The biggest stars in mixed marital arts is an ever revolving door. Stars fade, and new ones emerge. Being able to grab the public’s attention is largely a temporary phenomenon and very few transfer to long-term memory.
Former UFC two-time welterweight title challenger and original BMF belt holder Jorge Masvidal revealed his Top 5 UFC stars currently competing in the fight promotion.
“I got Ilia [Topuria], No. 1,” Masvidal said on Deep Waters. “Chama (Alex Pereira) No. 2 because that guy fights. Everybody knows, in Japan, in Korea, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Thailand or Japan. International. He is a star. He is an effing star, bro. Like, it’s crazy, man.”
“No. 3, I’ll go with [Khamzat] Chimaev. I think Chimaev is a huge star worldwide,” Masvidal continued. “No. 4, I’m going to throw a curveball at y’all. But I think especially after his next fight, he’s going to be one of the biggest names, Sean Strickland, bro. And he’s got like that whole love and hate. He’s going to be up there.
“No. 5, I’m going to go with Charles Oliveira. He’s so famous worldwide. He’s got the whole Brazil on his back without even mentioning it.”
Masvidal has teased an octagon return. He last fought MMA in April 2023. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that matchmakers are in talks with “Gamebred.”