MMA became one of the fastest-growing sports in the world during the 2000s and 2010s, drawing attention from many fans and athletes around the world. Over the years, more exciting and talented fighters have joined the premier competitions around the world, including UFC, ONE and Bellator.
Certain regions have had more talent than others, with some like Los Angeles having plenty of talent in the UFC. Outside of the US, Dagestan has become a source of incredible talent, just like Nigeria and other African countries.
Colorado hasn’t had the best fighters of all time, but they have provided promotions with some incredible athletes that made fans fall in love with combat sports, not to mention there are also plenty of Colorado sportsbook promos on ClutchBet.com. Here are the three best fighters of all time that came out of Colorado.
Benson Henderson
Benson Henderson is one of the most electrifying fighters that have come out of Colorado. The lightweight legend fought in several promotions, including the extinct World Extreme Cagefighting, where he won the interim and undisputed Lightweight champion of the world. He then would join the UFC, where he tried but could never win a belt.
Henderson is now competing in Bellator, losing his most recent bout against Usman Nurmagomedov via submission. The 39-year-old has posted a 30-12 record while putting up big shows in front of fans, becoming the best fighter that came out of Colorado. His level has decreased since he left the UFC, but Benson remains competitive and doesn’t hesitate to give the fans what they want to see.
Donald Cerrone
A controversial yet entertaining fighter, Donald Cerrone takes spot No. 2 on this mini-list. The ‘Cowboy’ was one of the most violent fighters to ever set foot on a UFC octagon. Just like Henderson, Cerrone also made it to the pros on WEC, before becoming a part of the UFC roster.
During his UFC tenure, he starred in big combats against huge opponents like Tony Ferguson, Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor. Even though he never won a championship in the biggest MMA promotion in the world, Cerrone became a legend, posting a 36-17 career record between the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
His fights were always entertaining and Cerrone didn’t hesitate to exchange blows with rivals while also expressing his opinions, earning love and hate from fans at the same time.
Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa is a veteran fighter who apparently had a higher ceiling and ended up being a good fighter, not a champion. Some might say it happened after his anticipated fight with Kevin Lee that ended their huge beef. Others said his level decreased after Conor McGregor injured him during a terrible in 2018.
“Maverick” hasn’t set foot on the octagon since 2021, and it seems like his time to become a champion has passed. Still, he made sure to leave some good sensations during his best days, competing in the Ultimate Fighter show before making it to the UFC. Chiesa holds an 18-6 record as a pro as one of the most promising fighters of his class.
Just like the other two fighters, he could never win a UFC championship, but his impact on the company and those who followed him was big. This is why Chiesa lands in 3rd on this mini-list, as one of the best fighters to come out of the state of Colorado.
To sum up, the Colorado scene is very eclectic in terms of MMA performers. With athletes like Cerrone coming from the Centennial State, it’s safe to say that it is one of the best US states in terms of MMA quality.