Get ready to witness the UFC roll out the red carpet for its legends and luminaries at this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 27. It’s an event that pays homage to the blood, sweat, and adrenaline that have defined the octagon over the years.
Since its inception in 2003 with icons like Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock, the UFC Hall of Fame has been a shrine to greatness. It’s not just about the fighters who’ve battled their way to glory, but also the fights that have etched themselves into MMA lore and the individuals who’ve shaped the sport behind the scenes.
This year, the spotlight shines on a diverse array of honorees from across the globe and different eras of mixed martial arts. From a New Jersey legend whose name is synonymous with resilience, to warriors hailing from Poland and Brazil who’ve left an indelible mark on the sport, the lineup is as eclectic as it is formidable. And let’s not forget the unforgettable showdown that forged a bond between two men, forever enshrined in the annals of UFC history.
Set against the glittering backdrop of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this ceremony isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a celebration of the UFC’s evolution and the enduring spirit of competition. And with UFC 303 on the horizon, where Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka are set to ignite the octagon in a rematch for the ages, the energy is palpable.
So, as the UFC gears up to honor its titans and tales, expect an evening filled with nostalgia, reverence, and maybe a few surprises. After all, in the UFC, every fight tells a story, and every fighter adds a chapter to the legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Who will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2024?
Frankie Edgar (Modern Wing)
Frankie Edgar, hailing from Toms River, N.J., carved out a legacy in the UFC defined by resilience, epic comebacks, and an unwavering fighting spirit. From his debut in 2005 until his retirement in 2022, “The Answer” captured the hearts of MMA fans worldwide with his thrilling performances inside the octagon.
Edgar’s crowning achievement came in the UFC lightweight division, where he etched his name in history by defeating BJ Penn not once, but twice—first to claim the lightweight championship and then to defend it. His title defense against Gray Maynard in 2011 was an instant classic, earning Fight of the Year honors for its sheer intensity and dramatic twists. Similarly, his 2012 bout against Benson Henderson showcased Edgar’s tenacity and skill, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most enduring warriors.
Throughout his storied career, Edgar faced a gauntlet of formidable opponents, initially at lightweight and later in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions. His ability to adapt and excel across weight classes highlighted his versatility and determination. Notably, Edgar holds several UFC records that underscore his exceptional career: the best significant strike defense in lightweight history, the second longest total fight time in UFC history, and a share of the record for most successful lightweight title defenses.
Recognizing his contributions to the sport, UFC CEO Dana White hailed Edgar as one of the greatest athletes in UFC history. White praised Edgar’s remarkable career, spanning over 15 years, during which he consistently took on the best fighters in the world across multiple weight divisions. Edgar’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame during International Fight Week this summer is a fitting tribute to his legacy—a testament to his skill, heart, and enduring impact on mixed martial arts.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk (Modern Wing)
Known by the intimidating monikers “The Boogeywoman” and “Joanna Violence,” Joanna Jedrzejczyk has rightfully earned her place as the second woman inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Her journey to MMA greatness began with a formidable background in Muay Thai, where she garnered multiple gold medals before transitioning to professional fighting in 2012.
Jedrzejczyk made an immediate impact on the UFC stage by dethroning Carla Esparza to claim the strawweight title. From there, she embarked on a dominant championship reign, defending her belt an impressive five times. Known for her relentless aggression and raw power, Jedrzejczyk became synonymous with fearlessness and tenacity inside the Octagon, earning respect as one of the fiercest competitors in UFC history, regardless of gender.
One of the defining moments of her career came in a legendary bout against Zhang Weili for the strawweight championship in 2020. Their clash, hailed as one of the greatest fights in UFC history, showcased their incredible skill and determination, culminating in a record-breaking 351 significant strikes exchanged.
Jedrzejczyk holds a remarkable UFC record for most significant strikes landed per minute in strawweight history, highlighting her ability to dominate opponents with precision and volume. Throughout her career, she achieved the feat of landing triple-digit strikes in a single fight on eight separate occasions, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
UFC President Dana White lauded Jedrzejczyk as one of the greatest athletes in the history of combat sports. He praised not only her exceptional fighting prowess but also her character as an ambassador and role model for women in MMA. White emphasized Jedrzejczyk’s unwavering courage and willingness to face the very best in her division, showcasing her resilience and determination on every occasion she stepped into the spotlight.
Jedrzejczyk’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame stands as a testament to her extraordinary career and enduring impact on the sport—a legacy defined by her unmatched skill, relentless spirit, and unwavering dedication to excellence in mixed martial arts.
Wanderlei Silva (Pioneer Wing)
Wanderlei Silva, famously known as “The Axe Murderer,” carved out his legacy as one of the most ferocious and iconic strikers in the history of MMA.
Silva burst onto the professional MMA scene in 1996 and quickly became a household name during his tenure with PRIDE Fighting Championships. It was in PRIDE where Silva’s legend truly flourished, capturing the PRIDE middleweight title and securing the prestigious 2003 Middleweight Grand Prix championship. His reign as the middleweight champion from 2001 to 2007 was marked by unforgettable battles against fierce rivals such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Hidehiko Yoshida, and Kazushi Sakuraba, showcasing his relentless aggression and knockout power in thrilling wars that captivated audiences worldwide.
Transitioning to the UFC and later Bellator, Silva continued to showcase his warrior spirit, although his dominance didn’t quite mirror his PRIDE era accomplishments. Nevertheless, his presence in the cage remained awe-inspiring, a testament to his enduring legacy and impact on the sport.
Under the PRIDE banner, Silva amassed a collection of records that underscore his dominance and influence in the MMA world. He holds the records for the most wins (22), most knockouts (15), most significant strikes landed (720), and most successful title defenses (4), cementing his place as a true pioneer of the sport.
UFC President Dana White paid tribute to Silva’s indelible mark on MMA, describing him as an “absolute savage” who delivered some of the most memorable fights in combat sports history. From epic showdowns against legends like Mirko Cro Cop, Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Brian Stann, and Rich Franklin, Silva’s bouts were renowned for their intensity and sheer spectacle, contributing significantly to the global growth of MMA fandom during PRIDE’s heyday.
Wanderlei Silva’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and enduring influence on MMA. His legacy as a fearless warrior and pioneer continues to resonate with fans and fighters alike, forever etched in the annals of mixed martial arts history.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (Pioneer Wing)
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, now a two-time UFC Hall of Famer in the Fight Wing, enters the hallowed halls as a true pioneer and one of the most formidable strikers in the history of combat sports.
Rua embarked on his professional MMA journey in 2002 and quickly established his dominance in the legendary PRIDE Fighting Championships. His path to greatness was paved with victories over esteemed opponents like Quinton Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Alistair Overeem, and Ricardo Arona, culminating in his spectacular triumph in the 2005 PRIDE Middleweight Grand Prix. This achievement solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world.
Transitioning to the UFC after its acquisition of PRIDE, Rua encountered both triumph and adversity. While his initial UFC light heavyweight title bout against Lyoto Machida ended in defeat in 2009, Rua exacted redemption in 2010 with a thrilling knockout victory to claim the coveted belt. His tenure in the Octagon was marked by legendary battles, notably against the likes of Jon Jones, whose eventual rise as a future legend saw Rua lose his title.
Despite a career punctuated by wins and losses, including a concluding three-fight skid, Rua’s legacy remains indelible. He ranks third all-time under Zuffa, LLC (which encompasses UFC, PRIDE, WEC, and Strikeforce) with an impressive tally of 17 knockouts, showcasing his lethal striking prowess and enduring impact on the sport.
Describing Rua as “one of the greatest Brazilian athletes in combat sports history,” UFC President Dana White highlighted his fearless spirit and monumental contributions to MMA. Rua’s memorable clashes against iconic opponents such as Mark Coleman, Chuck Liddell, Lyoto Machida, and Dan Henderson not only left an indelible mark on UFC history but also played a pivotal role in elevating Brazilian MMA onto the global stage.
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional career, characterized by courage, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness inside the Octagon. His journey from PRIDE champion to UFC legend underscores his status as a true pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire generations of MMA enthusiasts worldwide.
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen I: UFC 117 (Fight Wing)
The clash between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 in 2010 stands as one of the most iconic rivalries in UFC lore, eternally linking these two fighters in MMA history.
At the time, Silva was enjoying an illustrious reign as the UFC middleweight champion, while Sonnen, known for his brash demeanor and relentless trash talk, was riding high on a three-fight winning streak. The buildup to their showdown was nothing short of legendary, with Sonnen’s verbal jabs aimed squarely at Silva, attempting to unsettle the usually composed champion.
When the fight finally unfolded, it was a showcase of Sonnen’s dominance for the majority of the bout. He asserted control with relentless ground pressure, landing an impressive 89 significant strikes compared to Silva’s 29 and securing three crucial takedowns. It seemed Silva’s championship reign, which had commenced in 2006, was on the brink of ending.
Yet, in a dramatic turn of events with only two minutes remaining in the final round, Silva, fighting from his back, executed a stunning triangle choke submission. Sonnen, who had never before faced the fifth round in his career, was forced to tap out, delivering an unforgettable conclusion that solidified the fight’s place in UFC history.
The drama and intensity of their first encounter naturally set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in 2012. Silva emerged victorious in the sequel, this time dispatching Sonnen in just two rounds. However, it was the initial battle at UFC 117 that cemented both fighters’ legacies and remains a pivotal moment in the annals of MMA.
“This first fight between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen was nothing short of incredible,” remarked UFC President Dana White. “It propelled Anderson into superstardom and showcased Chael’s ability to compete at the highest level in the division. This fight had all the elements you crave in a five-round title bout: intensity, skill, drama, and a memorable finish that left fans eagerly anticipating their rematch.”
The Silva vs. Sonnen saga continues to resonate as a testament to the unpredictability and sheer drama that defines the sport of mixed martial arts.
