Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva and the UFC's Biggest International Stars

When UFC president Dana White broke the news that Georges St-Pierre was out of the main event of UFC 137, and, as it goes without saying, many fans were left disappointed. 

The current UFC welterweight champion is one of the biggest stars in MMA, and the French-Canadian is one of the reasons why MMA continues to grow around the world.

As the sport continues to grow, stars like St-Pierre and middleweight champ Anderson SIlva will be instrumental in pushing the sport to new heights.

Here's a look at some of the UFC's top international fighters.

Dan Hardy

Despite being on a four-fight losing streak, Dan Hardy is one of England's biggest MMA stars.

His punk rock image along with his fighting style has made him very popular in both the states and overseas.

If Hardy wants to remain a star in the UFC though, he will have to come up with a win in his next fight.

Yoshihiro Akiyama

Yoshihiro Akiyama may not have had the best success inside the Octagon, but he is still one of the most well known stars outside of it.

The Korean-Japanese “Sexyama” is a huge star in Korea and Japan for his singing and modeling, along with his fighting. 

Alistair Overeem

Although Overeem has yet to fight in the UFC, he has a lot of international appeal.

Born in England and hailing from the Netherlands, Overeem has spent much of his career fighting in Japan.

Overeem held the Strikeforce, Dream and K-1 heavyweight titles at the same time and has not lost a fight since 2007.

If Overeem can continue his winning ways in the UFC, he will become a major star in the States. 

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira was a huge star before he stepped foot in the UFC back in 2007.

The Brazilian-born star fought many years in Japan where he was Pride heavyweight champion.

Noguira is one of the most respected fighters in all of MMA.

After being gone for over a year thanks to surgeries, Noguira made a triumph return in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, knocking out Brendon Schaub at UFC 134.

Lyoto Machida

Lyoto Machida is one of the best Brazilian fighters in the world.

With his father being a Japanese karate master, Machida’s made the martial art his primary style.

Because of that Machida has one of the most unique fighting styles in all of MMA. 

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Before Shogun Rua entered the UFC, he was a top star in MMA.

Rua was one of Pride FC’s youngest and best fighters, winning the Pride middleweight grand prix in 2005.

Although Rua has had his fair share of ups and downs since coming to the UFC, he is still only 29 years old.

If Rua can remain healthy, he could possibly become UFC champion once again. 

Jose Aldo

Current UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo is one of the most exciting fighters in all of MMA.

Although both of his UFC fights have gone the distance, Aldo was known for his brutal striking when he was in the WEC.

At just age 25, Aldo will be one of the UFC’s biggest stars for years to come. 

Michael Bisping

One of the most-hated fighters in the UFC is also one of its biggest international stars.

Michael Bisping started his career on Season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter.

Since winning the competition, Bisping has coached it twice (including the current season across Jason "Mayhem" Miller) and become a big star in the UFC.

Although Bisping has yet to fight for a title, his only three losses have come to former champions/stars Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva and Rashad Evans. 

Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva may be quiet and humble outside the Octagon, but inside he makes more noise than anybody in MMA.

Silva is the UFC’s version of Michael Jordan. He has been on the top of his game since coming to the UFC, literally being nearly untouchable in some fights.

Silva finally got the chance to headline a UFC event in his home country of Brazil at UFC 134.

That same week a hilarious Burger King commercial featuring Silva hit the web, showing the world that he could be funny as well as dangerous. 

Georges St-Pierre

One of Canada’s biggest stars is Georges St-Pierre.

The long-time reigning UFC welterweight champ has headlined some of the UFC’s biggest events in Canada and the US.

St-Pierre has also been featured on commercials for ESPN, Under Armour and Gatorade.