The 10 Most Beloved Champions in UFC History

Reaching the pinnacle of the sport of MMA is widely considered when a fighter obtains an UFC title belt. There's been a laundry list of champions over the years, but very few have been remembered in the manner the guys on this list are.

While winning the title was no doubt their biggest accomplishment, winning over the fans surely was an added benefit. When they entered the building, fans erupted in cheers. Even the ones on this list who aren't considered universal fan favourites were still valued for their expertise in the Octagon.

Champions have come and gone, but none of them have touched our minds and hearts like these fighters have.

Vitor Belfort

Vitor Belfort's title run may have been brief and the result of a cut over Randy Couture's eye, but Belfort remains one of the most beloved fighters.

When he debuted in the UFC, Belfort was the perfect example of a phenom given his young age and fast hands. Belfort was able to win an UFC title, but his reign didn't even make it past his first title defense.

Although he had a short title reign, it was Belfort's personal tragedy that has endeared him to MMA fans for years. The story of his sister's kidnapping and death obviously affected Belfort's career, and fans were always quick to claim "the old Belfort was back."

Andrei Arlovski

When Andrei Arlovski became UFC Heavyweight Champion, MMA fans were anticipating a reign of terror to be imposed by the man from Belarus.

With blazing hand speed and Sambo-based submission skills, Arlovski seemed to have the total package. Of course, he never seemed to truly realize his potential but still managed two title defenses.

His crisp boxing is what won fans over, but it was also his downfall which has endeared him to UFC fans. As a fan, Arlovski has long been my favorite, and it still saddens me whenever I'm forced to watch the medical team pick him up off the canvas.

Jens Pulver

Jens Pulver was the inaugural UFC lightweight champion—a title he earned all the way back at UFC 30 against Caol Uno.

Pulver had a solid wrestling background and dynamite in his hands along with a rough upbringing that made UFC fans immediately take to him. His victory over BJ Penn displayed that even though Penn had more talent on paper, he was missing the key ingredient that made Pulver a fan favourite—heart.

If you're one of the few MMA fans who hasn't seen Driven, you really need to take some time to watch it. The video isn't a goldmine for MMA knowledge or training secrets but tells the story of Pulver's childhood which is why Pulver is one of the most beloved champions in UFC history.

Evan Tanner

Another fighter on this list who didn't endear himself to fans through a lengthy title reign, Evan Tanner will always have a special place in MMA fans' hearts.

Tanner won his only UFC title in 2005 when he defeated the highly touted David Terrell at UFC 51. He would be defeated once again by Rich Franklin in his first title defense, but Tanner still defeated a litany of top fighters.

The story of his death is ultimately what made him a beloved figure for UFC fans, given the circumstances surrounding it. Tanner's time on top came during the early days of the UFC becoming a national hit which means his accomplishments don't always come to mind at first, but he will always be remembered by MMA fans.

Matt Hughes

Matt Hughes was not only one of the most dominant champions in UFC and loved by fans all across America.

Hughes had some of the best wrestling in all of MMA but also added a solid combination of submission skills along with ground-and-pound. The Illinois farm boy made five successful title defenses in his first reign and added two more title defense after winning the title for a second time.

He may have rubbed some people the wrong way during his time on top, but Hughes is without a doubt one of the most beloved champions in UFC history.

BJ Penn

MMA fans may disagree with the method of training BJ Penn chooses to engage in, but fans definitely couldn't complain once Penn stepped into the Octagon.

Penn's mantra of "Just Scrap" was a perfect line for the Hawaiian as he came to fight no matter who the opponent was. Penn entered the UFC as one of the most accomplished BJJ artists in the world and left as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.

Other than his dominance at 155 pounds, Penn will be remembered by most UFC fans for his victory over Matt Hughes at 170 pounds. Regardless of your stance on Penn outside the Octagon, fans couldn't help but back the Hawaiian once the bell sounded.

Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva may have lost a handful of fans for his performances against Thales Leites, and Demian Maia but he remains one of the most revered champions amongst many MMA fans.

Silva doesn't light up a room with his charisma but rather with his actions. The ease of which Silva dominates his opponents has made him can't-miss TV since joining the UFC ranks.

When you combine Silva's fighting abilities and his personality away from UFC cameras, you have one of the most popular UFC champions of today.

Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre certainly has his detractors for being a safe fighter, but he's still one of the most beloved champions by a large amount of MMA fans.

St-Pierre won his first title against his rival Matt Hughes at UFC 65 in dominating fashion. A loss to Matt Serra would provide a setback, but GSP rebounded and has become one of the most dominant champions in MMA history.

Being the model for professionalism, GSP has not only become a popular champion but also the quintessential face of the UFC today.

Chuck Liddell

One of the most dominant champions in MMA history, let alone UFC history, Chuck Liddell has been a fan favourite for years.

Liddell had an explosive overhand right along with some of the best defensive wrestling skills to step inside the Octagon. He actually lost in his first opportunity to win the UFC Light Heavyweight title but would eventually win the belt in 2005.

"The Iceman" would defend the belt four consecutive times—a feat nobody would be even close to surpassing until Jon Jones came along.

Randy Couture

One of the most beloved fighters in MMA history, this list wouldn't be complete without Randy Couture.

Couture won his first UFC title in 2000 when he defeated Kevin Randleman. He next defended the heavyweight crown in two wars with Pedro Rizzo. Although Couture achieved success, he dropped a weight class and had some of the best bouts of his career with Chuck Liddell, Vitor Belfort and Tito Ortiz.

Other than having multiple successful title runs, Couture became beloved for his age-defying ability and fan-friendly personality. The Hall of Famer will go down as one of the greatest UFC champions in MMA history and one of the most popular.