We’re on version 19 of these calculations. CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is welcomed!
These all-time calculation methods are still in the beta stages, but close to final. There are some important things to mention as there are some major differences between these rankings and the FightMatrix ratings.
- Rankings ARE division specific. Fighters CAN appear in more than one list, but will only be given credit during times in which they produced quality performances in these divisions. Due to this, divisional info is seriously depended upon.
- Years of 1990 and later are considered.
- Monthly ranking snapshots are taken, with some minor modifications that are focused on determining the truly great fighters (harsher penalties for inactivity, lack of quality performances)
- Fighters are given points based on their standing in the Top 25, with the most points going toward a #1 spot, a little less to #2, right on down the line. Having longevity at the top of the division is key and those who only spend a limited time in a division will suffer. Divisional depth at the time is also given consideration.
Rank | Fighter | Total Record | All-Time Division Points | |
1 | ![]() Last Fight: 8/8/2009 |
25-4-0 |
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2 | ![]() Last Fight: 8/29/2009 |
29-8-2 |
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3 | ![]() Last Fight: 9/12/2009 |
18-1-0 |
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4 | ![]() Last Fight: 9/19/2009 |
26-5-0 |
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5 | ![]() Last Fight: 1/24/2009 |
21-6-0 |
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6 | ![]() Last Fight: 8/2/2009 |
22-9-2 |
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7 | ![]() Last Fight: 7/11/2009 |
25-7-0 |
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8 | ![]() Last Fight: 12/31/2007 |
14-7-1 |
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9 | ![]() Last Fight: 8/8/2009 |
11-3-0 |
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10 | ![]() Last Fight: 6/6/2009 |
16-5-0 |
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1. Anderson Silva (878 All-Time Welterweight Points)
It’s probably no surprise that Anderson Silva is ranked as the top Middleweight of all-time. Undefeated at the division in the past 3.5 years, and one of the most dominant fighters in the sport.
2. Nate Marquardt (758)
A top Middleweight for a decade and one of the first great Middleweights in MMA. Won the King of Pancrase title in the division countless times and has been a top Middleweight in the UFC since his arrival. At only 30, and with Anderson possibly leaving the division in the near future, Marquardt has a chance to one day top the list.
3. Paulo Filho (542)
Just like at Welterweight, we see a pretty large drop in points going from #2 to #3. Outside of losing to Chael Sonnen where he clearly was not himself, Filho’s record is without blemish. He has long been the best Middleweight not in the UFC.
4. Rich Franklin (473)
Limited by his somewhat short tenure at Middleweight, and by a man named Anderson Silva, Rich Franklin still earns a respectable Top 5 position. It looks like Rich is done at the weight, but with wins over Okami, Lutter, Tanner, Quarry, and others, he had a pretty good run.
5. Matt Lindland (406)
Lindland is the best Middleweight in history without a major MMA championship to his credit. However, the sport hasn’t been too kind to him lately and at 39, his legacy is probably maxed out
6. Kazuo Misaki (325)
By far, the best Asian ever in the division. Won the 2006 PRIDE Welterweight (183lb) Grand Prix, thanks in part to Paulo Filho’s injury. Also owns wins over Dan Henderson, Denis Kang, and Kiuma Kunioku.
7. Dan Henderson(300)
Although his cumulative tenure at the division has been relatively short, he went 1-1 against the #6 Misaki, and also holds wins over #8 Bustamante and other solid fighters such as Akihiro Gono and Ryo Chonan.
8. Murilo Bustamante (290)
Bustamante is a former, defending UFC Middleweight champion, and PRIDE Welterweight (183lb) Grand Prix finalist. Like many other fighters, he spent quite a bit of time at different weights, which robbed his career of further potential Middleweight achievements. Four of his seven losses came at higher weights, where he went 6-4-1, losing his last four non-Middleweight bouts.
9. Ricardo Almeida (270)
Wins over Kazuo Misaki, Nate Marquardt, and Ryo Chonan earn him the 9th spot on the list.
10. Robbie Lawler (287)
Since he moved to Middleweight permanently, Lawler has gone 8-3 beating fighters like Frank Trigg, Falaniko Vitale, Murilo Rua, and Scott Smith. Certainly not the best of the bunch, but several years near the top of the division will earn you a spot on this list.