UFC: Ranking the 5 Best Fighters in the Promotion's History

(Photo : Steven Ryan/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov faces-off with Conor McGregor during the UFC 229 Press Conference at Radio City Music Hall.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has offered a lot of individuals in the mixed martial arts scene. Many have had their share of glory, making it difficult to determine the 5 best fights in the promotion's history.

Here are some of the top names that come to mind as far as the UFC is concerned.

1. Conor McGregor

There is no doubt that "The Notorious" will always be among the first that come to mind. He is the first UFC fighter to be a simultaneous champion in two weight classes, featherweight and lightweight, per the Bleacher Report.

Aside from that, it is his brash character that added to his rise to fame. Injuries have hampered the Irishman's rise to fame. He last fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 but lost after the referee stopped the fight when McGregor suffered a broken tibia, per ESPN.

2. Chuck Lidell

During his prime, there is no question that Chuck Lidell was a monster inside the cage. He is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and is considered one of the reasons why the promotion shot to fame when he was still active.

After initially retiring in December 2010, "The Iceman" decided to fight again. He did so in November 2018, losing to Tito Ortiz via knockout in the first round. He would retire anew in March 2020, TMZ reported.

3. Jon "Bones" Jones

Jon Jones has had quite an MMA career. While he is known to be ferocious inside the cage, the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion's run had been hampered by several issues ranging from a hit-and-run incident to doping violations.

Regardless, the 36-year-old has managed to get up from these adversities and prove he is someone no fighter would want to mess with. No UFC fighter has been able to deal "Bones" a significant loss thus far in 29 matches.

Jones' only loss was to Matt Hamill in December 2009, a disqualification due to illegal blows in a controversial clash, MMA Junkie reported.

4. Demetrious Johnson

Demetrious Johnson was a huge name in the UFC before his jump to ONE Championship, where he is currently the flyweight champion. "Mighty Mouse" is best known for his quick striking and elusive movement, and most consider him the greatest UFC fighter of all time.

Even at 37, DJ proves he is a fighter who will be tough to crack. His entry into the cage alone is an advantage, although Johnson has had his share of losses in his MMA career.

Regardless, Johnson has proven he can bounce back from setbacks, proof of which was his storied trilogy with Adriano Moraes at ONE Championship.

5. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly another name that comes to mind on the UFC front. Although he is best known for his feud with Conor McGregor, the Russian never officially lost a match in 29 fights.

Debuting in 2008, most remain hopeful that "The Eagle" will change his mind and fight again. Nurmagomedov officially retired in 2021 and has since focused on being an MMA promoter.