Jon Jones, Georges St. Pierre and the 15 Most Commercial Fighters in the UFC

MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world right now (but I'm developing trampoline kickboxing right now, so look out!) and the UFC is pretty much the sole reason for this rapid expansion.

As the UFC gains popularity and media coverage, it is important for Dana White to know which of his fighters have the most commercial potential.

With the right fighters acting as the faces of the organization, the UFC has the chance to grow even more through television interviews, commercials, product endorsements and even film.

Let's take a look at the most commercial fighters in the UFC...

Honorable Mentions

Chris Leben: Never underestimate the bad boy appeal. People love a bad boy, especially if he seems to have a soft side to him. Anyone who saw the first season of the Ultimate Fighter knows that description fits Leben pretty well.

Frank Mir: Frank Mir is a good representative for the sport because of his intelligence. He is well spoken and always gives good fight analysis. Mir just missed the list because it's important to be likable if you're going to be a commercial fighter. Frank often comes off as arrogant.

Rich Franklin: Rich is just a really great guy. He is always respectful of his fellow fighters and he has a great sense of humor. Franklin missed the list because he's a little bit too laid back and calm. A touch more personality would get him on the list.

No. 15: Michael "The Count" Bisping

If you're a North American fan, then you probably disagree with this choice.

Most fans disliked him for being cocky and brash before his fight with Jorge Rivera. Now, they really dislike him because he hit Rivera with an intentional illegal knee in the first round and spit at Jorge's corner after the fight.

Anyways, you don't have to like him, but you can't ignore Bisping's commercial potential in his home land of England.

The Count is hugely popular in England and with a population of over 50 million, it's a pretty big market.

No. 14: Yoshihiro Akiyama

Akiyama's commercial potential is very limited in North America, but the Korean-Japanese is already a celebrity in his native land of Japan.

The UFC is focused on expanding globally, not just within North America, so Akiyama is huge in their Korean and Japanese market.

Yoshihiro also actually has a university degree in commerce.

No. 13: Clay Guida

Clay Guida is one of the most likable fighters in the history of MMA.

He always speaks well of his opponents, is very humble when referring to himself and always gives his coaches and teammates tons of credit when he's victorious.

His hair makes him a very recognizable amongst other MMA fighters and his tendency to be in exciting fights doesn't hurt either.

No. 12: Roy Nelson

Roy Nelson is the everyman of mixed martial arts.

People like celebrities that they can relate.

Nelson doesn't like to eat healthy and is an underachiever as far as MMA fighters go.

In a North American market, that's damn easy to relate to.

No. 11: Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar is a little guy with lots of heart and he is always defying the odds; a true underdog.

Everybody loves an underdog.

Most of the most popular movies in American cinematic history have functioned around some sort of underdog.

Apart from the underdog factor, Edgar is just a really likable guy.

No. 10: Kenny Florian

Kenny Florian is one of the most well spoken and recognizable figures in MMA.

Kenny has guest commentated at UFC 83, replacing Joe Rogan, and many were impressed by his commentary. Most would agree that he could easily replace Mike Goldberg.

Florian also co-hosts MMA Live, which airs on ESPN.

He has also appeared on Dr. Phil.

No. 9: Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Jason "Mayhem" Miller the most entertaining fighters in MMA and many are excited to see him return to the UFC.

Miller is very marketable to the younger market, as many know him for his show on MTV "Bully Beatdown."

Jason could be a bit higher up on this list, but a lot of people find his personality to be over the top and a bit obnoxious.

No. 8: Urijah Faber

He's just so gosh darn handsome.

"The California Kid" greatly appeals to the UFC's younger audiences due to his undeniable good looks and surfer guy appearance.

What company wouldn't want this guy's face on their product?

Apart from his handsomeness, Faber has a great personality.

No. 7: Randy Couture

Randy Couture is probably the most popular fighter in UFC history.

People can't help but cheer this guy on every time he steps into the Octagon.

There's something about performing as long as you can and not wanting to leave the sport you love that people can't help but respect.

Couture also has a lot of commercial appeal considering he was in "The Expendables" with huge movie stars like Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone.

Randy would be further up on the list, but he just retired. So, in the future he probably won't be quite the ambassador for the UFC that he has been.

No. 6: Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva has the same appeal that Bisping has in England, in Brazil.

The difference is that North American fans like Silva too.

Being popular within Brazil as well as with the North American fans makes Anderson a huge commercial asset.

Plus, the man can dance.

You didn't know he could dance?

Check it out here.

No. 5: Forrest Griffin

Forrest Griffin is hilarious. He might be the funniest fighter in MMA history.

Griffin has already done a lot to help bring the sport into the mainstream; his fight with Stephan Bonnar is known as the most important fight in UFC history.

Since then Forrest has helped rake in more fans by putting on entertaining fights and providing side-splitting interviews.

Griffin has two books out and has also appeared in an episode of CSI.

No. 4: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Quinton Jackson rivals Forrest Griffin for the funniest UFC fighter ever.

Joe Rogan always talks about how funny Rampage can be just by making a face.

Quinton recently appeared in Hollywood blockbuster The A-Team and plans to continue his acting career.

Jackson has openly said that he doesn't want to keep fighting passed 35, but as long as he's around he will remain one of the most commercial fighters in the UFC.

No. 3: Brock Lesnar

As much as Brock Lesnar hates the media, the media sure does love Brock Lesnar.

Lesnar was already famous before entering MMA due to his time with the WWE.

Since entering the WWE, Brock has made the UFC a ton of money, partaking in many of the most successful pay-per-views the organization has ever put on.

He doesn't like doing interviews and he's not particularly well spoken, but for some reason people can't get enough of the guy.

No. 2: Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre is one of the biggest draws the UFC has.

He is classy, well spoken, respectful and can guarantee them a sold out crowd in Canada.

St-Pierre is such a good role model and represents the sport so well that any company would love to have him endorse their product.

No. 1: Jon Jones

Jon Jones is the fastest rising star in the fastest growing sport in the world.

He is an exciting fighter, carries himself well and is an excellent role model.

Before his fight with Mauricio Rua, Jon was meditating in a park when he and members of his camp observed a robbery. Jones and his camp members chased the thief down and subdued him until police arrived.

The media's eye is starting to gravitate towards Jones, as evidenced by his recent appearance on The Tonight Show.

Expect to see Bones Jones in the spotlight more and more as his career continues.