Who is the greatest UFC middleweight champion of all time?

The UFC middleweight division has been home to some of the most technically gifted and exciting fighters in MMA history. From Anderson Silva's record-breaking reign to Adesanya's era of dominance, who is the greatest champion at 185 pounds?

Anderson Silva

The Brazilian striker who held the middleweight title for a record 2,457 days and is widely regarded as the greatest UFC middleweight of all time.

1/15

Israel Adesanya

The stylish kickboxer and two-time middleweight champion whose record-breaking reign put him in direct conversation with Anderson Silva for the GOAT title.

2/15

Robert Whittaker

The tough New Zealander who won the interim title and unified it, defending it successfully before losing to Adesanya, widely seen as one of the best ever.

3/15

Chris Weidman

The undefeated contender who shocked the world by knocking out Anderson Silva twice, becoming one of the most significant champions in division history.

4/15

Georges St-Pierre

The legendary welterweight GOAT who moved up to middleweight and outpointed Michael Bisping at UFC 217, adding a second divisional title to his legacy.

5/15

Michael Bisping

The British brawler who pulled off one of the greatest upsets in UFC history, knocking out Luke Rockhold on short notice to become champion.

6/15

Luke Rockhold

The stylish jiu-jitsu specialist who dominated his way to the title with near-flawless technique, considered one of the most complete middleweights in history.

7/15

Alex Pereira

The Brazilian Muay Thai legend who knocked out Adesanya to claim the title and later vacated it to conquer the light heavyweight division as well.

8/15

Sean Strickland

The unorthodox heavy volume puncher who shocked Adesanya with a unanimous decision win, proving that relentless pressure and output can defeat elite striking.

9/15

Dricus Du Plessis

The South African grappling force who dethroned Strickland and cemented himself as one of the hardest-working champions in recent middleweight history.

10/15

Khamzat Chimaev

The Chechen-Swedish wrestling powerhouse known for his dominant performances and relentless pressure, a current top contender in the division.

11/15

Rich Franklin

The former math teacher turned fighter who was the face of the middleweight division in the mid-2000s before Anderson Silva's arrival changed everything.

12/15

Yoel Romero

The Cuban Olympic wrestler and physical marvel who came within a whisker of the title twice and delivered some of the most explosive performances in division history.

13/15

Vitor Belfort

The Brazilian prodigy who challenged for the middleweight title multiple times and is remembered as one of the most dangerous strikers the division has seen.

14/15

Ronaldo Jacare Souza

The grappling wizard and BJJ world champion whose submission artistry made him one of the most feared middleweight contenders of his era.

15/15