Over the years, MMA fans have been blessed with talented fighters, but which athletes can be considered the best?
From Jon Jones to Conor McGregor, MMA in the 21st century has been jaw-dropping.
The sport of Mixed Martial Arts continues to grow and attracts many fans from across the globe.
Arguably, to go down as one of the best, you need to have it all. You need to walk the walk and talk the talk.
There have been many stand-out stars, but recently, DAZN have taken a look at the individuals who have taken the sport to the next level. In doing so, they've named the 12 greatest MMA fighters of all time, so let's see who they named!
Anderson Silva (34-11-1)
Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva will unquestionably go down as one of the greatest of all time.
Anderson Silva
In his prime, he produced many breathtaking displays as he dominated the UFC middleweight division for well over five years.
His unique striking and fighting style caught the eye of many during his glittering career.
Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0)
The Dagestani sensation has been considered the ‘greatest lightweight of all time.’
Throughout his UFC career, Khabib would use his dominant wrestling ability to break his opponent physically and mentally.
He would go on to defeat the likes of Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, before retiring in 2020.
Daniel Cormier (22-3-1)
Now a popular commentator for the UFC, many fans will be aware that Daniel Cormier was one of the greatest light heavyweights in the history of the sport.
When the light heavyweight roster was in a bit of a mess, Cormier was the one to conquer the division in Jones’ absence.
He would go on to win against the likes of Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafsson and Volkan Oezdemir before knocking out Stipe Miocic to become a two division champion.
Stipe Miocic (20-4)
Stipe Miocic will be considered as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: In this handout image provided by UFC, Stipe Miocic poses on the scale during the UFC 252 weigh-in at UFC APEX on August 14, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Throughout his career, he defeated Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, Francis Ngannou and Daniel Cormier.
Fedor Emelianenko (40-6-1)
Fedor Emelianenko will arguably go down as one of the greatest stars to never compete in the UFC.
He was particularly known for his dominant performances in Pride.
Amanda Nunes (21-5)
Amanda Nunes’ rise to the top has certainly been nothing short of spectacular.
The way she would produce dominating performances every time she stepped foot inside the cage was something special.
Amanda Nunes is widely regarded as the female MMA GOAT
Demetrious Johnson (30-4-1)
Demetrious Johnson may be considered as the greatest to ever do it at flyweight.
He would go on to defend the UFC flyweight title 11 times in what was a great UFC career.
Jose Aldo (31-7)
In his prime, Jose Aldo was one of the best fighters to watch.
He has beaten the likes of Chad Mendes, Chan Sung Jung, Urijah Faber and Frankie Edgar.
At 35 years of age, Aldo is still competing at the top.
Conor McGregor (22-6)
Conor McGregor will go down as the biggest star in the history of the sport.
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 12: Conor McGregor leaves the Octagon after his first-round knockout victory over Jose Aldo in their featherweight title fight during UFC 194 on December 12, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
The way he changed the sport of MMA deserves to be rewarded.
In the cage, he is brilliant to watch. McGregor has produced several brilliant performances against the likes of Chad Mendes, Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez.
Max Holloway (23-7)
Max Holloway is another that can be considered a featherweight great.
When he won the title, Holloway would go on to defend the belt against Frankie Edgar and Brian Ortega and produced two brilliant wins against Jose Aldo.
Georges St-Pierre (26-2)
Georges St-Pierre arguably put the sport on the map with some of his title performances.
St-Pierre
The Canadian will go down as one of the greatest fighters to ever compete in the welterweight division.
Jon Jones (26-1-1)
In most people’s minds, Jon Jones will go down as the greatest of all time.
Over the years, ‘Bones’ would put in scintillating performances against the likes of Alexander Gustafsson, Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Vitor Belfort and many more great athletes.
Jones is looking to make a return to the cage in 2022 and test his luck at heavyweight.