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NEW
AFCON 2025
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Europe has produced some of the finest and most influential mixed martial artists in history, from fierce strikers to dominant grapplers. Here are the top 10 legendary European MMA fighters of all time, ranked based on legacy, accomplishments, impact, and consistency.
These fighters have left a lasting mark on the sport, bringing pride to their nations and influencing generations of fighters across the globe.
1. Fedor Emelianenko (Russia)
)
Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in MMA history, Emelianenko was nearly unbeatable during his prime.
The “Last Emperor” dominated the Pride FC heavyweight division, defeating legends like Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, and Mark Coleman. Fedor went unbeaten for nearly a decade, displaying a rare mix of power, speed, calmness, and world-class sambo skills.
Though he never fought in the UFC, his legacy transcends promotions, making him the most iconic European MMA fighter ever.
2. Conor McGregor (Ireland)
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McGregor revolutionised MMA with his charisma, marketing genius, and knockout power. As the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously (featherweight and lightweight), McGregor brought global attention to the UFC and European fighters.
His quick rise from Cage Warriors to UFC superstardom, along with his iconic wins over Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez, cemented his legacy, even if later setbacks followed. McGregor’s influence and commercial appeal remain unmatched.
3. Mirko Cro Cop (Croatia)
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A former kickboxing champion, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic transitioned to MMA and became a feared heavyweight striker. Known for his lethal left high kick (“right leg hospital, left leg cemetery”), he made his name in Pride, defeating elite heavyweights and winning the 2006 Openweight Grand Prix.
Though he later fought in the UFC with mixed success, Cro Cop's devastating finishes and fearsome aura made him a true legend of European MMA.
4. Michael Bisping (England)
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Bisping became the first British UFC champion when he knocked out Luke Rockhold on short notice in 2016 to win the middleweight title. His journey from The Ultimate Fighter winner to world champion is one of grit, resilience, and perseverance.
Bisping fought the who’s who of the division, from Anderson Silva to Georges St-Pierre, often while battling serious injuries. His commentary and podcast work post-retirement have kept him at the forefront of MMA.
5. Bas Rutten (Netherlands)
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A pioneer in the early days of MMA, Rutten was known for his vicious liver shots, slick submissions, and wild charisma. He was the King of Pancrase in Japan before winning the UFC heavyweight title in 1999.
Although injuries shortened his career, Rutten’s hybrid striking and grappling game helped shape modern MMA. Today, he's a beloved figure in MMA media and coaching circles, with a reputation as one of the sport’s true innovators.
6. Alexander Gustafsson (Sweden)
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Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson brought Sweden into the MMA spotlight with his crisp boxing and toughness. His 2013 fight against Jon Jones is considered one of the greatest title fights in UFC history, where he pushed the champion to the limit.
Though he never won a UFC title, Gustafsson challenged the best light heavyweights of his era, Jones, Daniel Cormier, and Anthony Johnson, and earned massive respect from fans and peers.
7. Gegard Mousasi (Netherlands/Armenia)
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One of the most underrated fighters ever, Mousasi has competed across multiple organisations, including Pride, Strikeforce, UFC, and Bellator.
With over 50 professional wins and championships in multiple promotions, Mousasi’s resume includes victories over legends like Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort, Chris Weidman, and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. His calm demeanor and well-rounded game made him a nightmare opponent at middleweight and light heavyweight.
8. Joanna Jedrzejczyk (Poland)
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Jedrzejczyk is the most successful female European fighter in MMA history. The Polish striker dominated the UFC strawweight division, defending her title five times and showcasing world-class Muay Thai in the Octagon.
Her intense fights with Rose Namajunas, Jessica Andrade, and Zhang Weili are considered among the best in women’s MMA. Joanna’s fiery personality and fighting spirit helped elevate women’s MMA globally and opened doors for Polish fighters.
9. Jan Blachowicz (Poland)
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Long overlooked, Blachowicz defied the odds by winning the UFC light heavyweight title in 2020, defeating Dominick Reyes. His “legendary Polish power” and late-career resurgence made him a fan favourite. Jan also handed Israel Adesanya his first MMA defeat, defending his title in style.
Beyond his success, Blachowicz became a symbol of perseverance and the rise of Eastern European fighters in the UFC spotlight.
10. Alistair Overeem (Netherlands)
)
Though born in England, Alistair Overeem represented the Netherlands and became a heavyweight icon in both MMA and kickboxing. He is one of the few fighters to hold major titles in both sports—K-1 World Grand Prix champion, Strikeforce heavyweight champion, and DREAM heavyweight champion.
In the UFC, Overeem fought elite names like Stipe Miocic, Brock Lesnar, and Fabricio Werdum. His longevity, skillset, and global career make him one of Europe’s most decorated fighters.
Honourable Mentions
Tom Aspinall (England)
Valentina Shevchenko (Kyrgyzstan/Peru)
Sergei Kharitonov (Russia)
Makwan Amirkhani (Finland)