Jon Jones, Rashad Evans, and the Top African American Fighters in MMA Today

MMA is a sport like golf, tennis and hockey where historically African Americans have been the minority at the pro level of these sports.

Although MMA is relatively young compared to these sports, it has come a long way from the time that a black boxer competed wearing one glove at UFC 1.

Today there are many good African American fighters. Some are on the brink of a title shot, while others are current or former champions.

As the sport continues to expand, more African American athletes will consider giving MMA a shot. Here is a list at some of today's best. 

Mr. Wonderful Phil Davis

Davis may be young in the sport, but he has gained a lot of buzz.

Having already defeated Brian Stann and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Davis will look to continue his rise as he takes on Rashad Evans at UFC 133.

A win over Evans would make Davis 10-0 and move him up the light heavyweight rankings significantly. 

Josh Koscheck

As much as he’s known for his talent inside the cage, Koscheck is known for his mouth outside of it.

Over the years Koscheck has become a big name in the welterweight division by evolving from a wrestler into a mixed martial artist. 

Koscheck may have lost his last fight against UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, but he showed a ton of heart fighting with a broken orbital bone through the latter part of the fight.  

Melvin Guillard

At UFC 132 Melvin Guillard won his fifth fight in a row by knocking out Shane Roller.

At age 28, Guillard has already had 40 fights and is looking to make a strong push for a lightweight title shot.

With the amount of talent and potential Guillard has, I would not be surprised if he became a world champion one day soon.

Ben Henderson

Henderson is a fighter who is proud of his Korean and African American roots.

The former WEC lightweight champion is also known as one of the most aggressive and hardest fighters to stop.

Henderson won his UFC debut against Mark Bocek and has the chance to become a lightweight contender if he can get past Jim Miller next month.

Demetrious Johnson

After beating former WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres at UFC 130, Johnson's name was thrown into the mix at 135 lbs. 

Johnson only has one loss in his career, and is one of the few top 10 guys in the bantamweight division that bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz has yet to face.

Johnson's speed and takedown ability could be a threat for Cruz.

Johnson is currently out with an injury, but should hopefully be back in time for a title shot.

Rashad Evans

Love him or hate him, Rashad Evans is one of the best fighters in MMA today.

Evens is 15-1-1 and holds wins over Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, Michael Bisping and Quinton Jackson.

Like Jackson, Liddell and Griffin, Evans is a former light heavyweight champion who should be in line for a title shot if he can get past Phil Davis at UFC 133.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

The Memphis born Jackson is known for being a character inside and out of the octagon. 

In fights, Jackson is known for his willingness to stand with anybody, impressive knockouts and having one of the meanest stares in MMA history.

Outside of the octagon, Jackson is more a comedian and has done some acting, most notably the A-Team. 

Although he is not the same fighter he once was, Jackson is a former UFC light heavyweight champions, and will have the chance to regain that title when he takes on Jon Jones at UFC 135. 

Jon Jones

In just 13 MMA fights, Jon Jones has become the light heavyweight champion.

Jones is only 23, and has already been in the Pound for Pound discussions with the likes of Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre.

It is way too early to tell just how good Jones can become, but if Jones can continue his dominance, he could go down as one of best in MMA history.

Jones will have his first title defense against Rampage Jackson at UFC 135.

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