3. Shinya Aoki
Aoki is perhaps the most dangerous ground fighter ever to compete in MMA. A grappling wizard in every sense of the word, he has posted an incredible 66-percent submission finish rate during his brilliant career, which continues to this day in One Championship. At 32, Aoki has quite a few years left through which to wreck opponents, dazzle fans and build his legacy.
On an eight-fight winning streak and currently lording over the lightweight division in Singapore’s One Championship promotion, Aoki has the requisite skills and the necessary time to move up on this list if he plays his cards right.
Number 2 » He was for a time MMA’s premier lightweight. He won his first 14 fights and 24 of his first 26, capturing titles in both Pride Fighting Championships and Shooto.