The 10 Best Brazilian Fighters in the UFC Today

It was August 27, 2011 when the Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to the country of Brazil for the first time in 10 years for UFC 134.

When all was said and done, UFC 134 went down as one of the biggest nights in UFC history as the atmosphere in Rio De Janeiro was unforgettable.

Following the spectacular night, UFC President Dana White promised that his organization would be traveling back to Brazil very soon.

And while the United States is home to the majority of the fighters in the UFC, Brazil is certainly a close second.

The country of Brazil has been producing some of the greatest mixed martial artists since the sport first came to be.

So, the following slides display the ten best Brazilian fighters in the UFC today.

Let's take a look.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

While Mauricio "Shogun" Rua is most recently recognized for arguably the greatest fight of all-time at UFC 139 on November 19, he's also one of the greatest Brazilian fighters in the UFC.

Despite coming up just short to Dan Henderson by a decision defeat, Rua proved once again why he is one of the best 205-pound fighters in the world.

Over the course of his career, Rua has defeated some of the greatest fighters of all-time in Chuck Liddell, Alistair Overeem, Lyoto Machida and Forrest Griffin.

Vitor Belfort

Vitor Belfort has established himself as one of the best middleweights in the entire world and was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Belfort has been classified as one of the best Brazilians in mixed martial arts today as he's won six of his last seven bouts.

"The Phenom" has defeated opponents such as Randy Couture, Rich Franklin and Yoshihiro Akiyama.

Junior Dos Santos

While Junior Dos Santos has always been considered one of the better fighters from the country of Brazil, he become globally known after his recent victory over Cain Velasquez at UFC on FOX.

Dos Santos displayed one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history on route to becoming the new UFC heavyweight champion.

Over the course of his mixed martial arts career, Dos Santos has lost just one fight and has posted a perfect 8-0 record inside the Octagon.

Anderson Silva

Not only is Anderson Silva arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time from Brazil, but quite possibly in the UFC as well.

Since joining forces with the UFC, Silva has never lost when stepping foot inside the Octagon, as he's posted a perfect 14-0 record.

Over the course of his mixed martial arts career, Silva has knocked out an amazing 18 opponents in just 31 career victories.

Silva has defeated the likes of Rich Franklin, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort and Forrest Griffin.

Minotauro Nogueira

Antonio Minotauro Nogueira entered the sport of mixed martial arts in June of 1999 as he quickly became one of the greatest Pride fighters of all time.

Nogueira continued in his winning ways when he made the transition to the UFC as he was declared the interim UFC heavyweight champion.

And, despite being on the down slope of his career, Nogueira is certainly one of the best Brazilians in the UFC today.

Wanderlei Silva

Despite his career being considered over by man UFC fans across the globe, Wanderlei Silva proved his critics wrong in a spectacular knockout victory over Cung Le at UFC 139.

Silva was born and raised in Curitiba, Brazil and has posted a career record of 34-11.

While Silva hasn't been great as of late, he has established himself as one of the best Brazilians of all time.

Demian Maia

While Demian Maia may not be an elite contender in the UFC today, he remains one of the best fighters from Brazil.

Over the course of his career, Maia has established himself as one of the greatest submission artists of all time.

Maia has accounted for victories over Chael Sonnen, Nate Quarry and Kendall Grove.

Lyoto Machida

Since entering the sport of mixed martial arts in May of 2003, Lyoto Machida has been on a fast track to the top of the light heavyweight division.

Machida is a former UFC light heavyweight champion as he was declared victorious in his knockout victory over Rashad Evans at UFC 98.

Machida has also defeated Randy Couture, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Tito Ortiz.

Fabricio Werdum

Fabricio Werdum hasn't fought inside the Octagon since October of 2008.

However, that will all change when Werdum meets dangerous striker Brendan Schaub at some point in 2012.

Werdum is recognized for ending the historical winning streak of Fedor Emelianenko as he submitted him in the first round at a Strikeforce event in June of 2010.

Jose Aldo

Jose Aldo may very well be the most explosive fighter in the entire sport of mixed martial arts.

Aldo, just 25 years old, has posted a career record of 20-1 and is the current UFC featherweight champion.

The young champion is on a 13-fight win streak as he's defeated Urijah Faber, Mark Hominick, Mike Brown and Kenny Florian on his way to the top of the 145-pound weight class.