The 10 Manny Pacquiaos and Best Boxers of the UFC

Over the past several years, we've seen the sport of mixed martial arts establish itself as a legitimate force in the world of sports.

We've also seen mixed martial arts rapidly grow to become a more popular sport than that of boxing.

A major reason for this dominating success is a direct result of the electrifying entertainment and excitement these fighters bring to the table.

Specifically, in organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, we've seen some of the finest boxers evolve into greatness.

These boxers can be compared to the Manny Pacquiaos of boxing and many other legends who've come before us.

So, the following slides display the 10 Manny Pacquiaos in the UFC today.

Let's take a look.

Junior Dos Santos

Since entering mixed martial arts in July of 2006, Junior dos Santos has established himself as one of the best boxers in the sport.

In fact, dos Santos recently displayed his boxing skills in the biggest victory of his career over Cain Velasquez at UFC on FOX in becoming the new UFC heavyweight champion.

Dos Santos has also considered the possibility of pursuing a career in boxing that would eventually lead to the Olympics.

Mark Hominick

Despite coming up short against Jose Aldo at UFC 129 in a featherweight championship bout, Mark Hominick held his own.

Over the course of his mixed martial arts career, Hominick has established himself as one of the best boxers in the UFC.

Hominick has transferred his boxing skills to nine knockouts including wins over Yves Jabouin and George Roop.

Georges St-Pierre

Over the course of his mixed martial arts career, Georges St-Pierre has been criticized for his inability to finish his fights.

And, while St-Pierre may not be one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC, he is one of its best boxers.

St-Pierre has used his Pacquiao-like skills to knock out opponents such as UFC veteran Matt Hughes, Matt Serra and Sean Sherk.

Nick Diaz

After his dominating performance over BJ Penn at UFC 137, Nick Diaz was quickly put into the talks of the best boxer in mixed martial arts.

In fact, of Diaz's 26 career victories, 13 of them have come by way of knockout as his exceptional striking has been a finishing force since entering the sport in 2001.

Diaz may very well be the Manny Pacquiao of the UFC today.

Jose Aldo

When many UFC fans across the globe think of the term "explosiveness," they think of no other than Jose Aldo.

Aldo has used his explosiveness and exceptional boxing skills to become the undisputed UFC featherweight champion.

Over the course of his career, Aldo has knocked out Mike Brown, Jonathan Brookins and Manvel Gamburyan.

Aldo could very well be the Manny Pacquiao of the UFC.

Vitor Belfort

Not only is Vitor Belfort one of the most experienced fighters in mixed martial arts today, but one of the hardest hitters as well.

Belfort has used his exceptional striking skills to knock out opponents such as Rich Franklin, Tank Abbott and Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Belfort is considered the Manny Pacquiao of the UFC middleweight division.

Alistair Overeem

Despite having never stepped foot inside the Octagon, Alistair Overeem is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.

Overeem will get to show off his exceptional boxing skills when he squares off with Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 in December.

Overeem has showed his Pacquiao-like skills as he's knocked out 14 opponents over the course of his long career.

Dominick Cruz

Despite weighing just 135 pounds, Dominick Cruz has clearly established himself as the best boxer in the featherweight division.

At times, Cruz appears to look very similar to that of Manny Pacquiao as he's displayed some of the most put-together boxing fans have seen.

Cruz has been credited with six knockout victories over his mixed martial arts career and will certainly continue to add to that total.

Frankie Edgar

Frankie Edgar entered the sport of mixed martial arts in October of 2005 and has been recognized as arguably the toughest man in the business.

However, Edgar's also been considered one of the best sport's boxers, as his striking is second to none.

Despite having just three knockouts in his career, Edgar's skill set has helped establish himself as one of the Manny Pacquiaos of the UFC today.

Anderson Silva

It's not a list unless it includes arguably the greatest fighter to have ever stepped foot inside the Octagon, Anderson Silva.

Many UFC fans across the globe believe that Silva could pursue a career in boxing due to his world-class skill set.

Amazingly, Silva has knocked out an eye-opening 18 of his opponents in just 31 career victories.

Silva could very easily be the best boxer in all of mixed martial arts.