MMA is one of the most exciting sports in the world right now. From highlight knockouts to fancy submissions, MMA has a significant following worldwide. Wherever you are, MMA fighters are becoming more recognized. Just like the NBA and basketball, MMA has the UFC. If you’re an aspiring MMA fighter, the goal is to fight and succeed in the UFC.
Making it to the UFC or the Ultimate Fighting Championship is only the first step. It takes years of experience, training, and a whole lot of luck to make it to the big leagues. Those who make it in the UFC are recognized worldwide for their efforts.
In no particular order, let’s take a look at the fighters who made the UFC and are the best in the game today:
Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman – Nigeria
Record: 20-1
Current UFC Welterweight Champion
Fresh off a convincing win against his nemesis Colby Covington, Kamaru Usman is looking at a legendary UFC career. He’s 20-1 in the UFC and currently the most dominating UFC champion today. Since 2013, Usman has not lost an MMA fight. He’s cleaned out the Welterweight division, and the only way to go now is to climb up to Middleweight and test the waters there.
Although it’s not going to happen soon, the UFC Welterweight champion has expressed interest in moving up a weight class if his dear friend Israel Adesanya is no longer the UFC Middleweight champion. Known for his endurance and power, Kamaru Usman is one of the most explosive champions the UFC has seen to date.
Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski – Australia
Record: 23-1
Current UFC Featherweight Champion
In the Featherweight division of the UFC, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski reigns. Since 2013, Volkanovski has not lost a single fight.
Pick Volkanovski when betting on fights, as most UFC fight odds favor the feisty Australian. He captured UFC gold at UFC 245 against a streaking Max Holloway. Volkanovski silenced doubters as he defended it twice, a rematch against Holloway ending in a split decision and unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega.
Although Alexander stands at 5ft and 6 inches and weighs in at 145 lbs, he has impressive KO power in his hands. Of his 23 wins, 11 came from KO punches. A trilogy was originally set between Alexander Volkanovski and long-time rival Max Holloway at UFC 272. An injury forced Holloway to pull out from the event. Volkanovski will have his hands full as Holloway’s replacement is none other than “The Korean Zombie” Chang Sung Jung.
Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya – New Zealand
Record: 22-1
Current UFC Middleweight Champion
In December 2017, the UFC signed a superstar in Israel Adesanya. Making his debut at UFC 221, Adesanya made quick work of Rob Wilkinson via TKO in the 2nd round. Since then, the “Last Stylebender” was mopping up the division by defeating highly-skilled opponents such as Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker. He also has a win against one of MMA’s greatest fighters, Anderson Silva.
Like Silva in both styles and domination, Adesanya would try moving up to the Light Heavyweight division and challenge its current champion, Jan Blachowicz. Izzy lost that fight unanimously and snapped his clean 20-0 record. Since then, Adesanya has defended the Middleweight title twice and is back to his winning ways. He closed out his rivalry with Robert Whittaker and is at the top of the Middleweight division with this win.
Francis “The Predator” Ngannou – Cameroon
Record: 17-3
Current UFC Heavyweight Champion
Francis Ngannou’s life story of rags to riches makes for a good Hollywood movie. His fists and knockout power aren’t just for show, though. Ngannou’s punch equals 96 horsepower, which is like getting hit by a Ford Escort at full speed. Highlight after highlight, the Predator made quick work of the Heavyweight division. By knocking out Stipe Miocic, Ngannou avenged one of his only three losses and captured the UFC Heavyweight title.
If Francis Ngannou’s freakish size and power aren’t enough to scare you, it’s certainly enough to put the whole Heavyweight division on notice. Francis Ngannou is responsible for sending UFC greats such as Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos to retirement.
Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira – Brazil
Record: 32-8
Current UFC Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira has brought clarity in a convoluted Lightweight Division. Oliveira has established himself as the top dog with so many contenders in the division. He certainly didn’t get there the easy way as he had to beat quality talents such as Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Tony Ferguson.
Known as a submission specialist, Charles Oliveira favors choking his enemy into tapping out. He has 20 wins via submission and displays a masterful jiu-jitsu game. However, Oliveira isn’t shy about knocking his opponents out as well, having 9 KO victories under his belt. His next opponent will be another strong contender in Justin Gaethje.
Final Thoughts
The UFC is the biggest stage for MMA fighters to make a name for themselves. Making it to the big leagues is one thing; staying on top is another. The fighters mentioned above have made the faithful leap to the UFC and have become the best, top-ranked fighters in the world.