By MATT MOLGAARD
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer

What constitutes greatness in regards to mixed martial arts? Desire; strength, will, elite athleticism, technical mastery, the ability to overcome adversity, the chin of a stone carving, the power of a mac truck, just to name a few qualities. These traits are rarely, rarely combined in the confines of one fighters body and mind, but throughout the years, we have indeed seen a few men who fit the bill.

While some of the sports greats remain in the spotlight still to this day, whether competing or not, there are a few who have come and gone, that have, to an extent been forgotten. It’s time refresh the memory, and pay respect where respect is due.

Royce Gracie: Royce, in effect revolutionized the sport of MMA. He also introduced the world to a lesser known martial arts discipline often regarded as tame, Jiu-Jitsu. We now know the dangers of broken limbs and constricted airwaves as well as we know the sun will rise and the sun will set. Royce, a naturally small man, who sports a frame that carries a natural 175-180 pounds, obliterated the competition during the UFC’s early years. Not only did he win multiple promotional tournaments, he also compiled a highly respectable 14-2-3 record, and despite succumbing to age, proved a still dangerous foe in some of his final bouts. If ever there was a MMA great, his name was Royce Gracie.

Anderson Silva: “The Spider” is not only still actively fighting: he’s doing so with nearly zero resistance. Proven to be the greatest striker in the sport, Anderson hasn’t dropped a bout since January of 2006. He’s amassed a remarkable 15 fight win streak, and 14 of those have victories have come inside the UFC’s famed octagon. Needless to say, Anderson is considered the greatest fighter in the history of the sport, and very few can legitimately refute that. With a career record standing at 31-4, Anderson is, without question the most dynamic fighter to ever set foot in a cage (or ring). Interestingly enough, lately he looks a whole lot like the famed boxer Roy Jones Jr., whom Silva deeply respects, and has also petitioned to battle. Anderson Silva is the kind of fighter that will never be forgotten. He’s the Jones Jr., he’s the Ali, he’s the Whitaker, of our beloved sport, and to be mentioned in the same sentence, let alone compared to those legendary warriors, speaks testament to just how amazing the Brazilian truly is.

Chuck Liddell: For many a years, Chuck Liddell was the face of mixed martial arts. A tough, fearless competitor content to wade through the trenches with any man alive, Liddell traditionally emerged victories. His technique, while extremely unorthodox, worked wonders in the realm of the MMA landscape; the man absolutely mastered the art of sprawl and brawl, and it can still, to this day, be considered the best the sport has seen. Numerous opponents fell victim to Liddell’s absurdly heavy hands, and the man proved himself willing to travel anywhere, to fight anyone. It was this combination of admirable qualities that turned Liddell into the most popular figure in the sport. Unfortunately the countless wars eventually took a toll on Liddell, who was forced to retire after being stopped multiple times in the latter stages of his career. What took place post-Liddell-prime means little however. While in hi peak years, Liddell battled anyone placed in front of him; he gave it his all, every time, and for that, the legend known as “The Ice Man” has certainly earned his place amongst this list. Chuck Liddell let his professional record rest at 21-8.

Matt Hughes: Matt Hughes may not be the most loved fighter in the business, but he’s proven his worth and earned his dues – time and again – over the years. Still considered by many as the greatest welterweight champion of all time, Hughes mowed through his challengers like a chainsaw to pig carcass, leaving little behind other than blood and mush. With a career record of 45-9, Matt is one of the most seasoned and consistent competitors in the sport. He’s toppled many a foe, including current champion Georges St. Pierre as well as B.J. Penn, and his insane run as the 170 pound champion redefines the term dominant. Hughes’ best years are now behind him, as he’s gone 5-5 over the course of his last ten bouts. Will he retire while his legacy is intact? I hope so.

Fedor Emelianenko: Fedor sat perched atop the heavyweight thrown for nearly a decade. He toppled foes in violent fashion, displaying no favoritism over brutal fistic beatings, or extremity threating submissions. He was ince cold in demeanor, business, and only business inside the ring, and he turned a whole lot of hard work into immeasurable success. There has yet to be a fighter to produce the aura possessed by Fedor; save for Anderson Silva and Georges St. Pierre (Jon Jones could be on his way), no man has mystified in his demeanor, performances, sportsmanlike conduct and heartfelt compassion for his fallen foes like Fedor Emelianenko. While Fedor’s career is winding down, and his skills are slowing, he remains a threat to any man he faces. And to the chagrin of some, and the pleasure of others, he has chosen to continue on fighting. While I don’t expect a monumental comeback, I suspect we’ll see this legend have his hand raised at least once more before he hangs them up. Fedor’s current record stands at 31-4-0-1.

Georges St. Pierre: While Matt Hughes may be the most memorable welterweight champion in history due to his constant, brutal aggression, there’s no doubt, “GSP” will be remembered as the most tactical welterweight champion on the planet. Few have the ability to formulate an effective gameplan, and then follow through to a T; yet Georges certainly does. When coupled with his otherworldly athleticism and general fight IQ, GSP has become the greatest fighter to ever enter the welterweight ranks. What is most impressive about St. Pierre is the consistently high level competition of which he’s disposed. While you’ve got your occasional Dan Hardy (a great fighter who wasn’t quite prepared for that showdown) tossed in the mix, guys like Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch, Jake Shields, Thiago Alves and B.J. Penn are fantastic fighters; to see GSP completely control virtually every challenger is an amazing sight to see. Georges holds a very impressive 22-2 professional record.