UFC’s 25 greatest Brazilian fighters of all time

Making the lower to kick off this record is longtime UFC light-weight wins chief Gleison Tibau.

You won’t see quite a lot of Tibau footage being performed on spotlight reels, however this Brazilian powerhouse was quietly one of many hardest outs at 155 kilos all through the promotion’s golden period.

Not solely is Tibau the one fighter who has an argument for beating the undefeated phenom, Khabib Nurmagomedov, however the American High Workforce consultant nonetheless holds the document for probably the most takedowns landed in UFC light-weight historical past (84).

Tibau, not less than in response to Joe Rogan, can also be one of many largest lightweights we’ve seen contact down within the UFC’s octagon.

Additionally making the lower as a non-champion who by no means challenged for a UFC title is Brazilian warhorse, Edson Barboza.

Regardless of surprisingly by no means difficult for a belt, nobody needs to be questioning Barboza’s place on this record.

Except for having an inventory of knockouts that deserves its personal article, Barboza continues to wreak havoc throughout two of the game’s deepest division properly over a decade since his UFC debut.

From following the footsteps of Brazilians who got here earlier than by scoring leg kick knockouts to setting his personal bar with spinning kick highlights that may stand the take a look at of time, Barboza stays a stalwart for Brazil’s most interesting when speaking about hanging in MMA.

In relation to specialists who’ve discovered success within the octagon, it’s tough to disclaim Demian Maia for what he was in a position to accomplish with Brazilian jiu-jitsu in MMA’s trendy period.

After blended success at and failed bid for the UFC title at 185 kilos, Maia moved right down to the welterweight division the place he would expertise an unbelievable profession renaissance.

Seamlessly melding his jiu-jitsu with some newfound wrestling abilities into one strong sword, Maia was in a position to take the division by storm, setting submission information within the course of.

Maia might have by no means gained a UFC title regardless of his two tries at-bat, however the Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend nonetheless holds standings for having the third most submission wins in UFC historical past.

Talking of Brazilian jiu-jitsu legends who did properly within the octagon, how will you deny Ronaldo Souza a spot on this record?

An athletic phenom who tore via the Gi and No-Gi grappling world, “Jacare” ultimately made his approach over to MMA to use himself equally.

Not solely did Souza’s athleticism seamlessly lend itself to the wrestling facet of MMA, however the former Strikeforce champion was additionally in a position to decide up hanging abilities at a shocking clip.

Souza’s lack of UFC gold retains him from being ranked greater on this record, although it needs to be famous that it was accidents and unlucky matchmaking circumstances that unfairly saved Souza away from a deserved title shot throughout his prime (a time when nobody wished to combat Jacare).

Say what you’ll about ladies’s divisions north of 135 kilos, however I’d be remiss if I left Cris Cyborg off of this record.

Although quite a lot of Cyborg’s success got here underneath Scott Coker-ran promotions like Strikeforce and Bellator, her arrival within the UFC marked a breaking of boundaries that many wouldn’t have thought attainable given her historical past with UFC president, Dana White.

Cyborg might have come up quick in an odd combat with Amanda Nunes again at UFC 232, however that doesn’t change the optimistic affect she’s had on ladies’s MMA.

Breaking the highest 20 is former UFC bantamweight champion, Renan Barao.

Regardless of most remembering “The Baron” for his precipitous decline after his sequence with T.J. Dillashaw, many neglect that Barao was using a formidable 32-fight profitable streak headed into that title combat.

And although we by no means acquired a title-unification bout with Dominick Cruz throughout Barao’s reign, the Nova Uniao fighter was nonetheless in a position to ship some insanely entertaining finishes throughout his tenure.

Preventing in nearly each ladies’s division that’s ever existed within the UFC, it’s tough to disclaim former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade a spot on this record.

A powerhouse who began her UFC profession at 135 kilos, “Bate Estaca” would ultimately work her approach right down to strawweight, the place she was in a position to safe a world title reverse Rose Namajunas in entrance of her house nation of Brazil.

Andrade additionally managed to work her approach to a title shot at flyweight, however continues to marketing campaign at 115 kilos.

Securing a agency spot on this record is Brazil’s first UFC titleholder, Murilo Bustamante.

Though many are most likely shouting the title “Royce Gracie” at this text, enable me to remind you that up till Bustamante’s win over Dave Menne again at UFC 35, Brazil might solely have declare to UFC event champions (provided that weight lessons like middleweight weren’t formally rolled out within the UFC till 2001 per the New Jersey Athletic Management Board).

After using his underrated boxing abilities to beat the UFC’s first middleweight champion, Menne, Bustamante then defended his title in opposition to Workforce Quest standout Matt Linland (whom Bustamante needed to submit twice because of a serious error on the a part of referee John McCarthy).

Like many champions in the course of the UFC’s early days, Bustamante ended up departing from the group because of contract points. Not solely did Bustamante by no means lose his UFC middleweight title within the octagon, however the Brazilian High Workforce founder arguably beat prime variations of Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson in nip-tuck affairs north of 185 kilos.

Talking of Brazilian pioneers who don’t get talked about sufficient, there was no approach I wasn’t going to incorporate Marco Ruas on this record.

Except for following Royce Gracie to grow to be Brazil’s second UFC event champion at UFC 7, Ruas was the primary Brazilian fighter to efficiently cross-train and apply a number of martial arts on the highest stage (one thing that was thought-about controversial on the time amongst his fellow Brazilian martial artist).

Regardless of being largely billed as a Luta Livre fighter (which is Brazilian submission wrestling), Ruas was additionally a really expert striker who popularized every little thing from foot stomps to leg kicks within the octagon.

“If you happen to grapple me, I punch and kick you. If you happen to punch and kick me, I grapple you. There’s no approach out.” – Marco Ruas

Rating energetic champions on these kinds of lists could be tough, however I’ve a tough time not firmly rating one in all my favourite fighters, Alexandre Pantoja.

Except for being a perennially underrated expertise who needed to take the lengthy highway to get right here, Pantoja has confirmed to be an all-action entertainer in victory or defeat.

Not solely has Pantoja delivered a number of the biggest flyweight fights en path to capturing the division’s title, however the Brazilian stays a task mannequin for followers and future fighters alike, reminding us what we will obtain regardless of a few of life’s darker struggles.

Narrowly notching a high 15 spot is a former flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo.

Arguably probably the most devastating puncher that the division has seen since John Lineker, Figueiredo was an absolute power at 125 kilos.

Figueiredo struggled to make the burden and carry out constantly towards the tip of his flyweight run, however “Deus da Guerra” continues to efficiently marketing campaign up a division at bantamweight.

Regardless of his distinctive UFC rise making it tough for a lot of to each rank and gauge his potential, there’s no denying the fight sports activities resume that Alex Pereira has been in a position to accrue in such a short while.

Between being a two-division Glory kickboxing champion and having severe historical past with Israel Adesanya, Pereira was fast-tracked to a title shot after a number of profitable showings within the octagon.

After going 1-1 with Adesanya and profitable a title at 185 kilos, Pereira moved as much as gentle heavyweight and located rapid success in opposition to three former champions en path to securing one other undisputed UFC world championship.

Akin to the earlier three picks, the ebook continues to be being written on Pereira’s profession.

Although a majority of his accolades came about throughout his tenure with Satisfaction Preventing Championships, there is no such thing as a approach I’m not mentioning Brazil’s most beloved heavyweight champion, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Not solely did Nogueira’s deceptively clever recreation affect the likes of different Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters like Demian Maia and Rani Yahya, however “Large Nog” was additionally in a position to safe wins (in addition to a UFC interim heavyweight title) reverse former champions like Tim Sylvia and Randy Couture.

The insane mileage of Nogueira ultimately caught as much as him in a rush as soon as he hit the post-prime stage of his profession, however the legendary Brazilian nonetheless did his finest to maintain shocking us till the tip. And although I want he retired in entrance of his house nation again at UFC 134, he produced a reminiscence that nobody in that crowd will quickly neglect.

Akin to the prior choice, Wanderlei Silva is one other fighter who did his finest work in different organizations – however nonetheless deserves a strong spot on this record.

In truth, earlier than Silva started terrorizing Satisfaction Preventing Championship’s middleweight division, “The Axe Assassin” had already competed contained in the UFC’s octagon in opposition to some notable names. However with future taking Silva over to Japan, the Brazilian bruiser wouldn’t combat for the North American promotion till UFC 79, the place he was instantly matched up with arch-rival Chuck Liddell.

Though Silva misplaced greater than he gained within the UFC, the previous Satisfaction champ was nonetheless in a position to placed on some unbelievable performances – together with an unforgettable barnburner with Brian Stann that closed out each of their UFC careers.

Coming in simply exterior of the highest 10 is MMA’s biggest sportsman, Glover Teixeira.

Not solely does Teixeira maintain the document for many finishes in gentle heavyweight historical past (13), however his title-winning effort reverse Jan Blachowicz made the Brazilian the oldest first-time champion at 42 years of age.

Not solely was Teixeira’s late-career title run an inconceivable one, however John Hackleman-trained was in a position to produce unforgettable moments that ranged from epic title fights to real-life Recreation of Thrones reenactments.

Teixeira’s MMA lineage additionally connects Corridor of Famer and former champion Chuck Liddell to the present UFC champ at 205 kilos (not less than on the time of this text), Alex Pereira.

Making the highest 10 is the legend killer himself, Fabricio Werdum.

Initially beginning his MMA profession as a grappling coach for different heavyweights like Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic, Werdum ultimately began to make a reputation for himself in organizations like Jungle Combat and Satisfaction Preventing Championships. And after a short stint within the UFC the place Werdum was lower after going 2-2, “Vai Cavalo” ultimately returned to the promotion years later with a way more full recreation in tow.

Werdum already had a win over the legendary Fedor Emelianenko by the point of his second UFC run, however the Brazilian added the last word cherry on high by beating the extremely touted Cain Velasquez for the UFC heavyweight title.

Notching the No. 9 slot is former UFC light-weight champion, Rafael dos Anjos.

One other Brazilian champion who began his UFC profession at 2-2, dos Anjos positively had the tougher highway to success with regard to his title path.

After beating fighters like Nate Diaz and Benson Henderson, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt lastly acquired a shot to point out off his improved recreation for the light-weight title reverse Anthony Pettis.

Although dos Anjos dropped the belt after one protection, the Brazilian warhorse was in a position to proceed to show his medal by transferring as much as welterweight, the place he was in a position to beat former champions and problem for an interim belt.

Coming in at No. 8 is among the most fan-friendly UFC heavyweight champions, Junior Dos Santos.

Stepping onto the scene with an emphatic knockout of Fabricio Werdum, the younger Brazilian would go on to accrue the longest win streak in UFC heavyweight historical past, profitable 9 fights in a row.

After dropping his title in a rematch with Cain Velasquez, Dos Santos was nonetheless in a position to give us some unbelievable highlight-reel knockouts reverse fellow strikers like Mark Hunt. He even placed on an instantaneous heavyweight traditional with Stipe Miocic again at UFC on FOX 13.

Taking the No. 7 slot is among the most unusual fighters on this record, Lyoto Machida.

A fighter who went on a outstanding undefeated run to a earn UFC title, you may see why Joe Rogan anointed the Brazilian’s reign as “the Machida period” again at UFC 98.

Though Machida ended up dropping the title after one protection, “The Dragon” continued to be a tough out at each gentle heavyweight and middleweight – difficult for titles in every division.

Machida additionally continued so as to add to his spotlight reel, touchdown karate-style entrance kicks on Randy Couture and Vitor Belfort that may stand the take a look at of time.

Touchdown simply exterior the highest 5 is one other Brazilian fighter who made his title in Japan, Mauricio Rua.

Regardless of arguably being post-prime by the point he acquired to the UFC as a result of quantity of mileage on his knees alone, “Shogun” was nonetheless in a position to obtain a UFC championship by changing into the primary man to formally defeat Machida.

Although Rua ended up dropping the title to an up-and-coming Jon Jones again at UFC 128, the Satisfaction grand prix champion went on to provide his followers unforgettable fights in opposition to the likes of Dan Henderson and Brandon Vera earlier than a painfully sluggish and regular exit from the game.

Narrowly taking a high 5 spot is arguably the best feminine fighter that the octagon has ever seen in Amanda Nunes.

Nunes initially began her profession as a wild brawler who got here from a judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu background, however ultimately discovered her kind as a crushing athletic phenom who holds victories over ladies’s MMA legends like Ronda Rousey and Cris Cyborg.

Although I at all times wished to see a rematch between her and Cyborg, maybe Nunes could be lured out of retirement by Kayla Harrison. However no matter Nunes’ future, her legacy as an all-time nice stays firmly safe.

Notching the No. 4 spot is a Brazilian legend Vitor Belfort, whose profession transcends a number of generations.

Beginning his UFC profession as a heavyweight who was primarily being hailed as MMA’s Mike Tyson, Befort discovered success as a smaller heavyweight, profitable a UFC event championship again at UFC 12.

Belfort made his gentle heavyweight debut just a little over a yr later at UFC 17.5, stopping a younger Wanderlei Silva in simply 44 seconds.Regardless of briefly profitable a title at 205 kilos in his sequence with Randy Couture, Belfort ultimately washed out of the group, solely to return at middleweight virtually 5 years later.

And although Belfort did not seize a title at 185 kilos, “The Phenom” proved that an previous canine can be taught new tips – incorporating a plethora of kick KOs late into his profession.

Taking a top-three spot is none apart from Brazilian fan favourite, Charles Oliveira.

An motion fighter who’s harmful in all phases, Oliveira at the moment holds the document for probably the most finishes in UFC historical past at 20. And although Oliveira has break up time between two divisions throughout his UFC tenure, “Do Bronx” nonetheless holds high submission standings at each featherweight and light-weight.

Not solely did Oliveira repay an unbelievable profession by profitable the UFC light-weight title (a title that he technically by no means misplaced within the octagon), however the former champion continues to pay issues ahead to his fellow Brazilians from the favelas, proving why he’s a folks’s champion in each sense of the phrase.

Although you would simply make the case for “The King of Rio” to take the highest slot, Jose Aldo should accept a prestigious second place.

Regardless of formally being credited with 7 profitable title defenses, Aldo really defended his belt 9 consecutive occasions when you rely his run with the WEC.

One of the dominant champions on this sport’s historical past, Aldo’s profession is packed filled with memorable moments that vary from his insane sequence with Chad Mendes in Brazil to his post-prime win over Jeremy Stephens.

Aldo, who additionally has a notable story about his rise from poverty within the favelas, is one other folks’s champion for the nation of Brazil.

Regardless of Nos. 1 and a couple of virtually being interchangeable, I discovered it tough to disclaim Anderson Silva the highest spot on this record.

A Corridor of Famer in each sense of the phrase, Silva has a slew of highlgihts over the course of his epic championship run (that technically constitutes because the longest title run in UFC historical past).

From Silva’s comeback submission win over Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 to the entrance kick heard around the globe at UFC 126, “The Spider” has equipped MMA with sufficient highlights to fulfill our appetites for years to come back.

Whether or not we’re speaking about revolutionizing strategies or setting the usual of an period, Silva has undeniably influenced all the martial arts sphere whereas representing his nation of Brazil underneath the UFC banner.

Honorable mentions: Raphael Assuncao, Pedro Rizzo, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Thiago Alves, Gilbert Burns