As promised yesterday, we're getting into deeper waters now, with some iconic figures and legendary fighters that surely rank as some fan favorites throughout the history of the UFC.
Some legacies are unquestioned, their entire careers played out before us inside the Octagon and while their place on this list could be up for debate, the success they've had is well-known.
Yet others, like Bas Rutten, present an dangerous dilemma. The only way to find out how it was resolved is to keep reading.
30. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
UFC Record: 2-1
Victories Over: Heath Herring, Tim Sylvia
There will surely be some who question "Minotauro" being ranked so high with just three UFC fights under his impressive belt. Maybe those people don't remember those two wins.
In true Nogueira fashion, he was getting battered by both Herring and Sylvia before pulling out a win from the jaws of defeat in both cases, with the Sylvia win bringing the Interim Heavyweight title. And as much as it pains me a little, a loss to Frank Mir isn't anything to be ashamed of either.
29. Ricco Rodriguez
UFC Record: 5-2
Victories Over: Randy Couture, Jeff Monson, Andrei Arlovski
Another of the forgotten former heavyweight champs of the UFC, Rodriguez fell on hard times following his win over Couture for the vacant heavyweight title. He lost his next three fights, including his first defense against Tim Sylvia, and proceeded to bounce around between numerous organizations and battling addiction.
Despite his trials and tribulations since wearing the belt, Rodriguez was the dominant heavyweight in the UFC for a time and that deserves recognition.
28. Evan Tanner
UFC Record: 11-6
Victories Over: David Terrell, Phil Baroni, Robbie Lawler
Tanner was a truly incredible figure; a self-taught fighter who constantly challenged himself inside and outside of the cage, and the former Middleweight champion was taken from us too soon.
27. Rashad Evans
UFC Record: 8-1-1
Victories Over: Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Michael Bisping
Some may question the former Ultimate Fighter's placement inside the Top 30, but the track record speaks for itself. His one loss came to Lyoto Machida, a man many believe will reign over the light heavyweight division for years, and the draw was with Tito Ortiz.
Other than those two "blemishes," Rashad Evans has stopped everyone else put before him in their tracks, including "The Original Ultimate Fighter" and "The Iceman."
26. Bas Rutten
UFC Record: 2-0
Victories Over: Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, Kevin Randleman
What do you do with a guy like Bas Rutten? On one hand, he had just two UFC fights in his career. On the other, it included a heavyweight title win and victories over two very legitimate challengers in TK and Randleman. Had he been able to keep going, there is no doubt in my mind he would be higher up the charts.
25. Murilo Bustamante
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