Frank Shamrock

Frank was one of the most well rounded fighters of his era. He blended excellent submissions, with powerful striking, but his biggest asset was his ability to control the pace and stick to a game plan. Frank trained at the famed Lion’s Den and also trained with kickboxing legend Maurice Smith. During his career he was an interim KIng Of Pancrase, a WEC champion, a strikeforce champion, as well as a 4x UFC champion. He has quality wins over Tito Ortiz, Jeremy Horn, Phil Baroni, and Bas Rutten. Frank spent a large part of his career competing in the 200 lb weight class, and sometimes even competing in open weight class competitions. In today’s modern UFC, I believe Frank would compete in the welterweight class at 170. His well rounded skill set and endless gas tank would give many of today’s competitors problems. Frank retired in 2009 with a record of 23-10 with 2 draws.

Pat Miletich

Pat was the UFC’s first welterweight champion, and would go on to defend the belt 4x. As great as a fighter as Pat was, he was an even better coach. Putting together one of the best MMA teams the world would ever see. Pat began his MMA career all the way back in 1995 in Chicago at an event called Battle Of The Masters. After that he rattled off 15 straight victories. At UFC 16 he was crowned welterweight champion of the world. The thing about Pat, that made him special, was his ability to game plan, and control the pace of the fight. These same tactics are the same ones used by today’s champions. On top of that, Pat had a well rounded fighting style, he had a background in kickboxing, Karate, BJJ, wrestling, and was also an undefeated pro boxer. Miletich retired in 2008, with a 29-7 record.

Vitor Belfort

Belfort made his MMA debut at the age of 19 at Superbrawl, in Hawaii. He won his first fight in just 12 seconds, by knockout. His next fight was at UFC 12, where he won the heavyweight tournament in dramatic fashion. Finishing both of his opponents by tko. Vitor was one of the first UFC fighters, to showcase strong boxing skills, which was very impressive considering he was touted as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. Belfort’s career has spanned two decades, and his skills rival the best fighters active today. Belfort has wins over world champions, Rich Franklin, Vanderli Silva, Dan Henderson, Michael Bisping, and Randy Couture. Vitor retired in 2018, after 22 years in the sport, with a record of 26-14.

Don Frye

Don is one of the toughest men that has ever lived, and he was also one of the sport’s earliest well-rounded fighters. Don made his debut at UFC 8, dominating the field and claiming the open weight championship. He also won the Ultimate Ultimate in 1996.  In 2002 his fight with Yoshihiro Takayama was voted fight of the year, and it should also be considered as one of the best fights of all-time. Don has also spent time competing, as a professional boxer, and professional kickboxer. His elite striking skills compliment his solid ground game. In college Don wrestled for Arizona State, where he was a national qualifier, he is also a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Judo. He retired in 2011, with a professional record of 20-9.

Bas Rutten

Bas is one of those guys, whose done it all. A former UFC Champion, a former King Of Pancrase. Bas was one of the sports first elite strikers to win a major championship in MMA. His striking game was so deadly, even high level strikers tried taking him down. For many years he was considered the hardest kicker the sport had ever seen. Bas has Black Belts in Karate and Taekwondo, but has also trained and competed in boxing and kickboxing. In Pancrase Bas was the most feared striker on the rostor. After losing by submission to Ken Shamrock at a pancrase event in 1995, Bas began training submissions and never lost another fight. Closing his career with 22 straight victories. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him down, right as the sport was taking off in the United States. I can only imagine the wars he would of had with Chuck and Vanderli, if he could of stuck around for a few more years. Bas has quality wins over world champions Guy Mezger, Frank Shamrock, Maurice Smith, and Kevin Randleman. He retired with a record of 38-6-1.