(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Just finished my article on fighters people love to hate and I kept thinking of fighters who everyone loves and I thought I would release a list the opposite of my earlier article.
10-Mirko Cro Cop
Mirko has developed a massive following stretching from Eastern Europe to Asia and to North America, he is loved by the followers of Pride who love him because of his vicious kicks. Many a time has he delivered his left leg to the head of an opponent only for the opponent to crubble to the floor moments after. He has beaten big name Pride fighters such as Josh Barnett and Wanderlei Silva, although he is 2-2 in the UFC at the moment losing to Cheick Kongo and Gabe Gonzaga. But still at UFC 99 the chants of 'Mirko' rang through the arena and will continue to ring through the arena at UFC 103 when he faces the dangerous striker Junior Dos Santos. To decribe in a few words: Legs like tree trunks.
9-Clay Guida
In a relatively short time in the octagon Clay 'The Carpenter' Guida has developed a reputation and a huge fan following. In 9 UFC fights Guida has won three fight of the nights and every fight he has been in has been entertaining. Some people say the UFC doesn't need wrestlers because of their 'boring' style but Guida brings a new dimension to wrestling with his relentless dirty boxing and relentless takedowns. I have been round UFC novices who have found themselves chanting 'Guida' just because of his fight style. This was evident in his fight against Diego Sanchez where although he was losing the crowd were cheering for him. To describe in one word: Relentless
8-Rich Franklin
Who doesn't love Rich Franklin and his Jim Carey looking face? From the days of joking about on Ultimate Fighter to his true respect for the superior fighter, Anderson Silva. My first memory of Rich Franklin was jokingly promoting xyience on the Ultimate Fighter and I fell in the love with the man from then. To his comments on his forehead cut during a round break and his true love for the sport, it is hard to find a bad thing to say about Rich Franklin. Rich epitomizes the true MMA fighter, highly skilled with great respect for their opponent. To describe in a few words: A true professional
7- Anderson Silva
Everyone loves Anderson, he is pound for pound the best fighter in the world in my opinion. He seemingly has no flaw, but even great fighters can be hated the reason why Anderson isn't is because of his gentlemanly attitude in the octagon. Anderson never hypes the fight like he wants revenge on any fighter he hypes the fight like it is a challenge and usually he uses the words "worthy challenge." This shows Anderson's true nature, a truly kind hearted man who just happens to knock people out as his job. To describe in a few words: The epitome of an MMA fighter.
6- Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Every fan loves a fighter that can take punishment and keep on coming, well Nogueira is the best example of that kind of a fighter. Well known in his Pride days for taking whatever was thrown at him and keeping on coming forward, Nogueira has developed a massive fan following through Pride and the UFC. Some of the shots Nog has took through his career has led to his massive following. To describe in a few words: Hard like a rock.
5- Georges StPierre
The undisputed king of the welterweights, Georges StPierre is in some people's eyes the best fighter pound for pound in the world. He has no weaknesses, he can beat a strong striker on his feet or can takedown a strong wrestler. GSP's fan base is huge, he has been voted Canadian athlete of the year (although that's not that much of a complement) and he is in the top three most marketable fighters in the UFC. To describe in a few words: Seemingly unbeatable
4- Chuck Liddell
Anyone who knows MMA or UFC more specifically knows who Chuck Liddell is. Arguably the fighter along with Randy Couture who brought the UFC into the publics eye. With his classic blue flame shorts and his unique haircut, Chuck Liddell is the classic MMA fighter. He has beaten everyone there is to beat in MMA (except maybe Rampage, sorry to bring that up Chuck,) and has done it in dramatic fashion, mostly by knockouts. He has had some epic wars, the Randy-Liddell trilogy comes to mind and his battle against Wanderlei Silva also comes to mind. To describe in a few words: The most important UFC fighter ever.
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