The Greatest MMA Heavyweights Of All Time

As per usual with almost each and every one of these lists, it’s up for debate. Well, at least some of these elite-level fighters could perhaps be moved up or down one notch on the ladder. But for the very top of the list, I would doubt many people will debate who should be sitting pretty as the greatest MMA heavyweight of all time!

Throughout the relatively short-lived lifespan of mixed martial arts. There have been numerous promotions which have come and gone. But when you boil it down to hard facts and hardcore fans.

There are really only two belts that matter when it comes to world championships. Those are namely the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championships in the United States. And across the Pacific ocean, that of the now-defunct Pride Fighting Championships.

With very little cross-promotion between the two, the question always arose as to which fighters were the best? Those guys on the UFC roster or the stacked divisions of Pride FC? It is a debate which still rages to this day and will now never truly be settled. As many of the greats have since laid down their gloves or continued on and suffered uncharacteristic losses along the way.

So we want to take a closer look at some of the greatest MMA heavyweights to ever do it, but there is one thing I do want to clarify! While there is no doubt some huge names from the earliest years of the sport such as Dan Severen, Mark Coleman, Ken Shamrock, Bas Rutten and more.

The sport was still very much in its infancy and many of these icons were still on a learning curve. And for that reason, I really wanted to focus on the guys who really did do it all.

So without further ado, let us take a closer look at some of the men who helped shape the modern sport of MMA. The great icons, the record breakers, the men whom history will remember, in what light is another matter for the historians.

10: Junior Dos Santos

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’4″ (193cm) | Reach: 77.0″ (196cm) | Weight: 247 lbs
Career	2006 – 2020
Record	Wins 21 – Losses 7 – Draws 0
Achievements	UFC heavyweight champion

Cigano Junior Dos Santos entered the UFC like Brazilian Tornado. The standout striker knocked out some of the biggest names in the sport and along the way clinched the UFC heavyweight championship belt. With wins over every UFC heavyweight champion since Brock Lesnar, Dos Santos became one of the most feared fighters in the sport.

A killer inside the cage, while outside one of the nicest fighters on the roster. Cigano built his aura around knocking out the very best of the best. And while he may not have been a UFC champion for very long, it was his reign of terror through the division which separated him out as one of the very best to ever do it.

And while he may no longer carry that same aura that he did when he initially broke through on to the world stage. Today 12 years on since joining the UFC, Junior Dos Santos still ranks in the top 5 of the division. Competing against the latest crop of heavyweights looking to make a name for themselves off his back. Not many in this sport can lay claim to so many years at the very top in the king of divisions.

Notable wins:

• Mirko Cro Cop
• Cain Velasquez
• Fabricio Werdum
• Frank Mir
• Mark Hunt
• Stipe Miocic
• Shane Carwin

9: Mirko Cro Cop

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’2″ (188cm) | Reach: 73.0″ (185cm) | Weight: 234 lbs
Career	2001 – 2019
Record	Wins 28 – Losses 11 – Draws 2
Achievements	2006 Pride FC Openweight Grand Prix Winner 2012 K-1 World Grand Prix Winner 2016 Rizin FF Openweight Grand Prix Winner

The former kickboxer turned MMA fighter Mirko Cro Cop is amongst the most iconic names in all mixed martial arts. Crossing over from K-1 to Pride Fighting Championships back in 2001, Cro Cop was a standup striker trying to find his way in the world of MMA.

With little to no ground game, for a long time, he did not need it. Knocking out the majority of his opponents with his elite-level striking. Until finally succumbing to ground game of Pride heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at Pride FC – Final Conflict 2003.

Outside of his vicious strikes, Mirko was also known for his quick wit and hilarious one-liners. And his self proclaimed;

“Right leg hospital, left leg cemetery.“

Mirko Cro Cop

Will remain one of the iconic catchphrases in the world of MMA for time and memorial. But alas, his goal of winning the Pride heavyweight championship was never to materialise. In a different time, there’s little doubting Cro Cop could have been the sport’s number one fighter.

But unfortunately for him, a fighter by the name of Fedor Emelianenko had other plans. And put an end to any hopes the Croatian sensation might have had.

When Pride finally shut its doors, Cro Cop was enthusiastically invited to the UFC as another opportunity to win a world title manifested itself. But with a mixed bag of results, the writing on the wall soon became apparent. As Mirko’s dream of achieving UFC gold very publicly slipped away.

Today at the ripe age of 45 he still competes, for how long who knows. But one thing is for sure, that his mark on the history of the sport is everlasting.

Notable wins:

• Kazushi Sakuraba
• Bob Sapp
• Igor Vovchanchyn
• Kevin Randleman
• Aleksander Emelianenko
• Mark Coleman

8: Cain Velasquez

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’1″ (186cm) | Reach: 77.0″ (196cm) | Weight: 248
Career	2006 – 2019
Record	Wins 14 – Losses 3 – Draws 0
Achievements	Two-Time UFC Heavyweight Champion

Cain Velasquez was the greatest heavyweight that never lived up to his full potential if that makes any sense? Cain was the two-time UFC heavyweight champion that should on paper have reigned for longer than he did. But plagued with reoccurring injuries the Mexican American fighter never quite got into his stride as the division’s number one fighter.

Having won the title from Brock Lesnar in spectacular fashion at UFC 121. Velasquez would subsequently lose it in his very first defence against the rising Junior Dos Santos. Something which he would later write, as the pair tangled in a trilogy of fights that over a two year period dominated the heavyweight scene.

And while Velasquez does hold a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He became best known for his striking and cardio to back it up, something which was often lacking from fighters in that division.

However, it was his lack of pre-planning and preparation which would lead to him losing his title to Fabricio Werdum when the pair met in Mexico City. At almost 4000 metres above sea level, Velasquez had not acclimatised pre-fight and the fighter known for his insane cardio, would go on to gas out and be summarily submitted by Werdum.

It was a defining moment in his career and one he never truly recovered from. Plagued by ongoing back issues, he would once again return to action a year later and get a win. But three years later, against the new scariest man in the division Francis NGannou, he would once again falter. A shadow of his former self and at thirty-seven years of age, it may have been his last opportunity.

Notable wins:

• Brock Lesnar
• Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
• Junior dos Santos

7: Stipe Miocic

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’4″ (194cm) | Reach: 80.0″ (203cm) | Weight: 230 lbs
Career	2010 – 2019
Record	Wins 19 – Losses 3 – Draws 0
Achievements	Two-Time UFC Heavyweight Champion

The UFC executives would like for MMA fans to see Stipe Miocic the greatest heavyweight of all time, but I beg to differ. Defending the UFC championship three times, one more than the previous longest streak is not the highest of bars to meet. But there can be little doubting his pedigree as one of the very best heavyweights to ever step inside the UFC octagon.

Known primarily for his boxing, Miocic has a couple of hiccups along the way before taking the title form the reigning champion Fabricio Werdum on home soil at UFC 198. Entering his title defence at UFC 220 against rising newcomer Francis NGannou as the underdog. Miocic showed again why he was the heavyweight champion, winning on points in a hard-fought title defence.

But it was his loss then subsequent reclaiming of the UFC heavyweight championship against Daniel Cormier at UFC 241. That signalled his rise from champion to sporting icon. It was a rematch that Cormier was winning right up until a change in tactics saw Stipe breaking down the champion with body shots. Signalling his return to the throne and his place in sporting legend as a two time UFC heavyweight champion of the world.

Notable wins:

• Fabricio Werdum
• Alistair Overeem
• Francis NGannou
• Mark Hunt
• Junior Dos Santos
• Daniel Cormier

6: Fabricio Werdum

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’4″ (193cm) | Reach: 77.0″ (196cm) | Weight: 249 lbs
Career	2002 – 2020
Record	Wins 23 – Losses 8 – Draws 1
Achievements	ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships Pan American Jiu-Jitsu Championships UFC Heavyweight Champion

The one-time UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum is amongst the elite of the elite. Having one time fought at middleweight alongside fighters such as Alistair Overeem in Pride FC. Primarily known for his elite-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Fabricio added improved striking to his arsenal as his career progressed. Eventually making the move up to heavyweight, over several years the Brazilian fighter move back and forth between promotions.

Then in 2010, he pulled off what many thought impossible as he became the first man to defeat MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko. Sinking a trademark triangle armbar, Werdum’s stock immediately shot up as he became one of the hottest heavyweights on the planet. Before losing one year later to old Pride FC nemesis Alistair Overeem.

Then in 2010 following a five-fight win streak he took on and defeated the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez. A title he would hold only until he met Stipe Miocic one year later. And while he may have slipped outside the top 15 rankings, Fabricio Werdum can still be counted as one of the top active heavyweights in the world today.

Notable wins:

• Alistair Overeem
• Aleksander Emelianenko
• Fedor Emelianenko
• Mark Hunt
• Cain Velasquez

5: Daniel Cormier

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 5’11” (181cm) | Reach: 72.5″ (184cm) | Weight: 236.5 lbs
Career	2009 – 2019
Record	Wins 22 – Losses 2 – Draws 0 – No contest 1
Achievements	Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion UFC Light Heavyweight Champion UFC Heavyweight Champion

Believe it or not, the entire list was completed and then it struck me! You have guys in here who have won a title one time and they are on this list. Yet a guy who competed at heavyweight, beat some of the best and the current champ, you don’t? I am of course referring to the man himself DC Daniel Cormier. The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion. The former Strikeforce heavyweight champion and Olympic medalist.

One could argue that Cormier is the greatest fighter to ever compete. He has done it all, all be it under an often strange set of circumstances including his titanic struggles with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. He competed and won at heavyweight before deciding to drop down to allow his friend and teammate Cain Velasquez to make a run. The results of which being that most of his notable wins came as a 205 lb fighter.

Had he remained as a fulltime heavyweight throughout the peak years of his career, there is no knowing how well Daniel Cormier would have done. But honestly, he could have become the greatest MMA heavyweight fighter to have walked the planet.

Only because he competed in the lower division for so many years he could not be ranked above an Overeem or Emelianenko. Who put in so much work in the heavyweight division, testing themselves against the best the sport had to offer. No knock on DC, just an unfortunate situation for one of the pound for pound greats.

Notable wins:

• Stipe Miocic
• Anthony Johnson
• Josh Barnett
• Frank Mir
• Dan Henderson
• Alexander Gustafsson
• Anderson Silva

4: Alistair Overeem

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’4″ (193cm) | Reach: 80.0″ (203cm) | Weight: 248 lbs
Career	1999 – 2019
Record	Wins 45 – Losses 18 – Draws 0 – No contest 1
Achievements	Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Dream Heavyweight Champion 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix Winner

It might be hard to comprehend that Alistair Overeem has actually been around the world of combat sports for 21 years. Name any top tier kickboxing or MMA promotion and it’s likely that at some point has competed there. Overeem is another fighter who made the cross over from kickboxing to MMA and never looked back. Well until he did go back to K1 kickboxing in 2009 winning the Grand Prix tournament.

Overeem has remained at an elite level in the sport throughout his long and illustrious career. And has fought a who’s who in the world of combat sports, with a list very few if any could ever hope to match. Today at thirty-nine years of age and with seventeen fights with the UFC, Overeem is still a top ten heavyweight. And not content with finally hanging up his gloves anytime soon, The Demolition man still has plenty of fight left in him.

While he may never again see the opportunity to fight for another championship. There is little doubting his position in the MMA greats hierarchy. Having faced the very best both MMA and kickboxing had to offer. Very few athletes in the world will ever be able to come near to the highest highs achieved by the man from the Netherlands.

Notable wins:

• Igor Vovchanchyn
• Vitor Belfort
• Mark Hunt
• Fabricio Werdum
• Brock Lesnar
• Frank Mir
• Junior Dos Santos
• Andrei Arlovski

3: Randy Couture

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’1″ (186cm) | Reach: 75.0″ (191cm) | Weight: 203 lbs
Career	1997 – 2011
Record	Wins 19 – Losses 11 – Draws 0
Achievements	UFC 13 Tournament Winner Three-Time UFC Heavyweight Champion Two-Time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

We have to remember all that Randy Couture achieved, in a short space of time and at what age. Entering the sport of mixed martial arts at thirty-four years of age. The three-time Olympic alternate soon established himself as one of its most beloved athletes. And despite his age and seemingly limited experience in the sport. Is wasn’t too long before he was moving up the ranks and into contention for UFC gold.

Winning against some of the biggest names in the sport, at one point Couture was racking up to four fights in a year. Something very few fighters nowadays ever come near! And with wins over Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, Randy at one point became one of the biggest stars the sport had known.

But however epic his career was, there was a burning question that almost all MMA fans had. Who would win in a fight between him and Fedor? It’s a question that was never answered and continues to haunt many forums and fan conversations to this day.

With nothing left to prove, Couture would finally lay down his gloves at the grand age of forty-seven. But not before facing legendary boxer James Toney inside the UFC octagon. In an MMA vs boxing cage fight, it would be The Natural who would exit the winner. Proving what we as MMA fans already know when a boxer faces and MMA fighter. Long live Captain America!

Notable wins:

• Tito Ortiz
• Chuck Liddell
• Kevin Randleman
• Vitor Belfort
• Mark Coleman

2: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’3″ (191cm) | Reach: 77.0″ (196cm) | Weight: 240 lbs
Career	1999 – 2015
Record	Wins 34 – Losses 10 – Draws 1 – No Contest 1
Achievements	2000 Rings King of Kings Tournament Winner Pride FC Heavyweight Champion Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion

When Pride Fighting championships was reaching its peak, one fighter stood head and shoulders above all others and that fighter was Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. He had dominated all in the heavyweight division, only losing one fight out of twenty-one. Big Nog as he was affectionately referred held the Pride FC championship in the palm of his hand. And with his dominance inside the ring, few thought he would ever lose.

It wasn’t until he met a relative newcomer to the promotion in Fedor Emelianenko at Pride 25 Body Blow that the Nogueira train came to a screeching halt. It was a defining fight for both men as the trajectory of their careers took different routes. Nogueria would still go on to be one of the most dominant fighters in Pride. But could never quite get past the Russian waiting at the top of the ladder.

When the Japanese promotion finally shut its doors, Minotauro made his way to the UFC and a whole new roster of opponents. He would go on to temporarily capture the Interim heavyweight title. Making him the only fighter in history to be a champion in both promotions. But following a mixed bag of results, he would finally call it a day in 2015. Bringing to an end one of the most iconic careers the sport has known.

Notable wins:

• Bob Sapp
• Mark Coleman
• Dan Henderson
• Mirko Filipovic
• Fabricio Werdum
• Josh Barnett
• Randy Couture

Fedor Emelianenko

Criteria	Statistics
Body	Height: 6’0″ (183cm) | Reach: 74.5″ (189cm) | Weight: 240 lbs
Career	2000 – 2019
Record	Wins 39 – Losses 6 – Draws 0 – No Contest 1
Achievements	Rings 2001 Openweight Title Tournament Winner Rings 2001 Absolute Class Tournament Winner Pride Heavyweight Champion

The consensus greatest MMA heavyweight of all time for those who’s opinions we should care about, but not for UFC President Dana White! But for fighters such a Georges St Pierre, BJ Penn, Anderson Silva, Ronda Rousey and Mike Tyson. Fedor Emelianenko is their pound for pound greatest MMA fighter to ever put on a pair of four-ounce gloves.

Undefeated from 2001 to 2009, Fedor held the Pride Fighting championship heavyweight title and never let is go. Winning the belt in his third fight under the Pride banner, against the then reigning champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Fedor would go on to defend his title a total of 12 times, often in dramatic and devastating fashion.

Small for the division, he almost always was outsized and outgunned by his opponent. But what The Last Emperor lacked in physical attributes, he made up for with pure talent, speed and athleticism. As well as an uncanny knack for being one step ahead of his competition.

Humble in victory, there are few who come near to the combats sports icon. Making him the obvious choice for this list of the top 10 greatest MMA heavyweights of all time. On a more personal note, if there is one fight above all other which I would have to see, it would be that of a prime Fedor vs a Prime Cormier. And hopefully, somewhere in the MMA heavens, we might finally see it play out.

NOTABLE WINS:

• Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
• Mark Coleman
• Tim Sylvia
• Kevin Randleman
• Mirko Cro Cop
• Mark Hunt
• Andre Arlovski