The very definition of the phrase “pound-for-pound” in combat sports typically attracts more debate than the actual lists themselves.
The phrase can take on any number of meanings depending on your interpretation or point of view.
Originally, the term was used to describe former welterweight and middleweight boxing champion Sugar Ray Robinson as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
It meant that Robinson was a better quality fighter than those fighting at lower and higher weight classes.
The most important factor to keep in mind is that the essence of pound-for-pound is relative, not absolute.
Absolute is comparing the fighters against one another if they fought in the same weight class. This is a common mistake.
Relative, on the other hand, appropriately cuts across the various weight classes.
The first step is to compare the fighter to the rest of his division. You must consider a number of factors including his overall skill set, recent fights, notable wins, notable losses, the quality of his opponents, the quality of his MMA organization, and his level of dominance within his division.
Only after the evaluation process is completed can you attempt to slot one pound-for-pound candidate in one weight class in reference to another candidate in another weight class.
It is quite a complex train of thought and it is no wonder that the phrase leads to so many different meanings and subsequent debates.
Without further ado, here is a list of the current ten best pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighters in the world.
1. Fedor Emelianenko (Affliction)
Overall Record: 30 – 1, 1 no contest
The man. The myth. The legend. Nobody has dominated a weight class for this long against this level of competition.
His latest formidable challenger Andrei Arlovski turned into yet another name on his long list of victims. Arlovski ended up face first on the canvas after a vicious overhand right that knocked him temporarily unconscious.
In a sport where a split second lapse in judgment or failure of technique can lead to a quick defeat, Fedor’s lone blemish was due to a cut he sustained in a 2000 match against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka.
Due to the fact that it was a tournament style format and one fighter had to advance, it was ruled a TKO victory for Kohsaka. Fedor has not lost ever since.
2. Anderson Silva (UFC)
Overall Record: 24 – 4
A recent victory over Thales Leites ran his UFC record winning streak to nine, however, it was seen as a lackluster performance by most fans and media outlets. There were similar sentiments about his previous fight with Patrick Cote as well.
At this point Silva appears to be unchallenged and unmotivated. His trademark killer instinct, feared by many in the past, appears to have been temporarily put on hold.
As a result, the UFC management dug into their bag of tricks and pulled out former champion Forrest Griffin as his next opponent for UFC 101, which will take place at light heavyweight. Silva can quickly erase any memory of his previous two fights with an impressive victory over Griffin.
3. Georges St. Pierre (UFC)
Overall Record: 18 – 2
St. Pierre is knocking on the door of the No. 2 position coming off an impressive and thorough destruction of B.J. Penn at UFC 94.
“GSP” is the prototype for the modern day fighter; strong, athletic, and well-rounded in all areas of MMA.
A win over Thiago Alves at UFC 100 could potentially set up a “super fight” with Anderson Silva, which has been at the top of a lot of wish lists for some time now.
4. Miguel Angel Torres (WEC)
Overall Record: 37 – 1
The current WEC champion has rattled off 17 consecutive victories against some of the toughest 135 pound fighters in the world.
Torres attacks his opponents with a unique blend of world class Muay Thai striking and black belt level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Stand up with him and he’ll use a flurry of punches, knees, and kicks to slowly pick you apart or take him down and he’ll try to submit you any number of ways.
A move up to 145 pounds to face Mike Thomas Brown or Urijah Faber could be a possibility if he continues to stream roll through the bantamweight division going forward.
5. Rashad Evans (UFC)
Overall Record: 13 – 0 – 1
Evans, who was once known simply as a wrestler with raw skills, has developed into a well-rounded and dangerous fighter under the tutelage of Greg Jackson and company in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He won his first championship belt with a TKO victory over Forrest Griffin in December 2008, but as the saying goes, you’re not a true champion until you defend your belt.
He’s now faced with the unenviable task of figuring out the puzzle that is Lyoto Machida on May 23.
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