Lightweight champ Justin Gaethje has stopped all five of his WSOF opponents. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
1. Justin Gaethje
An undefeated 12-0 record with 11 finishes will get you to the top of many lists, regardless of the subject. However, Gaethje belongs here because his career pointed north when he signed with the World Series of Fighting in 2013.
Since joining the Las Vegas-based promotion’s lightweight ranks, the 25-year-old Safford, Ariz., native has won all five of his bouts. Gaethje has fought often -- five times since March 2013 -- and has soundly beaten the top contenders within the division. His most recent outing, which served as his toughest test yet, could have been his most impressive.
Gaethje’s first title defense took place at WSOF 11 in a matchup that had MMA fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating its outcome. To the surprise of some, Gaethje handily defeated the undefeated Nick Newell, utilizing his vast array of strikes to garner yet another stoppage win.