10 Most Popular MMA Practitioners

(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

I have heard several different fighters claim to be one of the most popular fighters in the sport.  I did a little research, and asked some other writers for their opinions.

I asked each writer to list their five favorite and five least favorite.  The favorites received a +1, and the least favorite received a -1. After I received the responses I tallied the votes, and came up with a top ten list based on points earned.

10. Joe Lauzon

I am not sure why Joe Lauzon is so popular, and apparently neither do the writers voting for him.  I heard I don't know why, but I love Joe Lauzon a few times.  Whatever the reason may be, Joe Lauzon is loved by the MMA community.

9. Lyoto Machida

I figure this should cause a little controversy, because he appeared on several lists, but some of those were on the most hated side.  Lyoto is criticized for his boring elusive style, but more people see past that than not.

8. Urijah Faber

I think one of the reasons "the California kid" is so far down on this list is because he is a WEC fighter.  If Urijah were a UFC fighter I think he would have made it a bit further up on the list.

7. Forrest Griffin

I think after Forrest's recent loss of the UFC title he dropped out of several people's minds.  I really thought he would have come in higher.

6. Dan Henderson

With Dan's recent appearance as a coach on TUF, he really has gotten a lot more attention from the fans.  I am glad that he had enough support to make the list.

5. Rich Franklin

If you look like Jim Carey odds are you will appear on a most popular list.  Plus Rich is an overall nice guy.

4. Georges St. Pierre

The working class hero Georges St. Pierre.  Georges shows everyone that just because you grow up with nothing other than a father that is a black belt you can make something of yourself. 

That was a joke, and I am sure if Georges read it he would laugh too. He is a really kind hearted person, and even with a recent controversy he is still pulling in the popular vote.

3. Quinton Jackson

If you are as funny as a stand up comedian, and like to drop guys on their head during your matches then you will be popular.  Even though he does look like Junior from the sitcom starring Damon Wayans, My Wife and Kids.

2. Anderson Silva

One of the most dominant fighters the UFC has ever seen.  Anderson Silva can be enjoyed from the casual fan to serious fans of the sport.  His name is synonymous with well rounded fighter.

1. Fedor Emilianenko

Surprised? 

This was a really fun topic to research.  I plan to do it again once new fighters start to emerge and make themselves more well known.

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