Rich Franklin and the 12 Most Beloved MMA Fighters in History

What makes a fighter "more beloved" than others? Is it strictly popularity? Is there a specific criteria that differentiates "belovedness" from general popularity?

These are the fighters that people genuinely care about. Some fighters are interesting to watch- but among them there are those that elicit a genuine emotional attachment.

It could be for a number of reasons: their attitude, what they fight for, what they represent, and a whole myriad of other reasons difficult to articulate.

Some fighters are deeply beloved by some while simultaneously being off-putting to a whole other groups of people.

For the purposes of this list- having widespread appeal outweighs small group fanaticism.

This is Rich Franklin and the 12 most beloved fighters in history.

Honorable Mention

Urijah Faber

Anderson Silva

BJ Penn

Andrei Arlovski

12. Clay Guida

Why: Living with, and fighting with, controlled abandon

MMA is filled with rebels, but Clay Guida is a subtle and understated kind of rebel.

He lives out of a trailer, but trains with the best trainers in the world and he competes at the highest levels.

11. Forrest Griffin

Why: Self-deprecating and durable

If you like watching fighters go out and compete with little to no regard for their own well-being, then Forrest Griffin is probably your kind of fighter.

He is funny and a guy's guy who just likes to go out scrap.

10. Rich Franklin

Why: American hometown nice guy

Nobody dislikes Rich Franklin.  He is the "math teacher from Cincinnati".

Franklin is always considerate and respectful. 

9. Kazushi Sakuraba

Why: The pride of Japan

Kazushi Sakuraba is a hero for the Japanese. "The Gracie Hunter" took Japanese MMA to a whole new level.

He could tastefully integrate some of the "zany" and "silly" aspects Japanese culture with being a true warrior and true legendary champion.

8. Mirko Filipovic

Why: The ultimate combatant

Was being one of the top K-1 kickboxers in the world enough for Mirko Filipovic? No. Was becoming an elite counter-terrorist commando in his native Croatia enough for Mirko Filipovic? No.

The man also goes onto become one of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all time. It also happens that he served in the Croatian Parliament. He commands our respect.

7. Bas Rutten

Why: Personality in spades

He was a pioneer and a champion and Bas Rutten could make anybody laugh. He still can. He still does.

There is no situation that "el guapo" can't liven up. 

6. Randy Couture

Why: The American Dream

A former Olympian who became a record breaking champion who can never be counted out and constantly defied the odds.

Couture is also a savvy business man and entrepreneur who is responsible for developing one of the most successful commercial MMA brands today in Xtreme Couture.

5. Fedor Emelianenko

Why: Greatness and humility

Arguably the best fighter in the history of the sport and also the most humble.

Fedor hardly speaks and when he does he speaks softly and politely.

4. Georges St. Pierre

Why: Suave, sophisticated and professional

Georges St. Pierre is the complete package. A model that any fighter can aspire to.

He manages to be humble and yet also media friendly. Girls want him and guys want to be like him.

3. Chuck Liddell

Why: Cool as ice

"The Iceman" earned his nickname for always being cool under-pressure.

That composure mixed with a fiery internal intensity resonates deeply throughout society and is respected by all. 

2. Wanderlei Silva

Why: General awesomeness

Fans all over the world love Wanderlei Silva for his infamously aggressive fighting style.

Wanderlei returns all of that love back to his fans- making him even more beloved. 

1. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Why: Resilience personified. Heart

No fighter is as regarded for their ability to fight through adversity as Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. 

He was also run over as a little boy, hence the giant scar on his back, making it all the more impressive that he went on to become one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.