The 15 Most Exciting UFC Fighters

There are plenty of lists out there that nobody can agree upon regarding the top pound for pound fighters in the mixed martial arts world. Some say Anderson Silva is on top, others think he's gone downhill and Fedor gets top spot. GSP fans can argue that he looks unstoppable.

All of them are correct to a degree, and we'll never agree on who's the best. But this list is going to take a look at who's the most exciting right now in the UFC. Exciting means precisely what you think it does; how amped do you get to see these guys fight? That's my main criteria.

Some guys can sell a card and others can't simply based on excitement and violence, and even hype. It doesn't matter what their record is, these guys will glue your eyes to the screen.

#15. Carlos Condit

The Natural Born Killer isn't exactly that. In his two fights in the UFC he hasn't finished his opponents, losing a split to Martin Kampmann and winning a split against Jake Ellenberger. But Condit always comes to fight and I must say his fights keep me entertained.

#14. Georges St. Pierre

GSP has taken flack over his past few fights but he's still dismantled his opponents with ease. A high profile fight after the blanket Josh Koscheck will probably propel him up this list.

#13 Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Lil' Nog has finished his opponent in six of his last seven wins. Though he's new to the UFC, he could climb this list in no time.

#12. Diego Sanchez

Even though Diego was utterly destroyed by BJ Penn, he remains an exciting fighter. He has been in some of the most entertaining bouts ever inside the octagon with Parisyan and Guida.

Gotta love watching Sanchez.

#11. Cain Velasquez

Unreal talent and potential. Coming off a brutal KO win over Big Nog. Valasquez is a name you should get used to for years to come.

#10. BJ Penn

After being stalemated for five rounds against Frankie Edgar, Penn will look to inflict damage the next time around. After all, it's something he's used to.

#9. Thiago Alves

Made easy work of Josh Koscheck in the past. Thiago Alves has KO power in both hands, feet, and knees. If you don't like watching this guy, check your pulse.

#8. Vitor Belfort

Made easy work of Rich Franklin, who's always a gamer. Absolute bombs for hands. Vitor can put anyone to sleep and his killer instinct is rivaled only by a few.

#7. Brock Lesnar

Anyone who can make Frank Mir's face look the way it did in their second fight gets my vote based on damage potential alone. Love him or hate him, you tune in when Lesnar fights.

#6. Rampage Jackson

Rampage hasn't really lost a fight since his 2005 beat-down from Shogun Rua (Forrest fight doesn't count because he actually won, I think)

Always entertaining, always looking for the KO. Rampage's name speaks for itself.

#5. Jon Jones

Jon Jones fights like he's in a game of Mortal Kombat II. Want to see a flashy fighter? Keep watching Jones.

Nobody knows what kind of pain this guy is going to inflict next.

#4. Wanderlei Silva

Always looking for the finish and to please the crowd. Wanderlei Silva is a fan favorite and for good reason. Though he's come out on the wrong end of a number of his UFC bouts, there's no denying this man's place amongst the greats. An absolute war-machine.

#3. Shane Carwin

What can I even say about this guy? His last fight against Frank Mir was his longest at 3:48 of the first round. Carwin is 12-0, finishing each and every one of his opponents. Carwin/Lesnar is the main draw of the summer by a long shot.

#2. Anderson Silva

Perfect technique, pin point accuracy; just a few terms to describe Anderson Silva's striking. The result? Knockouts, some of them embarassing even (see picture)

The main reason he isn't number one is because of his recent debacle/circus-like behavior. Look for him to get back on track against Chael Sonnen in August.

#1. Mauricio Shogun Rua

The new King of Violence.

Shogun has done something that nobody thought was possible; beat Lyoto Machida (twice in fact)

Not only did he defeat the Dragon, he knocked him senseless in a fashion nobody ever envisioned. Once Shogun senses you're hurt, you might as well pack it in because this guy is hell-bent on finishing the fight at that point.

A few minor shortcomings hindered his early UFC career, but now Shogun is back in his old form and the world has taken notice.

A treat to watch for any mixed martial arts fan and the most exciting fighter to watch going forward.