The Best Ranked MMA Fighters of All-Time from Missouri
Missouri has produced several accomplished mixed martial arts fighters who competed at the highest levels of the sport. These athletes built their careers through championship wins, extended unbeaten streaks, and memorable performances in major promotions. The state’s wrestling programs, particularly at the University of Missouri, served as training grounds for multiple fighters who later won world titles.
Ben Askren’s Championship Legacy
Ben Askren wrestled for the University of Missouri, where he won two NCAA Division I wrestling championships. His professional MMA career began with an extended winning streak that lasted through his entire Bellator tenure. Askren captured the Bellator Welterweight World Championship on October 21, 2010, and held the belt until November 14, 2013.
During his Bellator championship run, Askren defended the title four times. He defeated Jay Hieron in 2011, Douglas Lima in 2012, Karl Amoussou in 2013, and Andrey Koreshkov in 2013. After leaving Bellator undefeated, he won the ONE FC Welterweight title and defended it three times. His career ended with a record of 19 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest. Askren fought out of Columbia, Missouri, and regularly credited his Missouri wrestling background for his cage success.
Michael Chandler’s Three Title Reigns
Michael Chandler captured the Bellator Lightweight World Championship three separate times, with title reigns starting in 2011, 2016, and 2018. He won the Bellator Season Four Lightweight Tournament early in his career, establishing himself as a top lightweight contender. Chandler accumulated victories over Eddie Alvarez, Patricky Pitbull, and Benson Henderson during his Bellator tenure.
His career record stands at 24 wins and 8 losses as of October 2025. Chandler fought Patricio “Pitbull” Freire for the Bellator lightweight title in 2019, a bout ESPN described as Bellator’s most important championship fight at that time. He competed out of High Ridge, Missouri, before training at Sanford MMA in Florida. In March 2023, Chandler contested the UFC lightweight title against Islam Makhachev, losing by decision according to ESPN’s fight report.
Fight Odds and Wagering Platforms for MMA Events
Missouri’s MMA fighters compete in events that draw substantial betting interest across multiple platforms. Fans following Chandler’s UFC bouts or Buckley’s knockout performances often check odds through various channels including traditional sportsbooks in Kansas City, missouri betting apps, and Nevada-based operations that cover major fight cards.
The betting lines for Missouri fighters vary based on their opponent rankings and recent performances. Chandler’s fights typically see odds movement in the days leading up to events, particularly when facing top-five ranked opponents. Local fans track these shifts through regional platforms and national services that provide real-time updates on fight odds and prop bets for specific outcomes like knockout victories or submission finishes.
Joaquin Buckley’s Knockout Power
Joaquin Buckley emerged from St. Louis with a reputation for finishing fights by knockout. His October 2020 spinning back kick knockout of Impa Kasanganay became one of UFC’s most replayed finishes, according to ESPN and CBS Sports coverage from that year. Buckley has since defeated Albert Duraev, Andre Fialho, and Vicente Luque in the UFC.
His professional record shows 18 wins and 7 losses through October 2025. Buckley recorded two additional highlight finishes in 2024, maintaining his reputation for aggressive striking. He trains in St. Louis and frequently mentions his Missouri roots during pre-fight interviews. Before his 2023 bout with Vicente Luque, Buckley told CBS Sports that he carries Missouri’s fighting spirit into every bout.
Jake Collier and Steve Berger
Jake Collier from St. Louis has competed in the UFC since 2014, fighting at both middleweight and heavyweight divisions. He holds wins over Chase Sherman and Gian Villante while accumulating a career record of 13 wins and 9 losses. Collier’s ability to compete across weight classes demonstrates his technical boxing skills and adaptability.
Steve Berger competed during MMA’s earlier years, fighting in both UFC and Strikeforce events. His career concluded with 20 wins, 22 losses, and 2 draws. Berger fought out of St. Louis and contributed to establishing Missouri’s presence in professional mixed martial arts during the sport’s developmental period.
Rankings and Historical Context
ESPN, CBS Sports, and Bellator historical discussions consistently place Michael Chandler and Ben Askren at the top of Missouri’s MMA fighter rankings. Their multiple world titles, championship defenses, and lengthy unbeaten streaks separate them from other Missouri fighters. Chandler’s three Bellator championship reigns and his rivalry with Eddie Alvarez established him as the most decorated Missouri-born Bellator fighter.
Askren appears in Bellator’s all-time rankings for his dominance and undefeated streak before transitioning to ONE FC and later UFC. His wrestling-based style, developed in Missouri, influenced welterweight competition strategies according to analyst discussions. Joaquin Buckley maintains relevance through his active fight schedule and knockout victories, ensuring regular media coverage among current Missouri fighters.
Current Activity and Media Presence
Chandler maintains verified social media profiles on Twitter and Instagram where he posts training updates and motivational content tied to his Missouri background. Buckley shares fight promotions and gym updates from St. Louis through his social platforms. Askren retired from competition but hosts a podcast called “Funky Talk” where he discusses wrestling techniques and MMA strategy.
These fighters continue to represent Missouri through their careers and post-competition activities. Chandler and Buckley remain active competitors in the UFC, while Askren provides commentary and analysis on various platforms. Their collective achievements established Missouri as a source of championship-level MMA talent across multiple weight classes and promotions.
Conclusion
Missouri’s top MMA fighters earned their rankings through championship victories, memorable performances, and sustained excellence in major promotions. Ben Askren’s undefeated Bellator run and subsequent ONE FC championship established him as an elite welterweight. Michael Chandler’s three Bellator lightweight titles and high-profile UFC fights secured his position as Missouri’s most decorated active fighter. Joaquin Buckley’s knockout victories provide current representation for Missouri in the UFC, while Jake Collier and Steve Berger contributed to the state’s MMA legacy through their respective careers. These athletes transformed their Missouri wrestling and training backgrounds into professional fighting success at the sport’s highest levels.
