A recent article posted on Yahoo! Sports has shown who The Independent has chosen as the GOAT of every UFC division, and it’s hard to disagree with the list they’ve created.
Without further ado, and let's not beat around the bush here, it's time to dive straight in!
Stipe Miocic was named as their greatest heavyweight, whose overall career record stands at 20-4; 15 KO/TKOs, five decisions.
A two-time champion, Miocic holds the record for most consecutive successful defences of the UFC’s heavyweight crown (3), despite the division’s best prize being known for jumping from fighter to fighter.
The polarising Jon Jones was named their greatest ever in the light heavyweight division, whose record stands at 26-1, one No Contest; 10 KO/TKOs, six submissions and 10 decisions.
The American became the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 years old in 2011, defeating Mauricio Rua via stoppage to do so, before going on an absolute tear of the division defending the crown.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 06: Jon Jones of the United States looks on after his after their UFC Light Heavyweight Title bout with Thiago Santos of Brazil at T-Mobile Arena on July 06, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jones defeated Santos by decision. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Their next entry, for the middleweight division, was Anderson Silva, whose record stands 34-11, who in 2006 defeated Rich Franklin for the middleweight crown and began a seven-year reign, which included 14 successful title defences in a row.
Georges St-Pierre 26-2 record saw him named as the best of the best in the welterweight division.
The Canadian was regarded as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the game, as well as being widely respected by fans and peers alike.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was named as their lightweight GOAT and the only one to boast an undefeated record of 29-0, which includes eight KO/TKOs, 11 submissions and 10 decisions.
Khabib in action inside the Octagon
The Russian was described as ‘faultless’ when it came to his wrestling game and excelled in this particular discipline throughout his career.
Their featherweight GOAT was Jose Aldo, who, with a 31-7 record, is regarded as the best of his generation.
Dominick Cruz came in as their bantamweight great, whose impressive record of 24-3 saw the general consensus believe him to be the best in UFC history.
The “Dominator” also had a 13-fight winning streak, defending the bantamweight crown during his career.
The UFC’s first ever flyweight champion in Demetrious Johnson, whose 30-4-1 record is up there with the best of them, was named the best UFC flyweight ever.
During his career, he has defeated the likes of Joseph Benavidez and John Dodson twice each.
In the women’s featherweight and bantamweight, they looked no further than Amanda Nunes.
The Brazilian, who is 21-5 in her illustrious career and is currently preparing for a rematch with Julianna Pena, is one of four dual-weight champions in UFC history.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 11: Amanda Nunes of Brazil in their women's bantamweight title fight during the UFC 269 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Valentina Shevchenko was named their women’s flyweight GOAT, whose 23-3 record backs that up big time.
One of the most beloved fighters in UFC today, “Bullet” recorded her seventh straight title defence against Taila Santos recently.
Finally, the women’s strawweight GOAT is Joanna Jedrzejczyk, whose record stands at 16-5.
She became Poland’s first ever UFC champion and holds the record for most consecutive strawweight title defences (5) and most consecutive strawweight division wins (8).