Who will be MMA's G.O.A.T?

Even though he came before mainstream audiences knew the UFC, Royce
Gracie will go down as one of the pioneers of mixed martial arts.

As admirers worldwide celebrated the 70th birthday of one of the most-influential athletes of all-time, Muhammad Ali, on Tuesday the world of mixed martial arts suffered several hits. One of the sports' fastest growing stars pulled out of an upcoming bout due to an elbow injury and another has reportedly tested positive for PED's.

So, why am I bringing up the legendary Ali along with two relative newcomers to the fight sports community?

It's simple, boxing will always be synonymous with Ali and all that he's done in and out of the ring. Who does MMA have? I'm not saying there is or ever will be an equal to Ali, but is there a fighter that the MMA can look to as being THE greatest of all-time?

In my humble opinion, there are five fighters that can lay claim to being the G.O.A.T of MMA. Two current champions, a former champion and two legends of the sport have found a spot on my list. I'm sure everyone has their top-5 and even the one fighter they see as being the greatest ever. Here are mine:

5) Georges St. Pierre (22-2-0, 8 (T)KOs, 5 submissions) -- The current UFC Welterweight Champion is currently on the mend after injuring his knee in training for a title defense against Nick Diaz. Before his injury, GSP was riding a nine-fight win streak that has included several title defenses. He is 17-2 in the UFC with wins over legends like Matt Hughes, Frank Trigg, Jay Hieron, Matt Serra and B.J. Penn. His two losses as a professional came to Matt Serra and Matt Hughes, both men he eventually beat again. Not only is he respected in the cage, but his anti-bullying campaign has garnered him admiration from non-MMA fans.

4) Randy Couture (19-11-0 7(T)KOs, 4 submissions) -- "The Natural" finds himself on my list primarily because of his legendary status and what he did after the age of 40. The man fought 13 more times after he turned the big 4-0. As the sport of MMA grew in popularity, Couture grew in notoriety. He helped pave the way for many of today's heavyweights and light-heavyweights. Randy is respected by all and, whenever he walked into the octagon, he was feared by many more. He was the first inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame and his spot as one of the sport's greatest is well-earned.

3) Dan Henderson (29-8-0, 13(T)KOs, 2 submissions) -- Having legendary status in one MMA promotion is impressive, but to have it in three different promotions in two different countries makes you an icon. Dan Henderson holds those accolades. In the midst of a 14-year career, Hendo has won titles in Pride FC, UFC and Strikeforce. He is part of some of MMA's best moments. From his KO of Michael Bisping at UFC 100, his TKO of Fedor Emelianenko at Strikeforce/M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson or his epic five-round battle with Mauricio Rua at UFC 139, Henderson knows how to put on a fight for his fans.

2) Anderson Silva (31-4-0, 18 (T)KOs, 6 submissions) -- "The Spider" has gone from phenom to icon while fighting in the UFC. Ever since a DQ loss to Yushin Okami at Rumble on the Rock 8 in January 2006, Silva has not lost. He is 14-0 in the UFC and has successfully defended his title 12 times, a UFC record, and has only had two fights go to a decision. Those are impressive stats for any fighter, but to do it all with the added pressure of being a champion is quite impressive. His legendary status continues to grow and the list of possible opponents continue to shrink as their are very few fighters on Silva's level.

1) Royce Gracie (14-2-3, 12 submissions) -- If Anderson is an icon in the making, then Gracie sits atop the peak of MMA all by himself. The Brazilian paved the way for all fighters that have made a name for themselves in any MMA promotion. His style of fighting showed fight fans that it is not the size of the fighter, but the heart and technique a fighter brings into their fight. The Gracie style of jiu-jitsu has reached fighters from around the world and to be trained under the Gracie umbrella promises that you will gain respect in the MMA community. No single name is bigger in this sport than that of Royce Gracie's.

For all that he's done for the sport of mixed martial arts, Royce Gracie will not only go down as the Greatest of All-Time but he will also go down as the pioneer of MMA.

Follow me on Twitter @NiteshDutt.