The title of best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA is one that has been heatedly debated by both fans and professionals of the sport. This is something that is not easily measured or determined as the fighters that are commonly mentioned are in varying weight classes and most will never fight each other.
There are five names that immediately come to mind when the subject of pound-for-pound king is mentioned:
- Fedor Emelianenko - The former Pride heavyweight champion and current WAMMA heavyweight champion. (Record 30-1-0 1NC)
- Anderson Silva - Current UFC middleweight champion. (Record 24-4-0)
- Georges St.Pierre - Current UFC welterweight champion. (Record 18-2-0)
- Jose Aldo - Current WEC featherweight champion. (Record 17-1)
- Lyoto Machida - Current UFC light heavyweight champion. (Record 15-0-0)
Fedor Emelianenko is considered by most as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport today as he has virtually destroyed all competition. This competition includes many former champions of both Pride and UFC and other top contenders. He has easily beaten top names such as Tim Sylvia, Andre Arlovski, and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. However, I don't believe that he can be given this title.
Fedor still hasn't fought for the biggest MMA promotion in the world, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where the top fighters in the world fight. Although he has beaten many big names, most were past their prime when they fought. Until Fedor decides to compete with the best in the UFC he cannot be considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. His most recent victory was over Brett Rogers who is hardly a top name in the world of MMA.
Jose Aldo has cemented his status as one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world with his recent destruction of Urijah Faber. Of his 17 victories 11 are by way of knockout and he doesn't even showcase his unbelievable jiu jitsu skills. The only thing that seems to hold him back in the rankings is that he is in the WEC, but this is sure to change with his idea of moving up and down in weight. His goal is to become the first fighter to win titles in three weight classes.
Lyoto Machida is the current UFC light heavyweight champion and has to have consideration as the top pound-for-pound fighter as this is the most competitive weight class in MMA. He has never been defeated and hasn't even lost a round in a professional fight. However, until he defends his title a few times cannot be considered the top in world. If he does continue his undefeated streak while defending his title there's no doubt he will become the pound-for-pound king. His last victory was over Shogun Rua, but this was a highly contested decision. The rematch in a few weeks should help determine if Machida is the best pound for pound fighter in the world.
Georges St.Pierre is often mentioned as the top pound-for-pound MMA fighter as he has dominated his past few fights. These fights even included a win against fellow pound-for-pound contender BJ Penn. The only thing that is keeping Georges from owning this title is his loss to Matt Serra. He was knocked out by an underdog, Serra, and although he did get his revenge this is still a sticking point on his record. He has dominated everyone else in his weight class including Thiago Alves, Dan Hardy, and Jon Fitch. His future may hold a match against Jake Shields who is actually considering one of the top in the world even though he's not currently in the UFC.
So this leaves one fighter in MMA who should own the title as pound-for-pound king. That title belongs to middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Silva is currently riding a 10 fight winning streak and has never lost while in the UFC. He has even moved up in weight class to easily defeat James Irvin and Forrest Griffin. Silva had a few losses early in his career, but has turned into a dominant and feared fighter. He has destroyed his competition and has requested to only fight the best in the future. His recent antics have put him in the spotlight, but he is still a dominating fighter. As long as he remains the champion in the UFC he will remain the pound-for-pound best in the sport of MMA.