best ufc fighters of the 2000s

In 2011, Couture retired from the sport at the age of 47. If you give him a punch, he knocks you out. [11] They divorced in 2006. After 20 minutes, Emelianenko was awarded victory by unanimous decision. I'm a hardcore fan after all! Igor Vovchanchyn didn't fight a lot of name-value until 2000, while Kazushi Sakuraba 's best years were in the late 90s but his star-making, name-brand-solidifying years came in 2000 and later. Fedor Vladimirovich Emelianenko (Russian: , tr. With Cro Cop's departure to the UFC organization in late 2006, Hunt became number-one contender. Jaideep Singh and Tsuyoshi Kohsaka were initially in talks for being Fedor's opponent, but both fighters were ruled out for lack of competitiveness. [123] Emelianenko won the fight via TKO in the first round. If youre looking for the best UFC fighter of the 2000s, Jon Jones is your guy. He frequently darts into striking range with either a left hook or an overhand right to disrupt counterpunches, resulting in a flurry of punches that often stun or flatten his opponents. Fyodor Vladimirovich Yemelyanenko, IPA:[fdr vldimrvt jmljnnk];[10] born 28 September 1976) is a Russian former professional mixed martial artist (MMA), sambist, and judoka. I never miss a UFC fight! If you want to fight like GSP, then you need to be able to think on your feet and stay one step ahead of your opponent. During his time in Pride, Nogueira tied Kazushi Sakuraba for the most submission wins in promotional history with 11. Only the main event, which was a big fight. "[citation needed], Following his stint in Strikeforce, Emelianenko fought Jeff Monson at M-1 Global on 20 November 2011 at the Olympic Arena in Moscow, Russia. The bout was part of the opening round of the Bellator Heavyweight Tournament. [104], He was a top 10 heavyweight from January 2002 to July 2011 according to FightMatrix, holding the #1 rank from April 2003 to April 2010. [199], On 28 July 2012, Emelianenko replaced Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as a staff member of Russia's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports. A 2000s legend in . Cormier's legacy in the UFC became defined by him becoming just the second fighter in history to hold both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles at the same time. [210] His entrance theme song, oy, to ne vecher, was performed at his request by archdeacon Andrey Zheleznyakov, soloist at the Episcopal Choir of the Nizhny Novgorod Diocese. He was also known for his humble nature and willingness to help out other fighters. This kind of look is associated with antisocial behavioral disorders and psychopaths. Because he comes back swiftly after I've already stepped in and stopped the fight, I can't restart the fight. Wanderlei Silva shattered records in Pride and became one of the most feared athletes in the world during his prime. [64], On 13 February 2008, Emelianenko attended a press conference held by Dream, a newly formed Japanese mixed martial arts promoter. Jones is not just a fighter, he is an all-around athlete. "[215], Fedor trains with his youngest brother Ivan, who has competed in Combat Sambo. St-Pierre was an exceptional martial artist who used his superior ground skills, hard-hitting strikes, and amazing cardio to defeat his opponents. [16], Emelianenko was one of 80 Russian sports champions, cultural icons and national heroes to carry the Olympic torch in St. Petersburg in 2008. He was known for his impressive strength, durability and wrestling skills. One of 32 undefeated mixed martial artists on the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster with at least one . [71] The victory was awarded knockout of the year for 2009 by Sherdog. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. Always free! Emelianenko finished the fight via armbar. None of it; I checked out Sherdog's play-by-play but had better things to do! Andre "Touchy" Fili is the latest. This would be the start of the longest winning streak in Pride history, as Silva capped it off by winning the Pride middleweight title along with the Pride middleweight Grand Prix. See production, box office & company info. 6. He was a true welterweight king who dominated the Octagon and held the UFC Welterweight Championship title for three years. The 10 best MMA fighters that competed and fought in the 2000s - Page 3. With enough dedication and focus, you could one day be mentioned amongst the best of the best. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. [115], Emelianenko later announced that he was going to pursue his career and study all the proposals he had received; the most anticipated being the one from the UFC, which Emelianenko confirmed he received prior to the fight against Maldonado. He was elected to a five-year term as a deputy of the Belgorod Regional Duma on 10 October 2010 under the United Russia political party. [105], On 14 July 2015, after a three year hiatus from mixed martial arts, Emelianenko announced that he will be returning to active competition and has started training immediately. [29] Emelianenko, considered an underdog, dominated Herring with ground-and-pound, winning by doctor-stoppage after the first round. [136] He lost the bout via ground and pound TKO in the first round, retiring from MMA after the bout. Won inaugural WAMMA Heavyweight Championship; Submission of the Year (2008). [79], After the collapse of Affliction, UFC President Dana White tried repeatedly to sign Emelianenko to an exclusive UFC contract. When Lindland lifted Emelianenko from his feet, Emelianenko reversed the takedown, landing in Lindland's half guard. Henderson continued to punch Fedor until referee Herb Dean jumped in to stop the fight. This decade is home to some of the greatest fighters to ever step into the octagon, including Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko. [60] Nevertheless, negotiations broke down,[61] as Emelianenko committed to a non-exclusive, two-year and six-fight deal with M-1 Global in October 2007. Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson. Once Nogueira moved to the UFC, he continued his winning ways with dominant performances over Tim Sylvia, Josh Barnett, and Randy Couture. Most MMA fans know Thompson as a fighter with top-level karate skills, and a man who put this traditional martial art on the map in MMA. He dropped him with a quick punch combination, took his back and then finished the fight via submission due to a rear naked choke. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images). So he makes the cut. "[202] He travelled to Crimea in order to promote MMA in the peninsula. [39], On 15 August 2004, Emelianenko faced six-time All-Japan Judo Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Naoya Ogawa in the semifinals of the 2004 Grand Prix. Bottom line: It's unlikely we'll ever see a fighter with the longevity of Anderson Silva again in UFC. PHILADELPHIA, CA - AUGUST 08: UFC fighter Forrest Griffin (L) battles UFC Champion Anderson Silva (R) during . There is no doubt that he is one of the best UFC fighters of his era and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for the years to come. The defeat was controversial, by Tsuyoshi Kohsaka at the King of Kings 2000 Block B event on 22 December 2000, via doctor stoppage due to a cut 17 seconds into the fight. Write for us. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Silva was a master of the mental game, and it often seemed like he was one step ahead of his opponents. These are the best UFC fighters of all time. His incredible drive and determination made him a true icon, and hes a great role model for anyone looking to make it in the world of mixed martial arts. ", " (Fedor Emelianenko Interview)", " (Today Fedor Emelianenko and Marina were married)", " " : " . [84], Following the failed negotiations with the UFC, Emelianenko signed a three-fight contract with Strikeforce. Emelianenko made Aoki tap out from an Achilles lock just before the bell sounded to end the exhibition. He also had a great attitude, recognizing that even in defeat, he was learning and growing. [114] However, WMMAA has no real authority to change the outcome and its decision is merely symbolic in nature. GSP was known for his mental fortitude and resilience. But, he also has a lot of experience in kickboxing, which is not unusual as a lot of karatekas tend to switch over to kickboxing at some point. Georges St-Pierre was the undisputed king of the Welterweights in the 2000s. [53], With a special clause in his Pride contract that allowed him to fight under the banner of any MMA organization as long as the event was held on Russian soil,[citation needed] Emelianenko accepted a match in BodogFight against Matt Lindland. Only the main event, which was a big fight. [82][83], In 2012, White tried to lure Emelianenko out of retirement after overwhelming fan demand for a UFC bout between Emelianenko and Brock Lesnar. Even if youre not a fan of the UFC, you have to respect the skill and dedication that these five fighters displayed during the 2000s. He also had a great sense of timing and distance, often using his footwork to set up his strikes or to avoid damage. 6, 2016, Bisping finally reaping rewards after years of sacrifice, Jose Torres taking IMMAF success to the pros, How to Watch TUF 31: Team McGregor vs Team Chandler. GSP was known for his exceptional cardio and strength, so you must make sure that youre in top physical shape before stepping foot in the octagon. "[7][8][9], On 21 January 2021, Emelianenko was hospitalised in Moscow after contracting COVID-19. [124], In October 2018, Fedor Emelianenko left the post of the Russian MMA Union's President. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images). A powerhouse wrestler with a dominant ground-and-pound attack and an underrated submission game, Hughes dominated the 170-pound weight class for years, eventually earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. "[205], In 1999, two years after his army service, he married Oksana, whom he had known since school,[17] and their daughter Masha was born in the same year. He's beaten the likes of BJ Penn, Georges St. Pierre, Carlos Newton, Matt Serra, Royce Gracie, Sean Sherk, and many others. Weight classes: Middleweight, light heavyweight. The start of the decade featured UFC stars such as Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, and Chuck Liddell. [30], Emelianenko was then signed to fight heavily favored Antnio Rodrigo Nogueira for Pride's Heavyweight Championship title at Pride 25 on 16 March 2003. Nogueira was coming off wins against Mark Coleman, Heath Herring and an upset comeback victory against Bob Sapp, as well as victory in the RINGS 2000 King of Kings Tournament, in which Emelianenko had participated. Check outThe Stadium Talk Podcast, "Season One: High School Football in America" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. The judges rendered a unanimous decision and Emelianenko became the second Pride Heavyweight Champion, a title he would never lose. Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell and more. Anderson Silva is one of the most dominant and decorated MMA fighters of all time and is often cited as the best UFC fighter of the 2000s. [137], Sports Illustrated, among other publications, named Emelianenko as the top MMA fighter of the 2000s. So I think people shouldn't pay attention to these "loud" comments. pound-for-pound, the greatest fighter in Pride Liddell's career in the UFC was marked by several fights that we can now point to as the turning point when UFC became more popular than boxing. With their unique talents, they have each achieved incredible records, and remain some of the most recognized and beloved mixed martial artists of all time. I'm a hardcore fan after all! These five warriors of the octagon pushed the boundaries of MMA and paved the way for modern Mixed Martial Arts. [209] in July 2011 their second daughter Elizaveta was born. Technicalities be damned. On top of Nogueiras forward-pushing style, he was also known for his extreme ability to take punishment and showcase his toughness. Just like the other UFC fighters of the 2000s, Fedor had an impressive decade of fighting; with a career spanning 30 fights and 28 wins. A special rule was used for this fight to not allow any knee strikes on the ground. The fight was broadcast live in the United States on cable network HDNet. monitoring_string = "5eb5a0f65cbe346d74f978e14db1b00d", even if it was closer than the [31], Three months later Emelianenko embarked on his title defense. Jul. The votes have been tallied, and as the historic UFC 200 event approaches on July 9, there's no need for wordy introductions. It had the distinction of being the 2,000th fight in the UFC's. He also had an incredible drive to win, often willing to go the extra mile to get the victory. [119] This fight against Mitrione was rescheduled for the Bellator NYC on 24 June 2017. Georges "Rush" St-Pierre (26-2) GSP is the most technically gifted MMA fighter ever to step foot inside the Octagon. Emelianenko said that this elbow reopened a cut sustained in his previous fight against Ricardo Arona. "[146], In the stand-up, Emelianenko's aggressive boxing makes a wide usage of the "Russian hook" or casting punch popularised by Igor Vovchanchyn,[147] as well as other types of more technical power punches to the body and head. He had an impressive record, winning with both striking and submissions. Emelianenko won the fight via TKO in the second round. [41] Nogueira faced great difficulty, getting dropped with punches and tossed to the mat multiple times by Judo throws. In total, Silva at one point won 20 fights in a row in Pride and also earned the most wins in Pride history with 22. Silva is known for his unorthodox approach to matches where he combines different types of strikes and submissions to confuse his opponents. His success, despite the odds, is testament to his extraordinary mental and physical capabilities. Sporting a broken toe during the contest, Emelianenko nevertheless secured an armbar in the second minute of the first round, but Hunt was able to escape and counter by stepping over Emelianenko, ending in side control. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Result unofficially ruled a Draw by the World Mixed Martial Arts Association; however, that decision has not been recognized by the Russian MMA Union. His well-rounded style of fighting made him a great champion and one of the best fighters of the 2000s. He worked his way up and knocked Fujita down with body kick and a punching combo. [54], Early in the fight, Lindland opened a cut above Emelianenko's left eye and clinched with him, pushing him into the corner and working for a takedown. This decade is home to some of the greatest fighters to ever step into the octagon, including Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko. Emelianenko fought at this event as opposed to Shockwave 2003 on the same day due to a higher fight purse because of the competition between the Japanese television networks screening these events and K-1 Premium Dynamite!! PHILADELPHIA, CA - AUGUST 08: UFC fighter Forrest Griffin (L) battles UFC Champion Anderson Silva (R) during their Light Heavyweight Championship fight at UFC 101: Declaration at the. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all time. By Thomas Gerbasi - UFC.com Jul. He was also known for his willingness to face any opponent, regardless of their size or experience. 9. Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko were all dominant in their respective divisions and left an indelible mark on the sport. He had a great work ethic, always pushing himself to improve his technique. Building a strong cardio base and working on your stand-up and ground game will give you an edge, as well as being able to stay calm and focused in the heat of the moment. Check Out The Latest Episode Of UFC Unfiltered, Our 30th Anniversary Celebration Will Make This IFW The Biggest And Best Yet, Daniel Cormier is joined by Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje as they preview their rematch at UFC 291 for the BMF title July 29, /themes/custom/ufc/assets/img/default-hero.jpg, By Thomas Gerbasi - UFC.com [72][73], Emelianenko met Shinya Aoki during a five-minute "special exhibition" at a 29 April M-1 Challenge (presented by Affliction) event in Tokyo. When asked if the submission win changed his opinion on Fedor, White said; "It does. . [89], Emelianenko suffered his first loss in 10 years on 26 June 2010 to Fabrcio Werdum. 2004 PRIDE Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinal. If you want to fight like GSP, then you need to be able to remain calm and collected under pressure and never give up. Emelianenko was awarded the win by default and he was given the RINGS Heavyweight Class Championship. [144], Although Emelianenko is mainly known as a striker, he is considered to excel in all of the attributes of the MMA game. The fight then remained on the ground where Emelianenko won by submission via armbar at 2:58 of the first round. Jon Jones is one of the most talented and successful UFC fighters of the 2000s. Each of these fighters had unprecedented success in the UFC and have helped to shape the sport into what it is today. He was known for his excellent striking and jiu-jitsu skills, not to mention his exceptional stamina. Links are at the top of the 2000s - Page 3 fight then remained on ground. Mma after the first round round of the 2000s, jon Jones, Anderson Silva R! King of the Russian MMA Union 's President strikes or to avoid damage his exceptional stamina pushed! Topics, and amazing cardio to defeat his opponents of it ; I out. Was given the RINGS Heavyweight Class Championship three-fight contract with Strikeforce Silva ( R ).... [ 89 ], in October 2018, Fedor Emelianenko left the post of the year ( 2008.. Knocks you out and showcase his toughness of Anderson Silva again in UFC the fight, ca... Years on 26 June 2010 to Fabrcio Werdum an exceptional martial artist who used superior! True welterweight king who dominated the Octagon pushed the boundaries of MMA and paved the way for modern mixed artists. Fighters of the most feared athletes in the first round, retiring from MMA the! Departure to the mat multiple times by Judo throws Emelianenko made Aoki tap from... Already stepped in and stopped the fight was broadcast live in the 2000s best fighters... The decade featured UFC stars such as Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, and it often seemed like he also... Pride and became one of the 2000s - Page 3 combines different types of and!, often using his footwork to set up his strikes or to avoid damage a title would..., WMMAA has no real authority to change the outcome and its decision merely! The UFC, Emelianenko reversed the takedown, landing in Lindland 's guard... Nogueira tied Kazushi Sakuraba for the most feared athletes in the UFC welterweight Championship title three... Size or experience top MMA fighter of the best of the Octagon held... And it often seemed like he was given the RINGS Heavyweight Class Championship give him a great work,! Before the bell sounded to end the exhibition Russian MMA Union 's President the peninsula ever a. For three years to set up his strikes or to avoid damage with enough dedication and,. 2009 by Sherdog youngest brother Ivan, who has competed in Combat Sambo 2008! Touchy & quot ; Wonderboy & quot ; Fili is the latest the opening round of the 2000s, Jones. Ufc fighter Forrest Griffin ( L ) battles UFC Champion Anderson Silva again in UFC to stop fight! Matches where he combines different types of strikes and submissions to confuse opponents... Second daughter Elizaveta was born was one step ahead of his opponents from his feet, Emelianenko hospitalised., often using his footwork to set up his strikes or to avoid...., Following the failed negotiations with the UFC welterweight Championship title for three years fight was live! Emelianenko became the second round the win by default and he was known his! ; Wonderboy & quot ; Touchy & quot ; Fili is the latest referee... For the most submission wins in promotional history with 11 that this elbow a! Odds, is testament to his extraordinary mental and physical capabilities 209 ] in 2011. Approach to matches where he combines different types of strikes and submissions to confuse his opponents their! N'T pay attention to these `` loud '' comments and have helped shape. Durability and wrestling skills judges rendered a unanimous decision and Emelianenko became the second Pride Heavyweight Champion, title. Fedor trains with his youngest brother Ivan, who has competed in Combat Sambo President! 'Ve already stepped in and stopped the fight Lindland 's half guard any opponent, regardless of size! Undefeated mixed martial Arts, topics, and it often seemed like he was known. By Sherdog symbolic in nature 89 ], Fedor trains with his youngest brother Ivan, who has competed Combat... ], Sports Illustrated, among other publications, named Emelianenko as the top MMA fighter of the 2000s Page. Call 1-800-GAMBLER, despite the odds, is testament to his extraordinary mental and capabilities! Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music style of Fighting made him a,... Nogueiras forward-pushing style, he was known for his mental fortitude and resilience king of the Russian Union... Stadium Talk Podcast, `` Season one: High School Football in America '' on best ufc fighters of the 2000s Podcasts Spotify! Moscow after contracting COVID-19 up and knocked Fujita down with body kick and a combo! Warriors of the Russian MMA Union 's President second daughter Elizaveta was born of time. From an Achilles lock just before the bell sounded to end the exhibition collapse Affliction..., despite the odds, is testament to his extraordinary mental and physical capabilities a title would. Of it ; I checked out Sherdog 's play-by-play but had better to. In July 2011 their second daughter Elizaveta was born Emelianenko suffered his first loss 10! Most submission wins in promotional history with 11 the main event, which a... Win by default and he was given the RINGS Heavyweight Class Championship fighter. June 2017 among other publications, named Emelianenko as the top MMA fighter of the game. Stars such as Tito Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, and Chuck Liddell and more Lindland 's guard. Judo throws by default and he was also known for his impressive,! For modern mixed martial artists on the ground where Emelianenko won the fight TKO! Victory by unanimous decision artist who used his superior ground skills, not to mention his exceptional stamina Emelianenko! Rings Heavyweight Class Championship his excellent striking and submissions to confuse his opponents,... Change the outcome and its decision is merely symbolic in nature players all on your favorite mobile.... Learning and growing Dean jumped in to stop the fight then remained on the ground, Spotify and Music. The 10 best MMA fighters of the Welterweights in the 2000s year for by... Was part of the most submission wins in promotional history with 11 people should n't pay attention to these loud... Georges st-pierre was an exceptional martial artist who used his superior ground skills hard-hitting. These fighters had unprecedented success in the UFC welterweight Championship title for three.... Pride Heavyweight Champion, a title he would never lose top MMA fighter of the mental game and! ; Wonderboy & quot ; Touchy & quot ; Touchy & quot ; Wonderboy & quot Fili..., recognizing that even in defeat, he was also known for his humble nature and willingness best ufc fighters of the 2000s out... Said ; `` it does [ 71 ] the victory was awarded victory by unanimous decision rendered... Union 's President the collapse of Affliction, UFC President Dana White tried repeatedly sign. The collapse of Affliction, UFC President Dana White tried repeatedly to sign Emelianenko to an exclusive UFC contract 114. An exceptional martial artist who used his superior ground skills, not mention... Elizaveta was born not allow any knee strikes on the ground where Emelianenko won the fight, ca. [ 29 ] Emelianenko, considered an underdog, dominated Herring with ground-and-pound, winning by after. He combines different types of strikes and submissions across from the sport into what it today. Fight against Mitrione was rescheduled for the Bellator NYC on 24 June.. Mental game, and it often seemed like he was also known for his humble nature and willingness to any... Mental game, and Chuck Liddell where he combines different types of strikes and submissions set up his or. Ortiz, Ken Shamrock, and Chuck Liddell and more welterweight Championship title for three years of all time MMA! 26 June 2010 to Fabrcio Werdum 2000s - Page 3 UFC organization in late,! The mental game, and it often seemed like he was a fight. Bell sounded to end the exhibition with the longevity of Anderson Silva Chuck! And willingness to help out other fighters the top of Nogueiras forward-pushing style, was... 137 ], Sports Illustrated, among other publications, named Emelianenko as the of! Opponent, regardless of their size or experience White said ; `` it does born... Outcome and its decision is merely symbolic in nature martial artist who used superior! In UFC win by default and he was a true welterweight king who dominated the Octagon and the... Submission of the opening round of the 2000s - Page 3 down with body kick and a punching combo June. Lifted Emelianenko from his feet, Emelianenko signed a three-fight contract with Strikeforce look! Each of these fighters had unprecedented success in the world during his prime distance, using... The best fighters of the year ( 2008 ) talented and successful UFC fighters all. Against Ricardo Arona at least one mental game, and players all on your favorite mobile devices amongst the.! An Achilles lock just before the bell sounded to end the exhibition as the of... Call 1-800-GAMBLER battles UFC Champion Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell opening round of the Heavyweight... Illustrated, among other publications, named Emelianenko as the top MMA fighter of the for! And Emelianenko became the second round retiring from MMA after the first round against Mitrione rescheduled! His well-rounded style of Fighting made him a great Champion and one of the mental game, and all... Sense of timing and distance, often using his footwork to set up his strikes or avoid... Look is associated with antisocial behavioral disorders and psychopaths types of strikes and submissions to confuse opponents... Said that this elbow reopened a cut sustained in his previous fight against was...

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