MMA’s top 10 most popular fighters

 

 

MMA’s popularity has skyrocketed, but some gladiators are more well known than others. Here’s a list of some of the top fighters in terms of popularity, which includes the MMA fans and mass population.9

 

Chuck Liddell

Was the face of the UFC as it hit mainstream popularity. His spectacular KOs and reign over the 205 pound division, as well as his coaching on The Ultimate Fighter 1 on Spike TV won over may fans.

 

Brock Lesnar

His WWE wrestling fame gives him a huge following, much greater than most fighters in the sport.

 

Tito Ortiz

The poster boy of the UFC in the early 2000s allowed Ortiz to become a huge fan favorite. He’s a polarizing figure, some love him and some hate him, but he draws interest every time he competes. His appearance on Celebrity Apprentice gained him a huge audience too.

 

Ken Shamrock

Another WWE star who had a career in the UFC, which led to many associating “Ultimate Fighting” with Ken Shamrock. New fans also got a taste of Shamrock with is coaching on The Ultimate Fighter 3 on Spike TV.

 

Randy Couture

His legendary status in the UFC throughout the years was also experienced by new fans as he came back in 2007 from retirement and defeated Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title. His much publicized departure from the UFC and talks about fighting Fedor Emelianenko has escalated his name in the mainstream.

 

Fedor Emelianenko

Considered the best fighter in the world by many pundits, Fedor’s name has been heavily out there in the media as the Russian is the most sought after name in the sport. Japan’s adoration for the heavyweight, who fought most his career in Pride FC, also adds to his  huge worldwide following.

 

Quinton Jackson

Highly charismatic and talented, the 205 pound champ in the UFC gained many fans via his KO of Chuck Liddell. His hilarious jokes and antics won him over in Pride FC in Japan, and now North American, European and MMA fans worldwide are well aware of his prescience.

 

Wanderlei Silva

“The Axe Murderer” is a huge hero in Brazil and was worshipped by the Japanese during his extensive reign as middleweight champ there. His classic grudge match with Chuck Liddell which was years in the making finally took place in late 2007, and lived up to the hype.

 

Kimbo Slice

His street fighting antics won him millions of fans off YouTube and online, but his KOs in the cage has many of the MMA community taking notice of his skills. Many don’t know the term “MMA” but have familiarity with the name “Kimbo.”

 

Bob Sapp

His gargantuan frame and MMA exploits in Japan made him a rockstar in the east. North Americans also fell in love with “The Beast”, who was involved in a melee with Mike Tyson.

 

 

Honorable mentions:

 

Royce Gracie

The original “Ultimate Fighter”

 

GSP

Everybody loves Georges St. Pierre and he is considered the future of the sport

 

Forrest Griffin

TUF 1 star turned superstar