Showstoppers: The Five Most Exciting Fighters In The UFC Today
Even a dull MMA match can be much more enthralling than daintier sports. But when MMA is at its most exciting, it’s a uniquely breathtaking display.
Being successful is admirable — Georges St-Pierre is idolized for his consistent ability to muscle his way to victory. Love is also deserved, however, for the fighters who are less hinged to victory and more intent on taking risks and putting on a show.
Herein is an unranked list of current UFC fighters who evoke the most cheers and animalistic jolts among fans. Let’s celebrate these warriors while they’re still able-bodied and willing to sacrifice their well-being for our amusement.
Robbie Lawler
Despite falling to Tyron Woodley at UFC 201, Robbie Lawler’s fighting sprit remains glorious.
Lawler was involved in several of the most gladiatorial contests in the history of MMA. His battle with Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 stands out as one of the most brutal and viscerally thrilling UFC fights ever.
Since rejoining the UFC in 2013, Lawler has been awarded five official post-fight bonuses, including four Fight of the Night prizes.
Besides his penchant for power striking, what makes “Ruthless” true to his nickname is his persistence and grit. The former titleholder is known for his ability to plug away deep into a fight, even when he’s weakened and his face is carved up and gushing crimson. He will gun for you no matter his condition.
“I’m sick of ‘Fight of the Years,’” said Lawler in a recent interview with MMA Junkie. Given his unbending will and fervid style, he won’t stop waging epic battles.
Charles Oliveira
As a spectator and especially as his opponent, no one gets a chance to breathe easy when Charles Oliveira is fighting.
The Brazilian’s submission game is ferociously aggressive and cagey — it’s rare to see “Do Bronx” get laid on by a wrestler. His guard is not a place of lull, but of urgency. The 26-year-old featherweight, with his wiry octopus strength, pounces on slight openings during scrambles with submission attempts and chains them into various other submission attempts with beautiful tact. His transitional game flows swimmingly.
Durability is an issue for Oliveira. He has wilted quickly from strikes in some fights, like against Donald Cerrone when Oliveira fought at 155. Oliveira’s Muay Thai techniques, however, are crisp and he’s always willing to swing with wicked intent.
Oliveira, despite his young age, is among the top ten in UFC history in bonus awards with nine. Watch his two bouts against Nik Lentz to behold the art of Charles Oliveira.
Joe Lauzon
Joe Lauzon deserves more tribute.
Despite his revolting nickname, “J-Lau” is one of the most exciting fighters to shed blood in the Octagon. The Massachusetts native is tied for first in UFC history with 14 post-fight awards, including six Fight of the Night bonuses.
Lauzon has consistently thrilled since first breaking through with the UFC in 2006. His bloodthirst is appreciable and his well-rounded, aggressive approach has made fans hoot and howl for years.
He’s often relegated to the undercard but that’s not a reason to dismiss Lauzon. If he’s fighting, fans of MMA and violence in general should watch.
Lauzon is scheduled to rematch Jim Miller at UFC on Fox: Maia vs. Condit on August 27. Given what a stirring spectacle their first clash was, their rematch can’t be missed.
Nate Diaz
Beating Conor McGregor thrust Nate Diaz into the national spotlight in 2016. He’s been worthy of a media buzz for years, though.
Diaz is unbridled, charming, and often comical; both in his fighting style and his personality. He’s a “true fighter” who enjoys his craft. Nate’s joy of fighting is evident whenever he’s locked in the cage.
Like most of the fighters on this list, he applies pressure, but he does so at a torrid pace. Diaz’s boxing skills, especially his 1-2 combo, are fluid and snappy. He will hit you and talk smack. Then when you take him down out of desperation, he’ll taunt you some more as he’s making you surrender via submission. Ask McGregor.
Given his swarming style, well-rounded skillset, and overall showmanship, Diaz creates pandemonium in the Octagon. Even when his offense is negated by stiff top control, which hasn’t happened in a while, Diaz’s antics can still make a low-output fight entertaining.
Diaz is tied with Joe Lauzon for most post-fight awards in UFC history with 14, including seven Fight of the Night bonuses. It’s farfetched to think that his upcoming bout with McGregor at UFC 202 won’t add to the tally.
John Lineker
John Lineker rarely fails to please the “just bleed” gods.
Some people condemn the “stand and bang” approach as thoughtless and myopic. Lineker employs it because few bantamweights in the world can weather his power. The Brazilian juggernaut’s gameplan has remained pure: brawl it out and prescribe his “hands of stone.”
Lineker owns 13 knockouts to his credit, a number that defies his bantam body. He made a booming statement on July 13 by issuing a nap time to highly-touted youngster Michael McDonald.
Look for Lineker to continue to wield his thunderous hands to good success for years to come. The 26-year-old has plenty of brawls left in him and is certainly the most violent fighter in his weight class.
Honorable Mentions:
Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone, Anthony Johnson, Carlos Condit, Demetrious Johnson, Matt Brown, Jose Aldo, Anderson Silva
