Brandon Moreno and 4 other universally loved UFC fighters

The UFC is home to a variety of fighters that are welcomed by fans in a variety of ways. Some mixed martial artists are despised and hated by fans and fellow combatants alike. That includes the likes of Colby Covington and Josh Koscheck. Other fighters polarize and stand somewhere in the middle.

Conor McGregor embodies this type of fighter more than any other mixed martial artist competing under Dana White’s promotion. The Irishman has a legion of ultra-loyal fans from his native Ireland. However, he also has legions of fans who abhor his very existence for one reason or another.

However, the rarest gems of all are fighters universally loved by MMA fans. Glover Teixeira, the former 205-pound kingpin who recently retired after failing to reclaim his divisional throne at UFC 283, was one of those fighters.

This list brings together five active fighters who are universally loved by fans.

#5. Charles Oliveira – UFC Lightweight

In the eyes of many, Charles Oliveira is the ultimate outsider. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist is a former lightweight champion. He’s endeared to countless fans for his action-packed fighting style that focuses on taking down enemies.

I love that 90% of the MMA fan base is directly behind Charles Oliveira

I love that 90% of the MMA fan base is directly behind Charles Oliveira https://t.co/B3Aj6GMKC2

Additionally, his ability to bounce back from the well-known downturn in his career after numerous misses and weigh-in losses has made him an admirable presence. After making an all-time great comeback and winning his first championship gold, fans continued to support him.

The Brazilian’s oft-repeated quote that the lightweight champion has a name was echoed by fans around the world. Even after he lost the title to Islam Makhachev, “do Bronx” fans never gave up. He has no haters or critics, only supporters.

#4. Stephen Thompson – UFC welterweight

After Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz for the ceremonial BMF title, Stephen Thompson jokingly referred to himself as “NMF”. This acronym stands for “Nicest Motherf*cker” as opposed to the “Baddest Motherf*cker” acronym adopted by Gamebred. For good reason.

Kevin Holland vs Stephen Wonderboy Thompson is one of the friendliest UFC main events ever, NMF vs NMF #ufcorlandoKevin Holland vs Stephen Wonderboy Thompson is one of the friendliest UFC main events ever, NMF vs NMF #ufcorlando https://t.co/hkj7GzjLfm

Stephen Thompson is one of the nicest fighters in MMA. It’s almost impossible to find footage of him speaking ill of another fighter. Also, no other fighter speaks badly about him either. Only Colby Covington, who is irrelevant in this regard as he badmouthed everyone, offended him.

Similarly, all fans love “Wonderboy” as he represents the true spirit of martial arts due to his respectful nature. Universally loved by all, the two-time contender to the title is one of the few fighters to high five opponents after they drop them.

#3. Robert Whittaker – UFC Middleweight

Australia’s first-ever UFC champion was Robert Whittaker. The former middleweight champion has never been involved in any issues that would have alienated him from the MMA fanbase or even his peers. The highly skilled mixed martial artist has never been involved in controversy.

Throwback to the time Michael Bisping tried trash talking but Robert Whittaker just wanted to be a nice guy #UFC225 Throwback to the time Michael Bisping tried trash talking but Robert Whittaker just wanted to be a nice guy 😊😂 #UFC225 https://t.co/ZwKbNBgpyk

Additionally, ‘The Reaper’ made himself popular with MMA believers due to his respectful manner and friendly manner. He doesn’t engage in trash talk and is always transparent in his assessment of other fighters. Like every fighter on this list, Aussie greats don’t have any haters.

Even Israel Adesanya, who “The Reaper” doesn’t get along with, is only kept at a distance due to a shared desire to become the division’s defending champions.

#2. Max Holloway – UFC featherweight

Max Holloway is one of the most exciting fighters in MMA. The former featherweight kingpin is an exceptional forward whose endless cardio allows him to drown his opponents under an unprecedented avalanche of punches. He is very popular with fans who appreciate his action-packed style.

How can you not love Max Holloway? What a legend of the sport!

How can you not love Max Holloway? What a legend of the sport! https://t.co/o6nemI7RBu

Nobody can forget the dominant win he got against Calvin Kattar. The breathtaking moment as he dodged Kattar’s punches while shouting that he was the best boxer in the promotion will live on forever. No fan dislikes him and he has no animosity with any other fighter.

Even his fiercest rival Alexander Volkanovski has great respect for “Blessed”. Hawaii’s first-ever UFC champion is among the promotion’s most popular contenders.

#1. Brandon Moreno – UFC Flyweight Champion

Brandon Moreno is the first-ever Mexican-born UFC champion. His high-octane offense, fearless counterattack and fighting spirit have made him a fan favorite everywhere. The reception he often receives during his strikes is telling enough. The crowd is always happy to see The Assassin Baby, and who could blame them?

“If you win this fight, you’ll explode in Mexico!”

Dana White’s words to Brandon Moreno at the #UFC263 press conference.

Mexico has its first native UFC star!

“If you win this fight, you’re going to explode in Mexico!” Dana White’s words to Brandon Moreno in the #UFC263 press conference. Mexico has its first native UFC star! 💫 https://t.co/BMFPcsn9PN

He’s a well-mannered man who, in his previous post-fight interview, refused to engage in trash talk with Deiveson Figueiredo. His reason? He wanted to be a good example for his children. He always has a smile on his face and always speaks highly of his opponents and openly about his dreams.

The only time he was ever hated by fans was by the Brazilian fans at UFC 283, which is an outlier due to Brazil’s treatment of all non-Brazilian fighters. The fact that Brazilian fans left during Glover Teixeira’s retirement speech says enough that their behavior doesn’t reflect how popular Brandon Moreno is.

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