Freddie Roach Names the 5 Best Boxers in Mixed Martial Arts

Freddie Roach is a legend of the boxing game. He's revered as a trainer of champions and has a brilliant mind for the sport.

So when Roach names his five best boxers in mixed martial arts on Inside MMA, you know we're going to pay attention.

Here's Roach's list:

5. K.J. Noons
4. Nick Diaz
3. B.J. Penn
2. Georges St-Pierre
1. Anderson Silva

Roach has worked with four of the names on this list, so it's no surprise they are included.

I respect Roach's opinion on boxing, obviously, but he's missing a few names on this list.

At least in terms of lightweights, Frankie Edgar is a much better boxer than Noons. Granted, Noons does have a pro boxing record, but he never really faced anyone of any value. I'd go as far as to say Noons wasn't even considered a decent boxing prospect. He's constantly vaunted as one of the best boxers in MMA, but I just don't see it. Edgar is quicker, much more technical and strings together better combinations.

Junior dos Santos also deserves to be on this list. He has some of the best boxing in the world, not just in the heavyweight division, but in the entire sport. He's a better boxer than St-Pierre for sure.

I can't argue with Silva, Penn or Diaz being on this list. All three are excellent technical boxers, at least when it comes to translating the skill to MMA.