Top Fighters In The World
Best masters of martial arts, movie stars that earned their status through years of practice and professional world champions. They are admired, feared or even hated by those who envy them. They are the greatest fighters of all time and this list is a representation of how the society ranks them. Why he's ranked: The newly-crowned bantamweight champion after besting Jose Aldo with punches at UFC 251 last summer, Petr Yan is currently the world's No.1 fighter at 135-pounds. When you think of Russian fighters, you'd be forgiven for conjuring images of cauliflower ears and chin-strap beards thanks to the dominant presence of Khabib. MMA World Rankings. World MMA Rankings: Top 50 fighter rankings by division. Click on any division below for Top 50 World MMA Rankings. All fighters, regardless of promotion, are eligible to be ranked in the MMA World Rankings.Updated daily & within 24 hours after major MMA events.
There is a silent competition to come up with the best fighter jets in the world among the developed countries regarded as the powerhouse, the constant drive to build the most technologically advanced fighting jets that would be superior to others in case of confrontations. Before delving into the details of the most awesome fighter jets, it would be great to have an insight on the genesis.
Somewhere between 2000 and 4000 years ago, something appeared that changed the balance of power on the earth. It was the chariot, which was drawn by horses, and which sometimes carried 2 or 3 mounted warriors who were armed with swords, spears, and arrows. With their fearsomeness, speed, and power, chariots rewrote history and turned kingdoms into empires. Since then, man has not relented in his efforts to create better weapons with which to kill and destroy.
Fast forward to the year 2020 and behold the terrible winged killing-machines called fighter jets. These are the chariots of the day; having them can make a country invincible. They are increasingly being tweaked to offer greater maneuverability, more speed, and to fire missiles with greater accuracy. In this article, we want to show you the deadliest fighter jets on the planet, and tell you a little about them.
Top 10 Best Fighter Jets In The World Today 2020
1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The US Air-force’ F-35 Lightning II sits at the top of the list as the best fighter jets in the world today. It has the clear distinction of being the only international fifth-generation multirole fighter jet in the world. The plane comes with enhanced maneuverability and agility as well as stealth features.
Furthermore, the plane comes with an integrated sensor package that works to detect threats that also have modern stealth ability. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II has modern weaponry which makes it a multipurpose plane: it can perform stealth reconnaissance missions, as well as perform air to air or air to ground combat missions, as well as carrying out stealth bombing raids and so on. The F-35 has a clear tactical edge over all other fighter aircraft.
The F-35 is a single-seat fighter jet, and has some of the following weapons: Sidewinder and Storm Shadow, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), for coordinated attacks.
The F-35 has three variants; including the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), a short take-off / vertical landing (STOVL), and carrier variant (CV). This is the nominated fighter jet to replace all others in the fleets of the US Air Force, the F/A-18 of the US Navy, and AV-8B Harrier of the US Marine Corps.
- Some features of this marvel include;
- The maximum speed of Mach 1.2 when it is at low altitude and Mach 2+ at high altitude.
- The combat radius is placed at 550 kilometers when it is embarking on a high-low-high mission saddled with a bomb load of 450kg.
- The service ceiling of this aircraft is 60,000+ feet and the rate of climb is 254m/s.
- It has a thrust of 1.095 and a wing loading of 430 kilograms per meter square.
2. Lockheed Martin / Boeing F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor which was also developed by Lockheed Martin, this time in conjunction with Boeing is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation tactical fighter jet. This plane has highly advanced systems that give it stealth, speed, control, and balance. The F-22 is a super-maneuverable fighter.
The Raptor, the second-best fighter jet in the world was the jet fighter developed directly before the F-35; it made its first flight in September 1997. After continued testing and improvement it was delivered to Nellis Air Force Base in January 2003. The plane then formally entered USAF’s service in December 2005 as an air-superiority fighter. The F-22 evolved into multi-mission fighter aircraft because it can be used for stealth missions quite successfully.
The F-22 Raptor comes with highly sophisticated air-to-air as well as air-to-ground missiles. It has a wide array of missions, which include surveillance, reconnaissance, attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence.
- Some of the features of this fighter aircraft include;
- The maximum speed of Mach 2.25 which is about 2,410 kilometers per hour when it is at altitude and a speed of Mach 1.82 which is about 1,963 kilometers per hour when it is at supercruise.
- The combat radius of this fighter jet is 759 kilometers.
- It has a service ceiling of 65,000 ft and a ferry range of 3,219 kilometers.
- This jet’s wing loading is 375kilograms per square meter and it has a thrust of 1.08.
3. Chengdu J-20
Chengdu J-20 is China’s flagship fighter jet. It is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter jet manufactured by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. This plane, among the best fighter jets in the world, is known to carry out aerial combat operations for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, where it is primarily used.
The aircraft has an internal weapons bay that can hold a mix of long and short, pinpoint accurate missiles, which include long-range PL-12C/D and PL-21 air-to-air missiles. These systems are conveniently packed within the plane, so when the weapons bay opens the intention is clear. The jet fighter is also armed with air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs which are used for stealth air to ground bombing raids.
The aircraft made its first flight in January 2011 but was not officially unveiled until 2016. It then entered China’s PLAAF’s service as an air-superiority fighter in March 2017.
4. Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57, the current fourth-best fighter jet in the world, is Russia’s flagship Fighter jet, which is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine fighter aircraft which is classified as a multi-role fighter jet which was manufactured by Sukhoi, which is a subsidiary of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation.
The aircraft is designed to perform air superiority missions, meaning that it is designed to take on fighter jets in combat, and conquer them. It carried out attack missions primarily for the Russian Air Force and the Russian Navy. It can defend and or destroy all types of ground, air, and surface targets, as well as monitor the airspace at longer ranges.
The jet is built for power and has a combat weight of 10 tons when loaded with its baggage of missiles including short-range air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. The Warplane also has short and medium-range pinpoint accurate guided missiles, as well as unguided weapons.
The aircraft made its maiden flight in January 2010 but was only introduced formerly into the Russian Air Force in 2019.
5. Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon is the premier fighter jet for the West Europe area at the moment. It is a new generation aircraft which is described as a multirole fighter jet. It is no doubt one of the best in the world. The plane has all the modern avionics and sensors to make it an elite war plane: stealth capability, as well as Defensive Aids Sub System (DASS) and fearsome weapons such as Mauser BK-27 27mm cannon, air-to-air, as well as air-to-surface missiles and even anti-ship missiles. Some of the weapons are pinpoint accurate precision-guided munitions.
Eurofighter Typhoon is one of Europe’s biggest success stories as far as a collaboration between different countries and their military development agencies. It was built by Nato Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA).
Eurofighter Typhoon undertook its first combat mission in 2011 for reconnaissance and ground strike missions in Libya. The mission was carried out by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Italian Air Force.
- Some of the features of this amazing fighter jet are;
- The maximum speed of Mach 2+ which can be translated to 2,494 kilometers per hour when it is at altitude and Mach 1.2 which is 1,470 kilometers per hour when it is at low altitude and finally, Mach 1.1 when it is at supercruise.
- The combat radius is 601km for low-low-low ground attack and for the high-lo-high ground attack, it is 1,389km.
- The range of this fighter jet is 2,900 kilometers while the ferry range is 3,790km.
- The fighter jet’s rate of climb stands at 62,000 feet per minute which is 315 m/s.
- It has a service ceiling of 65,000 feet and the wing loading of this aircraft is 307 kilograms per square meter.
6. Sukhoi Su-35
Sukhoi Su-35 is the second warplane from Russia to make the list of the best fighter jet. Its design and structure rely on that of the Su-27 fighter which is an older model that was quite effective in its day. The Su-35 just falls short of making the list of fifth-generation fighter jets; it employs technologies of the fifth-generation. The Su-27 is also above the fourth generation; it carries the latest technologies that make it superior to all other fourth-generation fighters that you can find anywhere in the world.
The Su-35 is primarily a bomber: it carries long and short-range air-to-air missiles, and precision and unguided air-to-ground weapons as well. The Su 35 is loaded with missiles, bombs, and rockets, attached to 14 hard-points of the aircraft, and weighing a maximum of 8 tons.
The first Su-35 prototype was built in 2007 and successfully undertook its maiden flight in February 2008.
- Some features include;
- The maximum speed of Mach 2.25 when it is at altitude.
- A ferry range of 4,500km and a range of 3,600km or when it is at low altitude, 1,580km.
- It has a service ceiling of 59,100ft and wing loading of 84.9lb/ft
- The rate of climb of this aircraft is 55,100ft per minute and the thrust is 1.14.
7. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Boeing is a world-renowned aircraft maker. It would be a crying shame if they did not have something in the jet fighter division. Well, say hello to the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet which is a combat-proven strike fighter which is classified as a multirole fighter jet. Boeing took the design from its previously successful F/A-18C/D Hornet, only making it bigger and better. The Super Hornet is in service with the US Navy as well as the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The F/A-18F Super Hornet was inducted into the US Navy service in 1999, thus replacing the Navy’s fleet of Grumman F-14 Tomcats. However, it was not until 2010 that it made its official appearance in Australia’s RAAF.
The Super Hornet’ has stealth operation capabilities, and has is a capable air warfare fighter jet, as well as doing well on air to ground strikes. It can defend ground targets as well and also perform air support for ground troops.
The super Hornet proved its capabilities in Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and also the War in Afghanistan.
8. Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is the flagship fighter jet of France. It is described as an ‘Omnirole’ fighter by its manufacturer Dassault Aviation. The Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet that is capable of performing air to air attack maneuvers, deep strike missions, reconnaissance, and airborne nuclear deterrent duties.
The jet is built to dominate the skies with its 30mm cannon, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, nuclear and anti-ship missiles, as well as pinpoint accurate of laser-guided bombs and ground-attack munitions.
The fighter jet first tasted action in 2002 during Operation Enduring Freedom. Since then it has been a valuable asset when deployed in combat missions in Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali (Operation Serval).
9. Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
Another entrant from the American Aeronautics company Boeing is the F-15E Strike Eagle which is a superior next-generation multirole strike fighter and one of the best fighter jets in the world. This warplane is based on the structure of the earlier F-15A/D aircraft. The Boeing F-15E is the most common warplane in the US Air Force (USAF) today.
The Boeing F-15E has the muscle to carry up to 23,000lb of payload, including the Joint Direct Attack Munition. It can carry air to air combat weapons, air to ground missiles, and a variety of bombs. The Boeing F-15E can fly at more than twice the speed of sound.
The Boeing F-15E has been used in several combat missions in several war engagements, especially in the Middle East.
- Some of the features of this aircraft include;
- A maximum speed of Mach 2.5+ when it is at high altitude and also Mach 1.2 when it is at low altitude.
- It has a ferry range of 5,550 kilometers.
- The combat radius of this aircraft is placed at 1,967 kilometers for interdiction operations.
- The service ceiling is about 65,000 feet with a thrust of 1.30.
- The wing loading is about 358 kilograms per square meter.
- The top speed of this aircraft is 1650mph and the rate of climb is 254 m/s.
10. Su-30MKI (Flanker-H)
Once again we bring up the Russian name Sukhoi, in the form of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Flanker-H) which is described as a two-seat, long-range multirole fighter. This particular warplane is in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The plane has the muscle to carry a range of air-to-air as well as air-to-surface missiles. The armament also includes a 30mm cannon, as well as a variety of bombs.
The plane is built in Russia, but designed in India, and the design rights are held by the Indians.
Closing On The Best Fighter Jets In The World
With the rate at which these fighter jets are being developed, it is reasonable to say that some of these fighter jets will soon become obsolete. New ones are being developed even as you read this, and governments across the world are showing even more commitment to spend billions more so as to develop more sophisticated fighter jets, shooting greater armaments with even greater accuracy.
A fighter aircraft can simply be described in simple terms as an aircraft used by the military to engage in air-to-air fights against other fighter aircraft or aircraft in general. It should not be mistaken with the bomber and the attack aircraft which exist primarily for the purpose of at6ttacking targets on the ground.
The major attributes of a fighter jet are speed, small size when compared to other combat aircraft, and its maneuverability as well. There are some fighter aircraft that can carry out the ground attack as well and some are designed to act as dual-purpose fighter-bombers, however, they are usually called just “Fighters” for various reasons which may be political, relating to national security or just because of advertising.
This type of aircraft exists with the sole mission of establishing air superiority over the battlefield during battle. In conventional warfare, having air superiority is considered one of the essential aspects to guarantee victory and this has been the mindset since World War I. Achieving this so-called air superiority depends heavily on the pilots manning the fighter aircraft, how tactically sound the doctrine based on which fighters are deployed and finally, the number of fighters as well as their performance.
Tag: Best Fighter Jets In The World Today 2020
Who is the best MMA fighter of all time?
Who is the best UFC fighter ever? Read on the find out.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) had become one of the major sports that has won the hearts of many. The MMA came into limelight during the days of “the underground” where there were basically no rules and sanctioned fighters were allowed to do all sorts of moves, including hair pulling and groin strikes.
To determine who the best fighters are, among the numerous fighters to have graced the MMA, we have considered factors such as their dominance in the game, their skills, and their peaks. Yet, it still boils down to endless debate when trying to determine who the greatest fighters of all-time are.
This article gives insight into the top-20 of the best MMA fighters ever. History will never forget their contributions and how they have been able to gain the hearts of fans in the MMA space.
Here are the Best MMA Fighters of All-Time in UFC History
* Pro MMA record are in Win-Loss-Draw and No Contest formats.
20. Quinton Jackson “Rampage”
- Country: United States
- Record: 38-14-0
There are different tactics and fighting styles in the MMA, and each fighter is usually known for a particular skill or tactic. For Jackson, (also known as Rampage) his spectacular tactics were to carry his opponent over his head and give them great slams. He was popularly known for his move and it also helped to save him on several occasions. An instance was when he was stuck in Ricardo Arona’s triangle submission. Surprisingly, he delivered himself – using this spectacular move.
19. Amanda Nunes “The Lioness”
- Country: Brazil
- Record: 20-4-0
This is one of the greatest female fighters ever to grace the MMA and the UFC. After her great defeat at the UFC 178, she was able to turn things around. Shortly after the loss, she bounced back and became an animal, defeating many of her mates including the notorious Cyborg. Amanda Nunes is gradually becoming one of the biggest names in the industry.
18. Wanderlei Silva “The Axe Murderer”
- Country: Brazil
- Record: 35-14-1, 1 NC
Nicknamed ‘The Axe Murderer’, Silva gained his nickname by how he fights. Going back to the days when he was in his prime, only a few other fighters had the courage to face him. How he would stare at his opponent and wring their hands was one of the things the world will never forget about him. What many liked about Silva was how he would chase his opponents, as he moved forward forcing his opponent to move backwards in response to the deadly pressure being mounted.
17. Randy Couture “The Natural”
- Country: United States
- Record: 19-11-0
To become the UFC champion on two different occasions in one’s career as a fighter in the MMA is not easy to achieve. Randy Couture is one of the few fighters who has been able to achieve this, thus, joining the ranks of the best UFC fighters ever. Randy was popularly known for his “dirty boxing’ tactics, which have earned him victory over his opponents on several occasions.
16. Frankie Edgar “The Answer”
- Country: United States
- Record: 23-8-1
Edgar became popular when he had a remarkable victory over B. J. Penn. Prior to the fight, Penn had smashed Diego Sanchez, and fans were expecting Penn to at least keep the momentum going for a short while. Surprisingly, Edgar had a fantastic victory over him. What surprised fans most was how he was able to prove himself as he did in several consecutive challenges after beating Penn.
15. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira “Minotauro”
- Country: Brazil
- Record: 34-10-1, 1 NC
To win the UFC Heavyweight title is no easy feat. However, Antonio Rodrigo is one of the rare fighters to earn this through his fights and victories over many big names in the industry. He was known for not wasting time in going for the submission. Unlike other fighters who will hold their opponent closely and wait for the referee to come to stand them back up, Rodrigo had spectacular moves he used in getting his opponents stuck in his trap.
14. Mauricio Rua “Shogun”
- Country: Brazil
- Record: 26-11-1
Nicknamed as Shogun, Rua is popularly known for his superior striking skills. He is also known for not rushing to go for the submission. He would make sure he satisfies his appetite by dishing out some heavy hammer fists on his opponents before going for the submission. Shogun had his training with a few other fighters at the famous Chute Boxe Academy in Brazil. Coming out of such an academy, Rua’s moves came as no surprise to fans.
13. Dan Henderson “Hendo”
- Country: United States
- Record: 32-15-0
Nicknamed Hendo, Dan Henderson was popular for his overhand right tactics. With the power in his right hand, he was able to defeat many of his opponents. Another thing that has helped Henderson survive the heavy impacts of his opponents’ blows was his iron chin. With this chin, he was able to withstand heavy blows that might have finished other fighters.
12. Dominick Cruz “The Dominator”
- Country: United States
- Record: 22-3-0
Cruz is popularly known for his superb movements, which made it hard for his opponents to predict what his next move would be. The number one item on his priority list was to not get hit. Although he is not one of the best when it comes to submission and knockout, he is able to comfortably evade many of his opponents’ hits.
11. Daniel Cormier “DC”
- Country: United States
- Record: 22-2-0, 1 NC
This is one of the few fighters to have gained success in both heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. Cormier was able to defeat many of his opponents who would stand on his way of maintaining his position as light heavyweight champion. However, he was stopped by Jon Jones.
10. Conor McGregor “The Notorious”
- Country: Ireland
- Record: 22-4-0
Conor McGregor is one of the biggest names in the industry right now who is popularly known for his frequent trash talks. Ranked #4 in the UFC lightweight rankings and #8 in the UFC Men’s pound for pound rankings as of June 2020, McGregor is also one of the rare fighters who have been able to hold the UFC featherweight and lightweight titles two times. His left punch is one of his most favourite weapons and he uses it to have his way with his opponents. He is still young in the game and more is expected from him.
9. B.J. Penn “The Prodigy”
- Country: United States
- Record: 16-14-2
Penn is one of the few great fighters the MMA can boast of. He is one of the fastest fighters to earn the Jiu-Jitsu and the first American to bag the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. Penn was able to defeat many of his opponents with his grappling skills. One event that fans will never forget was when he was seen licking the blood on his gloves after his victory over Joe Stevenson. “The Prodigy” deserves to be among the list of the best MMA fighters of all-time.
8. Chuck Liddell “The Iceman”
- Country: United States
- Record: 21-9-0
Chuck may not have the fancy striking skills, but his vicious hands and granite chin were two of his deadliest weapons. He has been able to deceive his opponents with his deadly striking only to surprised them with his kicks. All these have made him stand out among many of his counterparts.
7. Matt Hughes
- Country: United States
- Record: 45-9-0
Matt was known for how he would carry his opponents and smash them down, sending them into a great defeat. He had many skills in his arsenal to defeat his opponents. Matt is one of the scariest and toughest fighters in the industry. He was never satisfied with just taking his opponents down, he would always follow with a great punch, which also contributed to his reputation.
6. Demetrius Johnson “Mighty Mouse”
- Country: United States
- Record: 30-3-1
Demetrius Johnson is not only the first fighter to earn UFC flyweight championship, but he is also the only fighter to hold the record. He is holding the title and on his mission to break Anderson Silva’s record of defending the title consecutively. What makes him stand out among other fighters is his high IQ, speed, and footwork, which has made it difficult for his opponents to defeat him.
5. Fedor Emelianenko “The Last Emperor”
- Country: Russia
- Record: 39-6-0, 1 NC
Before Fedor Emelianenko came to MMA, he was a Combat Sambo champion, and this has helped him blend him succeed in the MMA. At first glance, you may write him off as unfit for a fight. But as the fight goes on, you become convinced that he is one of the best fighters the MMA has been blessed with in UFC history.
4. Khabib Nurmagomedov “The Eagle”
- Country: Russia
- Record: 28-0-0
If we are to mention a few fighters who will never be forgotten in the world of MMA, Khabib is one name that will never be left out. He does not only win his fights, he wins most of them hands-down. Fans even regard him as an animal as a result of his great moves and performances.
What makes Nurmagomedov truly remarkable is the fact that his opponents usually know his next moves, yet they still lack what it takes to stop him. You may want to ask why he is not the first on the list? He is not making it to the first position because he hasn’t had the chance perhaps after he has had the time to defend his titles consistently as a few others have.
3. Jon Jones “Bones”
- Country: United States
- Record: 26-1-0, 1 NC
World Fighter Aircraft
In his early career, Jones was able to defeat Mauricio Rua to earn the UFC youngest champion when he was just 23. He had a rapid rise in his career and is not showing any sign of slowing down. He is always remembered for his great victory over Reyes, which was his 14th title defence. Jon Jones is simply a legend. He is often revered by pundits as one of the best fighters ever. All eyes are on Jones for what his performances will be in his next fights.
Top Ten Fighters In The World
2. Anderson Silva “The Spider”
- Country: Brazil
- Record: 34-10-0, 1 NC
Though he is known for his great performance in the Jiu-Jitsu, what makes Anderson Silva stand out among other fighters in the UFC is his great striking skills. He has been able to deceive his opponents with his smooth and harmless looks, through which he is able to defeat many of his opponents. Silva was able to set his opponents into a trap by mocking them of their actions and moves. When this happens, opponents become frustrated and try to bring him down, and that is when Silva would have his way. Anderson Silva is a major contender of the title of the greatest in the UFC.
1. George St. Pierre “Rush”
- Country: Canada
- Record: 26-2-0
George St. Pierre is the best MMA fighter of all-time. Yes, he was not the best at knockouts, but his strong will was too much for many fighters to break. One thing that surprised all was that he did not have any wrestling background before launching into MMA. Yet, he was always in the best position to put his opponents down. Pierre’s reputation was further heightened when he had a great victory over Michael Bisping at UFC 217.
Final Words
Regardless of the sport, the ‘best-ever’ topic is always a controversial matter. Aside from Wayne Gretzky, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and perhaps Serena Williams who are unarguably the best in their sport, there are rarely a few sports where it might be obvious who the title of the greatest of all time should be bestowed.
What are your thoughts on our top-20 best MMA fighters of all-time? Please feel free to share in the comments section below.