Top 10 Pound for Pound MMA Fighters in the World 7/14
At one point following UFC 100 this past weekend, I felt like there are a lot of new questions about who the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world is.
Georges St. Pierre certainly raised his stock with a definitive win over Thiago Alves, who was considered to be GSP’s toughest fight to date prior to UFC 100.
Brock Lesnar also deserves some consideration for his dominant performance over Frank Mir, which left many wondering who can beat him.
Here is my personalized top 10 ranking of who I feel are the top 10 overall fighters in the world. In making this list, I consider win-loss record, how convincingly the fighters have won their most recent fights, and their appeal to other fans. Well, here we go:
1. Fedor Emelianeko (30-1-1) – Heavyweight – Affliction
About a year ago, I was one of those people that claimed that Fedor was overrated and didn’t fight the best. Well, after two quick KO’s of Tim Sylvia and Andrei Arlovski, you can’t argue that Fedor is not the best. The guy has virtually never lost, with his lone loss coming on a cut. The guy never changes his expression and never makes a mistake in his fights. Until someone beats him cleanly, Fedor will be at the top of my list.
T2. Anderson Silva (23-4) – Middleweight – UFC/ Georges St. Pierre (19-2) – Welterweight – UFC
I have Silva and GSP tied because of pure dominance in their weight class. As of late, Silva has not looked his usual self in his last two fights, but part of that is because his opponents have tried to avoid his lethal strikes. GSP has been dominant in another way, controlling his opponents four as long as it takes to win. GSP has fought the tougher competition as of late, but Silva has tougher fights in his future than GSP with Dan Henderson, Damian Maia, and Nate Marquardt looming while GSP has significantly less talented fighters like Mike Swick and Martin Kampmann to deal with. A super fight between these two is appealing, but it seems like GSP is hesitant to move up in weight right now.
4. Lyoto Machida (15-0) – Light Heavyweight – UFC
Machida is unbeaten which certainly earns credibility, but in his last two fights, he has quickly finished two of the top Light Heavyweights in the world. Machida takes little to no damage in his fights and has pin-point accuracy in his strikes along with a sound jiu-jitsu game. It is tough to think of a fighter that will be able to disrupt Machida’s style, but Shogun Rua will try at UFC 104.
5. Miguel Angel Torres (36-1) – Bantamweight – WEC
It is a shame that not many know about Miguel Torres because he fights in the lesser-known WEC. But, if more fans saw Torres compete, there would be more MMA fans than ever. Torres is complete in every way and is the one fighter I can say leaves everything he has in the cage with each fight. His pacing is incredible and his diverse strikes make him one of the most entertaining fighters in the world. Torres may soon have to face the option of moving up in weight to set up potential super-fights with some of the other WEC’s top stars.
6. Brock Lesnar (4-1) – Heavyweight – UFC
I don’t like Lesnar, I think his attitude and approach to “entertaining” the fans is awful, but I can’t deny his natural ability. He has destroyed Heath Herring, Randy Couture, and Frank Mir in successive order, and he is just five fights into his professional career. As time moves on, Lesnar is only going to improve and get better in each area of fighting, which is a scary thought for every heavyweight. A fight with Fedor is the talk of the town right now, but I think Lesnar would be biting off more than he can chew with that right now. In another year or too, he certainly could dethrone “The Last Emperor”.
7. BJ Penn (13-5-1) – Lightweight – UFC
I also am not a fan of BJ Penn for his attitude on his opponents, but I also can’t deny his natural skills either. Penn’s flexibility is something no other fighter posses right now and is the reason he is considered one of the best in the world in any weight class. Penn’s record is not as strong as most, but his losses are deceiving, as he has fought many bigger fighters and given up 30 pounds or more in those fights. Losses to fighters like Machida should almost be ignored. As a lightweight, it is tough to think anyone can compete with Penn, let alone beat him.
8. Jake Shields (23-4-1) – Welterweight – Strikeforce
Shields is as hot as any fighter, winning his last 12, including his most recent win over Robbie Lawler in a bigger weight class. Shields is one of the best submission and grappling fighters in the world and many believe he could give Georges St. Pierre a run for his money.
9. Mike Thomas Brown (22-4) – Featherweight – WEC
Brown proved his worthiness to be WEC champion with a second win over Urijah Faber. Brown is a sound fighter that can stand on his feet and control on the ground. He may not be flashy, but he is dangerous anywhere in a fight and his level-headed attitude makes him a dangerous fighter.
10. Quinton Jackson (30-7) – Light Heavyweight – UFC
Jackson has beaten some of the best in the world, but his split-decision loss to Forrest Griffin set him back. You could argue that Jackson didn’t lose to Griffin and could still be UFC champion, but he hasn’t backed off, beating Wanderlei Silva and Keith Jardine since losing the belt. Next up is Rashad Evans and a win there gives him a title shot that he should have had a lot sooner.
Honorable Mention: Thiago Alves, Rashad Evans, Dan Henderson, Urijah Faber, Jon Fitch, Kenny Florian, Shinya Aoki, Nick Diaz.
Posted in: Mixed Martial Arts
Tags: Anderson Silva, B.J. Penn, Best MMA fighters, Best UFC fighters, Brock Lesnar, Dan Henderson, Fedor Elemianenko, Georges St. Pierre, Jake Shields, Lyoto Machida, Miguel Torres, Mike Thomas Brown, MMA fighter rankings, MMA Top 10 lists, Quinton Jackson, Rampage Jackson, Rashad Evans, Thiago Alves, Top 10 MMA Fighters, Top 10 MMA fighters regardless of weight class, Urijah Faber
I think GSP is #1.
Fedor could be #2 although he doesnt face the
level of competition GSP does.
Anderson#3 for the same reasons.
I think Jon Fitch is much better than Sheild and would place him in front.
Rampage is a beast, but his new love of standing flat footed and “boxing” is his downfall.
Good read on Torres and 100% agree.
He like GSP has run through his division.
Its a shame Urijah broke both hands in round 1.
He should be even better than the two Brown fights show.
Fedor didnt destroy Arlovski.
Infact he was not doing so great but Andrei’s glass jaw showed why he isnt the top dog.
He was clearly out boxed and out striked.
had it gone to the ground probably Fedor still, but I dont consider Tim nor Andrei all that good anymore if ever. Fedor is clearly the best heavyweight, and a Lesnar or Mir fight I’d like to see, but he needs to run through top level people of today’s time not 3-6yrs ago top level.
The reason I left Fitch off is because his inability to really finish people. I think to be considered top 10 p4p, you have to have some big finishes, and Fitch doesn’t have that in the last few years. GSP has went to decision as of late, but Alves and Fitch looked battered. Fitch hasn’t even battered someone.
I agree to a certain extent on Fedor, but fact is the guy basically hasn’t lost and has wins over the two mentioned as well as CroCop, Nogeuira, Randleman, Coleman, and others. Lesnar would be a great test, but it may never happen.
It is about time to see Jake Shields in the p4p rankings.
I hope when Fedor’s contract is up with Affliction he comes over to UFC so he can beet the fuck out of Lesner.
Anderson Silva vs Quinton Jackson or Lyoto Machida should be the next match up after Silva easily beats Griffin.
While I don’t disagree with that assesment, Silva won’t fight Machida. The two are good friends and train together often. So, if you are hoping for that mega-fight, don’t hold your breath.
I think the fact that Lesner has to cut to 265 seriously limits any possibility of him making a p4p list. Second, there is absolutely no depth to his record? He’s tko’d a over-matched judoka, lost to Mir, decisioned Herring, tko’d a much smaller Couture who had taken a year off, and tko’d Mir. Isn’t a p4p list supposed to ask if every fighter came in at the same weight, who’s skills/record is the most impressive? If you aren’t using that criteria, then isn’t this just a list of the champs of each division?
This list is to express which fighters have the best overall skill and talent. Just because Lesnar has to cut weight, you can’t keep him off the list. I mean, p4p is about no weight clases, but certainly there is no way to actually judge who is the best. GSP will never fight at heavyweight and Fedor will never fight at middleweight. We have to judge their ranking based on their dominance in their weight class. Lesnar has been as dominant as anyone in the last year and you can’t keep him off this list because of his size, if anything, he exhibits the agility and athleticism of a smaller fighter for a man that weight 285 lbs
I agree with your assessment about Lesnar’s quickness for a big man. Certainly, this would translate to insane mobility on the ground at a lighter weight. I certainly no authority, so my opinion may be misinformed, but I think weight does have to be taken into the equation when the question is about a POUND for pound list, especially when Lesnar’s only real skill (his wrestling) revolves very much around his size (though his speed is certainly another large part). You could make an argument about Lesnar’s stand up power (ie. Randy fight) but you’re just arguing into Lesnar’s size (read power) and reach advantage. My point is, Lesnar relies on only one facet of the MMA game, and it’s not like he’s using slick BJJ. You mention comparing the skill sets of different fighters regardless of weight classes. However, if you compare Lesner’s skills to those below him on your p4p, I think you’ll find that 7-10 are much more skilled and well-rounded. The possible exception is Shields who has fought outside his weight class against a consensus top 10 middle weight. Lastly, Lesnar is not higher than three on any credible top ten heavyweight list. So how can he be 6 p4p with Barnett not making the list? Sorry if this post was long-winded, but I look forward to your insight on these questions.
Okay, well put Jin. Let’s see. First, Lesnar is heavily wrestling based, but his stand up has also allowed him to get to his wrestling dominance. He took out half of Herring’s face with one punch and then TKOd Randy. While he may not be well versed in BJJ, his BJJ defense is improving as he avoided any danger with Mir in the second fight. I agree that a p4p list should focus on all-around skill, but many once considered Matt Hughes the best p4p fighter or Tito Oritz the best p4p fighter, when they were clearly just wrestlers inside MMA. I think as Lesnar progresses, you will see his submissions and submission defense improve. You can’t blame him for using his overwhelming size and wrestling ability to win fights, it is like Chuck Liddell never going to the ground.
In terms of heavyweights, I understand that people are all about Josh Barnett, but I just don’t see it. I will openly admit I haven’t closely followed Barnett’s career, but I have watched his recent figts. I think he is a strong fighter, but I think he would suffer the same fate as Randy against a guy like Brock. There is no wrestler in MMA that will out-wrestle Lesnar.
So, that is why I list Brock where he is. You can argue the weight thing, but I have Fedor No.1 and he is a heavyweight too. Even he thinks that Anderson and GSP are more talented, but clearly lighter weight fighters are going to have skills that bigger guys don’t have and bigger guys are going to have more power than some of the lighter weights. This is a figurative list that will never be agreed upon, just simply my thoughts. People may not like the Lesnar pick, but they also probably thought Machida didn’t deserve to be on the list a year ago either.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate it when a topic can be discussed reasonably without personal attacks or needless argument.
Jin, agreed. I appreciate having an open dialogue with people as well. Never hesitant to offer your opinion on my pieces.
Brock is a beast but is a bigtime talent as far as wrestlers go.
And to be fair in the beginning you had 2 people who knew submissions. Gracie and Shamrock.
You can watch how it evolved.
BJJ takes all stand up guys out.
Then the wrestlers come, Hughes, Tito Coleman Couture ect…
Then the striking wrestlers or bjj guys who use it to defend takedowns, Liddel, Wanderlei,Tim Sylvia, Arlovski ect…
Now we are seeing total martial artists. Anderson, Georges, Lyota.
So brock’s winning is not hard to see and will probably continue. If Mir gets a rematch and stays up at 260 he may be able to catch a submission. Fedor should be able to control him as well. But he has 104-5 in wrestling including two NCAA titles at heavyweight.
Barnet, remember was an old UFC fighter, young age when he was there, who was destroyed by Pedro Rizzo. Fedor will crush him. Maybe as fast as Sylvia….He is a great wrestler but never developed a complete game. Bad if going against Fedor.
How is Forrest Griffin not in honorable mention at the very least?
Fedr should not be #1. If he comes to UFC and fights guys like Lesnar and Mir, then he can say he is the best.
GSP is undisouted best pound for pund in the world.
Dan Henderson should be in the honorable mention. At 38, he still goes hard.
The only non-UFC guy I like is Jake Shields. But all of them should come to the UFC to get the best competion possible so we can finally find ut eho really is the best.
P.S.- Watch out for Diego Sanchez in the next year or two to take down BJ Penn.
Chris,
To me Forrest is a dog, just like he says. He just scraps. But at the same time, I don’t look at Forrest as a guy that can beat anyone. He lost to Tito (close call), Rashad, and Jardine all in the last handful of years. He hasn’t strung together a big winning streak ever in the UFC. Now, if he beats Silva, then we can talk about it.
I am the biggest GSP fan in the world, but I can’t put him at NO. 1. While I think he may have the best overall skill set, his results are still not as strong as Fedor. You can aruge about Fedor’s opponents, but he has beaten some of the best in the world in Pride and Affliction. Lesnar and Couture would be intriguing fights, let’s hope they happen.
Henderson is HM, don’t know if you missed that or agreed with me.
P.S. – I can’t stand Diego Sanchez. I just think he is a douche. But, I also can’t deny he is a talented fighter and one of the best lightweights in the world. Not sure he is ready for a guy like B.J. but he certainly brings a style BJ hasn’t dealt with.
Hey Drew,
After watching Fedor, I’l agree hes good, but ge never faced one by Lesnar.
GSP is the best. He’ll have the weltereight belt for as long as he wants it.
I still say Rampage is way over rated. He just stands up and brawls now. Rashad will destroy him.
aand yes, Forrest has lost, but he did beat Shogun when Shogun was considered the best and he beat Rampage Nuff said plus, he did beat Rashad in one of the rounds.
Diego Sanchez beat Kenny Florian on the Ultimate FFighter and i think he would estroy Nate Diaz.
Hopefully Fedor and the others come to UFC asap and then all this guess work will be alot easier.
Prediction for UFC 101 Silva v Griffin- Griffin TKO 3rd round
I think after 101 anderson silva will once again be regarded as the p4p greatest. Lesnar isnt a fantastic fighter hes just a super freak basically, i think carwin will b a great test for him. Very true on torres
I’m new to this site, but what was appealing to me was that I finally found a site that ranked Fedor number one. I’m an avid MMA fan, hell ask me anything. A. Silva is obviously second, but he doesnt have quite the record, and/or experience that Fedor has. Before you start to ask,
Fedor is clearly the number 1 fighter in the world. He has never been stopped by an opponent. He just beats everybody he faces, and he has been doing it for several years now. Anderson Silva is my pick at the number 2 spot and GSP 3, because if GSP ever moved up to fight Silva he would lose. I like Machida at the number 4 spot, don’t know if he has earned it yet though. Those of you who don’t think that Fedor is the Number 1 guy just because he doesn’t fight in the UFC just name one figher that can beat him in the UFC. Lesnar is not ready to handle him, Mir already has already called Fedor the best heavyweight out there. He has already beaten Nogueira twice and Randy Couture would not have been that great of a fight as much as fightfans would have like to see that fight. Randy is in his 40s and Fedor is 32. If that fight ever happens I’m betting the farm on Fedor. Bottom line is Fedor is on the top because no one can beaten him. Silva and GSP have both been beat by opponents.
Fedor was stopped by a cut from an elbow.
He is clearly the best Heavyweight.
But the talent at heavyweight is not what it is at 170 or even 185 or 205.
wow.
a comment list with an open discussion, no bashing or name calling, decent grammar and spelling…and everything is civil??? this can’t be the internet i’ve been surfing for years.
could it be that some people are mature enough to have actual discussions on this interweb-thing?
great work everyone!
Drew, would you re-work this list now having witnessed the most recent UFC/WEC?
my personal short list:
1. anderson silva
2A. GSP
2B. Fedor
Brennan,
Thanks for posting. I am putting together a new list, but I can say with confidence that Anderson Silva is the new No.1 in my book. I will go into greater detail soon, but I appreciate you checking out the site and be sure to keep an eye out for an updated list.
I would like to know since Silva is now fighting at 205 lbs. and Fedor fight at normally at 225-230 lbs. does anyone really think that Silva could beat Fedor? Fedor beats guys who weigh more than 30+ lbs than him. That’s why Fedor is still number one in my book. But if anyone thinks that Silva can beat Fedor in a fight well I guess we are just going to disagree.
i agree with most of u except i think couture deserves mention over all honorables and jin is correct, open dialogue is grand when personal attacks go the way of the dodo. i have fedor #1 with silva close second. couture is old but# of championship matches against ranked opponents uts him above most including fitch and henderson
what about bj penn hes definantly 4 at least theres not 1 light-wieght fighter that can stop him but theres some decent competitors for gsp lesner and what-not my opinion bj’s unstoppable in lw maybe just cause hes my favorite mma fighter of all time.. any opinions. comment plz!
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful and beneficial to your readers.
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