The 11 Best Pride FC Bushido Fighters

Grand Prix winners, slick submission artists, and relentless strikers lit up the lighter weight classes of Japan's golden MMA era. Legends share the card with cult favorites. Who was the best? Cast your vote!

1

Takanori Gomi

The Fireball Kid who won the 2005 Pride Bushido Lightweight Grand Prix in dominant fashion.

1000pts

2

Dan Henderson

American legend who won the Pride Welterweight Grand Prix and later held two Pride titles at once.

908pts

3

Hayato Sakurai

Mach Sakurai, an elite Japanese striker and Bushido Lightweight Grand Prix finalist.

779pts

4

Joachim Hansen

Norwegian Hellboy, a fearless striker and grappler who battled the division's best.

681pts

5

Gilbert Melendez

American standout who emerged through Bushido before becoming a world champion.

619pts

6

Murilo Rua

Ninja Rua, a tough Chute Boxe striker and Bushido Welterweight Grand Prix winner.

545pts

7

Denis Kang

Versatile Canadian who went on a long unbeaten run through the Bushido middleweight ranks.

545pts

8

Ryo Chonan

Japanese fighter remembered for his stunning flying-scissor heel hook over Anderson Silva.

545pts

9

Paulo Filho

Brazilian who went undefeated to win the 2005 Bushido Middleweight Grand Prix.

545pts

10

Shinya Aoki

The flexible submission wizard famed for his outlandish grappling finishes.

545pts

11

Akihiro Gono

Charismatic Japanese welterweight known for his entrances and well-rounded game.

454pts