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The UFC, like any major sports organization, has elite-level athletes that fuel a conversation that's popular throughout the world of sports: who is the greatest of all time? In world football, the conversation revolves around Lionel Messi, Pelé, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In basketball, another trio is dominant: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. In MMA, the conversation encompasses more than three athletes. At one point, Fedor Emelianenko was regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist in history. But as the sport evolved, the conversation shifted.
There is no definitive answer, but much has to be considered when evaluating the question. Variables like the level of competition overcome by GOAT claimants and the number of title defenses on their record are important. This list considers them both as well as others as it compiles five GOAT claimants in the UFC.
#5. Amanda Nunes, UFC women's bantamweight/featherweight champion
Amanda Nunes is one of the greatest fighters in history. She is widely regarded as the best-ever women's MMA fighter, and with good reason. She owns numerous UFC records, like the highest number of finishes in UFC women's history as well as the most title wins and consecutive wins.
Furthermore, she has seven successful title defenses to her name. More importantly, however, 'The Lioness' has defeated nearly every women's champion who has ever existed in the promotion. All-time greats like Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey both fell before her.
Valentina Shevchenko, Germaine de Randamie, Miesha Tate, Holly Holm, and Julianna Peña all lost to her as well. She is undoubtedly the greatest female fighter of all time and as a two-division champion, she has a strong claim to being the GOAT regardless of gender.
#4. Anderson Silva, former UFC middleweight champion
There may never be another fighter like Anderson Silva. The Brazilian striking specialist dazzled an entire generation of MMA fans with a highlight reel of thrilling and flashy knockouts. He recorded the first UFC knockout via front-kick, and the former middleweight champion has the second-most title defenses in UFC history.
'The Spider' defended his title 10 times before finally losing. Additionally, he owns the record for the longest win streak the promotion has ever seen, along with having the most finishes and knockouts in UFC title history. His run included wins over legends like Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort.
Unfortunately, he didn't always have the strongest competition, and there is an asterisk next to his name. In 2015, he tested positive for drostanolone and androsterone, both of which are anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs. The positive drug test greatly impacted but didn't erase his legacy.
#3. Khabib Nurmagomedov, former UFC lightweight champion
Khabib Nurmagomedov is the longest-reigning lightweight titleholder in the promotion with a rule of 1077 days. He holds numerous records, like the most takedowns in the promotion's history, the longest win streak in lightweight history and the most submission wins in lightweight title history.
Furthermore, he holds the greatest-ever number of lightweight title defenses. But there is more to him. 'The Eagle' retired undefeated from the sport with 29 wins and no losses. He has never struggled inside the octagon and has never looked close to losing.
Not only has he never lost, but he has also never been cut nor has he ever bled or been busted up in fights. He has overcome undisputed champions like Conor McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos along with interim titleholders Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.
#2. Jon Jones, former UFC light heavyweight
Jon Jones will make his long-awaited return to the octagon on March 4 against Ciryl Gane. The two men will compete for the heavyweight title in what will be the former 205er's quest for continued immortality in MMA. No fighter has more title fight wins in the promotion than him.
He has the longest unbeaten streak in the promotion, the most title defenses, and the most wins in light heavyweight history. He also has the record for being the youngest champion in UFC history. Furthermore, he has defeated more champions than any other fighter in the promotion.
Besides the disqualification against Matt Hill, 'Bones' has never tasted defeat inside the octagon and remains undefeated for all intents and purposes. But there's an asterisk to his record. Jones tested positive for clomiphene, letrozole, and turinabol, leaving many wondering how deep his steroid abuse ran.
#1. Georges St-Pierre, former UFC welterweight/middleweight champion
Georges St-Pierre is arguably the greatest fighter of all time. He defeated multiple generations of the world's best fighters and has the most title defenses in welterweight history. Additionally, he successfully captured a second title, which everyone on this list but Amanda Nunes is yet to do.
'GSP' defeated Michael Bisping to dethrone him as the middleweight champion. Despite having no other fights after he assisted 'The Count', the Canadian great never tested positive for any performance-enhancing drugs.
There is no asterisk next to his name, only a record that includes other all-time great fighters like BJ Penn and Matt Hughes. He was capable of competing in every phase of combat, whether it was striking or grappling. He fine-tuned his skill set to survive every era during his tenure as an MMA fighter.
