3. Renan Barao
When observers saw Joao Paulo Rodrigues de Souza take a unanimous decision from Barao under the Heat Fighting Championship banner in April 2005, no one could have known what was ahead. Barao did not lose again for more than nine years, going 32-0 with one no-contest on his way to conquering the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight division and emerging as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

The Nova Uniao standout was virtually unbeatable for a time, delivering decisive victories over Brad Pickett, Scott Jorgensen, Eddie Wineland, Michael McDonald and Team Alpha Male patriarch Urijah Faber, among others. Barao laid claim to the interim UFC bantamweight title in 2012 and was later promoted to undisputed champion. His reign ended in a stunning upset loss to T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 173, and the Brazilian failed in his bid to reclaim the 135-pound championship in July. Barao has since announced a move to the featherweight division.

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