Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic – two of the UFC's most decorated fighters – will engage in a highly anticipated battle for heavyweight supremacy on November 16.
Both fighters have obviously already cemented their remarkable legacies, but nevertheless remain determined to further expand their illustrious careers.
Jon Jones, the defending champion, is widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, having cemented his dominance over the past sixteen years.
And yet, should Stipe Miocic make a huge splash at UFC 309, the debate over who is the best mixed martial artist ever could become a lot more interesting.
However, based on where things stand leading up to their showdown, Bloody Elbow has ranked the top 10 UFC fighters of all time.
10. Alexander Vokanovsky
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With three wins over Max Holloway – another UFC legend – Alexander Volkanovski is considered by many to be the most formidable featherweight to enter the octagon.
Not only that, but the Australian even attempted to become a two-weight champion and despite two losses to bona fide 155-pound king Islam Makhachev, he has undoubtedly earned the respect of every MMA fan.
9. Daniel Cormier
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Daniel Cormier, now an esteemed broadcaster, was once a ruthless light heavyweight champion before dethroning Miocic for the heavyweight title in 2018.
And so, after joining a handful of fighters to become a two-division titleholder, while also sharing the cage with Jones twice, Cormier was able to build an extensive resume, taking on some of the most avoided players in his sport.
8. Stipe Miocic
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At 42 years old, Miocic is still largely defying fans' expectations while, above all, dispelling any doubts about his greatness in the land of the giants.
After all, the American managed to make three iconic title defenses during his reign, defeating tough contenders like Francis Ngannou and Alistair Overeem.
7. Conor McGregor
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While his return to the UFC is still up in the air, Conor McGregor's ultimate achievement – becoming a UFC duelingweight champion – is something that will be continually celebrated for years to come.
Furthermore, his 13-second demolition of Jose Aldo – a fellow legendary fighter – will always be remembered as one of the greatest MMA performances of all time.
6. Amanda Nunes
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Amanda Nunes, another duelingweight champion, is undoubtedly the most talented female fighter in UFC history.
With career-defining victories over the likes of Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm, 'The Lioness' was able to take women's MMA to a whole new level.
And while her scintillating run was temporarily halted by Julianna Pena, Nunes famously showed the heart of a lion to avenge her defeat in their immediate rematch.
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov
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Before Khabib Nurmagomedov retired with an impeccable, undefeated record, he proved exactly why he is one of the most elite wrestlers the world has ever seen.
Defeating McGregor, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in three incredible title defenses, fans can only imagine what could have happened if 'The Eagle' had stayed at lightweight for a while longer.
4. Anderson Silva
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Anderson Silva not only made a whopping ten defenses of his UFC middleweight title, but also dispatched his division's elite operators with a deadly combination of poise and ruthlessness.
And so, against the likes of Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort – two seasoned champions – 'The Spider' produced some of his most compelling performances.
3. Demetrious Johnson
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Rarely do fighters who campaign in the lower divisions get the appreciation they deserve, but when discussing Demetrious Johnson's career, it would simply be a crime not to have him in the top five of any GOAT list.
'Mighty Mouse' defended his UFC flyweight title eleven times before losing a controversial decision in his rematch with Henry Cejudo.
Nevertheless, his impressive reign was something fans continue to pay tribute to.
2. Georges St-Pierre
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By dominating his era at welterweight and even middleweight, Georges St-Pierre has a strong claim to be the number one fighter on this list.
The Canadian has, of course, defeated every man he has ever faced, with his career ultimately culminating in a third-round victory over Michael Bisping.
1. Jon Jones
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With a disqualification loss to Cormier being his only blemish in MMA's flagship promotion, Jones' run at light heavyweight was something that, quite frankly, might never be matched.
Employing a dynamic, polished MMA style and always a bag of tricks for any opponent, 'Bones' now looks to cement his legacy as a heavyweight.
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