Top 10 Best Middleweight Fighters in UFC History

The UFC middleweight division has always been one of the most competitive categories in mixed martial arts. The fighters who compete at 185 pounds combine speed, power, and technique, making this division home to many historic moments. Over the years, several champions and contenders have helped shape the identity of the weight class, proving why the middleweights remain one of the strongest groups in the UFC.

List of 10 Best Middleweight Fighters in UFC History

10. Georges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre fought only once at middleweight, but even that single appearance was historic. He returned after a long break, moved up from welterweight, and defeated Michael Bisping to claim the middleweight championship. His performance showed high fight intelligence, sharp timing, and the ability to succeed in more than one weight class.

Even with one fight in the division, his impact cannot be ignored because he became a two-division champion. His name often appears when discussing the best middleweight fighters in UFC, mainly because his lone fight ended with a title victory.

9. Dan Henderson

Dan Henderson never captured the modern UFC middleweight belt, but he is still remembered as one of the hardest punchers the division has ever seen. His famous right hand, known as the "H-Bomb," gave him the power to end fights quickly. Henderson won the UFC middleweight tournament in 1998 and remained a top-level competitor for many years.

His achievements in Pride and Strikeforce also add to his legacy. Henderson consistently fought elite opponents, making him one of the best middleweight fighters in UFC discussions even without an official title reign.

8. Rich Franklin

Rich Franklin was the top middleweight before Anderson Silva arrived and changed the division forever. Franklin won the championship and defended it twice, building a strong reputation for his striking accuracy and aggressive style. Many fans still consider him among the best middleweight fighters in UFC because of his work during the early years of the modern era.

Even after losing the belt, Franklin defeated well-known names such as Wanderlei Silva and continued competing at a high level for many years.

7. Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping's journey is one of the greatest comeback stories in the UFC. After years of being close to a title shot, he finally got his chance on short notice and knocked out Luke Rockhold to win the middleweight championship. He later defended the title in his hometown, proving his resilience and determination.

Bisping also defeated legends like Anderson Silva, adding to his status among the best middleweight fighters in UFC. As the first British champion in UFC history, he inspired fighters across the United Kingdom.

6. Chris Weidman

Chris Weidman shocked the world by ending Anderson Silva's long title reign. He later defeated Silva again in a rematch and defended the championship three times. During his prime, Weidman had a strong combination of wrestling, boxing, and tactical awareness, placing him among the best middleweight fighters in UFC during his era.

Even though injuries affected the later part of his career, his achievements during his championship run secure his place on this list.

5. Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira entered the UFC with a strong kickboxing background and quickly rose through the rankings. In just over a year, he defeated Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title. His knockout power and precision striking made him one of the most dangerous fighters in the division's recent history.

Even though he moved to light heavyweight later, his short time at middleweight was impressive enough to place him among the best middleweight fighters in UFC.

4. Robert Whittaker

Robert Whittaker turned into a world-class fighter after moving up from welterweight. Known for his fast footwork, smart striking, and strong takedown defense, he became one of the most skilled champions in the division. His two battles with Yoel Romero are considered some of the best fights ever held at middleweight.

Whittaker consistently defeated top contenders for years, keeping his name among the best middleweight fighters in UFC.

3. Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis is a newer name compared to others on this list, but his success already places him among the best middleweight fighters in UFC. The South African champion used his unusual movement, high pressure, and strong finishing ability to defeat top fighters like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.

With his age and continued growth, he could climb even higher in the future.

2. Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya ruled the division for years with his technical striking, movement, and sharp timing. He defended the title five times and defeated major contenders such as Paulo Costa, Yoel Romero, and Robert Whittaker. His highlight-reel performances and championship record make him one of the best middleweight fighters in UFC without question.

Adesanya also avenged his losses to Alex Pereira, proving his ability to improve and adapt.

1. Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva is widely considered the greatest middleweight fighter the UFC has ever seen. His seven-year title reign and ten successful title defenses remain unmatched. Silva defeated dangerous opponents like Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort, and Chael Sonnen with creativity, timing, and unique striking techniques.

His long-term dominance and influence on modern MMA make him number one among the best middleweight fighters in UFC.