Cast your Vote

Posted 11/07/2025

The GOAT debate in any sport is always difficult; however, in combat sports, such as MMA, the discussion is even harder, as many people have different opinions and statistics to back up their answers. Over the decades, several incredibly competent fighters have entered the octagon, but only a few have gone on to join the conversation of being the greatest fighter of all time. It requires a level of skill and achievement that stands out in a highly competitive sport. However, in the ever-evolving world of MMA, greatness can be fleeting. A single punch or submission can change the course of a fight, a career, or even a legacy. Yet, some have made a lasting impact on the sport, leaving fans and critics in awe. Today, we discuss those few fighters widely recognized as the greatest MMA fighters of all time. The legacies of MMA fighters are built on unmatched skills, memorable victories, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. These fighters not only defined their eras but also set standards that are challenging to surpass.

Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0-0)

Many MMA fans believe Khabib Nurmagomedov is the best fighter of all time, and it’s tough to argue with them, as he’s the only UFC champion to retire with a perfect record. Khabib wasn’t an athlete as gifted as St-Pierre or Jones, yet he dominated the octagon like none of them ever did. Hailing from the mountains of Dagestan, a republic of Russia situated in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe, Nurmagomedov stands as a towering figure at5'10". He commanded the top combat spot with an undefeated record and an aura of invincibility. Known for his smothering wrestling and relentless pace, Khabib easily dominated elite competition. His game was so strong that it made experienced opponents look like novices.

Khabib was known for breaking his opponents, both physically and mentally. He had an incredible wrestling attack and was relentless in pursuit of takedowns. He would press his opponent toward the cage, taking him to the canvas, trapping his legs to eliminate the possibility of escape, and then either finish the opponent or dominate him to the final horn. In all of his 29 fights, Khabib set the pace in every fight he participated in. 19 of his 29 wins came by either submission or KO/TKO. To this day, he remains the only fighter to be undefeated through 29 fights as a professional, an incredibly impressive stat. When you look deeper and realize that he didn’t lose a single round or even get hit properly, it gets more and more impressive. In his remarkable career, Khabib fought the more dangerous fighters of his era and beat them definitively, including Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Rafael Dos Anjos. His rivalry with Conor McGregor led to the biggest event in UFC history, and “The Eagle” won it.

Khabib probably could have maintained his undefeated record for much longer, but after his UFC 254 submission victory over Justin Gaethje, he announced his retirement from the sport in his prime, citing a promise he made to his mother following the death of his father and lifelong coach earlier that year from COVID-19 complications. Despite retiring early, Khabib proved to fans that he is undoubtedly the greatest grappler the sport has ever seen. His retirement at the peak of his career, with three incredible title defenses, left fans imagining what more he could have achieved if he remained a lightweight for a little while longer. The UFC made several attempts to get him back into the cage, as fighter retirements rarely stick in MMA. However, this wasn’t the case this time. Khabib may not have had the longest career, but his impact on the sport is undeniable. He is a role model for many who appreciate his dedication to his craft, respect for opponents, and unwavering loyalty to his family, team, and roots. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on June 30, 2022.

Georges St-Pierre (26-2-0)

Many consider retired Canadian MMA star Georges St-Pierre, or “GSP,” the best fighter ever. St-Pierre was his homeland’s greatest fighting export. His name embodies the pursuit of excellence, and his legacy echoes throughout the annals of MMA history. St-Pierre was an honorable assassin who dominated one of the toughest divisions with respect and grace. Adept in Kyokushin karate, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, St-Pierre was known for his takedown ability and precise striking. He was also known for sticking to his game plan and dominating the fight. What’s more impressive is that he would often play to his opponent’s strengths and outclass them at their own game. St-Pierre remained at the top of the UFC Welterweight division for almost a decade and retired after an incredible nine title defenses. He defeated the likes of Matt Hughes, BJ Penn, and Michael Bisping before retiring as Welterweight Champion in December 2013. 

Four years after he hung up his gloves, in November 2017 at UFC 2017, Georges came out of retirement to defeat Michael Bisping and win the middleweight title on his division debut. He became the fourth fighter in UFC history to be a multi-division champion. Despite spending almost four years outside the Octagon, GSP returned looking as good as he did when he initially retired. He then vacated the middleweight title because of ulcerative colitis and officially retired from MMA. GSP beat every opponent he ever stepped inside the Octagon with. His only two losses came against Matt Hughes and Matt Serra. He battled them again and won both rematches. With a career record of 26-2, GSP retired with a legacy of dominance and respect that still resonates. GSP’s work ethic and humility made him a role model inside and outside the cage. St-Pierre was solely responsible for an explosion of fan interest in Canada and was one of the promotion’s biggest names worldwide. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2020, with the official induction ceremony on September 23, 2021.

Jon Jones (28-1-0) 1 NC

According to many MMA fans, Jon "Bones" Jones is the greatest fighter in MMA history. Yes, some question his place in the sport due to failed drug tests, but it is tough to overlook his incredible resume during his run in the UFC. Jon Jones is arguably the most naturally talented fighter the MMA has seen. His fighting style is a potent mix of unpredictability and raw athleticism. He led the light heavyweight division with his unique striking and suffocating wrestling. Coupling his striking prowess with a strong wrestling foundation, Jones proved time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon. His reach, creativity, and fight IQ made him the youngest UFC champion ever at 23 in 2011. He defended his UFC Light Heavyweight belt 11 times while beating multiple former champions and future Hall-of-Famers, including Daniel Cormier, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Alexander Gustafsson, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, and Rashad Evans. 

His only "loss" came via a controversial disqualification to Matt Hamill in 2009. After years of intrigue bout how he would do at heavyweight, Jones returned from a three-year layoff and beat Cyril Gane in his heavyweight debut in two minutes to win the vacant belt. He extended that legacy in November when he beat arguably the greatest heavyweight ever, Stipe Miocic, in a delayed title fight after Jones tore a pectoral muscle in 2023. Jones announced his retirement on June 21 this year. His move to heavyweight and capture of the title further solidified his legacy in the sport. Jones’ impact on the sport is profound, yet deeply divisive. As one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, his prowess in the cage is indisputable.