Modern mixed martial arts are increasingly taking on the form of an entertainment show, which is beginning to prevail over the sports component of MMA. The leadership of large organizations is increasingly paying attention to the bright image of a fighter and his charisma, rather than to his fighting qualities. If you know how to speak well, don't get flustered in front of the camera and can easily insult your opponent, then, all other things being equal, your chance of getting a big fight or getting to the title doubles.
It is not surprising that in these realities, one of the important factors for the promotion of a fighter and the development of his career is the number of subscribers in social networks, no matter how funny it may sound. If millions of people follow you on the same Instagram, they see you every day on the screens of their devices, scrolling through their feed in the morning, which means they will know when your next fight is and, at a minimum, they will be interested in the result of this fight. In fact, in the century information technology, subscribers, this is the liveliest audience and its number directly affects the financial success of a fighter. As you may have guessed, today we will talk about the most popular fighters on the Internet.
10. Paige VanZant
Instagram: 1.9 million
Twitter: 300 thousand
Total reach: 2.2 million
Our ranking opens with the cutie from the UFC flyweight division, Paige VanZant. Not many people follow her on Twitter, but her Instagram audience is almost 2 million people, which makes sense: most people are more interested in VanZant's racy photos than her tweets. Two million is not bad for a girl with a 4-3 UFC record. The charismatic 24-year-old gained her greatest popularity while riding a three-fight winning streak in the UFC, but then lost to Rose Namajunas in a bloodbath. However, Paige's popularity level has not dropped, quite the opposite. The reason for this is that after the first defeat, the athlete took part in the American television project “Dancing with the Stars”, and not only took part, but won in the final of season 22. After some time, VanZant released an autobiographical book in which she admitted that she had become a victim gang rape at school. Great PR. Since then, Paige's popularity on social media has increased, as has her breast size, following silicone implant surgery.
9. Daniel Cormier
Instagram: 1.8 million
Twitter: 700 thousand
Total reach: 2.5 million
In ninth place is the greatest UFC fighter regardless of weight categories, light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. DC has fewer Instagram followers than Paige VanZant, but has surpassed her in Twitter followers. The two-weight champion and his career, information about which often appears on Twitter, are followed by many people. Daniel Cormier's Instagram is all about belts, belts, training, training and more training. Oh yes, and some family photos. It is worth noting that Cormier gained the lion's share of popularity after winning the heavyweight championship belt in a fight with Stipe Miocic. Until this moment, Cormier was not in the top ten.
8. Jose Aldo
Instagram: 2 million
Twitter: 900 thousand
Total reach: 2.9 million
Jose Aldo has an obscenely large following on Twitter. His tweets are read by more than 900 thousand people, most of whom are probably Brazilian. He gained a significant part of this audience in 2015, during a fierce confrontation with Conor McGregor, whom only the deaf had not heard of at that time. Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians signed up for their compatriot out of patriotic convictions, in the hope that he would defend the honor of the country in a fight with the arrogant Irishman. Didn't defend it. Now the popularity of the Brazilian ex-champion in social media. networks has faded significantly, and in the UFC they no longer pay as much attention to him as before.
7. Nate Diaz
Instagram: 2.6 million
Twitter: 1.1 million
Total reach: 3.7 million
In seventh place is the infamous UFC fighter from Stockton, Nate Diaz. And again, not without the help of Conor McGregor. It's no secret that Diaz gained the lion's share of his current popularity (quite deservedly) by strangling Conor McGregor in 2016, inflicting his first defeat in the UFC. However, the Diaz brothers were already popular in the states. More than a million people read the younger Diaz's stoned tweets. Nate, every now and then, will say something that is then discussed by the whole MMA world. Show up at a press conference for an upcoming fight and then tweet "I will not fight on this show. Fuck the UFC!" - it's his style. In almost all the photos on Instagram, Diaz shows off with his training buddies, and in these photos Diaz has practically no eyes.
6. Georges St. Pierre
Instagram: 2 million
Twitter: 1.95 million
Total reach: 3.95 million
Georges St-Pierre is a true superstar in Canada. Even those who are not even close to the UFC know him there. St-Pierre is one of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history, so it would be surprising if he wasn't on this list. Even though former champion The UFC welterweight and middleweight has one foot in retirement and remains one of the most popular fighters in the world. His kindness, respect and human simplicity appeal to many fans, so it is not surprising that two million people follow him on Instagram and almost the same number read his Twitter. He has a lot of regular workout photos on Instagram, but his legendary status means that you can find other, more interesting photos, with no less legendary people.
5. Jon Jones
Instagram: 3 million
Twitter: 2.05 million
Total reach: 5.05 million
Jon "Bones" Jones surpassed Daniel Cormier this time too. The former light heavyweight champion opens the top five. Jones' total follower count is twice that of Cormier. Jones is quite a controversial figure in the MMA world. On the one hand, he is a phenomenal fighter who destroyed all the opponents he faced in the cage and became the youngest champion in UFC history. The other side is marred by Jones' legal troubles, failed drug tests and a penchant for drinking and drinking. Jones' Instagram is full of cool workout videos and motivational quotes, from Gandhi to the Bible, while at the same time replete with "candid" messages to all his haters.
4. Anderson Silva
Instagram: 2.9 million
Twitter: 7.9 million
Total reach: 10.8 million
And in fourth place in the ranking is the first and only fighter whose Twitter audience exceeds the audience on Instagram, almost three times as much. It is not clear what is causing this gap. Last year, “The Spider” failed a doping test for the second time, which led to the cancellation of his fight against Kelvin Gastelum. Silva's suspension ends this November, so the legendary former middleweight champion is set to return to the Octagon this year and aims to fight Conor McGregor. Despite his problems with the anti-doping agency USADA, Anderson Silva remains one of the most exciting, outstanding and memorable fighters in the history of mixed martial arts. Judging by his Instagram, Spider simply loves to train and play airsoft.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is perhaps the fastest growing sport in the world. Every day the number of his fans is growing inexorably. Even though this species sport is only about 25 years old, during which short time there have been many great champions. It is quite possible that this list best fighters MMA in another 25 years will look completely different, but today it looks like this.
St-Pierre, known by his nickname "Napor", is one of the most promising fighters in the MMA world. Canadian competitor, former UFC welterweight champion. He's still in his prime (born in 1981) and when you look at his superior athleticism and wrestling skills, he's still going strong. During participation in UFC fights In the welterweight category, Georges St-Pierre had 27 fights, of which he won 25 and only 2 defeats, both of which he avenged. In 2008 and 2009 he was recognized as the best athlete of the year in Canada, and also according to the Wrestling Observer magazine as the best fighter of 2009.
Anderson Silva, also known as "Spider" (born 1975) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist. He recently lost the championship to the younger and stronger Chris Wideman. But still, Silva remains one of the best fighters who took part in mixed martial arts. The Brazilian master held the champion title for the longest time in UFC history, defending it 10 fights in a row. UFC President Dane White called Silva the strongest fighter in the history of mixed martial arts.
Five-time UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion (record three times). Randy (known as “The Natural,” “Captain America”) became the first fighter to win two UFC championship belts in two different weight categories. Randy Couture (born in 1963) is known not only as American fighter, who performed at Greco-Roman wrestling and MMA, but also as an actor and showman.
Chuck Liddell for MMA, someone like Michael Jordan for basketball, David Beckham for football, in one word “SUPERSTAR”. It is no exaggeration to say that to this day he is considered the most popular UFC fighter of all time, and probably one of the best. Charles David Liddell, nicknamed “Icy,” born in 1969, is a professional kickboxer and UFC light heavyweight world champion from 2005 to 2007.
Sixth place in the ranking of the best MMA fighters goes to Bas Rutten. This is a Dutch kickboxer who took part in mixed martial arts fights. UFC heavyweight champion. Bas Rutten (born in 1965), also known by the nickname “Handsome”, finished his career without ever losing, he had 22 fights, of which 21 victories and 1 draw. Rutten's favorite tactic is to attack the liver, both with his hand and his foot. His charisma, inside and outside the octagon, helped make the Dutch athlete a celebrity. Today, the former champion is a television commentator and has also appeared in several films and video games.
Royce Gracie (born December 12, 1966) is a Brazilian fighter and master of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His name is first on the list in the UFC Hall of Fame. Considered one of the most influential figures in MMA history. He gained his fame thanks to victories over larger opponents with the help of wrestling techniques, thereby drawing the attention of athletes participating in MMA to study more ground wrestling. During his career, which ended in 2007, Gracie fought 16 fights, winning 14 of them.
Matt Hughes (born October 13, 1973) is an American mixed martial artist and former two-time champion UFC welterweight. He defended his title a total of seven times, a record for the welterweight division. In his prime, Matt Hughes was literally unstoppable. During his career, he fought 54 fights, winning 45 of them.
Dan Henderson
Words are not enough to describe the greatness of Dan Henderson. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most durable MMA fighters of all time. What's even more impressive is that he is still fighting younger athletes to this day. Dan Henderson (b. August 24, 1970), nicknamed "Hendo", became the first fighter to win the Pride Championship in multiple weight classes (welterweight and middleweight). Former Olympic wrestler. He has won more titles than any other fighter in MMA history.
Igor Vovchanchyn (born June 8, 1973) - former Ukrainian kickboxer and mixed martial arts fighter, winner and medalist of many tournaments mixed style. Igor (born in 1973) known by the nickname “Cold Blooded” was one of the most dominant fighters of all time, from 1995 to 2000 he fought 32 fights in a row, never losing. In total, the kickboxer had 87 fights, of which he won 76. Igor Vovchanchyn was also one of the shortest (174 cm) heavyweight fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
Fedor Emelianenko
“The Last Emperor”, “Terminator”, these are the nicknames of Fedor Emelianenko (born September 28, 1976), the greatest MMA fighter who ever entered the octagon. Four-time world champion in MMA in the heavy weight category, seven-time champion of Russia and four-time champion world by combat sambo. International Master of Sports in Judo and Honored Master of Sports in Sambo.
For almost 10 years, Fedor remained unbeaten, having fought a total of 32 fights during this period of time, which made him the best fighter in the history of MMA.
The sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), which translated from English means “mixed martial arts,” appeared relatively recently. In art mixed fights Athletes of different weight categories take part. Over the 25 years of its existence, legendary personalities have appeared in the ranks of MMA who have gone down in the history of the sport as the most invincible. Modern martial art is widely popular among sports fans and is developing rapidly. The article presents the best MMA fighters of all time.
10.
the best American fighter who became a five-time UFC champion. The athlete took part in 30 fights, of which he won 19. The wrestler was the first to win the champion title in the heavy and light heavy weight categories. Couture began to practice professional boxing while still in the army. From that moment on, sport became his main hobby and activity. Last Stand, in which he won, took place in 2010. His opponent is James Tonney, who did not intend to lose to Captain America. The ambitious James's expectations were not met, and he lost to Couture in the 1st round. The athlete’s multiple victories and possession of the champion title in two solid weight categories include him in the ranks
9. Chuck Lidell
Chuck Lidell nicknamed "Ice", is one of the most skilled fighters throughout the history of MMA. In the 90s he gains fame and first victories in the light heavyweight categories. For 4 years (1999-2003), Chuck maintained the bar of an invincible fighter. The fight with Randy Couture becomes a defeat for him. The next meeting of world champions took place in 2005. The fight for the UFC champion belt became victorious for Chuck. He becomes a four-time UFC champion. The athlete leaves MMA in 2010. To this day, Lidell holds the record for knockouts in the entire history of the sport.
8.
remained in MMA history as an invincible and legendary fighter. He took part in 22 fights and left the sport without a single defeat. The former Dutch kickboxer became a three-time mixed martial arts champion. The athlete was helped to win battles by his amazing determination, thirst for glory and his individual liver attack techniques. “Handsome” Rutten is rightfully included in the 10 best athletes martial arts in heavy weight.
7.
one of the best pioneering MMA fighters of all time this sport. The Brazilian fighter gained his popularity thanks to numerous victories using the Jiu-Jitsu technique, which he learned from his father back in early age. Royce is one of the first UFC champions. In 2007, he left the sport due to the discovery of excessive levels of steroids in his blood during a fight. Despite the fact that the incident put a black mark on the fighter’s reputation, he will still be remembered in history as a legendary figure in the world of martial arts.
6.
held the welterweight title seven times in a row, which was a world record for this weight category. The two-time champion fought Royce Gracie in 2005 and defeated the legendary fighter. Matt has long been considered one of the unbeatable MMA fighters. Therefore, the American is considered one among the best fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
5.
is one of the 10 most legendary martial arts athletes. During his entire stay in the sport of MMA, he managed to win 76 battles out of 87. The Ukrainian fighter at the peak of his fame won victory after victory, as a result of which he emerged as the absolute winner of 37 fights that took place in a row. Despite his height - 174 cm - the record holder became most popular heavyweight fighter in MMA history. This is the most powerful fighter in the entire history of martial arts.
4.
was named the best Canadian athlete in 2009. Throughout his career, the fighter won 24 out of 26 fights. In 2007, he won the champion title after a battle with Matt Hughes. George defended his UFC title 11 times in a row, making him the unsurpassed fighter in MMA history.
3.
nicknamed "Spider", for a long time was considered the most strong fighter in all weight categories. He started his MMA career in 2000. He defended the championship title 10 times in a row. The martial arts leader took part in 39 fights and 33 of them ended in victory for him. Among those defeated by Silva is such a serious opponent as Fedor Emelyanov. The Brazilian is rightfully in the top three the best MMA fighters of all time.
2.
absolute leader in titles won in all weight categories. This is the first fighter in history to win championships in two leading mixed martial arts organizations. martial art– UFC and Pride. The most important victory in the entire history of the fighter’s battles is his fight with the undisputed champion in all weight categories Fedor Emelianenko, of whom he was a fan. The victory over the invincible Russian hero brought Henderson fame. The forty-five-year-old American is still in the ranks of MMA fighters. The champion prefers to choose younger fighters as his opponents. The American athlete is one of the best athletes in mixed martial arts.
1.
the brightest star in the 25-year existence of MMA. This is the most worthy and strong athlete in all weight categories. The Russian "Terminator" remained invincible for 8 years. From 2001-2009 he fought in 27 fights with worthy opponents and emerged as an absolute winner. According to many experts, the four-time world champion is considered best fighter in MMA history. Among the serious fighters he defeated are: Antonio Rodrigo, Tim Sylvia, Renato Sobral, Andrei Orlovsky and others. The first controversial loss occurred in 2000, when the undisputed champion was injured in the ring by Tsuyoshi Kosaka with a prohibited move. In 2002, the fighter won the title of champion of the Japanese MMA organization RINGS. In 2005, he again meets with the Japanese Kosaka and defeats him. One of the most important fights of all time in the career of the Russian champion is the battle with the then undefeated fighter Nogueira for the Pride champion title. The Russian fighter emerges victorious from the battle and becomes the last Pride champion. After defeating heavyweight Pedro Rizzo in 2012, Fedor decided to leave MMA. In July 2015, the athlete announced that he was returning to the ring. Next fight is due to take place in Japan on December 31st.
Fedor Emyalienko will go down in MMA history as a legendary figure.
There are many famous fighters. Among them one can single out the best and titled ones. In addition, you can find out who is the strongest fighter in the world and who is the highest paid.
The best fighters of fights without rules
There are many ratings that determine the best martial arts fighters. All such reports can be called correct, some agree with them, and some do not. One of the best, without a doubt, is Fedor Emelianenko. His career in mixed martial arts began in 2000, and in 2001, according to Rings, he was already a world champion. Two years later, Fedor was awarded the same title according to Pride. Over the years of his career, the athlete has been repeatedly called the strongest man on the planet. Numerous fans nicknamed him " The Last Emperor" He spent ten years without a single loss, which is unique for fights without rules and for MMA. This unique athlete ended his career in 2012.Fedor's brother is also a famous fighter without rules - this is Alexander Emelianenko. His career began in 2003. Out of twenty-one fights, he has four defeats. In 2009, the athlete tried himself in professional boxing, however, limited himself to only one fight, which ended in a draw.
Mike Zambidis is one of the strongest fighters, whose name appears in the Guinness Book of Records. His record is forty-eight knockouts out of sixty fights. His name was known in Europe back in 1998. According to the latest data, the athlete fought one hundred and sixty fights, of which only seventeen were lost, but eighty-four were won by knockout. Mike retired from his career in 2011.
Another strong fighter in mixed martial arts- Batu Khasikov. He has more than two hundred fights in his career. Also the best fighters are Dan Henderson, Antonio Silva and Rashad Evans. Rashad managed to win victories over Forrest Griffin, Chuck Liddell, Stefan Bonnar and Michael Bisping.
During the entire existence of the UFC championship, Jon Jones became its youngest winner. His success is dizzying; it is possible that he will occupy a leadership position in the UFC championship for a long time in the light heavyweight division.
Jeff Monson is a famous fighter who is considered one of the strongest in mixed martial arts. A fighter who competes for Russia in the heavyweight division is Sergei Kharitonov. Having started professional career in 2002, the athlete still performs. In 2004, according to Pride, he became a bronze medalist.
Anderson Silva is a fighter who has lost only four out of thirty-five fights. The athlete is the current MMA champion. He often wins beautiful victories, which is why his fans like him.
The Greatest MMA Fighters
Among the MMA fighters there are simply huge ones. This is Emmanuel Yarborough. With a height of two meters and ten centimeters, the athlete weighs three hundred kilograms. For such dimensions he received the nickname “Man of Mountain”. 
When compiling the TOP 10 best heavyweights in MMA history, Fedor Emelianenko is recognized as the leader. His weight is one hundred and six kilograms. The big one is Antonio Nogueira. The athlete's weight is one hundred and five kilograms. In third place in the ranking is heavyweight and light heavyweight fighter Randy Couture.
Other big MMA fighters are Mirko Filipovic and Josh Barnett, Frank Mir and Tim Sylvia.
The most titled fighter
Recognized as one of the most popular and at the same time the most titled in UFC history five-time champion Randy Couture. He won victories in both the heavy and light heavyweight categories. 
Randy Couture received names such as "The Natural" and "Captain America." His career and achievements are truly brilliant. It should be noted that Randy became the only fighter who managed to become a champion in two weight categories at once.
Highest paid fighter
Some fighters don't limit themselves to prize money from fights. They also make money from advertising, film roles, and some investments. The heavyweight champion at one time was a fighter named Brock Lesnar. He was recognized as the highest paid in MMA in 2010. On the list of the most highly paid athletes, Lesnar took the thirteenth position. His current net worth exceeds twelve and a half million dollars. 
Chuck Liddell's income is estimated at thirteen million dollars, and Randy Couture managed to earn fourteen million. Tite Ortiz has a fortune of fifteen million dollars, and Bee Jane Penn has a fortune of twenty million. It must be said that most of Pena’s fortune was not earned by fighting. He co-authored several books on martial arts and also wrote his autobiography. The athlete starred in the film “Never Give Up.”
The strongest fighter in the world
Fedor Emelianenko is considered the strongest fighter in the world. He was called the “Russian Experiment”, “Terminator” and “The Last Emperor”. He has no equal in mixed martial arts. The athlete became famous for the fact that for ten years, having fought thirty-two fights, he never lost. 
Defeats in his career only began to appear when he was not young enough. For ten years, while in his prime, he remained the heavyweight champion, defeating several UFC and Pride champions. No one has ever been able to defeat a large number champions than Emelianenko did. Most experts consider him the king of MMA.
And the strongest man in the world does not practice boxing, but another sport...
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