The UFC has produced some of the most iconic fighters in combat sports history — names like Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and more. Each of these legends brought unique styles and near-unbeatable dominance during their prime.

But what if you were tasked with beating them?

Let’s break down how you could — in theory — beat every UFC legend, by understanding their strengths, exploiting their weaknesses, and fighting the smartest possible game plan.

How To Beat Anderson Silva

Strengths: Elite striking, reflexes, counterpunching, creativity
Weakness: Takedown defense under pressure, overconfidence

Game Plan:

Pressure him with controlled aggression — don’t chase, but don’t give him space.

Use feints to bait counters, then shoot for takedowns.

Mix in wrestling and top control to neutralize his striking.

Avoid flashy exchanges — Silva thrives in chaos.

 Blueprint: Chael Sonnen (Round 1–4 of UFC 117), Chris Weidman (UFC 162)

How To Beat Georges St-Pierre (GSP)

Strengths: Elite wrestling, jab, fight IQ, adaptability
Weakness: Struggles slightly under high-volume pressure, past issues with body shots

Game Plan:

Pressure with combinations and leg kicks to disrupt his rhythm.

Defend takedowns at all costs — easier said than done.

Attack the body early to slow his movement.

Force GSP to strike first — he prefers countering.

 Blueprint: Matt Serra (UFC 69), Johny Hendricks (UFC 167 — highly debated decision)

How To Beat Jon Jones

Strengths: Unpredictability, reach, clinch control, fight IQ
Weakness: Vulnerable to leg kicks, slower boxing defense

Game Plan:

Attack the legs early to reduce mobility and range.

Close the distance intelligently — don’t hang at kicking range.

Pressure in the clinch with elbows and body shots.

Avoid single-shot exchanges — Jones thrives in technical chess matches.

 Blueprint: Alexander Gustafsson (UFC 165), Dominick Reyes (UFC 247)

How To Beat Khabib Nurmagomedov

Strengths: Relentless wrestling, ground control, mental pressure
Weakness: Limited striking (though improved), linear movement

Game Plan:

Stick-and-move with crisp footwork — never back up in straight lines.

Time knees and uppercuts as he shoots.

Avoid getting to the cage — Khabib dominates against the fence.

Stay calm when taken down — panic leads to quicker finishes.

 Blueprint: Nobody succeeded — but Tibau gave him issues (UFC 148), and McGregor had a competitive Round 3 (UFC 229).

How To Beat Conor McGregor

Strengths: Precision striking, timing, strong early rounds
Weakness: Cardio, takedown defense, struggles under pressure

Game Plan:

Survive the first two rounds — weather the storm.

Attack the body to drain his gas tank.

Wrestle and clinch often to smother his rhythm.

Avoid standing in boxing range too long.

 Blueprint: Nate Diaz (UFC 196), Khabib Nurmagomedov (UFC 229), Dustin Poirier (UFC 264)

 Bonus: General Strategy to Beat Any Legend

No matter who the opponent is, success comes down to:

Studying their habits: Legends develop predictable patterns over time.

Exposing wear and tear: Most greats are beatable later in their careers.

Controlling the pace: Make the fight yours — not theirs.

Staying disciplined: Legends capitalize on mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Every UFC legend has looked unbeatable — until they weren’t. No fighter is perfect, and with the right game plan, preparation, and mindset, even the most iconic names can fall.

In the end, fighting legends isn’t just about skill — it’s about belief. And the right strategy? That’s where every great upset begins.