When it comes to the world of combat sports, new stars pop up every so often that has thousands of fans and are known for their great ability. However, it is very rare for these athletes to be catapulted into iconic status and be labeled as living legends. When someone like that is thrown into the spotlight, they don’t only captivate their fans, but the world as a whole, as well.
5. Ronda Rousey,
Even fans who don’t watch the sport of MMA have heard the name Ronda Rousey before. Rousey who was a bronze Olympic medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China for judo, started her MMA career soon after. In her fifth fight for the now defunct promotion Strikeforce, she won the Women’s Bantamweight Championship and, soon after, became the UFC’s first Women’s Bantamweight champion which she held for two and a half years. However, it wasn’t only Rousey’s ability that made her a superstar; it was her mindset that women had the capability to do anything a man could and, at times, even better. Her natural charisma, pro-women’s rights ideas, forward thinking, and her intense style solidified her as an icon. As she grew into this status she spread into the world of film and television shows and living her life in a way that she can only put in her own words as “still being the best in the world even on your .
4. Muhammad Ali
The biggest name in boxing, ever, Muhammad Ali was always known as a unique individual with skill that hadn’t been matched for a long time. His overbearing confidence and athletic ability is what made him an iconic figure in history, most known for successfully dodging around 20 punches while being backed into a corner with his hands down. Having an undefeated streak of 31 wins before his first loss at the hands of Joe Frazier in 1971. He also was a strong advocate of black rights during a time when it was extremely strong. His most notable quote, “float like a butterfly sting like a bee” has been cemented into legendary status along with his illustrious career. Although one of his nicknames given to him was “the people's champion,” most of those today not only believe that to be true, but also considered him to be the greatest ever.
3. “Iron” Mike Tyson.
“Iron” Mike Tyson was a force to be reckoned with in the late '80s into the '90s with a win streak of 37 -- most of which were knockouts. Although he is known for one specific incident where he bit his opponent’s ear, he was also known for being one of the most talented boxers to ever be in the sport. Starting his professional debut at the age of 19, he wiped through his opponents in such a way that it made those who watched him believe that he was fighting elite level competition effortlessly. In the present day, although, he is retired, and he does public speaking for numerous different organizations and schools. Being that he was only 19 when he started, and his mentality of being completely dedicated to the sport, he is forever solidified as a legend.
2. “The Notorious” Connor McGregor.
The world of combat sports has been blown wide open because of the efforts of UFC’s newest star, Connor McGregor. An Dublin-born mixed martial artists, who had the idea of leaving his low paying job and chasing his dream of becoming a UFC champion, his life seems like a story from a movie, but in fact it was real. This trash talking Irish man not only gained the support of UFC fans, but also the support of his entire country to the point of him being declared a national hero. McGregor not only won his fights and along the lines the championship, but he could predict how and when his fights would end and be right every single time. Along with McGregor having impeccable skill he is also one of the few men to be the definition of martial arts, coming third only to Bruce Lee and the number one spot on this list.
1. Anderson “The Spider” Silva.
When the sport of MMA began it seemed very one dimensional to a degree. It hadn’t had a fighter who was able to be a master of all different styles and also have a way about them that was unique and connected with the fans of the sport, all of that changed with the coming of Anderson Silva. Considered to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, Silva had an incredible ability to master every technique in such a way that he vaguely needed to try in his bouts. Fighting with his hands down and moving in such a way similar to Muhammad Ali, Silva would defeat his opponents in spectacular fashion. On top of that, he is what it means to be a martial artist through respect, hard work dedication and humbleness. One of his speeches that will be forever remembered in the sport has been used repeatedly by other athletes around the globe: “I’m not the best. I just believe I can do things that people think are impossible.”
