Jon Jones: “Bones” has the most title fight victories in UFC history (16), is one of 11 two-division champions, and his lone career loss was a disputed disqualification in his fourth UFC appearance. He wrapped his career on a 20-fight unbeaten streak and is the most gifted fighter to ever grace the Octagon, but his positive tests, legal troubles, and the way the final five years of his career played out factor into the assessment for some.
Demetrious Johnson: Arguably the most complete fighter in MMA history, “Mighty Mouse” broke Silva’ record for the most consecutive successful title defenses, has the third most title fight wins (12), fourth most title fight finishes (7) and absolutely dominated his division like few others. The knock on Johnson is more of a knock on the division as the flyweight ranks weren’t as robust and competitive during his reign as they are now.
FIGHT WEEK INTERVIEWS: Justin Gaethje | Ilia Topuria | Ciryl Gane | Diego Lopes | Derrick Lewis
Khabib Nurmagomedov: The case begins with the fact that unlike everyone else on this list, Nurmagomedov never lost. His 13 straight wins inside the Octagon is tied with St-Pierre, Jones, Johnson, and Max Holloway for the fifth longest streak in history. If there are demerits against “The Eagle,” it’s that he won a vacant title in a bout against Al Iaquinta and only defended the belt three times although he beat Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, earning finishes in all three contests.
Amanda Nunes: Hands down the greatest female fighter of all time, “The Lioness” crafted a career that rivals her male counterparts, having claimed UFC gold in two weight classes and being the only person to ever simultaneously defend both titles. From a pure “what they accomplished” standpoint, Nunes’ achievements actually eclipse most of her male contemporaries, with depth and skill level on the women’s side of the sport standing as the lone minor demerit against her.