Best Fighter from All 50 States

Over the past several years, the sport of mixed martial arts has come to be the world's fastest growing sport.

Mixed martial arts has become a global sport that provides fighters from all over the world the opportunity to fight at the highest stage possible.

And, while MMA may be global in all parts of the world, the majority of it's world class fighters reside in the United States.

The United States is home to some of the world's greatest fighters and is the center stage for organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

Each state has played a significant role in helping these fighters become the best they can be.

So, the following slides display the best fighter from all 50 states.

Lets take a look.

Alabama: John Salter

John Salter began his mixed martial arts career in March of 2009 where he defeated Patrick Mandio by Submission via Armbar.

Salter went on to win his next three fights before arriving to the UFC in January of 2010.

Salter would win just one of his three fights before being dismissed by UFC President, Dana White.

Still, Salter has done enough to represent the state of Alabama.

Alaska: Cody McKenzie

Cody McKenzie started off his mixed martial arts career on a fast track to the top as he posted a perfect 11-0 record before arriving to the UFC.

McKenzie would go on to win his first fight in the UFC but has recently fallen from his winning ways as he's lost his last two bouts.

McKenzie is still currently employed by the UFC and recently fought at UFC Fight Night 25.

Arizona: Cain Velasquez

Arizona is home to some of the world's greatest fighters as they have produced former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

Despite being recently defeated by Junior Dos Santos via knockout and losing his title, Velasquez remains one of the best fighters in the UFC today.

Also from the state of Arizona is lightweight contender, Gray Maynard.

Arkansas: Alan Belcher

While the state of Arkansas hasn't been known to produce some of the United States' best fighters, they have produced Alan Belcher.

Belcher is currently on the best stretch of his career as he's recently returned from being off for a full year.

Belcher currently holds a career record of 17-6 and represents the state of Arkansas well.

California: Dominick Cruz

California is by far the largest state that produces some of the world's greatest fighters.

While there are many fighters that represent the state of California, few do the job of Dominick Cruz.

Cruz is the current bantamweight champion and hasn't been beaten since March of 2007.

Also from the state of California is the number two ranked welterweight in the world, Nick Diaz and the "Huntington Beach Bad Boy", Tito Ortiz.

Colorado: Ben Henderson

Ben Henderson is currently on the best stretch of his mixed martial arts career as he's recently defeated Clay Guida and will look to become the UFC lightweight champion when he takes on Frankie Edgar in Japan.

Henderson has posted a perfect 3-0 record since making the transition from the WEC in December of 2010.

Shane Carwin is also from the state of Colorado and is a former UFC heavyweight champion.

Connecticut: Dan Cramer

The state of Connecticut is another example of a state that doesn't produce the greatest amount of fighters as they are represented by Dan Cramer.

Cramer spent the early part of his UFC career fighting in the UFC before making the move to Bellator in April of 2010.

Cramer holds a lifetime record of 7-3.

Delaware: Shamar Bailey

Shamar Bailey entered the sport of mixed martial arts in April of 2006 as he went on to win the first seven fights of his career.

Bailey is currently employed by the UFC and has posted a 1-1 record since joining the highest stage of mixed martial arts.

Bailey was born in Wilmington, Delaware.

Florida: Ben Saunders

Ben Saunders started off his mixed martial arts career a little differently than most fighters.

The Florida product finished his first two fights with Draws before moving on to win his next four bouts before arriving to the UFC.

Saunders posted a 4-3 record in the UFC and currently fights for Bellator.

Georgia: Jason Miller

The state of Georgia is represented by arguably the funniest fighter on the planet in Jason "Mayhem" Miller.

Miller has been around the sport of mixed martial arts for as long as most of us can remember, posting a career record of 24-7 with one No Contest.

"Mayhem" recently made his return to the UFC and will be squaring off with Michael Bisping at the Ultimate Fighter Season 14 Finale.

Hawaii: BJ Penn

As if there was ever any doubt to which fighter would be representing the state of Hawaii.

Not only is BJ Penn one of the greatest Hawaiians of all-time, but he's one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history.

Penn recently announced his retirement but it's likely fans will see him back in the Octagon at some point throughout 2012.

Idaho: Jake Rosholt

The state of Idaho is arguably the worst state throughout the entire United States in terms of producing fighters.

Idaho is represented by Jake Rosholt who is a former UFC middleweight and currently fights in the Shark Fighting Organization.

Roshalt has a career record of 12-3 (1)

Illinois: Matt Hughes

Illinois is considered one of the best states across North America as they produce some of the greatest fighters in the world.

The state of Illinois is currently represented by welterweight Matt Hughes who is considered to be arguably the greatest welterweight of all-time.

Illinois has also produced lightweight scrapper Clay Guida.

Indiana: Jon Fitch

The state of Indiana is one of the better states in producing mixed martial artists in the United States.

Jon Fitch currently represents Indiana and has been considered a legitimate welterweight contender since entering the UFC in October of 2005.

Fitch has won 21 of his last 23 bouts.

Iowa: Ben Askren

Ben Askren entered the sport of mixed martial arts in February of 2009 and hasn't lost a single fight in his career.

Askren currently fights in Bellator and is the current welterweight champion.

Also born and raised in Iowa are Jeremy Stephens and Erik Koch.

Kansas: Bobby Lashley

Former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley recently made the transition from WWE pro-wrestling to the sport of mixed martial arts.

And, surprisingly, Lashley hasn't been too bad as he's posted a career record of 7-1.

Lashley recently won the Shark Fight Heavyweight championship.

Kentucky: Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson is one of the lone fighters who was born and raised in the state of Kentucky.

"Mighty Mouse" Johnson was recently recognized for taking current UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz the distance.

Despite coming up short, many believe Johnson to be one of the best lighter weight fighters in the UFC today.

Louisiana: Melvin Guillard

Despite being upset by Joe Lauzon at UFC 136, Melvin Guillard remains one of the best fighters in the UFC lightweight division.

Guillard had won five consecutive bouts leading up to his fight with Lauzon and represents the state of Louisiana well.

Surprisingly, it appears as if Guillard has grown up and will continue to establish himself as a legitimate 155-pound contender.

Maine: Tim Sylvia

Tim Sylvia entered the sport of mixed martial arts in January of 2001 and went on to win the first 16 fights of his career.

The giant of a fighter went on to be declared the UFC heavyweight champion and defended his title three times before leaving the UFC.

Sylvia represents the state of Maine.

Maryland: Mike Easton

After winning ten of his first 11 mixed martial arts bouts, Mike Easton joined the UFC in July of 2011.

In his first bout, Easton defeated Byron Bloodworth via technical knockout.

Easton is currently one of the only fighters from the state of Maryland.

Massachusetts: Kenny Florian

Kenny Florian was born and raised in Westwood Massachusetts and is one of the most consistent fighters in UFC history.

"Ken Flo" has fought at featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, and even middleweight over the course of his mixed martial arts career.

Florian has a career record of 14-6.

Michigan: Joe Warren

Joe Warren is a former all-American wrestler and was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Warren currently fights for Bellator as has compiled a career record of 7-2, losing his most recent bout to Alex Vila.

Minnesota: Sean Sherk

Despite not having fought inside the Octagon for over a full year, Sean Sherk plans to make his return to the sport of mixed martial arts at some point in 2012.

Sherk is a former UFC lightweight champion and has defeated the likes of Nick Diaz, Kenny Florian, and Tyson Griffin.

Sherk represents the state of Minnesota.

Mississippi: Wes Shivers

Wes Shivers made his return to the UFC Octagon after being off for a full year to take on Goldman Butler at a Strikeforce event in 2010.

Shivers was declared victorious via knockout but hasn't fought since and hasn't announced his retirement.

Missouri: Michael Johnson

The state of Missouri is one of the poorer states to produce fighters in the sport of mixed martial arts as their representative is Michael Johnson.

Johnson is a current lightweight in the UFC and has posted a career record of 9-6.

Montana: Keith Jardine

At one point in his career, Keith Jardine was considered to be one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC.

However, Jardine has fallen from his throne as he's lost eight of his last 15 bouts.

But, Jardine has still done enough to represent the state of Montana.

Nebraska: Jake Ellenberger

Not only has Jake Ellenberger established himself as the best fighter from the state of Nebraska, but arguably the hardest hitter in the UFC welterweight division.

Ellenberger is currently on the best stretch of his mixed martial arts career, coming off a huge knockout victory over Jake Shields at UFC Fight Night 25.

Ellenberger has now won five consecutive fights.

Nevada: Frank Mir

While the state of Nevada doesn't necessarily produce the most amount of fighters in mixed martial arts today, they do produce some of the best.

Frank Mir is a former UFC heavyweight champion and is one of the greatest submission artists of all-time.

Also from Nevada is Roy Nelson and Ryan Bader.

New Hampshire: Josh Grispi

The state of New Hampshire has not one single fighter to represent their state.

But, they do have Josh Grispi who spent a great deal of time training in New Hampshire and has posted a perfect record while fighting there.

New Jersey: Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey and has established himself as the best lightweight in the UFC today.

Edgar is the current 155-pound champion and recently revenged the only loss of his career to Gray Maynard at UFC 136.

Edgar has a lifetime record of 14-1-1.

New Mexico: Carlos Condit

While Carlos Condit was recently snubbed by UFC President Dana White and removed from his championship bout with George St-Pierre, he remains one of the better fighters in the UFC today.

Condit is also arguably the best fighter from the state of New Mexico as he was born in Albuquerque.

Also born in New Mexico is UFC fighter, Diego Sanchez.

New York: Jon Jones

Jon Jones has not only established himself as arguably the greatest light heavyweight of all-time, but the best fighter from the state of New York.

"Bones" Jones is the current UFC light heavyweight champion and recently defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135.

Also born and raised in New York is fellow light heavyweight, Rashad Evans.

North Carolina: Spencer Fisher

While Spencer Fisher certainly isn't one of the best fighters in mixed martial arts today, he does represent the state of North Carolina.

Fisher has been fighting since August of 2002 and has posted a career record of 24-8.

North Dakota: Jason Brilz

North Dakota is another state that produces hardly any mixed martial artists as they are represented by Jason Brilz.

Brilz started his mixed martial arts career by winning the first 17 of his 19 fights.

Brilz is set to take on up-and-coming light heavyweight Ryan Bader at UFC 139 on November 19th, 2011.

Ohio: Forrest Griffin

The state of Ohio is in the middle of the pack based on the amount of fighters produced from each state.

Ohio's front-runner is no other than former UFC light heavyweight champion, Forrest Griffin.

While at one time Griffin was considered to be one of the best 205-pound fighters in the world, he's recently fallen from his throne but remains a legitimate contender.

Rich Franklin and Mac Danzig are also Ohio products.

Oklahoma: Johny Hendricks

Many mixed martial arts fans across the globe have probably never heard of the name, Johny Hendricks.

Well, Hendricks is quickly establishing himself as one of the best welterweights in the UFC today as he's posted a career 11-1 record.

Hendricks represents the state of Oklahoma and has won six of his seven UFC bouts.

Oregon: Chael Sonnen

The state of Oregon may very well be the home to the most outspoken man in all of mixed martial arts.

Chael Sonnen is considered by many to be the number two middleweight fighter in the entire world.

Sonnen is most recently recognized for dominating Anderson Silva for four and a half rounds before being submitted in the fifth at UFC 117.

Pennsylvania: Josh Koscheck

Over the past several years, the state of Pennsylvania has produced some of mixed martial arts' greatest fighters.

And, while some may believe Eddie Alvarez should top the list, UFC's welterweight Josh Koscheck leads the pack.

Koscheck has been considered a top fighter in the UFC since he first entered the organization in April of 2005.

While Alvarez has posted an impressive record of 22-2, he's yet to fight at the highest level of mixed martial arts.

Rhode Island: Mat Santos

Mat Santos may very well be the lone fighter from the state of Rhode Island as the state continues to fail in producing exceptional mixed martial artists.

Santos hasn't fought since 2010 and has posted a sub par record of 3-7.

South Carolina: Rodney Wallace

Rodney Wallace has had one of the oddest careers mixed martial arts fans have seen as he won the first seven fights of his career.

Wallace was considered the next best thing when he entered the UFC in December of 2009 but went on to lose all three of his bouts before getting cut.

Wallace represents the state of South Carolina.

South Dakota: Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar is arguably the most popular fighter in the entire sport of mixed martial arts as he made the transition from WWE pro-wrestling to the UFC.

Lesnar was born in Webster, South Dakota and is a former UFC heavyweight champion.

Lesnar has posted a career record of 5-2 and will take on UFC newcomer Alistair Overeem at UFC 141.

Tennessee: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

At one point during his mixed martial arts career, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was considered to be one of the most dangerous strikers in the light heavyweight division.

And, while Jackson isn't the fighter he use to be, he remains a legitimate contender.

Jackson is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and represents the state of Tennessee.

Texas: Joseph Benavidez

The state of Texas is one of the largest areas for producing mixed martial artists today.

Benavidez is a bantamweight fighter in the UFC and has posted a nearly perfect record despite two losses to the same man.

Benavidez has only been defeated by current bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz.

Utah: Scott Jorgensen

While Scott Jorgensen certainly isn't one of the more well-known fighters in the UFC today, he is beginning to establish himself as a force in the 135-pound weight class.

Jorgensen has posted a career record of 13-4 as his most recent loss came to Dominick Cruz when they still fought in the WEC.

Vermont: Tom Murphy

The state of Vermont is arguably the poorest state for providing fighters in the sport of mixed martial arts today.

Vermont is currently represented by Tom Murphy who hasn't stepped foot inside the Octagon since February of 2010.

However, Murphy has posted a 6-0 in his career.

Virginia: Brandon Vera

At one point in his career, Brandon Vera was considered the future of the UFC heavyweight division.

But, that quickly changed as Vera would move on to win just four of his next ten bouts.

Vera is still currently employed by the UFC and represents the state of Virginia.

Washington: Josh Barnett

For some strange reason, Josh Barnett entered the sport of mixed martial arts in January of 1997 and is still fighting today.

What makes it even stranger is the fact that Barnett is still winning as he's won eight consecutive fights.

Barnett represents the state of Washington.

West Virginia: Brian Bowles

The state of West Virginia has seldom produced a mixed martial artist that has made a named for himself.

But, Brian Bowles is an exception to that rule as he's just one fight away from a UFC bantamweight title fight if he can get by Urijah Faber at UFC 139.

Bowles was born in Charleston, West Virginia and has a career record of 10-1.

Wisconsin: Anthony Pettis

Anthony Pettis is slowly becoming one of the best lightweight fighters in mixed martial arts today as he's won 12 of his 14 career bouts.

Pettis' biggest win came when he defeated Ben Henderson for the WEC lightweight championship before making the transition to the UFC.

Wyoming: Nate Marquardt

The state of Wyoming wraps up the 50 state adventure as they are home to former UFC middleweight, Nate Marquardt.

Marquardt is currently employed by BAMMA and will take on Yoshiyuki Yoshida in early 2012.

Marquardt has posted a career record of 31-10-2.