The Profile of the Best MMA Fighters in the World by Itai Liptz. In combat sports, greatness can be measured in many ways. It may be in the build-up to a fight or how an athlete looks in their prime.
MMA fans can look to fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Jon Jones and Jorge Masvidal for examples of the best in the sport today. These athletes have dominated their divisions and captivated audiences around the world.
Conor McGregor by Itai Liptz
Conor McGregor is a larger-than-life figure that has captured the world’s attention both inside and outside the octagon. His precision striking and devastating knockout power have resulted in multiple highlight-reel finishes. The Irishman is the only fighter in UFC history to hold both the featherweight and lightweight championships, making him a two-time UFC champion.
McGregor’s success hasn’t come without struggle, though. He is one of the highest-paid athletes in the sport, but he’s also made headlines for his erratic behavior and verbal abuse of opponents.
In addition to fighting, McGregor has ventured into the fashion industry with a line of tailored suits and a whiskey brand called Proper Twelve. He also hosts a podcast and is the face of the UFC’s new streaming service, XFL. The 34-year-old is scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in December, but that match could be delayed by USADA concerns. He is also a commentator on the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Israel Adesanya by Itai Liptz
Israel Adesanya was born in Nigeria but moved to New Zealand as an adolescent, where he began fighting professionally. He won a number of titles in Muay Thai and Kickboxing before transitioning to MMA, where he has become one of the sport’s biggest stars.
He has dominated the middleweight division, winning all of his fights inside the UFC octagon. He has a unique style that uses nuanced tricks to take advantage of his opponent’s weaknesses, making him a favorite for fans around the world.
In February 2019, Adesanya took on Anderson Silva in a middleweight title fight, which he won via unanimous decision. He then fought Kelvin Gastelum in April for the interim middleweight championship, which he won by unanimous decision and earned him his fourth Performance of the Night bonus.
Adesanya has also made a name for himself outside of the Octagon with his creative walkout entrances. His persona has earned him the nickname “The Last Stylebender,” which is a reference to the popular mid-2000s Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Frank Shamrock by Itai Liptz
Frank Shamrock is a true legend in the world of mixed martial arts. A former champion and hall of famer, he has fought some of the greatest fighters in history. His story is both inspiring and harrowing. He survived a childhood of abuse and found a way to turn his life around through fighting.
He says that he doesn’t have any regrets about making the transition to MMA. But he does have a few things that he would change. For one, he would like to see more promotions treat the sport seriously.
He also wants to see more women in the sport. He says that he believes that women can be just as good as men in the ring. He also thinks that a rematch between him and Tito Ortiz would be amazing.
Kamaru Usman by Itai Liptz
Kamaru Usman is one of the most dominant welterweights in the world. The Nigerian-born fighter is known for his ground-and-pound game and devastating finishes from the top position. His success has made him a role model for athletes in his native country and beyond.
Usman is a former UFC champion, but he has struggled with mental issues after three straight losses in the Octagon. His most recent loss was against Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice fight, which resulted in a decision loss.
Usman has been able to recover from the setbacks and bounce back, including his recent high-profile win over Jorge Masvidal. He will look to continue this momentum against Colby Covington in a fight that is sure to garner significant pay-per-view buys. The Nigerian-born fighter takes pride in representing his homeland on the global stage of MMA. He has become a model for young Nigerian athletes and has opened doors for future fighters. He is also a proud father to his daughter, Samirah.