10 Most Charismatic Performers In UFC History

When this bunch entered the Octagon, you stood up and took notice.

Randy Couture celebrates his win against James Toney during their UFC fight at the TD Garden on Saturday, August 28, 2010 in Boston, MA. Couture won via first round triangle choke. (Gregory Payan/AP Photo)
Gregory Payan/AP

Simply putting on a fight between two highly skilled faceless performers isn't enough to sell a PPV these days. It should be, as most hardcore MMA fans just want to see the very best at the time come to blows over the top prizes in the company.

However, the numbers don't lie and over the years we've seen that the promotion's most successful periods have all been spearheaded by larger than life characters who exuded charisma.

Would UFC 229 have broken the UFC's PPV buys record if controversial poster boy Conor McGregor hadn't kicked up a fuss with his volatile antics and talked you into needing to see this Lightweight title grudge match with Khabib Nurmagomedov?

Not a chance.

Characters sell PPVs. It's as simple as that.

But, who can honestly call themselves the most charismatic star in UFC history and what made these top ten personalities so captivating throughout their storied careers inside of the Octagon?

Mercurial artists, loudmouth 'bad guy's and defiant beasts have all charmed their way into the final shortlist, but only one can be crowned the Undisputed UFC King or Queen of Charisma.

It's TIIIIIIIIIME...to find out who...

10. Chael Sonnen

Randy Couture celebrates his win against James Toney during their UFC fight at the TD Garden on Saturday, August 28, 2010 in Boston, MA. Couture won via first round triangle choke. (Gregory Payan/AP Photo)
Gregory Payan/AP/Press Association Images

Chael Sonnen isn't able to class himself as one of the UFC's all time greats...from a competitive standpoint, that is.

Despite being no slouch in the Octagon, Sonnen seemed to always come up short when he found himself in a high profile title clash. That being said, it's still a notable feat to say that you've challenged for both the UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight straps, and there's no shame in losing to Anderson Silva and Jon Jones in their primes, respectively.

What Sonnen can claim to be, however, is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic human beings to have ever stepped foot inside of Dana White's company.

Whenever Sonnen found himself with a microphone in his hand, gold was almost guaranteed.

From tearing down 'The Spider' and his native Brazil to never missing an opportunity to read off his stellar amateur wrestling credentials, Sonnen's interviews were routinely must-see events.

He may have ended his MMA career without ever holding a UFC title. But, thanks to his consistent showmanship and ability to rip any opponent to shreds with his razor sharp wit, Sonnen can proudly attest to being one of the most captivating personalities the company has ever seen.

Contributor
Contributor

Lifts rubber and metal. Watches people flip in spandex and pretends to be other individuals from time to time...