MMA has come a long way to get to where it is today. It has gained universal recognition and become one of the most popular sports in the world. And those fighters that have paved the way have not always been the most friendly.
Here we present to you a list of the most dangerous and most feared MMA fighters that have ever graced the Octagon. Some of them are still active, others are retired. Either way, why not visit the UFC lines and see if you can find any of these fighters on the list.
Because who are the most feared UFC fighters? Why are they so feared in UFC circles? How many matches have they fought? How many fights have they won overall? Well, if you want this info, then we would recommend that you keep reading.
Lyoto Machida
This light-heavyweight champion dominated every fight he was in, starting his career with a perfect 8-0 score. He went on to succeed in his next 8 matches and captured the UFC light heavyweight title.
Machida is heavily skilled in karate and used a front kick on Randy Couture to knock him out and send him into retirement. Machida currently competes in Bellator MMA.
Brock Lesnar
When it comes to ground and pounding, Brock Lesnar is one of the best. He is regarded as one of the most fearsome fighters in the history of MMA. He has also had a heavyweight victory over Randy Couture.
It was reckoned that he would only become more dangerous as his MMA career progressed, however a medical condition forced Lesnar to retire from competitive fighting and return to the WWE.
Fedor Emelianenko
Next up, we have a fighter that remained undefeated for 10 years with some of the most intense knockout skills. The only fighter on this list who has never stepped foot inside the UFC Octagon, nonetheless he is one of the most respected and feared figures in MMA.
However, Fedor has lost his combative winning streak over the last few years, ending up with six losses on his once unrivaled record.
Shane Carwin
When it comes to relentless striking, Shane Carwin was one of the best that you can find out there. An engineer by trade, Carwin was an expert at mauling other heavyweights at his side job. He won the first 12 fights of his MMA career and won the interim UFC heavyweight title; however he then lost his next two fights and retired in 2012.
Anderson Silva
This man is considered to be one of the greatest fighters that the UFC has ever produced, least of all because of his vicious striking tactics.
He has great power striking skills as well as impressive submission tactics that have taken down many opponents.
He is known as ‘the Spider’ because of his reach and flurry of limbs, and has won 16 UFC fights in a row – one short of a record eventually surpassed by Jon Jones. These days, the 47 year old is competing in professsional boxing.
Jose Aldo
Despite being a featherweight, this next fighter is still one of the most fearsome fighters in the history of the UFC, with a staggering 31-7 record.
He comes with a deadly mixture of strikes, general athleticism and powerful kicking abilities. Combine these altogether, and you have one of the most potent and aggressive fighters that have ever taken to the Octagon.
Rich Franklin
This next fighter has gained the respect of his peers by earning 25 finishes across 29 wins. This man has defeated many prestigious fighters like Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva.
He is considered one of the most well-rounded fighters in the history of MMA, earning him the nickname Ace.
Matt Hughes
Next up, we have what some people consider to be one of the best welterweight grapplers in the history of MMA. He’s not a showy fighter, rather using his understated combination of moves to beat most opponents.
This man has had 35 finishes throughout his career, although these days he unfortunately is in no shape to compete.
Melvin Guillard
When it comes to knockouts, Melvin Guillard is one of the best, eliminating 32 opponents during his entire career, with 21 of them being knockouts.
Sadly, his string of victories was cut short when he was felled in under a minute during UFC 136, but he has still gone down in history as one of the most fearsome fighters in the sport.
Pedro Rizzo
In 20 victories, Pedro Rizzo managed to knock out 15 of his opponents. He might not be the biggest name in the sport yet, but he has gained a reputation as one of the hardest men to do MMA.
Pedro has now ceased to do MMA, but he has earned his place in the fearsome fighter hall of fame.
Bas Rutten
This man has had a very checkered career, starting out as a mundane fighter but ending his career in a blaze of glory. This man is known for his savagery and panache.
Bas has attained an impressive career record, winning 28 of his 33 bouts. He was known for his knockouts and his submissions, racking up a total of 24 finishes throughout his career.
Dan Henderson
This man has gained a reputation as being one of the most fearsome fighters, one of the main reasons being that he hasn’t been knocked out during his entire career as an MMA fighter!