NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, a longtime mixed martial arts enthusiast, recently shared his perspective on the greatest UFC stars of all time when asked about his “Mount Rushmore” selection. Known for his towering presence in the basketball world, Shaq has also been a vocal supporter of MMA, even training with former UFC champion Forrest Griffin in the past.
During a discussion, O’Neal decided to split his selections into two categories: old-school legends and more modern icons. His choices reflected both his appreciation for the early pioneers of the sport and his admiration for the new generation of dominant mixed martial artists.
Old-School Picks
Shaq’s first set of selections focused on the early era of the UFC, a time when the sport was still finding its identity and building its foundation. Among his picks were:
- Wesley “Cabbage” Correira – A well-known heavyweight brawler famous for his toughness and ability to absorb punishment inside the Octagon.
- Tim Sylvia – The former UFC heavyweight champion, known for his towering frame and memorable battles, including his gruesome arm injury against Frank Mir.
- Tito Ortiz – One of the most polarizing figures in MMA history, Ortiz was a dominant force in the early light heavyweight division and a key figure in the UFC’s growth.
- Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell – Though Shaq appeared to reference Liddell’s opponents without fully completing his list, his admiration for the former light heavyweight champion was evident. Liddell’s knockout power and rivalries helped push MMA into mainstream recognition.
Modern-Era Selections
When shifting focus to more recent mixed martial artists, O’Neal’s choices reflected some of the biggest personalities and talents to ever step inside the cage:
- Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya – The dynamic striker and former UFC middleweight champion, known for his technical prowess and showmanship.
- Conor McGregor – The Irish superstar who transcended the sport with his charisma, devastating left hand, and multiple championship wins across weight classes.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov – The undefeated Dagestani grappling phenom, widely regarded as one of the most dominant mixed martial artists in MMA history.
- Brock Lesnar – A crossover megastar from WWE to the UFC, whose run as heavyweight champion brought mainstream attention to the sport.
Shaq’s Ongoing Love for MMA
O’Neal’s involvement with mixed martial arts extends far beyond being just a fan. Over the years, he has trained in multiple disciplines, attended numerous UFC events, and frequently spoken about his admiration for mixed martial artists. His selections reveal an appreciation for both the pioneers who built the sport and the athletes who have taken it to unprecedented levels of global popularity.
