Jon Jones and 7 UFC Fighters with the Most Mainstream Appeal

Over the past several years, the sport of mixed martial arts has evolved into one of the most popular sports known to mankind.

Specifically, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has become the center stage for mixed martial artists across the globe.

And, as time progresses, the more "mainstream" the sport becomes.

The UFC has not only allowed many fighters to reach their goals of becoming great, but they are becoming known across the globe.

So, the following slides display the seven fighters with the most mainstream appeal.

Let's take a look.

Brock Lesnar

While many fans aren't sold on Brock Lesnar's talents as a mixed martial artist, there's no denying the attraction he receives from fans across the globe.

Lesnar, a former WWE pro wrestler, has established himself as a legitimate UFC heavyweight contender and has defeated the likes of Randy Couture, Frank Mir and Shane Carwin.

Lesnar has some of the most mainstream appeal in the UFC today.

Anderson Silva

Not only is Anderson Silva arguably the greatest fighter of all time, but he could possibly be the most popular as well.

It's not just Silva's undefeated record since entering the UFC that has caused many fans to be attracted to him but the way he finishes his fights.

Silva has an eye-opening 24 finishes in 31 career wins.

But, Silva brings a bit of swag to his performances that has allowed him to stand out amongst most fighters in the UFC.

Jon Jones

Jon Jones may be the fighter with the most mainstream appeal in the entire sport of mixed martial arts.

Jones entered the sport in April 2008 and quickly became the UFC's youngest champion of all time.

Not only has Jones dominated nearly every opponent who has come his way, but he's done it in style.

"Bones" Jones is a New York product and is just 24 years of age.

Frankie Edgar

While Frankie Edgar certainly isn't the flashiest fighter in the UFC, he may very well be the toughest.

Standing jut 5'6'' and weighting 155 pounds, Edgar has proven time and time again that he won't go down without a fight, which is exactly what fans want to see.

In his two recent fights with Gray Maynard, Edgar was nearly finished in the first round but battled back both times to remain the UFC lightweight champion.

Alistair Overeem

Despite never having stepped foot inside the Octagon, the UFC has already seen what kind of impact Alistair Overeem can play in its journey to becoming mainstream.

In fact, Overeem's bout vs. Brock Lesnar in December 2011 is already one of the most anticipated fights of all time.

Another plus to Overeem's appeal is that he is recognized worldwide, as he's spent several years fighting overseas before making the transition to the United States.

Georges St-Pierre

The UFC realized how much of an appeal Georges St-Pierre truly was when their buy rates dropped tremendously after his release from the fight card at UFC 137.

St-Pierre is undoubtedly the most popular Canadian fighter ever to have stepped foot inside the Octagon and is a huge appeal to fans across the globe.

And, while St-Pierre has faced troubles finishing his fights, he remains a top draw for many fans.

Chael Sonnen

The chances of Chael Sonnen being on this list just two years ago weren't even slim to none. More like none to none.

But, that all changed when Sonnen dominated Anderson Silva for four and a half rounds at UFC 117 before being submitted in the fifth and final round.

Despite the loss, Sonnen became one of the most well-known names in mixed martial arts, as he's seemingly called out Silva on a daily basis.

Sonnen's mainstream appeal continues to grow daily.