Conor McGregor: UFC News: The UFC is renowned for producing some of the biggest names in the world of combat sports, with Conor McGregor often being the first to come to mind. The Irishman has becomae a household name, thanks to his legendary trash-talking, impressive MMA skills, and captivating “Surprise, Surprise King is Back” promos. However, it’s important to remember that there were many other UFC superstars who made a name for themselves before McGregor even entered the scene. Here are the top five fighters who broke out as global stars before the rise of McGregor. Follow UFC News Updates with Insidesport.IN
Top 5 UFC Superstars Before Conor McGregor Broke Into The Scene
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UFC Superstars: The Fighters Who Took the UFC By Storm Before Conor McGregor
While Conor McGregor has become the face of modern MMA and brought UFC to mainstream audiences, the promotion was already home to huge stars. Before “The Notorious” took over, the fighters below captured the world’s attention and brought MMA on to the global map.
1. Brock Lesnar
“The Beast Incarnate” is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in the history of the UFC. And he has played a significant role in the company’s meteoric rise to global prominence. His decision to transition from pro wrestling to the UFC caused quite a stir and helped to expand the organization’s reach and fan base.
Lesnar’s success in the octagon earned him widespread respect and admiration from fans around the world. And his UFC championship win opened up new opportunities for him in the world of professional wrestling, with higher paychecks and a renewed sense of purpose.
2. UFC Superstars: Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is a true trailblazer in women’s combat sports. And she is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Her Olympic medal and UFC dominance inspired countless athletes around the world. Rousey earned mainstream fame, appearing on talk shows, movies, and in WWE.
She put women’s MMA on the map and championed equality in the sport. Rowdy’s impact on the world of combat sports and beyond cannot be overstated. Consequently, her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
3. UFC Superstars: Jon Jones
Jon Jones is popularly believed as the greatest MMA fighter of all time. He had dominated the light heavyweight division like no other. His dynamic fighting style and numerous UFC records have cemented his legacy as an all-time great. However, Jones has faced numerous issues outside of the cage, including legal troubles and accusations of performance-enhancing drug use.
Despite these challenges, Jones has remained a dominant force in the octagon, and his recent return to the sport after a long hiatus was nothing short of spectacular. In less than two minutes, he earned the Heavyweight gold against Ciryl Gane, proving once again that he is a force to be reckoned with.
4. Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen rose to prominence through his charismatic mic skills and villain persona. He promoted fights with trash talk and wit unmatched in MMA. While Sonnen fell short of championship gold, his rivalry with Anderson Silva and appearance on The Ultimate Fighter cemented his status as a star who transcended wins and losses. Sonnen helped usher in an era of bigger personalities in MMA.
5. Anderson Silva
The longest-reigning UFC champion, Anderson Silva ruled the middleweight class for ten years. His flair and accuracy wowed admirers, giving him the moniker “The Spider.” In addition, heowns numerous UFC records. He became a global phenomenon and cultural icon not just in Brazil but all over the world thanks to his power and flair.
Silva and the other fighters on this list contributed to Conor McGregor becoming the megastar he is today by establishing MMA as a sport where heroes are created. Prior to “The Notorious,” these were the UFC Superstars who turned MMA into a popular and fastest growing sports.
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Editors pick
