McGrath ranks UFC’s top 25 fighters of all-time: part 2 (16-20)

By David McGrath, MMATorch Contributor

Welcome back to our list of the top 25 UFC fighters of all-time. If you missed part 1, be sure to check it out and come back everyday until Monday to see who is ranked #1.

20. Tyron Woodley

MMA record 19-3

Key wins: Robbie Lawler, Darren Till, Stephen Thompson, Kelvin Gastelum

Titles held: UFC welterweight champion (current)

I am continuously impressed with Woodley’s ability to game plan and execute against his opponents. In my opinion, he’s the third best welterweight of all time behind Matt Hughes and GSP. With a couple more title defenses I could see Woodley skyrocketing up this list.

19. Frankie Edgar

MMA record 23-6

Key wins: Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, Cub Swanson (twice), Jeremy Stephens, BJ Penn (thrice)

Titles held: UFC lightweight championship

Edgar is one of UFC’s all time most exciting fighters, his battles with Gray Maynard would make any top 10 list and he’s known for his excellent skills and tremendous heart. Whether it was not tapping out when caught in knee bars or excellent stand up battles Edgar was a true warhorse of the Octagon. Edgar is deservedly in the top 20 greatest UFC fighters of all time.

18. Vitor Belfort

MMA record: 26-14

Key wins: Nate Marquardt , Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold, Dan Henderson

Titles held: UFC 12 heavyweight tournament winner, UFC light heavyweight champion

Has anyone ever been more imposing and skilled in the light heavyweight division than Vitor Belfort? With wins spanning three decades, Belfort is deserving of a top 20 spot. Let’s not forget if not for some freakish strength from Jon Jones, Vitor may very well own a win over him as well. With lightning fast kicks and excellent ground and pound and jiu-jitsu skills, Belfort is one of the greats of his era.

17. Fabricio Werdum

MMA record: 32-8

Key wins: Travis Browne, Cain Velasquez, Mark Hunt, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

Titles held: UFC heavyweight championship

Boasting wins over both Fedor Emelianenko and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Fabricio Werdum is one of the most accomplished heavyweights of all time. In two UFC stints Werdum was a one time heavyweight champion. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt was as difficult on the ground as he was standing. A rare heavyweight with excellent submission skills, Werdum was one of the most feared fighters of his era.

16. Dan Henderson

MMA record: 32-15

Key wins: Mauricio Rua, Michael Bisping, Fedor Emelianenko, Rich Franklin

Titles held: UFC 17 middleweight tournament winner, Pride middleweight championship, Pride welterweight championship, Strikeforce light heavyweight championship

Henderson won his first ever MMA tournament after a distinguished wrestling career at Cal State Fullerton University. At UFC 17 Henderson won the four man middleweight tourney and had a brilliant career in Strikeforce and Pride becoming a champion in both promotions. One would think that if Henderson didn’t have that on again off again relationship with the UFC he would probably have a UFC title to add to the mantle as well.

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