Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has gained massive popularity over the years, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been at the forefront of this growth. Within the UFC, the featherweight division has showcased some of the most skilled and exciting fighters in the sport. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 greatest UFC featherweights of all time, considering their accomplishments, skill set, and impact on the sport.
1. Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights in MMA history. He dominated the division for years, defending his title multiple times. Aldo's striking prowess, incredible takedown defense, and killer instinct made him a force to be reckoned with. His notable victories include wins over Chad Mendes, Urijah Faber, and Frankie Edgar.
2. Max Holloway
Max Holloway is another standout featherweight who has achieved remarkable success in the UFC. Known for his relentless pressure, volume striking, and high fight IQ, Holloway has had an impressive championship run. He holds the record for the most wins in the featherweight division and has defeated top contenders like Jose Aldo and Brian Ortega.
3. Conor McGregor
While Conor McGregor is primarily known for his exploits in the lightweight division, his impact on the featherweight division cannot be ignored. McGregor became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously when he defeated Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds to claim the featherweight belt. His charisma, knockout power, and precision striking made him a global superstar.
4. Frankie Edgar
Frankie Edgar's resilience and durability have made him one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. Despite being undersized for the division, Edgar's speed, footwork, and boxing skills allowed him to compete at an elite level. He captured the UFC lightweight title before dropping down to featherweight, where he had memorable battles against Jose Aldo and Gray Maynard.
5. Chad Mendes
Chad Mendes was a formidable fighter in the featherweight division, known for his explosive wrestling and knockout power. He challenged Jose Aldo twice for the title and pushed him to the limit in both fights. Mendes also holds notable wins over Ricardo Lamas and Clay Guida, solidifying his spot among the top featherweights of all time.
6. Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski burst onto the scene and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the featherweight division. With a strong wrestling background and powerful striking, Volkanovski dethroned Max Holloway to capture the UFC featherweight title. His impressive win streak and ability to adapt to different opponents make him a standout in the division.
7. Urijah Faber
Urijah Faber was one of the pioneers of the featherweight division and played a crucial role in its growth. Faber's well-rounded skill set, exceptional grappling, and relentless pace made him a fan favorite. While never capturing the UFC featherweight title, Faber's impact on the sport and his memorable fights against top contenders solidify his place among the greatest.
8. Brian Ortega
Brian Ortega's jiu-jitsu skills and finishing ability have made him a dangerous contender in the featherweight division. Ortega's undefeated streak and impressive victories over Frankie Edgar and Cub Swanson put him on the radar as a top featherweight. Although he fell short in his title bid against Max Holloway, Ortega remains a highly respected fighter in the division.
9. Cub Swanson
Cub Swanson has been a staple in the featherweight division for years, showcasing his exciting fighting style and knockout power. Swanson's well-rounded skills and willingness to engage in thrilling battles have made him a fan favorite. While he never captured the UFC title, Swanson's numerous Fight of the Night performances and victories over top contenders earn him a spot on this list.
10. Ricardo Lamas
Ricardo Lamas rounds out the list of the top 10 greatest UFC featherweights of all time. Lamas has consistently been a top contender in the division, with notable victories over Charles Oliveira, Cub Swanson, and Diego Sanchez. His well-rounded skill set and ability to finish fights make him a respected figure in the featherweight division.
The UFC featherweight division has witnessed the rise of several exceptional fighters who have left an indelible mark on the sport of MMA. From dominant champions like Jose Aldo and Max Holloway to charismatic stars like Conor McGregor, these athletes have showcased their skills and entertained fans around the world. While rankings and opinions may vary, there is no denying the impact and greatness of the top 10 featherweights in UFC history.
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