It should be no surprise that the sport of Mixed Martial Artists has seen some of largest and most physically imposing fighters throughout its storied history, so let’s take a look at five of the largest fighters to ever compete in Mixed Martial Arts.
(Click here to check out the five largest fighters in UFC history)
5) Bob Sapp – 6’5″ 360lbs
Nicknamed ‘The Beast’ for obvious reasons, Bob Sapp started out playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL and then in in the early 2000’s transitioned to Pro Wrestling and eventually mixed martial arts under Pride and kickboxing for K-1.
Training under the likes of former UFC champions Maurice Smith and Josh Barnett, his most memorable moments in the ring were in 2002. The first of which was against MMA legend Minotauro Noguiera whom he suplexed on his head in the opening seconds of the fight and then of course his back to back TKO victories over K-1 legend Ernesto Hoost a few months later.
During his prime he was one of the most famous figures in all of Japan appearing in numerous commercials, television programs and even released an album.
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4) Zuluzinho – 6’7″ 408lbs
The son of Vale Tudo legend Rei Zulu, the super heavyweight Zuluzinho is perhaps best known for his 26 second destruction at the hands of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko despite the massive size discrepancy in his favor.
He last competed in 2010 compiling an MMA record of 11-8 (1 NC) although he claims he holds 38-0 (38 KO’s) Vale Tudo record.
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3) Akebono – 6’8″ 550lbs
The first non-Japanese born man to reach Yokozuna which is the highest rank in Sumo Wrestling, Akebono made the transition to mixed martial arts in 2004 under the K-1 banner.
Unfortunately like other Sumo champions before him, his skill set didn’t successfully adapt to MMA competition.
His most famous bout under K1 came in the kickboxing ring against fellow behemoth Bob Sapp, which drew a whopping 54 million viewers on New Years Eve of 2003.
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2) Hong Man Choi – 7’2″ 360lbs
The 2005 K-1 World Grand Prix in Seoul Champion, the ‘Techno Goliath’ Hong Man Choi crossed over from kickboxing to MMA in 2006 getting a sixteen second TKO over TV personality Bobby Ologun.
Needing a step up in competition Choi then faced off against then undefeated Fedor Emelianenko on NYE 2007. Despite some early success due to his massive size advantage, he got caught in an armbar at 1:58 of the first round.
A few bouts later Choi took on Baseball Hall of Famer Jose Canseco whom he hilariously chased around the ring to get the TKO win at 1:17 of round one.
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1) Giant Silva – 7’2″ 427lbs
Paulo César da Silva best known to MMA fans at ‘Giant Silva’ is a former basketball player that played for the National Brazilian Basketball team during the prelims of the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Making his MMA debut for Pride in 2003 he literally towered above all of his competition, although this didn’t translate into much success as he ended his career at 2-6 holding victories over former Sumo champions Akebono and Henry Sentoryu.
During his fight career he also competed in pro-wrestling matches for the promotions New Japan Pro Wrestling and Hustle.
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