Who Is The Best Boxer In The UFC?

At UFC 308, scheduled for Sunday, October 27, at the Etihad Arena, a highly anticipated featherweight main event will see two of the UFC’s sharpest strikers face off: Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. Holloway, the 32-year-old former featherweight champion, boasts a record of 26-7-0 and is known for his slick boxing and relentless pace. Standing at 1.8m with a reach of 175.3cm, Holloway will take on Ilia Topuria, a rising star with an unblemished 15-0-0 record. Topuria, 27, stands slightly shorter at 1.7m but matches Holloway’s reach at 175.3cm. Both fighters weigh in at 65.8kg, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. This matchup is more than a fight—it’s a clash of some of the finest boxing in the UFC today.

Max Holloway has long been revered for his boxing skills. His high-volume striking, accuracy, and ability to overwhelm opponents with pressure have made him a standout. His bouts against the likes of José Aldo and Calvin Kattar are prime examples of Holloway’s ability to dominate striking exchanges with a masterful combination of offense and defense. But Holloway’s opponent, Ilia Topuria, has been making waves with his precise, technical approach to boxing, and many believe this fight could define who truly holds the crown as the best boxer in the UFC.

However, Holloway and Topuria are just two names in a long list of UFC fighters with exceptional boxing skills. Conor McGregor, for example, is perhaps the most iconic UFC fighter when it comes to boxing. Known for his devastating left hand and elite counter-striking, McGregor’s boxing prowess was showcased in his famous knockout of José Aldo and his memorable battles with Nate Diaz. His smooth movement and timing have earned him the reputation of being one of the most precise strikers in MMA history.

Nate Diaz and his brother Nick have also solidified their place in UFC history as two of the toughest and most relentless boxers in the sport. Both Diaz brothers are known for their volume striking, iron chins, and ability to wear down opponents with a seemingly endless barrage of punches. Nate’s legendary rivalry with McGregor and Nick’s battles with the likes of Paul Daley and Robbie Lawler highlighted their gritty, no-nonsense boxing style, which relied on both stamina and sheer willpower.

Dustin Poirier, McGregor’s longtime rival, is another fighter who has displayed top-tier boxing inside the Octagon. Poirier's evolution as a striker has been remarkable, with his victories over McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dan Hooker highlighting his crisp combinations, footwork, and ability to withstand high-pressure situations. Poirier’s performance against McGregor in their trilogy fight at UFC 264 solidified his place as one of the most technical and durable boxers in the UFC.

Adding to the list of elite UFC boxers is Frankie Edgar, who built his career on his fast hands, excellent footwork, and endurance. Edgar's ability to slip punches and land clean counters made him a force in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions. His iconic trilogy with Gray Maynard showcased his toughness and boxing skill as he fought through adversity with smooth head movement and sharp counter punches.

Another legendary figure is José Aldo, whose striking skills evolved over time to include some of the finest boxing in the sport. Aldo’s ability to mix powerful leg kicks with sharp combinations earned him a legendary career, and his later fights showed a more boxing-heavy approach, particularly in his fights against Petr Yan and Rob Font.

Speaking of Petr Yan, the former bantamweight champion is often mentioned as one of the most technically proficient boxers in the UFC today. His ability to control distance, switch stances, and land powerful, accurate punches makes him a difficult matchup for anyone in the bantamweight division. His fights against Aldo and Cory Sandhagen demonstrated his high-level boxing ability in full display.

On the heavyweight side, Junior dos Santos is a name that stands out for his pure boxing technique. His knockout power, combined with his ability to control range with a jab and straight right hand, made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division for years. His victories over Cain Velasquez and Mark Hunt showcased his ability to blend power and precision, making him one of the most respected boxers in UFC history.

As UFC 308 approaches, with Holloway vs. Topuria headlining, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the best boxers in the UFC. From the precision of McGregor to the durability of Poirier, and the technical mastery of Yan and Dos Santos, and the relentless pace of the Diaz brothers, the Octagon has seen some of the finest practitioners of the sweet science. Whether Holloway or Topuria emerges victorious, they will be adding their name to a long list of UFC fighters who have showcased elite boxing in MMA.