Mixed-Martial Arts has existed as a sport in the United States since 1993 and many successful athletes have come and gone. If you take a look at the popular sport today, there are a handful of elite fighters who can be considered among the world's finest. Sure there are some who can be debated but only a few are in the category where almost every spectator can agree.
Before the list begins, some fighters are great but as of 2009 have not taken that next step into the elite category. UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is undefeated but he has not faced top notch opponents too often. UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar only has three professional wins. UFC interim-heavyweight champion Frank Mir may have defeated Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Brock Lesnar in 2008, but he is still a short time removed from the aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident.
Regardless of opinion polls or top ten lists, the placement of the fighters below cannot be argued. Their ranking amongst each other, now that is a whole different story. In any event, the list of the best fighters in MMA begins now.
Georges St. Pierre is the reigning UFC welterweight champion (170 lbs) and is a Canadian national hero. He is only 27-years old but has had a slew of title fights over the years. His career record stands at 18-2 and right now he appears to be the best fighter on the planet. After his second loss, in April 2007, he has reeled off five consecutive wins against some of the best talent in the world. In fact, if you go by cage-time, he has not lost a single round in over 90 minutes of action. He appears unstoppable with dominant wrestling skills and power on the ground that only few possess.
Fedor Emelianenko was the final PRIDE heavyweight champion and is recognized as the best fighter NOT in the UFC. The Russian born fighter was able to win a 2007 fight against Matt Lindland in the presence of then-Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fedor's record stands at 29-1-1 and his only loss was controversial because he suffered a cut after his opponent used an elbow (which was illegal). In any event, Fedor avenged that defeat in 2005. Fedor has fought the best of the best in the heavyweight division. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mark Coleman, Tim Sylvia, Andrei Arlovski, Mirko Cro Cop, Kevin Randleman and others. Fedor is currently fighting with the Affliction promotion and due to management issues, it appears he will never step foot inside the UFC.
Anderson Silva is the reigning UFC middleweight champion (185 lbs) and has not lost a fight since 2006. At 23-4 in his professional career, Silva remains one of the most dominant fighters in the world. The Brazilian has beaten fighter after fighter that the UFC has booked against him. Perhaps most amazing is the fact that throughout his championship run (he defeated Rich Franklin for the championship in 2006), he has never fought to a decision. That means he has always finished his opponent by knockout or submission before the 25-minute time limit. In his most challenging fight to date (assumed by most), Silva submitted former Olympic wrestler Dan Henderson in the second round of their five-round fight. Although Patrick Cote took Silva to the third round before an injury forced Cote to stop the fight, there does not appear to be a man in the near future who can stop Silva.
GSP, Fedor and Anderson Silva are the top fighters in the world in the sport of MMA. Certainly other men such as Miguel Torres, Urijah Faber, B.J. Penn, Quinton Jackson and others deserve place on the best pound-for-pound list, too.
Source: www.mintarticles.com
Author: Jonathan Solomon
I am a freelance writer and a fan of MMA and pro wrestling (among other sports). I enjoy writing about MMA and informing people about the qualities of the sport.
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