The 10 Greatest Men’s MMA Fighters of the 21st Century: Controversial Omissions
ESPN’s recent ranking of the 10 greatest men’s MMA fighters of the 21st century sparked controversy, with several accomplished UFC legends conspicuously absent. Let’s delve into the criteria and reasoning behind the list, while examining the notable omissions and their merits.
ESPN’s Methodology and Top 10
ESPN based its ranking on a combination of factors, including a fighter’s dominance, longevity, impact on the sport, and overall legacy. The top 10, as determined by the outlet, are as follows:
1. Jon Jones
2. Georges St-Pierre
3. Anderson Silva
4. Demetrious Johnson
5. Khabib Nurmagomedov
6. Fedor Emelianenko
7. Randy Couture
8. Chuck Liddell
9. BJ Penn
10. Kamaru Usman
Notable Omissions
Despite their impressive accomplishments, several UFC legends were left off ESPN’s top 10 list. These omissions have raised questions about the accuracy and fairness of the ranking:
Daniel Cormier
Cormier captured UFC titles in the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, becoming a double champion. His resume includes victories over Jones, Anthony Johnson, and Stipe Miocic, among others.
Jose Aldo
Aldo dominated the UFC featherweight division for a record-breaking seven years, successfully defending his title nine times. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.
Tito Ortiz
Ortiz was a pioneer of the UFC, winning the light-heavyweight title three times during his tenure with the promotion. His rivalry with Liddell remains one of the most iconic in MMA history.
Matt Hughes
Hughes was the UFC welterweight champion from 2001 to 2004, and again from 2006 to 2007. He was known for his relentless wrestling and submission skills, and his rivalry with BJ Penn is legendary.
Max Holloway
Holloway is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, and is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. His dominance at featherweight, where he defended his title four times, is particularly noteworthy.
Analysis of Omissions and Criteria
The omission of these fighters from ESPN’s top 10 raises questions about the criteria used to determine the rankings. While dominance and longevity are undoubtedly important factors, they may not be the only determinants of a fighter’s legacy. Impact on the sport, fan appeal, and charisma are also contributing factors that deserve consideration.
Daniel Cormier’s double-champion status and victories over some of the best fighters in the world make a strong case for his inclusion in the top 10. Jose Aldo’s extended reign and dominance at featherweight are also undeniable accomplishments that merit recognition.
The absence of Tito Ortiz and Matt Hughes may be due to their careers peaking in the early days of the UFC, while Max Holloway’s omission is more surprising given his recent success and popularity.
Conclusion
ESPN’s ranking of the 10 greatest men’s MMA fighters of the 21st century is subjective and open to debate. While the fighters included on the list are undoubtedly among the most accomplished in the sport’s history, the omission of several UFC legends raises questions about the criteria used for the rankings. Factors such as impact on the sport, fan appeal, and charisma should also be considered when assessing a fighter’s legacy.
