A guy that has more knowledge has the advantage.
- Georges St-Pierre
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has exploded in popularity over the past few decades, and Canada has produced some of the sport's most talented and well-rounded fighters. From legends like Georges St-Pierre to rising stars like Charles Jourdain, Canadian fighters have made their mark in the UFC and other global promotions.
Top Active Canadian UFC Fighter
When it comes to action-packed fights and relentless pressure, Charles Jourdain never disappoints.
Hailing from Quebec, Canada, Jourdain has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC’s featherweight division (145 lbs) with his aggressive striking, fast pace, and willingness to engage in all-out wars inside the octagon. Whether he’s throwing spinning kicks, flying knees, or crisp boxing combinations, Jourdain fights with a level of creativity that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Jourdain made his UFC debut in 2019 and quickly built a reputation as one of Canada’s most electrifying MMA talents. He doesn’t just fight to win, he fights to entertain. That mindset has earned him multiple Fight of the Night bonuses and viral moments, including his infamous Spartan kick that left fans buzzing
Known for his aggressive, high-volume striking and relentless pace, Jourdain is a nightmare matchup for anyone standing across from him. But it’s not all flash. He’s steadily improved his grappling and takedown defense, knowing that to break into the featherweight elite, he needs to be dangerous everywhere.
To better understand how fighters like Jourdain are categorized in the sport, learn more about MMA weight classes and regulations and how divisions impact competition at the highest levels.
Rory MacDonald: The Red King’s Legacy in MMA
Born on July 22, 1989, in Quesnel, British Columbia, Rory MacDonald was destined for greatness in MMA. He turned professional at just 16 years old, quickly making a name for himself with his well-rounded skill set, clinical precision, and methodical approach inside the cage.
MacDonald made his UFC debut in 2010, immediately proving he belonged among the best in the welterweight division. His technical approach and fearlessness made him a top contender, consistently challenging elite fighters in one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes.
Although he hasn’t fought professionally since 2022, his career includes memorable bouts across the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. 👉 See his most recent fights below2:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method / Decision | Event / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 13, 2022 | Dilano Taylor | Loss | TKO (punches) | PFL 8 (2022) |
| Jul 01, 2022 | Sadibou Sy | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 6 (2022) |
| May 06, 2022 | Brett Cooper | Win | Submission (rear‑naked choke) | PFL 3 (2022) |
| Aug 13, 2021 | Ray cooper III | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | PFL Event — welterweight bout list |
| Jun 17, 2021 | Gleison Tibau | Loss | Decision (split) | PFL Event list records |
| Oct 26, 2019 | Douglas Lima | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 232 (Welterweight title / Grand Prix Final) |
| Jun 14, 2019 | Neiman Gracie | Win | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 222 (Welterweight Grand Prix semifinal) |
| Apr 27, 2019 | Jon Fitch | Draw (majority) | Decision — Draw | Bellator 220 (Grand Prix Quarterfinal) |
| Sep 29, 2018 | Gegard Mousasi | Loss | KO/TKO (strikes) | Bellator 206 — Middleweight title attempt |
| Jan 20, 2018 | Douglas Lima | Won | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 192 — won Welterweight title |
After a successful run in the UFC, he transitioned to Bellator MMA, where he captured the Welterweight Championship, adding another major title to his resume. Later in his career, he competed in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) before officially retiring from MMA.
Though he never held UFC gold, MacDonald’s legacy is undeniable. His calculated aggression, iron will, and championship-level skill set made him one of Canada’s greatest MMA fighters of all time.
2005
MMA Debut
Made his professional MMA debut at just 16 years old.
2010
UFC Debut
Debuted in the UFC, securing big wins over top-ranked fighters.
2012
Breakthrough Win
Dominated former UFC champion B.J. Penn in a breakout performance.
2018
Championship Victory
Won the Bellator Welterweight Championship.
2022
MMA Retirement
Rory MacDonald’s professional MMA career spanned 17 years.
Georges St-Pierre: Canada’s Greatest MMA Champion
Born on May 19, 1981, in Saint-Isidore, Quebec, Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is widely considered one of the best MMA fighters of all time. A master of strategy, elite wrestling, and pinpoint striking, GSP dominated the sport for over a decade.
Throughout his career, St-Pierre was known for his discipline, work ethic, and ability to adapt to any opponent. He wasn’t just a dominant athlete, he was a student of the game, constantly evolving his skills to stay ahead of the competition.
Georges St-Pierre’s reign in the UFC’s welterweight division was defined by dominance. He defeated some of the greatest fighters of his era, avenged his losses, and remained a role model for professionalism in MMA. Later in his career, he made a historic move to middleweight, proving he could succeed in multiple weight classes. GSP retired at the peak of his career, leaving a legacy few can match.
2002
MMA Debut
Made his professional MMA debut.
2006
UFC Welterweight Title Reign
Regained the UFC title, beginning a dominant nine-fight title defense streak.
2011
UFC 129 Victory
Defeated Jake Shields in front of a record-breaking crowd at UFC 129 in Toronto.
2017
UFC Middleweight Championship
Won the UFC Middleweight Championship, becoming a two-division champion.
2019
MMA retirement
Officially retired from MMA as one of the sport’s greatest legends.
While he is now retired from his MMA career his legacy is still one of the greatest in Canada's history. Below you can see an overview of some of his most recent fights, results and opponents1👇
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method / Decision | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2017 | Michael Bisping | Win | Submission (R3, 4:23) | UFC 217 |
| Nov 16, 2013 | Johny Hendricks | Win | Decision — Split Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 167 |
| Mar 16, 2013 | Nick Diaz | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 158 |
| Nov 17, 2012 | Carlos Condit | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 158 |
| Apr 30, 2011 | Jake Shields | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 129 |
| Dec 11, 2010 | Josh Koscheck | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 124 |
| Mar 27, 2010 | Dan Hardy | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 111 |
| Jul 11, 2009 | Thiago Alves | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 100 |
| Jan 31, 2009 | BJ Penn | Win | KO/TKO (via corner stoppage) — Round 4 | UFC 94 |
| Aug 9, 2008 | Jon Fitch | Win | Decision — Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) | UFC 87 |
“Mean” Hakeem Dawodu: Canada’s Rising Featherweight Star
Born in Calgary, Alberta, Hakeem Dawodu is one of Canada’s most promising UFC featherweights. With a background in Muay Thai, he brings elite striking and aggressive pressure into every fight, making him a dangerous opponent in the division.
To get a better sense of his career trajectory, check out his last 10 UFC fights3 listed below👇
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Decision | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 12, 2023 | Cub Swanson | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Luque vs. dos Anjos |
| Sep 10, 2022 | Julian Erosa | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 279 |
| Feb 5, 2022 | Michael Trizano | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland |
| Jun 12, 2021 | Movsar Evloev | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 263 |
| Sep 26, 2020 | Zubaira Tukhugov | Win | Decision (Split) | UFC 253 |
| Nov 2, 2019 | Julio Arce | Win | Decision (Split) | UFC 244 |
| Jul 27, 2019 | Yoshinori Horie | Win | KO/TKO (strikes) | UFC 240 |
| Dec 8, 2018 | Kyle Bochniak | Win | Decision (Split) | UFC 231 |
| Jul 28, 2018 | Austin Arnett | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC on FOX 30 |
| Mar 17, 2018 | Danny Henry | Loss | Submission (Guillotine choke) | UFC Fight Night 127 |
Since joining the UFC in 2018, Dawodu has proven he belongs at the highest level. With knockout power, slick movement, and sharp defensive skills, he continues to climb the rankings, eyeing a spot among the featherweight elite.
2014
MMA Debut
Hakeem made his professional MMA debut.
2018
UFC Debut
He lost his UFC debut to Danny Henry, but he quickly bounced back, going on a winning streak and proving himself as a top prospect in the featherweight division.
2020
Five-Fight UFC Win Streak
Extended his UFC win streak to five fights.
2021
Biggest UFC Victory
Defeated Zubaira Tukhugov in a dominant performance.
2025
Aiming for Top 10
Pushing for a top-10 ranking in the featherweight division.
Aaron Jeffery: The Canadian Middleweight Contender
Born in Ontario, Canada, Aaron Jeffery is a rising middleweight known for his powerful wrestling, durable chin, and relentless pressure. His well-rounded skill set makes him one of Canada’s top prospects outside the UFC. Sporting a signature mullet and a gritty, no-nonsense fighting style, Jeffery has earned a reputation as a tough, well-conditioned fighter who thrives in high-paced battles.
Jeffery competed on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he showcased his talent against tough opposition. While he didn’t earn a UFC contract, he continued improving, making a name for himself in Bellator MMA as a serious contender in the middleweight division.
👉 Below is a look at Aaron Jeffery’s last 10 professional fights4, showcasing his steady rise through some of the toughest promotions in MMA:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision/ method | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 27, 2025 | Dalton Rosta | Loss | Split Decision | PFL World Tournament 7 |
| Apr 18, 2025 | Murad Ramazanov | Win | Split Decision | PFL World Tournament 3 |
| Sep 7, 2024 | Douglas Lima | Win | Unanimous Decision | Bellator Champions Series (“Nurmagomedov vs. Shabliy”) |
| Mar 22, 2024 | Fabian Edwards | Loss | Unanimous Decision | Bellator Champions Series Belfast |
| Aug 11, 2023 | Dalton Rosta | Win | Unanimous Decision | Bellator 298 |
| Mar 31, 2023 | John Salter | Loss | Unanimous Decision | Bellator 293 |
| Aug 12, 2022 | Austin Vanderford | Win | KO/TKO (right hook & punches) | Bellator 284 |
| Jun 24, 2022 | Fabio Aguiar | Win | KO/TKO (punches & knees) | Bellator 282 |
| Jan 29, 2022 | Rex Harris | Win | Unanimous Decision | CFFC 105 (Jeffery vs Harris) |
| Sep 28, 2021 | Caio Borralho | Loss | Unanimous Decision | Contender Series 2021 |
With an aggressive striking approach and strong takedown defense, Jeffery has proven he can hang with elite competition, securing notable wins against top-ranked opponents in Bellator. As he continues climbing the ranks, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he gets his shot at gold.
2014
Pro MMA Debut
Made his professional MMA debut, beginning his climb in the middleweight ranks.
2019
Contender Series Appearance
Competed on Dana White’s Contender Series but didn’t secure a contract.
2021
Huge Knockout Win Over Fabio Aguiar
Delivered a first-round KO at Bellator 282, proving his finishing ability.
2022
Victory Over Austin Vanderford
Defeated the former Bellator title challenger in under two minutes.
2025
Bellator Title Shot Push
Establishing himself as a top contender, working toward a championship opportunity.
TJ Grant: The Lightweight Contender Who Almost Became Champion
Born in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, TJ Grant was a skilled lightweight with knockout power and a strong grappling game. He became one of Canada’s top UFC contenders, putting together an impressive win streak that nearly earned him a championship belt.
Below is a look at his last 10 professional fights before his retirement from MMA5:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method / Decision | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2013 | Gray Maynard | Win | KO/TKO (punch) | UFC 160: Velasquez vs. Silva 2 |
| Jan 26, 2013 | Matt Wiman | Win | KO/TKO (elbows & punches) | UFC on FOX: Johnson vs. Dodson |
| Sep 22, 2012 | Evan Dunham | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort |
| May 15, 2012 | Carlo Prater | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier |
| Oct 1, 2011 | Shane Roller | Win | Submission (armbar) | UFC on Versus: Cruz vs. Johnson |
| Dec 11, 2010 | Ricardo Almeida | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 124: St‑Pierre vs. Koscheck 2 |
| Sep 25, 2010 | Julio Paulino | Win | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 119: Mir vs. Cro Cop |
| May 8, 2010 | Johny Hendricks | Loss | Decision (majority) | UFC 113: Machida vs. Shogun 2 |
| Dec 12, 2009 | Kevin Burns | Win | KO/TKO | UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez |
| Jul 11, 2009 | Dong Hyun Kim | Loss | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 100: Lesnar vs. Mir 2 |
Grant initially fought as a welterweight before moving down to the lightweight division, where he truly hit his stride. His five-fight win streak in the UFC included dominant finishes and a career-defining win over Gray Maynard, securing him a title shot. Unfortunately, a serious concussion forced him to withdraw, and he never returned to competition.
Though his career was cut short, his dominance in the lightweight division left a lasting impression.
2006
Pro MMA Debut
Began his professional career, making waves in the Canadian MMA scene.
2009
UFC Debut
Competed as a welterweight before transitioning to lightweight.
2011
Lightweight Win Streak
Won five straight fights, proving himself as a top contender.
2013
Earned UFC Title Shot
Secured a championship fight against Benson Henderson but withdrew due to injury.
2014
Retirement from MMA
Unable to return after a career-altering concussion, he stepped away from the sport.
“The Prince” Claude Patrick: Canada’s Grappling Specialist
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Claude Patrick was a talented welterweight fighter known for his high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling control. His slick submission game and ability to neutralize opponents on the ground made him a dangerous force in the cage. Patrick built a solid career on the regional scene before making his way to the UFC, where he put together an impressive run.
Below is a look at Claude Patrick’s final stretch of professional fights6, including his UFC appearances and dominant performances on the Canadian circuit:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method / Decision | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 10, 2011 | Brian Ebersole | Loss | Decision (Split) | UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida |
| Apr 30, 2011 | Daniel Roberts | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 129: St‑Pierre vs. Shields |
| Oct 16, 2010 | James Wilks | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 120: Bisping vs. Akiyama |
| Jun 12, 2010 | Ricardo Funch | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | UFC 115: Liddell vs. Franklin |
| Feb 5, 2010 | Matt MacGrath | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | AMMA 2: Vengeance |
| Nov 13, 2009 | Daniel Grandmaison | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | CFC 3 — Canadian Fighting Championship |
| Mar 20, 2009 | Dave Mazany | Win | TKO (Punches) | The Fight Club 6 |
| Dec 5, 2008 | Victor Bachmann | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | TFC 5 – Armageddon |
| May 31, 2008 | Dan Chambers | Win | Submission (North‑South Choke) | TFC 3 – This Means War |
| Sep 23, 2006 | Ray Steinbeiss | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | IFL – Gracie vs. Miletich |
Although his UFC career was short-lived, Patrick showed elite potential, securing key wins before injuries forced him to step away from competition. While he never returned to active fighting, his technical skills and ground dominance earned him respect among Canadian MMA fighters.
2002
Pro MMA Debut
Entered the professional MMA scene, showcasing his grappling-heavy style.
2010
UFC Debut
Made his first UFC appearance, winning his debut in dominant fashion.
2011
FUFC Three-Fight Win Streak
Earned three consecutive UFC victories, proving himself in the welterweight division.
2011
Final UFC Fight
Competed against Brian Ebersole at UFC 140 in a closely contested bout.
2012
Retired from MMA
Stepped away from professional fighting due to lingering injuries, including concussion-related issues, which prevented him from continuing his UFC career. He retired with a strong 14-2 record, having never been finished in a fight.
The Future of Canadian MMA
With fighters like Charles Jourdain and Hakeem Dawodu leading the charge, Canada continues to produce top-tier MMA talent. From striking specialists to dominant grapplers, the country’s fighters are proving themselves on the world stage across major promotions like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL.
As the sport evolves, new prospects are emerging, eager to follow in the footsteps of Georges St-Pierre, Rory MacDonald, and other Canadian legends.
Whether it’s Aaron Jeffery pushing for a Bellator title shot or rising prospects on the regional circuit, the next generation is keeping the country’s MMA reputation strong.
If you’re thinking about getting into MMA, training has never been easier to find. Platforms like Superprof connect you with experienced coaches who can help you sharpen your skills in striking, grappling, and conditioning. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, having the right guidance can make all the difference.
Canada’s MMA history is rich with iconic moments and breakthrough stars, and it’s clear that the nation’s influence in the sport isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Who will be the next big name to come out of Canada? Only time will tell.
👇 And speaking of big names…
Which Canadian MMA fighter is your all-time favourite?
References
- Georges St-Pierre Historial de Peleas de Mma - - ESPN (PA) (no date) ESPN. Available at: https://www.espn.com.pa/mma/fighter/history/_/id/2335659/georges-st-pierre
- ‘Red King’ Rory MacDonald (no date) Combat. Available at: https://combat-edge.com/fighter/rory-macdonald-6330/.
- Hakeem Dawodu (featherweight) MMA profile (no date) ESPN. Available at: https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3165010/hakeem-dawodu.
- Aaron Jeffery: MMA fighter page (no date) Tapology. Available at: https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/39683-aaron-jeffery.
- TJ Grant (2023) UFC. Available at: https://www.ufc.com/athlete/tj-grant.
- Claude Patrick (welterweight) MMA profile (no date) ESPN. Available at: https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2504613/claude-patrick.
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
