5. Fedor Emelianenko | Pride Heavyweight -- 1,663 Days
Emelianenko remains for some the greatest fighter of all-time. In his prime, “The Last Emperor” was a seemingly invincible force who struck with brutal power and speed, could submit opponents from virtually any imaginable position and wielded the most punishing ground-and-pound the sport had ever seen.
On March 16, 2003, Emelianenko waged a memorable battle with then champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at Pride 25; it was one of the greatest fights in the promotion’s history. The Russian took a three-round unanimous decision from Nogueira and took his place on the heavyweight throne. Many tried and failed to dethrone Emelianenko, as he turned away Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman, Mark Hunt and Mirko Filipovic during a historic tear. He also defeated Nogueira in their rematch. “The Last Emperor” remained champion until Pride shuttered its doors in 2007, finishing a perfect 14-0 for the Japan-based organization.
Number 4 » Jose Aldo