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    UFC GOAT Rankings 2026

    Greatest MMA Fighters of All Time — Ranked by Peak ELO

    All Time · 2026
    Filters All divisions · All time
    731
    Tom Lawlor
    Tom Lawlor MW · 6-5
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Jul 2009
    2 KO
    2 SUB
    732
    Erik Koch
    Erik Koch LW · 5-5
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Sep 2011
    2 KO
    1 SUB
    733
    Rich Attonito
    Rich Attonito MW · 3-2
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Sep 2010
    1 KO
    734
    Melsik Baghdasaryan
    Melsik Baghdasaryan FW · 3-3
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Nov 2021
    1 KO
    735
    Nora Cornolle
    Nora Cornolle WBW · 3-3
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Apr 2024
    1 KO
    1 SUB
    736
    Andrew Craig
    Andrew Craig MW · 3-4
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Jul 2012
    1 KO
    737
    Tony DeSouza
    Tony DeSouza WW · 3-3
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Jun 2001
    2 SUB
    738
    Nick Ring
    Nick Ring MW · 3-3
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Jun 2011
    1 SUB
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    739
    Chris Beal
    Chris Beal BW · 2-3
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Sep 2014
    1 KO
    740
    Brian Bowles
    Brian Bowles BW · 2-2
    1,047
    Peak ELO
    Peaked Jul 2011
    1 SUB

    Who is the UFC GOAT?

    The debate over who is the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT) has raged for decades. Our UFC GOAT rankings use an objective, data-driven approach: Peak ELO ratings. Unlike subjective media polls, Peak ELO captures each fighter's dominance at their absolute prime.

    How Peak ELO Determines GOAT Status

    Every fighter starts at 1000 ELO. After each fight, ratings adjust based on result and opponent quality. Title fights are weighted higher — an undisputed championship win is multiplied by 1.25 with a flat bonus on top, reflecting championship stakes. Peak ELO records the highest rating achieved, preserving legacy even after retirement or decline.

    GOAT Criteria Beyond Rankings

    While our rankings focus on peak performance, the complete GOAT debate includes title defenses, era difficulty, opponent quality, and finishing ability. Use these rankings as one data point in the larger conversation about MMA greatness.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Tom Lawlor leads our rankings with a peak ELO of 1,047. However, the GOAT debate is subjective and includes factors like title defenses, era, and fighting style.
    Peak ELO captures a fighter's highest-ever rating, representing their absolute prime. This allows fair comparison across eras — a retired legend's peak can be compared to today's champions.
    Rankings update after every UFC event. When a fighter achieves a new career-high ELO, their peak is updated.

    What Makes a GOAT?

    The GOAT rankings use Peak ELO — the highest rating a fighter ever achieved. This captures their dominance at their absolute best, making it ideal for comparing legends across different eras. Title fights are weighted 3x in ELO calculations, reflecting the increased difficulty of championship bouts.

    More Rankings

    Overall Ratings ELO Rankings Pound for Pound Top Fights Top Events Undefeated Fighters Rising Stars Record Holders How It Works