The UFC's 5 Greatest Champions In History
Throughout the years, we’ve witnessed some phenomenal talent displayed within the confines of the UFC’s octagon.
Stellar champions have impressed fanatics and drawn new viewers with exciting styles, slick submissions and devastating knockouts.
While most divisions tend to juggle champions, due to such evenly paired skill sets, some men have reached above and beyond the confines of nature and proven nearly unstoppable.
Before I offer a nod to the five greatest champions to compete for the promotion, I’d like to first give a nod to some worthy champions who just missed making this list.
Tito Ortiz: Ortiz helped shed light on the sport during its darkest time. He also held a firm grip on the light heavyweight title for some time. Limited opposition prevents him from making this list, but he’s a man worthy of respect, like him or not.
Rich Franklin: Before Anderson Silva joined the UFC’s ranks, Franklin was the legitimate owner of the middleweight title. Impressive wins over Evan Tanner and Nate Quarry highlight the peak of Rich’s title run.
B.J. Penn: The only reason B.J. didn’t earn a spot on this list is inconsistencies. He’s proven capable of beating nearly any man, and he’s been a terrific champion in the past. However, to be the best, you must perform at 150 percent and that means every time you enter the cage.
Lyoto Machida: Machida may not be as accomplished as many former champions, but he’s already proven he can beat just about any man alive, and he’s added some devastating techniques to punctuate his fighting style. This man could easily regain the light heavyweight title.
5. Matt Hughes
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Matt Hughes has not only won the UFC welterweight title, he’s defended it multiple times, including quality wins over Carlos Newton, Hayato Sakurai and Frank Trigg.
Even after losing his title to B.J. Penn at UFC 46, he eventually returned to recapture the title with a win over a green Georges St. Pierre (who later avenged that loss and took control of the title at UFC 65).
Father Time eventually go the best of Hughes, who is clearly one of the most dominant champions in the welterweight division. That however hasn’t tarnished his legacy, as most fans will remember him for his aggressive ground-and-pound and relentless wrestling abilities.
Matt Hughes’ career record stands at 45-8.
4. Chuck Liddell
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Chuck won fans over with his anyone, anywhere, anytime persona.
Never one to shy away from a physical encounter, Chuck fought a laundry list of top competition during his prime.
While he initially came up short in his first title bid against Randy Couture at 43, he would eventually find redemption by knocking out Couture and claiming the title at UFC 52.
Chuck then went on an admirable tear through the UFC’s light heavyweight division, defeating the likes of Jeremy Horn, Couture once again, Tito Ortiz, Vernon White and Renato “Babalu” Sobral.
Viewed as the best man competing at 205 pounds, Liddell eventually lost his title to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 71.
Sadly, Liddell’s ability to absorb punishment seemed to disappear overnight, and the once great “Iceman" never looked quite the same.
Chuck Liddell’s career record stands at 21-8.
3. Randy Couture
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What can be said about Couture?
Well, we can start with the fact that the man defied the odds too many times to count. He toppled Liddell as well as Ortiz to exit the octagon a light heavyweight champion on two occasions.
He also throttled the hulking Tim Sylvia for five rounds to earn the heavyweight division championship.
Prior to his bout with Sylvia, he wrestled the title away from dangerous opponents Pedro Rizzo and Kevin Randleman.
Over the years, Couture has proven capable of defeating just about any one, and his accolades aren’t limited to title fights. Big victories over Gabriel Gonzaga, Vitor Belfort and Brandon Vera also decorate a remarkable career résumé.
Randy Couture’s career record stands at 19-11.
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2. Georges St. Pierre
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Once upon a time Georges was overcome by fandom and let a winning affair slip from his hands when Matt Hughes caught the Canadian in an armbar.
He also floundered against heavy underdog Matt Serra.
With the exception of those defeats, GSP has been flawless.
He has now held onto the welterweight title since April of 2008, and in that time he’s handily defeated the likes of Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch, B.J. Penn, Jake Shields and Thiago Alves, to name a few.
There are virtually zero contenders left for the Canadian phenom, and at this point, St. Pierre almost appears bored defending his belt.
A bout with the rugged Nick Diaz looms on the horizon, but one must wonder what kind of chance does the Stockton bad boy really have?
Georges St. Pierre’s career record stands at 22-2.
1. Anderson Silva
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There isn’t a champion in the promotion's history as dominant as Anderson Silva.
Since entering the UFC ranks in 2006, Anderson has looked invincible.
After slaughtering Chris Leben in under 50 seconds, Silva was awarded a shot at Rich Franklin’s 185-pound championship. He took that title away in violent fashion and hasn’t looked back since.
Silva has defended his middleweight title a record eight consecutive times.
Perhaps more amazing, he’s even traveled into light heavyweight territory, where he outclassed both James Irvin and former champion Forrest Griffin.
Anderson will have a chance to avenge an early career loss this August, when he takes on Yushin Okami (who holds a win over Silva by disqualification) at UFC 134.
Anderson Silva’s career record stands at 28-4.
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