The UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings gauge a fighter’s dominance in the octagon and their overall excellence across various weight divisions. Throughout the years, several outstanding fighters, from Anderson Silva’s era to the recent emergence of Islam Makhachev, have claimed the UFC pound-for-pound championship. Explore the history of each pound-for-pound fighter.
The History of UFC Pound-for-Pound Champions
- Jon Jones
Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, established himself as the pound-for-pound king. Jones showcased his dominance in the light heavyweight division.
- Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva’s reign as the middleweight champion is legendary. With a remarkable 17-fight winning streak and 10 successful title defenses, Silva’s skill set and precision striking captivated fans worldwide.
- Georges St-Pierre
Georges St-Pierre, often referred to as GSP, is widely considered the greatest welterweight in UFC history. With two successful welterweight title reigns and an impressive nine title defenses.
- Kamaru Usman
In 2021, Kamaru Usman officially dethroned Jon Jones to claim the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Usman’s dominance in the welterweight division has been unparalleled, with impressive victories over top contenders.
- Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson’s reign as the flyweight champion was marked by his exceptional skill set and technical mastery, Johnson’s speed and precision striking made him a formidable force.
- Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo’s incredible run in the featherweight division established him as one of the greatest fighters in his weight class. With an impressive 18-fight winning streak and a reign that lasted from 2006 to 2014.
- Daniel Cormier
Following in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier held two championships simultaneously in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
- Islam Makhachev
Now Islam Makhachev emerged as the new pound-for-pound champion following Jon Jones’ injury setback. With impressive performances and a relentless grappling style, Makhachev has quickly risen through the ranks in the lightweight division.
From the reign of Anderson Silva to the recent rise of Islam Makhachev, the UFC pound-for-pound rankings have witnessed the evolution of remarkable fighters.
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Each champion on this list has left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing their exceptional skills and dominance in their respective weight classes.
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