The best pound for pound fighter—lists like these always spark a debate.
There is no exact science, and that's why people can get overly offended and defensive when discussing such a thing.
You have to look at the fighter's dominance in their own division. This isn't matching up guys saying who could beat who, it's a list compiling the most dominant fighters in the sport, regardless of their weight.
It's hard to pick ten, but enjoy the guys I have picked as the best mixed martial artists in the world.
Honorable Mentions:
Shinya Aoki (DREAM), Jake Shields (Strikeforce), Yushin Okami (UFC), Dan Henderson (UFC), Josh Barnett (Affliction), Shogun Rua (UFC), Rashad Evans (UFC), Jose Aldo (WEC)
10. Rampage Jackson, UFC
Record: 30-7-0
Rampage Jackson is a fan favorite. He will always say and do what he wants. He's very charismatic and he makes his presence known everywhere he goes.
Jackson is 4-1 in his last five fights. In that time, Rampage has some impressive victories over top guys like Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Dan Henderson. His only loss in that time was to Forrest Griffin.
Rampage is set to coach season ten of the Ultimate Fighter against Rashad Evans. The two will fight after the show with the winner facing either Lyoto Machida or Shogun Rua for the title.
9. Mike Thomas Brown, WEC
Record: 22-4-0
Mike Brown is the current featherweight champion in the WEC. He hasn't lost since December of 2005, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
His most recent bout was a rematch against Urijah Faber. The match was a Fight of the Year candidate, and it proved that Mike Brown's first victory over Faber was no fluke.
Brown has no shortage of competition in the division. There are guys like Wagnney Fabiano and Jose Aldo who are ready to step in and fight. With this level of competition, Brown can either keep climbing the rankings or lose his spot in the top ten.
One thing is for sure—Brown is an incredible fighter, and there's no shortage of excitement in his fights.
8. Gegard Mousasi, DREAM/Affliction
Record: 25-2-1
Gegard Mousasi is no question one of the best fighters in the world. It is just a shame that he doesn't get the publicity that he deserves.
Mousasi holds an impressive 25-2-1 record and he is just 23 years of age. He is a former DREAM and Cage Warriors middleweight champion, but he is currently fighting in the light-heavyweight division and potentially will end up a heavyweight.
Mousasi would be a star signing to any organization. His next fight is at Affliction: Trilogy where he will be facing Renato "Babalu" Sobral and then he will face Sokoudjou in October at DREAM 12.
If you don't already know Mousasi, go out and look him up. He will be a household name in the future.
7. BJ Penn, UFC
Record: 13-5-1
BJ Penn has his hands full these next few fights. After dabbling in the welterweight division only to get destroyed by Georges St. Pierre, Penn is returning to the division that calls him champion.
His next fight is against Kenny Florian next month in Philadelphia. If Penn can retain his belt he is likely looking at a match against the always-dangerous Diego Sanchez.
Penn is a legend in the sport. His jiu-jitsu is phenomenal, but he needs to keep training hard to stay in the mixed martial arts elite. The rest of the lightweight division is coming hard.
6. Nick Diaz, Strikeforce
Record: 20-7-0
Love him or hate him, Nick Diaz is one of the best fighters in the world. His boxing is textbook, and his ground game is world-class.
Diaz is riding a five-fight winning streak, and will fight Joe Riggs for the Strikeforce welterweight title on August 15th.
Diaz is often looked at as a villian in the sport. His antics before, during, and after fights often get his opponents off their game. A lot of people may not like his attitude, but you can't deny his skill. His only setback is his marijuana usage.
If he could stay drug free, he could wind up back in the UFC for a potential fight with Georges St. Pierre. It's purely speculation, but the match would be incredibly technical, and an all-time great.
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