Power Ranking the Top 25 MMA Fight Posters

Over the last 20 years, MMA has splashed into the mainstream. When fans look back and reminisce about the good old days of the sport, many of them identify with a fight card by thinking of the image portrayed on the fight poster.

The UFC, prior to ZUFFA, stuck with the bald-headed cartoon guy with the long arms for quite some time. After that, they started to incorporate fighter profile pictures and special effects. Of course, most of them look pretty cheesy by today's standards, but that's what makes them so great.

Japanese MMA has always had its own flair, and that shows in their event posters. Abstract images, deep meanings and vibrant colors sum up their works of art.

I took the time to scour some of my favorite resources to rank 25 of the best MMA fight posters of all time. This includes over 200 UFC events, nearly 70 Pride events, 60 Strikeforce events, 23 Dream events and many other promotions around the world. 

The rankings were based primarily off of unique stylistic content.

When it was all said and done, I narrowed over 500 posters down to what I feel are the 25 best ones.

25. UFC 30

UFC 30 was the first ZUFFA-owned UFC event. 

This poster features Tito Ortiz, an exploding Octagon and the bright lights of the Taj Mahal (in Atlantic City) in the background. 

Being the first ZUFFA UFC event helped get this poster into the top 25.

24. UFC Fight Night 2

Can you guess how many UFC event posters feature the image of an Octagon girl?

The answer is one, and you're looking at it.

23. UFC 1

There cannot be a top 25 MMA fight poster list without "The Beginning."

22. UFC 40

What makes this poster so good is the color choice as well as the unique use of fighter images.

Most UFC posters have the main event as the primary image, then in the background they typically show photos of the other fighters on the card.

Using Tito and Ken in the foreground, center and background makes this a memorable poster.

21. UFC 43

Tank Abbott is in the poster, what more do you want?

On a serious note, this comes in at No. 21 for its use of the UFC belt as well as the good use of the desert background.

20. UFC 143

The bold way in which Diaz and Condit are displayed on this UFC event poster is unique compared to what we normally see.

19. Pride 34

There is something with the way the blue Pride gloves always pop in their posters—that definitely gives it more of an appeal.

18. UFC 71

One of the most anticipated UFC fights of all time. This poster ranks No. 18 because it's sharp, clean and intimidating.

17. UFC 67

I love the way Rampage appears in the background for this poster. Since it was his UFC debut, it really gives you the "I'm coming for you" feeling.

16. Pride GP 2004

It's okay to say something is beautiful.

15. UFC 134

This poster ranks in my top 10 as far as UFC events go. The font and text color used, in addition to how the fighters are placed, really makes this one special.

14. UFC 122

What we have here is a clean, glossy image that more UFC posters should try to emulate.

13. Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Not only will Rousey vs. Tate be remembered for the fight that propelled WMMA to the mainstream, it also had one heck of a photo shoot and event poster.

12. UFC 73

UFC 73 was titled "Stacked." Aside from the obvious play on words with the designer stacking the fighters on top of each other, this poster is very effective.

Having the fighters in black and white while using yellow lettering gives it a great feel.

11. UFC 141

The images of the fighters alone would not get this ranked at No. 11. However, the unique use of displaying their height and weight over their bodies is what makes this poster special for me.

10. UFC 100

The poster for UFC 100 could have been so much better. The concept here was nice as they incorporated some of the history of the UFC in the background.

Although I think the poster should have a more special feel to it, it is still a good poster and ranks No. 10 all time.

9. UFC 145

If you have looked through every UFC event poster ever created like I have, then you know why this one is ranked so high.

UFC 145's poster is hope that the artistic direction is going to progress into something more fresh and original.

The use of the chalk-like font as well as incorporating blue with black and white makes this one of my favorites.

8. UFC 144

Paying homage to Japanese fight culture, this poster has a bit of a Pride feel to it.

The image manages to showcase three fights, Japanese writing and a mix of red and black colors. 

7. Dream 7

Dream is introduced to our list at No. 7 with this "Final Fantasy" type of drawing.

The creativity of not only Dream, but many other Japanese MMA promotions and how it is reflected in their event posters is truly remarkable.

6. Dream 4

I enjoy the chaotic yet professional feel to this Dream poster. If you take your time and look over this poster for a minute, you will probably see something new each time.

5. Pride 30

Not only one is this of the top five MMA fight posters of all time, but also one of the most symbolic images you'll find anywhere.

4. UFC 94

UFC fans must see this poster and wonder why more of the event posters don't portray the same type of artistic creativity.

3. UFC 47

I believe this is the most iconic fight poster in the history of the UFC.

The stare down, red lettering and the words "It's On!" made this an instant classic.

2. Pride 10

Symbolic of how many men feel in their current relationship, this poster has a nice balance of humor and sex appeal.

It ranks No. 2 of all time, mostly due in part to its creative context.

1. Dream 6

Over the last 20 years there have been thousands of MMA fight posters when you take into account the UFC, Strikeforce, Pride, Dream and all of the other promotions around the world.

One poster stood out from the rest, and it is this masterpiece from Dream 6.

At first glance, the fighters appear to be hanging, but it quickly becomes evident that they are part of a bracket.

The UFC, while they have had some very nice posters, pales in comparison to the creative work of the Japanese promotions.

Follow Joe Chacon on Twitter to discuss this top 25 list as well as all things MMA.