The ufc heavyweight champ is one of the highest-profile stars in all of combat sports. MMA has seen massive growth in popularity worldwide over the past two decades, and has become the largest pay-per-view event provider on the planet. The division is also a home to many exciting knockouts and submissions that make it a fan favorite around the world.
Francis Ngannou has been a dominant force in the UFC heavyweight division for a while now, but he hasn’t been without his fair share of setbacks and challenges along the way. However, he’s never given up, and has continued to show his unmatched fighting skills, with wins over a number of talented opponents.
Despite his struggles, Ngannou has been consistently knocking out his opponents, which is what led to him being crowned as the UFC heavyweight champion in January 2018. With his win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 270, Ngannou has cemented himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time, and will likely continue to be a top contender for years to come.
A former kickboxer, Cro Cop has become one of the most dominant talents in MMA history, and is considered one of the sport’s most iconic fighters. He was a two-time RIZIN and PRIDE tournament champion, and has defeated some of the biggest names in the sport, including Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett and Mark Coleman.
He’s been a fixture in the UFC top five for over two years now, and is certainly a name to watch out for as his career progresses. While he may not be the most dynamic fighter in the division, his workman-like style and toughness makes him a very sound choice for any title challenger.
Curtis Blaydes is one of the most well-rounded and underrated talents in the division. He’s a slick boxer who has a deadly kickboxing game, and he can also deliver devastating counter punches to the face. He’s also a master of the takedown, which can be a key tool for any heavyweight who is looking to win their next title fight.
Tai Tuivasa is another well-liked fighter in the UFC heavyweight division, but he’s been suffering a little bit of a skid lately. He lost his last three fights to the division’s elite, including a loss at UFC Orlando to Sergei Pavlovich, and has been dropping down the rankings as a result.
Tim Sylvia is a veteran of the sport, having started off as a professional wrestler for Saint Joseph Central Catholic High School in the early 2000s. He then began training for MMA, and quickly became a highly-rated heavyweight.
Mirko Cro Cop is an excellent competitor who has been in the UFC for a long time now, and has beaten some of the best fighters in the sport. His ten straight victories have included six knockouts, and he’s also won the RIZIN heavyweight tournament.
He’s also won the PRIDE heavyweight tournament twice, and has been a major part of the promotion’s success as a whole.