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#4. Stephen Thompson (UFC welterweight)
‘Wonderboy’ has been a fan-favorite since his promotional debut at UFC 143. The kickboxing phenom won several followers courtesy of his flashy yet technical style. Since then, Stephen Thompson has been dubbed the ‘Nicest MFer’ (NMF) in the UFC. It’s not hard to see why.
During the build-up to his showdown against welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 209, the two fighters took part in an interview. While ‘The Chosen One’ could be seen maintaining an aggressive attitude in his responses, Thompson calmly asked Woodley why he was being mean. His natural charisma and wit made the champion laugh, breaking his hostile act.
Watch the hilarious interaction below:
Unfortunately for ‘Wonderboy,’ his likability hasn’t translated to big fights. Before facing Gilbert Burns at UFC 264, Thompson’s last fight of note was his second attempt at the welterweight belt against Tyron Woodley. He also hasn’t headlined a card since losing to ‘The Chosen One’ at UFC 209.
For someone who remains an elite contender and a fan-favorite, Stephen Thompson receives little attention from the UFC.
#3. Max Holloway (UFC featherweight)
Max Holloway is a true warrior. The former featherweight champion has been one of the most active fighters in the UFC. He has had 28 fights under the banner since his debut in 2012. An eccentric personality, ‘Blessed’ is never shy of a challenge. Whether it’s beating the legendary Jose Aldo while initially training for Frankie Edgar or destroying Brian Ortega after a health scare, Max Holloway does not back down. This was most apparent when Tony Ferguson’s fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 was canceled. Holloway was ready to step in on one-week notice against the most dominant lightweight the world has ever seen.
It’s this brash, eccentric and self-confident persona that makes Max Holloway likable. ‘Blessed’ has mastered the art of selling himself without disrespecting his opponents. Apart from his tendencies outside the octagon, his antics inside it generate the most eyeballs for Holloway.
‘Blessed’ is an entertaining fighter, to say the least. Holloway holds the record for significant strikes landed in the UFC. With 2618 strikes, ‘Blessed’ enjoys almost a 900-strike lead over second-placed Donald Cerrone. He’s also 10th in the UFC in striking differential, meaning he almost always enjoys the upper hand in standup exchanges. His high-pressure, relentless and destructive style has made him a fan favorite.
On top of his elite technique, Holloway also has a tendency to do hilarious things inside the octagon. During his bout against Brian Ortega at UFC 231, ‘Blessed’ gave a coaching session to his opponent mid-fight. After hitting Ortega with two clean straights, Holloway proceeded to show ‘T-City’ how to block his punches.
Watch the hilarious octagon moment below:
Holloway also loves talking to the commentary team. Especially while he’s fighting someone. During his fight against Calvin Kattar, Holloway produced one of the most viral UFC moments of the year. While in a striking exchange with Kattar, ‘Blessed’ stared at the commentary team and claimed he was the best boxer in the UFC. All while dodging Kattar’s punches and landing his own.
Watch the Matrix-like sequence below:
Max Holloway’s persona outside the octagon and antics inside it make him one of the most likable UFC fighters today.
