Diego Sanchez (30-14): “Nightmare” has long been a fan favourite, whether it was watching him win TUF, challenge BJ Penn for a title, or even his HOF fight vs Clay Guida. Diego has given everything to a career that began in 2002 and has a spot saved as one of the pioneers of the sport in the early 2000s. Diego recently lost a decision to a much younger and injured Kevin Lee, hasn’t won a fight (not by DQ) since 2019 and is looking to fight out his contract (2 fights) with Egle FC, at 40 there isn’t much time left in his career but I’m sure Diego is looking to go out on top.
Diaz Brothers(Nick: 26-10, Nate: 20-13): This one may seem controversial to some considering Nate still has potential fights VS Masvidal, McGregor or Poirier, but as far as accomplishments go not many can shine a light on the success of the Diaz brothers. Nick is coming off a loss vs Robbie Lawler, where he did not look himself and hasn’t won since beating BJ Penn in 2011. Nate is also on a losing skid, but that’s to some of the best in the world, considering Nate fights nothing but the best, it will be very interesting to see where his future is heading. The Diaz brothers are the type of fighters to stay ready no matter what, but father time is as unforgiving as they come and the brothers have been through more wars than anyone on the UFC roster, they are unquestionable as pioneers and MMA HOF.
Andrei Arlovski (33-20-2): Why would Andrei retire considering he is on a 3 fight win streak, and 1 win from tying Donald Ceronee for most wins in UFC history? Well, to be honest, does anyone see Andrei being crowned HW champ again? I hope Andrei either ties the record, fights one more time and retires as the all-time winner. The 43-year-old is fast approaching Randy Coture territory in terms of age, but he has accomplished enough that he can sail into the sunset knowing his legacy is HOF worthy.
Benson Henderson (29-11): “Smooth” made his pro debut in 2006 and has not looked back since. A career that includes such accolades as WEC and UFC lightweight champion, Benson is sure to be a first-ballot HOF. He last competed this January when he upset Islam Mamedov and earned his first win since 2019. At 38 Benson is up there in age, has accomplished so much and just finished his last fight on his Bellator contract.
Jose Aldo (31-7): Much like Arlovski, Jose is another fighter that recently won and is on a 3 fight winning streak. Jose has come close to recapturing his former glory which made him one of the most feared fighters on planet earth but has dropped fights against Volkanovski and Petr Yan. One cant count Jose out but at this point in his career considering he has beat some young potential contenders, but it feels as if he’s in his final title shot push.
Junior Dos Santos (21-9): JDS had a great run for the UFC. During his time with the company, JDS secured gold and captured wins over major names like Cain Velasquez, Mirko Cro-cop, Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir, Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa and Stipe Miocic. While JDS had his time in the sun, one can’t help but feel that one of the nicest men in MMA history should hang up his gloves. He has checked off just about every box needed to be considered a legend, but he is on a 3 fight skid and hasn’t won since 2019 (all TKO), some question his chin after so many wars, and while he may not be as old as some of the other fighters on this list, he is 38 none the less and has been competing for nearly 15 years as a pro.
Lyoto Machida (26-11): The dragon captivated audiences for years with his karate style and in 2009 he KO Rashad Evans to win the LHW crown. In his career, Lyoto has wins over names like Bj Penn, Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, Rashad Evans, Shogun Rua, Gegard Mousasi, Ryan Bader, Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort and Chael Sonnen to say a few. The former UFC champion is 44 this May, he is on a 3 fight losing skid and is looking to return to middleweight. At this point, Lyoto’s record is HOF worthy enough and that’s not even taking into consideration his other accomplishments.
Alistair Overeem (47-19-1): Many consider TRT Vitor to be the scarriest fighter of all time, perosnally I dont think he has anything on horse meat Overeem (strikeforce/vs Brock Lesnar). The reem has long been one of the top heavyweight and kickboxers in the world, for 67 MMA fights and 14 kickboxing fights Alistair has been showing the skills that it takes to remain at that level. But in all fairness we have also seen him on the wrong end of some of the scariest KO’s of ALL TIME. I was in the stands when Francis Nganou nearly took his head off, Stipe with GNP, or Big Foot Silva enacting revenge. The Dutch fighter has nothing left to prove and after leaving the UFC, it soudnds like he might be headed back to kickboxing.
Shogun Rua (27-12-1): Pride champion, UFC champion, wins over Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Forrest Griffin, Chuck Lidell, Overeem, Litle Nog and Corey Anderson are enough to make Shogun a sure fire HOF. At 40 years of age Rua is preparing for his MMA comeback vs OSP in what will be his return in over 2 years. This legendary fighter has been through enough ups and downs and has earned his spot as a HOF.
Subscribe
