fighter in the world is not a fixed title, but a dynamic one, that can change with every fight. The only way to find out who is the best, is to watch them fight.