5 Best MMA Fighters of 2018

#1 Daniel Cormier

A double champion who refreshingly defends the titles.

While we were tempted to give Nurmagomedov the top spot, DC's historic feats throughout the year made it tough for us to do so.

The unforgettable image of DC in tears after his loss against arch-nemesis Jon Jones at UFC 214 briefly seemed like the end of a legendary career. Thankfully for everyone involved, DC was handed the title after Jones was stripped of the title yet again. Cormier has not looked back ever since.

The Lightweight Champion defended the strap at the beginning of the year against Volkan Oeademir that earned him a performance of the night bonus for his second-round TKO finish.

We reached the mid-way phase of 2018 and DC and the UFC management seemed to be in the mood to pull off a Conor McGregor. On the night of July 7th, 2018, Cormier finished off Stipe Miocic to become only the second man to hold titles in two different weight classes by becoming the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion. And how can we forget about the pro-wrestling inspired showdown between Brock Lesnar and Cormier after the iconic win?

Nonetheless, Cormier's first defense came against a red-hot Lewis, who despite his explosive power, didn't seem like an equal match for the champion.

The wins and accomplishments were always a regular feature of DC's illustrious career but 2018 was the year when the fans finally started appreciating the 'champ champ' after years of directing brickbats at him for no concrete reason.

DC will turn 40 next year and has mentioned he may have only a couple of fights left in him. Whether he faces Lesnar, Jones or anyone next year and irrespective of the possible outcomes, 2018 consolidated DC's status as one of the greatest of all time.