It doesn’t take a genius to win a fight. Heart, physicality, durability and relentlessness can spread a path for success with ease.
However, in order to find repeated success, a fighter must fight intelligently.
A man has to know where he can win a fight, when he can win a fight and how he can win a fight. It’s a simple fact many long-reigning champions have proven in the past.
Being unable to think your way out of a dire situation means potential defeat for a mixed martial artist. The slightest brain hiccup could lead to a barrage of strikes never seen coming, or a mysterious submission application.
That’s just the name of the game.
The men who make it their goal to win, and win frequently, also make it their goal to meet, know and fully understand every facet of the game. Georges St-Pierre hasn’t been recognized as one of the greatest champions to ever grace the sport because he’s got a big heart and requires an extra large cup, he’s done so because he fights a brilliant fight.
So do the rest of the men on this list.