Legends of the Sport: Dan Henderson and 30 of MMA's All-Time Greats
What determines an all-time great?
These men have left a mark on the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and will be remembered for generations to come.
Sure, you may love some of them more than others, but it’s important to free ourselves from momentary imprisonments to fully appreciate what these men have accomplished.
While Dan Henderson and many others on this list continue to win major titles and bask in MMA glory, others have hung their worn out gloves on that rusty hook for the last time. The bright lights of the sold out arenas have faded away, and the screams of millions have subsided.
Still, we as fans choose to remember. Whether you love or hate these men, they gave you moments to remember and talk about. As long as we remember, the shining lights and screaming fans may cease, but the star of a legend will beam brightly for all eternity.
In no particular order, these are 30 of MMA’s all-time greats.
(SportsHaze.com Original)
30. Dan Henderson
1 of 30
(27-8-0)
We'll start with the man of the hour. A former Pride champion, Dan Henderson defeated Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante at Strikeforce: Columbus to earn his second major MMA world title.
At age 40, Henderson is still cracking chins with his massive right hand and staking claim as one of the top fighters in the sport.
29. Matt Hughes
2 of 30
(45-8-0)
Over four years ago, former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes—otherwise known as "Country Breakfast"—was seen as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
Hughes' dominance can be attributed to various UFC records including most wins (18) and most welterweight title defenses (seven).
Barring his former coach Pat Miletich, Hughes has a win over every UFC Welterweight Champion, including current champion Georges St. Pierre.
28. Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic
3 of 30
(27-8-2, 1 NC)
Once upon a time, Mirko Cro Cop was the most feared striker in the world. His murderous highlight reels are scarier than any movie Hollywood could concoct.
It's a shame if any of your earliest recollections of this Croatian wrecking ball includes the UFC. His best days died with the Pride promotion.
Who could ever forget August 28, 2005? In one of the most iconic bouts in MMA history, Fedor Emelianenko and Cro Cop battled for the Pride Heavyweight Title.
27. Georges St. Pierre
4 of 30
(21-2-0)
Even though he is a couple of UFC title defenses away from tying Matt Hughes' record, most can agree that Georges St. Pierre is the most dominant welterweight of all time. Along with Anderson Silva, he is considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today.
Having avenged both of his only defeats, St. Pierre is technically undefeated.
26. Kazushi Sakuraba
5 of 30
(26-15-1, 2 NC)
Kazushi Sakuraba's influence on the sport in Japan can be compared to Royce Gracie's in the U.S.
The two legends met at the Pride Grand Prix 2000 Finals, where Gracie's corner finally threw in the towel after a record-long 90-minute fight.
25. Takanori Gomi
6 of 30
(32-7-0, 1 NC)
A two-time lightweight world champion and 2005 Pride Lightweight Grand Prix Champion, Takanori Gomi was once considered the best lightweight in the world and one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
He was one of the cornerstones of the Pride promotion in Japan.
24. Wanderlei Silva
7 of 30
(33-10-1, 1 NC)
Outside of Fedor Emelianenko, "The Axe Murderer" Wanderlei Silva was the most dominant champion in Pride history. His reign stretched on for over five years, and it was finally ended by Dan Henderson in the promotion's swan song.
In his Pride tenure, Silva holds the record for most wins (22) and knockouts (15). His iconic stature comes from his berserker-like style, intense pre-fight stare-downs and a genuine love and respect for the sport that he helped build.
23. Lighter Weight Class Pioneers: Urijah Faber and Miguel Torres
8 of 30
24-4-0 (Faber), 39-3-0 (Torres)
It's been a long road to the bright lights of the UFC for the featherweight and bantamweight divisions. After Zuffa's WEC acquisition, things really started to heat up for the lighter weight classes.
Many pundits have even gone on record to anoint the featherweight and bantamweight divisions as the most exciting divisions in all of MMA.
During the mainstream transition, there were only two faces that stuck out to new fans––Urijah Faber and Miguel Torres.
A former WEC Featherweight Champion, Faber holds the WEC record for most consecutive title defenses with five. His wild-man style and ferocious pace put him at the forefront of all of the fan love in the WEC. Faber's greatness can be attributed to the fact that he's co-headlining a major upcoming UFC card in his promotional debut.
For a long time, Torres has been considered one of the most feared bantamweights in the world. He was a former WEC champion with three consecutive title defenses.
In February, he made his UFC debut on the stacked UFC 126 card.
22. B.J. Penn
9 of 30
(16-7-2)
The aura of greatness surrounding former UFC Lightweight Champion B.J. Penn is like no other. He is constantly striving to push the envelope.
If jumping weight classes and defeating Matt Hughes for the UFC Welterweight Title wasn't enough, Penn went three hard rounds at K-1 Hero's in March 2005 with former light heavyweight champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida.
Weight has no say on his desire to test himself.
Along with Randy Couture, Penn is the only fighter in UFC history to hold a title in multiple divisions.
21. Anderson Silva
10 of 30
(28-4-0)
Many consider Anderson Silva the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the greatest Mixed Martial Artist of all time. Both of these titles are debatable, but Silva's accomplishments are far beyond the realms of debate.
In the UFC, he holds records for most consecutive title defenses (eight), successful title defenses (eight), and consecutive wins (13). His middleweight title reign has lasted for over four years now.
20. Royce Gracie
11 of 30
(14-2-3)
The Gracie name has become synonymous with the sport of Mixed Martial Arts, but there is none more famous than the legendary Royce Gracie, who is considered the father of the sport.
His ability to implement his style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and dominate men twice his size inspired fans all over the world.
Seeing that technique trumps strength, fighters began training in multiple disciplines to acquire the skills needed to imitate Gracie's success.
19. Tito Ortiz
12 of 30
(15-8-1)
"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz has to be the most controversial figure in the sport's short history. You either love him or hate him, but no one can deny Ortiz's contributions to the sport.
His name is often listed alongside Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture as one of the pioneers of the UFC.
In his run as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Ortiz's reign of dominance lasted over three years.
18. Mark Coleman
13 of 30
(16-10-0)
Known as the "Godfather of Ground-and-Pound", Mark "The Hammer" Coleman is a UFC Hall of Famer and the first ever UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Like Royce Gracie did with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Coleman introduced wrestling as an aspect of fighting. In 2000, he won the Pride Grand Prix Openweight Tournament.
17. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
14 of 30
(32-6-1, 1 NC)
There may not be a fighter alive that has seen more wars than former Pride Heavyweight Champion and UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Before the battles caught up with him, Nogueira's ability to withstand punishment was otherworldly. He was often credited for having the best chin in the sport.
Alongside his twin brother Rogerio and close friend Anderson Silva, Nogueira coaches and trains at Black House MMA, which has become one of the premier gyms in the sport.
16. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
15 of 30
(31-8-0)
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's personality can easily be compared to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Outside of the cage, Quinton is a family man with incredible charisma and personality—but inside it, the howling begins and Rampage comes out to play.
When it comes to technique and raw power, Rampage's boxing is arguably the most feared in the sport. He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and the runner-up of the 2003 Pride Middleweight Grand Prix, where he had to face legends Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva in the same night.
15. Igor Vovchanchyn
16 of 30
(49-10-1, 1 NC)
Legendary Ukrainian Kickboxer Igor Vovchanchyn finished his 10-year MMA career with 26 knockouts and 16 submissions.
New fans of the sport may not be familiar with Vovchanchyn, who has competed against multiple fighters on this list.
14. Pat Miletich
17 of 30
(29-7-2)
Legendary fighter and trainer Pat Miletich had a hand in the success of multiple world champions including Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia, Robbie Lawler and Jens Pulver. Known as "The Croatian Sensation", Miletich was the first ever UFC Welterweight Champion. He currently works for Strikeforce as a commentator.
13. Rich Franklin
18 of 30
(28-6-0, 1 NC)
Rich "Ace" Franklin may not have won an Academy Award for his performance in "Cyborg Soldier", but his face will one day be plastered amongst all-time greats in the UFC Hall of Fame.
A former middleweight champion, Franklin has fought a who's who list of names throughout his career.
His charisma and unyielding tenacity are only two qualities that make him one of MMA's all-time greats.
12. Chuck Liddell
19 of 30
(21-8-0)
With the signature Mohawk and looping right hand, Chuck Liddell is one of the most popular fighters in MMA history.
His greatest moments include a trilogy of battles with Randy Couture, an ongoing feud with Tito Ortiz and a legendary showdown with Wanderlei Silva. As a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Liddell put forth four consecutive title defenses before his reign ended.
Liddell, Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz are considered the first mainstream superstars of the UFC.
11. Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto
20 of 30
(18-4-0, 1 NC)
Some believe that fighters in lighter weight classes lack the natural power needed to consistently knock out opponents. Those people never met Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto.
His high-octane style and stunning knockouts made him one of the most popular fighters in Japan.
He currently holds the record for the fastest knockout in K-1 Hero's history (four seconds).
10. Bas Rutten
21 of 30
(28-4-1)
Bas Rutten's undying charisma and playful persona made him one of the most beloved fighters ever. Don't let his personality fool you; Rutten was also feared as a fighter. He was famous for tearing into opponents with liver shots.
Before retiring, Rutten had amassed a streak of 21 wins with no losses. He was a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and three-time King of Pancrase.
9. Forrest Griffin
22 of 30
(18-6-0)
Hardcore fans may snarl at this addition to the list, but former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin has earned his placement.
As the original "Ultimate Fighter," Griffin's three-round slugfest with Season One runner-up Stephan Bonnar was the fight that pushed the sport over the mainstream threshold.
The bout is often recognized as the greatest fight in UFC history.
8. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
23 of 30
(19-4-0)
Despite building a solid résumé of his own, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's Pride days were typically spent in the shadow of his teammate and close friend Wanderlei Silva.
The two refused to fight one another, and Silva's unending title reign kept Shogun out of the championship picture.
In August 2005, Shogun defeated Ricardo Arona to win the Pride Middleweight Grand Prix, but his biggest accomplishment didn't come until May 2010 at UFC 113, where he knocked out Lyoto Machida to become the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
7. Randy Couture
24 of 30
(19-10-0)
Randy Couture has truly earned the nickname "Captain America." He is a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and a two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, in addition to one interim light heavyweight title.
At 47 years of age, time has yet to become a hindrance to Couture's greatness. He is still enrolled in the largest promotion in the world and competing against elite level opposition.
The UFC inducted Couture into the Hall of Fame on June 24, 2006.
6. Don Frye
25 of 30
(20-8-1, 1 NC)
Don Frye was an imposing figure in his prime during the early days of the UFC. Donning his trademark American flag shorts, Frye was known for finishing opponents. Out of 20 wins, only one went the distance.
In 1996, Frye was the winner of UFC 8 and UFC Ultimate Tournament.
5. Shamrock Brothers: Frank and Ken Shamrock
26 of 30
28-15-2 (Ken), 23-10-2 (Frank)
When it comes to all-time greats, there shouldn't be a list out there without the names of Frank and Ken Shamrock.
A UFC Hall-of-Famer, Ken is known for his battles with Royce Gracie and Tito Ortiz. His feud with Ortiz kept fans talking for years. Despite recent in-ring struggles, fans will always remember Ken as "The World's Most Dangerous Man."
Frank has held world titles in the UFC, WEC and Strikeforce promotions. There were many storied moments in his career, but most remember his four-round war with Tito Ortiz at UFC 22, where he defeated Ortiz to retain his light heavyweight title.
Frank recently announced his retirement from fighting. It wasn't the first time, and it probably won't be the last.
4. Tim Sylvia
27 of 30
(28-7-0)
Throughout his 10-year career, Tim Sylvia has never received the respect that he deserves. He is a relatively simple guy that most construe as boring.
His excessive height may have been an advantage inside the octagon, but on the outside, fans generally saw Sylvia as an overgrown tree that needed to be chopped down.
Despite the hate, Sylvia has put together a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career. He is a former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.
There was a time when most dream matches included a fight between Sylvia and Fedor Emelianenko. The bout never crystallized until July 2008.
3. Shinya Aoki
28 of 30
(26-5-0, 1 NC)
One of the most dangerous submission artists in the sport, Shinya Aoki is the current Dream Lightweight Champion, WAMMA Lightweight Champion and a former Shooto Middleweight Champion.
It's almost like you're watching a circus act when you see Aoki fight. Whether flying or grounded, he is able to pull off submissions from virtually anywhere.
His sights remain on the Strikeforce Lightweight Title and a rematch with Gilbert Melendez.
2. Dan Severn
29 of 30
(98-16-7)
UFC Hall-of-Famer Dan "The Beast" Severn seems to be immortal. At 52 years of age, he is simultaneously competing in MMA and pro wrestling.
Fans remember Severn from his early days in the UFC, where he won multiple tournaments and a superfight championship.
In his ongoing MMA career, he has earned 60 submission victories.
1. Fedor Emelianenko
30 of 30
31-3-0, 1 NC
Fedor Emelianenko is the most mystical figure in all of MMA. Minus the cut stoppage in 2000, Emelianenko went undefeated for nine years.
As the former Pride Heavyweight Champion, he competed and dominated in an era when Pride had the best heavyweights in the world.
The debate for the greatest fighter of all time will rage on endlessly, but many believe that honor lies and dies with "The Last Emperor."
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