Conor McGregor among three UFC fighters to make Sports Illustrated’s male ‘Fittest 50’ list

By Russell Ess - May 23, 2016

When it comes to being fit, which male UFC fighters stick out in your mind?

Conor McGregor

Sports Illustrated compiled their list of the “Fittest 50” men and women (click here to see the women’s list) in sports and three male fighters from the UFC made the cut among the world’s elite athletes.

For the men, current featherweight champion Conor McGregor ranked at number 39 with his profile reading:

“The 27-year-old Irish MMA star may not follow a strict training schedule—“Nothing,” he says, “is set by a clock.”—but he packs each day with a withering array of exercises and fitness drills ranging from free weight work to core training to yoga—plus grueling hours of striking, grappling and jiu-jitsu—all designed to forge a body and a mind capable of championship-level combat.”

Coming in at number 17 is flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson who is arguably one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in mixed martial arts.

“Dubbed Mighty Mouse, the 5’3”, 125-lb. Kentucky native won the UFC flyweight crown in 2012 and has successfully defended it eight times. He’s widely regarded as the quickest and most technically-proficient fighter in the sport, one who packs power in his small frame more reminiscent of another cartoon superhero—his personal favorite, Batman.”

Topping the list of male mixed martial arts fighters is current UFC light heavyweight interim champion Jon Jones coming in at number 4 and SI had the following to say:

“The current interim UFC light heavyweight champion, Bones, as he’s known, is widely regarded as the best mixed martial arts fighter in the world. After an intense powerlifting regimen last year, the 6’4”, 28-year-old Jones has packed on enough muscle to make his nickname seem ironic—while, he insists, maintaining his speed and endurance.”

Topping the list of male atheletes is Ashton Eaton, a track and field decathlete that took gold at the 2012 Olympics and will look to repeat in Brazil.

Agree with the rankings for the men? Share your thoughts on the ranks by leaving a comment!

Video | Jon Jones
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Conor McGregor