Over the years many UFC Champions have earned their name and respect in the MMA community all thanks to the platform provided by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. UFC has given many amateur fighters a platform to not only showcase but also master their MMA skills on a bigger level than ever before. It is one of the most popular boxing and fighting companies in the world.
Top 5 UFC Champions Who Changed MMA
Let’s take a look at some of the best five fighters who have given a new meaning to MMA fights by adapting to the ever-changing standards of the sport.
5. Lyoto Machida
Brazilian mixed martial artist, Lyoto Carvalho Machida is a well-known name when it comes to MMA fighters. Machida was the one who introduced karate to the MMA world in a whole new light. Before his introduction to UFC, karate wasn’t considered an important skill for combat sports.
His karate skills and actions proved to be quite helpful for strategising his moves against his opponents. Popularly known as ‘The Dragon,’ he won his first light heavyweight title against Rashad Evans at UFC 98 in 2009. Machida’s success as a karate fighter gave rise to the newer generation of UFC fighters who specialized in karate skills.
4. Jon Jones
The undefeated heavyweight champion, Jone “Bones” Jones holds the record for being the youngest UFC champion in UFC history. He was last seen in his comeback fight against Ciryl Gane on March 4, 2023. Jones easily triumphed over Gane with first-round submission in the heavyweight fight at UFC 285.
He also holds a number of records in the light heavyweight division for most winning victories, longest winning streaks, and championship defences. With a total of 27 wins, 1 no-contest, and 1 disqualification, Jones’ powerful strikes have taken down many of his opponents.
3. Benson Henderson
Former UFC lightweight champion, Benson Henderson may not be the name many young fans recognize today. Henderson was known for his unique MMA techniques that he would bring to his fights and take down his opponents. He was a pioneer in bringing high kicks to the Octagon during his days at UFC.
Earlier, high kicks weren’t as common as today and most fighters stuck to the traditional low kicks to take down their opponents. Henderson is still remembered as one of the brightest UFC champions of his time. Anthony Pettis who took him town with a high kick in one of the matches, still considers it one of his most memorable moments.
2. Khabib Nurmagomedov
Famous Dagestani wrestler Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the most ruthless UFC champions. Khabib’s fighting style instilled a new fear among his opponents for using the fence as support to stand up straight after a powerful knockdown. While many fighters utilized the time to catch their breath and plan their next move, Khabib would take advantage of his opponents when they would be too exhausted to stand without the support of the cage fence. His striking techniques forced fighters to strategize new skills and moves to break free when their opponent would pin them against the fence.
1. Royce Gracie
Known for putting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the map of the international world of fighting, Royce Gracie is a legend to be remembered. Royce Gracie was introduced to the world of UFC when no weight class existed. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills stunned not only his fighter but also the spectators who could not believe his agility and courage. He is one of the earliest UFC champions today who changed the course of UFC history. Today, almost every UFC fighter and many UFC champions train professionally in BJJ to gain entry into UFC.
