The Samba Kings: The Top 10 Brazilian Fighters In MMA

There is no other nation who is as consistent and synonymous in MMA quite like Brazil.

From influential pioneers like Royce Gracie to skilled, technical fighters like Anderson Silva, Brazilian fighters have continually grown and evolved throughout the sport of MMA.

This list will profile the top fighters from Brazil, who are among the best in MMA and who are active and compete to the best of their abilities.

These are the Top 10 Brazilians competing in MMA today.

No. 10 - Fabricio Werdum

Professional Record: 14-4-1

Fabricio Werdum is one of the most underrated competitors in MMA today.

He has faced some of the best fighters in the world, but perhaps none bigger than Fedor Emelianenko. The Brazilian picked up the biggest win of his career after he submitted the undefeated Emelianenko just 69 seconds into the bout. The win currently has Werdum listed at #2 in MMA Heavyweight rankings, according to Sherdog.com.

Although he has been up-and down in recent fights, the win over Emelianenko stands as an accomplishment in itself and the biggest accomplishment in Werdum's career.

And it's enough to earn him a spot on this list.

No. 9 - Antonio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira

Professional Record: 32-6-1

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is as tough as they come in MMA.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist has been in some battles throughout his career in organizations like Pride FC and UFC, defeating the likes of Mirko Cro Cop, Randy Couture and Fabricio Werdum. Perhaps he is best known by UFC fans for capturing UFC interim heavyweight title against Tim Sylvia at UFC 81.

In fact, Nogueira is the only heavyweight fighter to hold both UFC and Pride FC heavyweight titles.

Earlier this year, Nogueira was looking to get back on path and receive a heavyweight title shot but he was stopped in the first round by rising heavyweight prospect, Cain Velasquez.

Although it seems the wear and tear is catching up to the 34-year old, there is no denying his heart and fighting spirit as a competitor.

No. 8 - Thiago Silva

Professional Record: 16-2-0

The Sao Carlos native is a threat to whoever steps next to him in the octagon.

Prior to signing with UFC, Silva was knocking out his opponents in Brazil going 9-0, with seven of those bouts resulting in either a K.O or TKO stoppage.

Upon entering the UFC, Silva continued his dominance by knocking out his opponents and was widely considered a contender for UFC Light-Heavyweight crown at the time. However title aspirations were put to rest and so was Silva, as he was knocked out by Lyoto Machida in the first round at UFC 89.

Silva bounced back and recorded another K.O victory over Keith Jardine at UFC 102, but he was then edged out via unanimous decision by Rashad Evans at UFC 108.

Keep in mind Silva is only 27 years old and despite only two losses on his MMA record, he still has a lot of potential to earn a title shot in the future.

No. 7 - Antonio Rogerio "Lil Nog" Nogueira

Professional Record: 22-3-0

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira has always lived in the shadows of his older twin brother Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, but at UFC 106 "Lil Nog" had finally arrived.

In his debut vs. Luiz Cane, Nogueira used his crisp boxing to outstrke the fellow Brazilian and ended up dropping Cane, picking up the TKO in the first round. He also earned Knockout of the Night honor courtesy of his victory.

He followed up his impressive win over Cane with a decision victory over Jason Brillz, a bout that was controversial among fans and critics but it also earned a Fight of the Night honor for Nogueira.

Nogueira will look to continue his winning ways against rising star Ryan Bader at UFC 119. If he is victorious, it is possible he'll be next to challenge for UFC Light-Heavyweight belt.

Nogueira looks to be finally making a name for himself in the Light-Heavyweight division.

No. 6 - Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort

Professional Record: 19-8-0

Ever since making his debut in MMA at the age of 19, Belfort was destined to be successful.

Belfort packs a serious punch, literally. The Brazilian has some of the fastest hands in MMA and can stand and trade with the best of them. His fights against Wanderlei Silva, Matt Linland and Rich Franklin are evident.

When Belfort began his second stint in UFC, he squared off against former UFC Middleweight champion Rich Franklin in a catch weight bout at 195 lbs at UFC 103. Belfort quickly disposed Franklin three minutes into the opening round.

Reports quickly surfaced that Belfort would challenge 185lb champion Anderson Silva, but Belfort sustained an injury and was forced to pull out of the title bout.

Now that Belfort appears to be healed and prepared to fight once again, it's likely he could challenge middleweight contender Chael Sonnen.

Should Belfort get past Sonnen, an anticipated title bout with Silva should take place sometime in 2011.

No. 5 - Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos

Professional Record: 12-1-0

Junior Dos Santos is the future of the UFC heavyweight division.

Dos Santos has been on a tear since making his debut inside the octagon in 2008 knocking out his opponents left and right. After steamrolling through his first two bouts, Dos Santos was now going to be given competition and he didn't disapoint.

The Brazilian dismantled MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop at UFC 103 forcing the Croatian heavyweight to verbally submit in the third round.

Dos Santos now put the Heavyweight division on notice.

This past year Dos Santos earned a bout with hard-hitting heavyweight Roy Nelson at UFC 117 to determine the number one contender for UFC Heavyweight title. Dos Santos simply beat up Nelson for the entire fight, dropping him twice in the process and earning a unamious decision victory.

The sky is the limit for Dos Santos and he will now wait in the wings for his title shot against either Brock Lesnar or Cain Velasquez next year.

No. 4 - Jose Aldo

Professional Record: 17-1-0

While he is already making a name for himself in WEC as Featherweight champion, it's only a matter of time before Aldo enters UFC.

Although he holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aldo has established himself as a proficient striker.

The Brazilan has been simply unstoppable in WEC, beating the last six of his seven opponents by either K.O or TKO stoppage. Aldo has been so dominant, it's hard to believe he's only lost once in his MMA career; that was five years ago.

Aldo will look to defend his crown next month against former UFC Lightweight contender Manny Gamburyan at WEC 51.

Don't be surprised to see Aldo's name brought up in the pound-for pound discussion within the next few years.

No. 3 - Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida

Professional Record: 16-1-0

To say Lyoto Machida is a great fighter, is an understatement.

He possesses the speed, quickness, ability and intelligence that turns fighters into champions, and turns champions into legends.

The Japanese-Brazilian reached his ultimate goal by capturing UFC Light-Heavyweight title after viciously knocking out Rashad Evans at UFC 98.

However, the previously dubbed " Machida era" came to an abrupt halt after Mauricio "Shogun" Rua knocked him out earlier this year at UFC 113.

Now rejuvenated and motivated, the previously invincible Machida will look to recapture some that invincibility when he looks to square off against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 123 later this year. 

No. 2 - Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Professional Record: 19-4-0

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is a true definition of a champion.

While becoming a dominant force in Pride FC, Rua made his way over to UFC in 2007, widely considered to be the best light-heavyweight in the world at the time.

In what was supposed to be a tune up match for Rua, ended up in a loss for the Brazilian when he faced Forrest Griffin at UFC 76. In the bout vs. Griffin, Rua suffered a knee injury that required surgery and it kept him out of action for the remainder of 2007.

He then reinjured his knee while training and required another surgery that forced him to sit out for all of 2008. He returned in 2009 and capped off two straight wins over Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell that propelled him to a title shot against then-UFC Light-Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.

While their title bout ended in controversy, thier rematch ended completely different as Rua finally accomplished what so many fans and critics envisioned three years prior, he was officially crowned UFC Light-Heavyweight champion.

Another knee injury has forced Rua out of action once again, but he'll look to successfully defend his title against Rashad Evans in 2011.

No. 1 - Anderson "The Spider" Silva

Professional Record: 27-4-0

UFC Middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva, still remains the best middleweight fighter in the world and arguably the pound-for pound best fighter in the world.

Silva has stood atop the middleweight mountain and has not fallen off since 2006, defeating Rich Franklin at UFC 64.

Ever since disposing Franklin, it's been a routine for Silva to successfully defend his title as he has beaten every challenger put in front of him, even competing occasionally in the Light-Heavyweight division.

His most recent title defense against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 is one of the most memorable fights in recent history, and for the first time Silva actually looked vulnerable.

However after 23 minutes of being controlled and outworked, Sonnen carelessly left himself open in top position and allowed Silva to capitilize and secure a triangle choke for the win.

Although the win has left Silva's pound-for pound status up for debate on some lists, there is no debating that he is the top Brazilian on this one.