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Perhaps one of the most long-running debates, is that of which fighters are the G.O.A.T.s (Greatest Of All Time) in the realm of one-on-one combat sports competition.
To be honest, although the laws of nature have time and again solidified the fact that the perfect fighter doesn't exist, we as MMA fans, often utilize a myriad of variables which enable us to arrive at somewhat of an educated opinion as to who the very best fighters in the world truly are!
Today, we examine the 5 best UFC pound for pound fighters...In other words, assuming that notable variables, primarily their respective weights, are relatively similar; we take a closer look at the top fighters in the world's premier MMA promotion today...
#5 Robert Whittaker and Tyron Woodley
Robert Whittaker is the reigning, undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion, and holds a record of 20 wins with 4 defeats. Whittaker is regarded by many as one of the most well-rounded fighters in Mixed Martial Arts history, and is currently considered to be the betting favorite to win his upcoming fight against challenger Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234.
"The Reaper" poses a threat to his opponents regardless of whether the fight stays on the feet or hits the mat -- he can strike with the best of them, and grapple against the trickiest wrestlers and BJJ practitioners in the MMA dominion. It's intriguing to note that Whittaker is hailed as the primary reason behind Yoel Romero -- one of the greatest pure athletes to ever step foot inside the UFC's famed Octagon -- not having won the UFC Middleweight Title yet.
On the other hand, you have Tyron "The Chosen One" Woodley (19-3-1), who presently holds the UFC Welterweight Championship, and is praised by one and all for his excellent wrestling skills, respectable BJJ arsenal, as well as his terrifyingly effective striking.
Love him or hate him, Woodley is indeed one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world today; as is Whittaker...
#4 TJ Dillashaw
Before we proceed further, I ought to note that we've refrained from noting Demetrius Johnson's name over here, because the man is no longer a part of the roster. However, with that being said, I truly believe that had former UFC pound for pound king Johnson moved up to Bantamweight to face reigning UFC 135-pound king TJ Dillashaw (16-3), "Mighty Mouse" would've gotten obliterated by Dillashaw.
Dillashaw absolutely demolished arch-rival Cody Garbrandt on not one, but two occasions. And the only hiccup "Killashaw" has had to deal with since his ascent to the top, is a controversial Split Decision loss to Dominick Cruz -- a decision which could've easily gone Dillashaw's way, as several fans and experts alike felt he'd landed more damaging strikes on Cruz.
Dillashaw has been blessed with excellent movement and perhaps boasts footwork that's the greatest amongst the elite individuals we've listed in this article. He has fantastic KO power, stupendous grappling skills, and has shown an uncanny ability to adhere to the game-plan irrespective of the chaos that characterizes a tough fight...
#3 Daniel Cormier
The reigning UFC Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion, Daniel "DC" Cormier (22-1-0-1), is perhaps one of the greatest anomalies in the world of combat sports. Let's put it this way, if you were to run into Cormier at your local pub or bar, and end up getting into an argument with him; you'd probably fancy your chances of beating him in a fight.
Well, needless to say, that may not be the best idea! Cormier is a man who defies the laws of nature, especially given the fact that he's often so very undersized against most opponents, but somehow utilizes his skills and will to grind through his foes.
Cormier is a former Olympic wrestler, and has undoubtedly used his grappling knowledge in the wrestling sphere to complement his masterful BJJ game. DC also possesses highly underrated striking, as evidenced by his KO victory over Stipe Miocic in their fight for the UFC Heavyweight Title earlier this year...
#2 Jon Jones
Alright, I'm well aware of the fact that certain sections of fans may strongly disagree with the inclusion of Jon "Bones" Jones (22-1-0-1) in this list of UFC pound for pound greats. On multiple occasions, Jones has tested positive for banned steroids/PEDs over the course of his career, and that in turn has tainted his legacy to a certain extent.
Regardless, it'd be folly to deny the fact that Jones may very well be one of the most skilled performers to have ever partaken in a fight. Jones is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, an individual who is gifted with arguably the most diverse skill-set in the sport of MMA.
Jones has time and again been commended by both fans and experts alike for his excellent usage of long range strikes, such as his oblique kicks as well as his jab, in order to keep his foes at bay. Furthermore, "Bones" gradually breaks down his opponent, before utilizing his otherworldly grappling skills to get the fight to the mat, and either submit or rain down hellacious elbows on his rival.
Jones has excellent cardio, and is reputable for possessing the greatest "Fight IQ" in MMA history...
#1 Cris Cyborg
Akin to the aforementioned Jon Jones, Cris Cyborg (20-1-1) has indeed tested positive for banned steroids/PEDs over the course of her long and storied Mixed Martial Arts career. However, Cyborg is unanimously regarded as one of the greatest talents, male or female, to have ever graced an MMA cage.
Cyborg is the reigning, undisputed UFC Women's Featherweight Champion, and possesses dangerous striking that's amplified to scarier levels when you are to consider her excellent grappling skills. For long, Cyborg was regarded as one of the best fighters in the world, with the only criticism being that she's way too much of a slugger rather than a refined striker.
Nevertheless, that seems to have changed as of late, particularly due to her work with famed boxing/MMA coach Jason Parillo. We cannot refute the fact that certain sections of the combat sports community disregard Cyborg's accomplishments due to her failed PED tests, however, when you look at her combat skills and track record in the MMA realm, it's crystal clear that she is indeed one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Which other fighters do you think deserve a mention on the UFC pound for pound greats list? Sound off in the comments!
