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#4 Stipe Miocic – Former UFC heavyweight champion
Before he was knocked out by Francis Ngannou at UFC 260, it was probably fair to label Stipe Miocic as the baddest man on the planet. After all, nobody defended the UFC heavyweight title on more occasions than his four successful defenses.
However, while Miocic comes across as a stone-cold killer when he’s inside the octagon, he’s clearly one of the nicest guys in the sport outside it.
Part of Miocic's likability is due to the fact that unlike many UFC fighters, particularly those successful enough to hold a title, the former heavyweight champion actually holds down a job away from the octagon.
Miocic works part-time as a firefighter and a paramedic in his home state of Ohio. He has stated on numerous occasions that he intends to become a full-time firefighter once his UFC career is over. Naturally, it’s very hard for any fan to dislike a fighter who essentially works to protect the public.
And while the former champion has found himself at loggerheads with the UFC itself at times, he practically never ends up in personal feuds with his opponents. Even his lengthy rivalry with Daniel Cormier always stayed cordial.
However, only a fool would mistake Miocic’s likable persona for weakness. He remains one of the most dangerous men on the UFC’s roster, bar none.
#3 Glover Teixeira – UFC light-heavyweight title contender
Traditionally, Brazilian fighters in the UFC tend to be intense, angry and more than willing to make things personal with their opponents. Even light-hearted fighters such as Anderson Silva and Ronaldo Souza could quickly get intense at times.
That’s what makes Glover Teixeira such an anomaly – and why he’s definitely one of the most likable fighters on the UFC’s roster right now.
Despite being more than capable of destroying a foe inside the octagon, it always seems like Teixeira is simply a guy doing a job that he loves rather than one who takes out frustration and anger on another human being.
We saw an example of this when he fought Anthony Smith – another renowned nice guy – in 2020. As the fight ticked into the later rounds, Teixeira began to dominate. After taking top position, he began to ruthlessly beat Smith down.
But unlike Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was renowned for telling his opponents that they ought to quit, Teixeira actually apologized to Smith for the punishment he was dishing out.
According to Teixeira, he felt bad as he knew Smith was hurting and told him:
“Hey man, I’m sorry, but it’s part of the job”.
Add in the fact that Teixeira is renowned for raising money for numerous charities outside of his career with the UFC and is known as a humble family man, and it’s easy to see why he’s so adored by the fans, despite not having what you’d call a bankable character.
