A prominent MMA analyst published a top 10 greatest UFC fighters list that excluded Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, surprising many observers. The original ranking included fighters like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Volkanovski, and Randy Couture based on criteria such as title defenses, quality of opposition, and longevity. Critics argue that additional criteria should be considered, including impact on MMA popularization, peak performance dominance, commercial drawing power, and records achieved. An alternative top 10 was proposed that would include both Khabib and Conor, with Jon Jones at number one, GSP at two, Khabib at three, and Conor at four. The debate highlights the subjective nature of ranking fighters and whether greatness should be measured purely by championship accomplishments or also by broader influence on the sport.
A prominent MMA analyst's top 10 greatest UFC fighters list has sparked widespread debate after it omitted two of the sport's most recognizable names — Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor — generating fierce pushback from critics who argue the criteria used were too narrow.
The original ranking leaned heavily on title defenses, quality of opposition, and longevity, elevating fighters such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Volkanovski, and Randy Couture. Couture, now 63, compiled a 19-11 professional record across multiple weight classes, winning titles at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. His 57 percent striking accuracy and 2.78 takedowns per 15 minutes reflected the well-rounded, durable style that defined his era.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, 37, retired with a perfect 29-0 record — one of the most pristine in combat sports history. The Russian standout averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes and 4.1 significant strikes landed per minute, a combination that made him nearly impossible to fight effectively. His exclusion from the original list drew particular scrutiny.
Jon Jones, 38, carries a 28-1 record and brings elite physical tools to every fight — standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach, or 213 centimeters. His 58 percent striking accuracy leads all fighters mentioned here, and he lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute. The alternative ranking proposed by critics places Jones at number one, with Georges St-Pierre second, Khabib third, and McGregor fourth.
Why it matters
- Khabib's unbeaten record and dominant grappling output make his omission the most contested element of the original list
- The debate exposes a genuine methodological split: championship credentials versus broader cultural and commercial impact
- Jones topping the counter-ranking reflects his sustained multi-divisional excellence and physical statistical edge
- No consensus definition of greatness exists in MMA, making lists like this inherently and productively controversial
