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Who Belongs on the MMA Mount Rushmore? Michael Bisping's Case for Conor McGregor and Other Legends
In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), debates over who belongs on the sport's proverbial "Mount Rushmore" are as heated as any in sports. The concept is simple: who are the four faces that have defined the sport, leaving an indelible mark that will be remembered for centuries? Michael Bisping, a former UFC Middleweight Champion and Hall of Famer, recently weighed in on the topic, arguing that Conor McGregor deserves a spot. But does he? And if McGregor is to be included, who are the other three legends that deserve to stand alongside him?
The Case for Conor McGregor
Michael Bisping, known for his no-nonsense approach and sharp wit, made a compelling argument for McGregor during a recent discussion. “What about this point of view, let’s remember the sport’s only thirty years old. Let’s look at this in a hundred years' time from now. Who will be the name that’s really stood out? You cannot deny the impact that McGregor had on this sport and bringing it to the next level, and you know, I’m the last person to sit here and fluff him up, but you can’t deny that, you just can’t.”
Bisping’s point is well taken. Conor McGregor didn’t just win titles; he transcended the sport. His rise to fame brought MMA into the mainstream like never before. With his charisma, trash-talking, and knack for promotion, McGregor drew millions of new fans to the UFC. His fights shattered pay-per-view records, and his rivalry with Nate Diaz, in particular, captivated a global audience. McGregor's crossover into boxing to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. further solidified his status as a sports icon, making him a household name far beyond the confines of MMA.
Other Contenders for MMA’s Mount Rushmore
While McGregor's influence is undeniable, he is not the only fighter worthy of being immortalized. Here are three other legends who could arguably take their place on MMA’s Mount Rushmore:
Anderson Silva
Anderson "The Spider" Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. His reign as the UFC Middleweight Champion for nearly seven years, with a record 16 consecutive wins in the UFC, is legendary. Silva’s striking was revolutionary, and his ability to finish fights in spectacular fashion made him a fan favorite. Beyond his skill, Silva's longevity in the sport, fighting elite competition well into his 40s, sets him apart as a true pioneer of MMA.
Georges St-Pierre
Georges "GSP" St-Pierre is the epitome of what it means to be a complete mixed martial artist. A two-division champion, GSP dominated the welterweight division for years, avenging his only two losses and leaving the sport on top. His discipline, sportsmanship, and well-rounded skill set—featuring elite wrestling, striking, and fight IQ—made him a role model for aspiring fighters. GSP's influence extends beyond the octagon as he played a significant role in bringing legitimacy and respectability to MMA as a sport.
Jon Jones
Jon "Bones" Jones, despite his controversies outside the cage, is arguably the most talented fighter in MMA history. As the youngest UFC champion ever, Jones has defeated a who's who of MMA legends, often making it look easy. His unparalleled versatility, combining wrestling, striking, and creativity in the octagon, has led many to call him the greatest of all time. If not for his personal issues, Jones might already be universally recognized as the GOAT, but even with them, his impact on the sport is undeniable.
Honorable Mentions
Fedor Emelianenko: The Last Emperor’s dominance in the heavyweight division, particularly in PRIDE, makes him a strong candidate for Mount Rushmore. His stoic demeanor and brutal finishing ability made him a mythic figure in MMA.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: The undefeated Dagestani warrior retired at 29-0, having dominated every opponent he faced. Khabib’s wrestling and grappling were on another level, and his discipline inside and outside the cage makes him a modern-day legend.
Ronda Rousey: As the first female UFC champion, Rousey broke barriers and brought women’s MMA to the forefront. Her influence goes beyond her fights, as she opened the door for future generations of female fighters.
Fight.TV break down
The debate over who belongs on MMA’s Mount Rushmore will likely never end, but the cases for Conor McGregor, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and Jon Jones are particularly strong. Each of these fighters has contributed to the growth and global recognition of MMA in unique ways, and their legacies will endure long after their fighting days are over. As Bisping noted, it might take a hundred years to truly assess their impact, but one thing is certain—these names will always be part of the conversation.
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