From Jon Jones to Ronda Rousey, Pulse Sports looks at what makes these 10 American fighters the most legendary in MMA history.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been making headlines in the recent past, bursting into the global scene and captivating audiences with its dynamic blend of techniques.
There is no doubt that the sport draws talent from every corner of the world, but American fighters have cemented their place among the top.
In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya delves deep into the careers of 10 American fighters who have not only achieved greatness but have etched their names into the very bedrock of MMA history.
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Top 10 Legendary American MMA Fighters of All Time
1) Jon Jones
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Jon Jones is often considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) by a significant majority of fans and pundits.
Jon ‘Bones’ Jones' resume is one for the books. Jones only had a single, highly debatable disqualification loss that destroyed his near-perfect professional record.
The American dominated the light heavyweight division for a long period, boasting an incredible 11 successful title defences.
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He had a unique blend of unpredictable striking, suffocating wrestling, and highly unorthodox techniques that made him a hard nut to crack.
Jones would eventually move up to the heavyweight division and managed to capture the coveted title as well. During his time as a fighter, Jon Jones showcased a remarkable ability to reign supreme across multiple, highly competitive weight classes.
2) Demetrious Johnson
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Often referred to as ‘Mighty Mouse, Demetrious Johnson is a living testament to technical mastery and unparalleled speed.
As the inaugural and long-reigning UFC Flyweight Champion, Demetrious Johnson defended his title a record-setting 11 consecutive times.
He had a unique and incredible fluidity and was always effortless in his transition between all aspects of MMA, from takedowns to submissions to striking exchanges.
These qualities made him one of the most well-rounded and sound fighters in the sport's history, regardless of weight class.
3) Daniel Cormier
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Daniel Cormier made it to the Olympic Games and seamlessly transitioned into a two-division UFC champion.
Pundits always hail Daniel ‘DC’ Cormier as a fighter who embodies elite athletic prowess, unwavering determination, and an indomitable spirit.
Cormier held both the UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles, a testament to his incredible versatility and brilliance in the ring.
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His intense rivalry with Jon Jones, coupled with dominant victories over fellow titans like Stipe Miocic and Anthony Johnson, firmly solidified his place as one of the sport's most decorated, respected, and universally admired figures.
4) Randy Couture
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Randy Couture is a true pioneer of MMA, competing and excelling at an age when most fighters have long since retired or are well past their prime.
He was a multi-time UFC Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, and was famously known for his relentless wrestling and highly tactical approach to fights.
He was always able to adapt and defeat opponents from vastly different eras of the sport, including legends like Chuck Liddell and Vitor Belfort.
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Randy Couture is a profound testament to his enduring greatness and innovative fighting style. He still holds the impressive record for the most title reigns in UFC history (6).
5) Stipe Miocic
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Stipe Miocic is hailed as the undisputed ‘Heavyweight GOAT’. Miocic holds the record for the most successful UFC Heavyweight title defences.
A former firefighter by profession, Stipe Miocic was famous for his work ethic, incredible resilience, and devastating knockout power in the cage.
His epic, back-and-forth trilogy with Daniel Cormier and dominant victories over other formidable strikers like Francis Ngannou and Alistair Overeem cemented his status as arguably the best heavyweight the sport has ever witnessed.
6) Matt Hughes
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Matt Hughes is a truly dominant force in the early to mid-2000s. Hughes reigned supreme over the fiercely competitive UFC welterweight division.
A two-time UFC Welterweight Champion with an impressive seven successful title defences, Matt Hughes was widely known for his suffocating top control and powerful ground and pound.
He systematically defeated many of the top contenders and champions of his era, leaving an indelible and lasting mark on the welterweight landscape and influencing future generations of grapplers.
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7) Chuck Liddell
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Chuck Liddell, famously known as the ‘Iceman’, was an absolute trailblazer, ushering in the exciting ‘Sprawl-and-Brawl’ era.
He also became one of the UFC's first true mainstream superstars with his explosive knockout power, aggressive fighting style, and undeniable charisma.
Chuck Liddell inarguably captivated audiences during his reign as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. His epic rivalries, particularly with Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz, were instrumental in the UFC's critical rise to widespread prominence and mainstream appeal.
8) Henry Cejudo
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Henry Cejudo, alias ‘Triple C’, is one of the most uniquely accomplished combat athletes in history, boasting an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling before going on to conquer the MMA world.
Cejudo achieved the prestigious ‘champ-champ’ status in the UFC, holding both the Flyweight and Bantamweight titles simultaneously.
His incredible athletic ability, combined with his rapid and impressive development in striking, made him a truly formidable and dangerous threat in both divisions he competed in.
9) Ronda Rousey
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Ronda Rousey transcended the sport, becoming a genuine global icon and the undeniable driving force behind the UFC's groundbreaking women's divisions.
As the first female UFC champion, Ronda Rousey dominated her opponents with her signature armbar submission, finishing almost all of her fights in the very first round.
Her captivating personality, fierce competitiveness, and groundbreaking performances paved the way for countless female athletes in MMA, making her an undeniable legend with a profound and lasting impact on the sport's dramatic growth and acceptance.
10) Rose Namajunas
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Famously known as ‘Thug Rose’, the two-time UFC Strawweight Champion, showcased her artistry in the cage through her mental fortitude.
Rose Namajunas was known for her crisp, technical striking, elusive footwork, and opportunistic submissions.
Namajunas defeated the seemingly unbeatable Joanna Jędrzejczyk twice to claim and defend the title. Her second reign saw her deliver one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history against Zhang Weili.
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Beyond her undeniable skill, Rose has captivated fans with her introspective nature and ability to overcome immense pressure, leaving an inspiring mark on the sport.