In a recent live stream hosted by an online platform, mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor shared his thoughts on the greatest MMA stars in the sport’s history. The charismatic Irishman, known for his bold statements and flashy persona, surprised many by leaving himself off the list and instead paying homage to the pioneers who paved the way for modern MMA.
McGregor’s “Mount Rushmore” of MMA included five names that resonated with longtime fans of the sport. Without hesitation, he named Rickson Gracie, Royce Gracie, Ken Shamrock, and Chuck Liddell as the first four. After a brief pause, he completed the quintet with Bas Rutten, whom he praised as “Europe’s first” and “Europe’s own.”
The selection of Bas Rutten seemed to particularly excite McGregor, who added, “What a man Bas Rutten is. Serious shape he’s in now. Bas, I’m right behind you, bro. I see you, Bas. I’m right behind you.” Rutten, a former kickboxer from the Netherlands, became the first UFC champion from his country when he defeated Kevin Randleman in May 1999 to claim the heavyweight title. Despite never defending his belt due to injuries, Rutten’s impressive 28-4-1 career record and victories over notable opponents earned him a place in the UFC Hall of Fame Pioneer Wing in 2015.
The other selections on McGregor’s list are equally significant in MMA history. Royce Gracie is widely regarded as the most important figure in the sport’s early days, serving as the face of the inaugural UFC events. Rickson Gracie, known for his legendary—albeit sometimes undocumented—martial arts prowess, also made the cut. Ken Shamrock played a crucial role in elevating the UFC’s popularity, while Chuck Liddell emerged as the promotion’s first superstar of the modern era.
Notably absent from the list was McGregor himself, despite his status as MMA’s biggest box office draw and former two-division UFC champion. The 36-year-old fighter’s recent career has been marked by inactivity and setbacks, with only one victory since his lightweight title win in 2016. His last appearance in the octagon resulted in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
McGregor’s willingness to recognize the sport’s trailblazers demonstrates a level of respect for MMA’s roots that some may find surprising coming from the often brash and outspoken fighter. As the sport continues to evolve, McGregor’s acknowledgment of these legendary figures serves as a reminder of the foundation upon which modern MMA was built.
