Sherdog’s Top 10: Fighters Outside the UFC

Patrick WymanJun 30, 2015



4. Cristiane Justino
Record: 13-1
Organization: Invicta Fighting Championships

“Cyborg” is easily the best women’s featherweight on the face of the planet and has been for quite some time. She has not lost since her professional debut back in 2005, and only one opponent has even managed to survive to the final bell. The other 12 wins of Justino’s career have all come by way of devastating knockout, courtesy of the kind of power that is nearly impossible to find among fighters of either gender.

She has defeated every notable fighter at her weight during her time in the sport, including Hitomi Akano, Shayna Baszler, Gina Carano and Marloes Coenen. It is a thin weight class, to be sure, but the sheer violence of Justino’s victories, their uncompetitive nature and the lack of any meaningful challenge is enough to secure her a high spot on this list. So, too, is the prospect of a super fight with UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, as the two have gone back and forth over the prospect of a bout.

Justino is currently scheduled to face Faith Van Duin at Invicta Fighting Championships 13 on July 9, and she will likely come in as a huge favorite once again. Only the possibility of a fight with Rousey holds any real interest anymore: “Cyborg” has blown away every other opponent in style.

Number 3 » There can be no doubt that he is one of the most exciting, consistently violent fighters in all of MMA. He also happens to be one of the best, with a wealth of experience against outstanding competition and plus skills in every area. A devastating puncher, he backs that up with slick technical skills on the feet, excellent takedown defense and opportunistic submissions on the mat. He is, in short, the total package.