Standing Tall: A Ranking of the UFC’s Tallest Fighters

Imagine towering over your opponent, your limbs extended like a weapon, striking from a distance, and leaving them scrambling to close the gap.

 The captivating world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is one where raw power, agility, and strategic prowess converge. In these, even the fighter’s physical attributes often play a pivotal role. While speed, strength, and technique are undoubtedly essential, height has consistently proven to be a distinctive advantage within the Octagon. Throughout the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) illustrious history, a select group of fighters have embodied this towering presence, utilizing their extraordinary height to carve their names into MMA legend.

These legends of the sport, often referred to as “skyscrapers” or “titans,” have captivated audiences with their unique fighting styles and the challenges they pose to their opponents. Their elongated frames grant them an extended reach which enable them to deliver devastating blows from afar and maintain a safe distance from incoming attacks. Their height provides leverage in grappling exchanges, making it easier to control and submit opponents on the ground.

These are just but a few of the advantages of their height. The drawbacks however show us that frailty is truly the curse of the human race. Their increased stature often comes with a higher center of gravity, making taller fighters more susceptible to takedowns and sweeps. Also, maintaining the cardiovascular endurance necessary for a grueling MMA bout can be more demanding for those carrying additional weight and muscle mass. However, the allure of witnessing these towering figures overcome the inherent challenges of their size and rise to the pinnacle of the sport has always been a source of fascination for MMA fans.

 As we take a look at some of the tallest UFC fighters ever, we see their impact of the sport, memorable fights and moments as well as how their presence redefined the boundaries for people of their kind.

 Join us as we embark on a journey through the annals of UFC history, where we’ll encounter a collection of athletes who defied conventional expectations and proved that, sometimes, standing tall can be the key to victory.

10. Sean McCorkle:

Sean McCorkle, standing at an impressive 6’7″ (201 cm), was one of the tallest fighters ever to grace the UFC, earning the nickname “Big Sexy” for his charismatic personality and towering physique.

Born on July 17, 1976, in Indianapolis, Indiana, McCorkle quickly made a name for himself in the regional MMA scene, amassing an undefeated 9-0 record before signing with the UFC in 2010. His debut fight against Mark Hunt at UFC 119 garnered significant attention due to his size and the online support he had built through his entertaining personality on MMA forums.

His towering height and impressive reach proved to be double-edged swords. While they offered advantages in striking and grappling, they also made him a target for takedowns and exposed him to vulnerabilities against more agile opponents.

9. Alexander Volkov:

In mixed martial arts (MMA), few fighters command attention quite like Alexander Volkov. Standing at a towering 6’7″ (201 cm), the Russian heavyweight, nicknamed “Drago” after the iconic Rocky IV character, has carved a unique path in the UFC.

Born on October 24, 1988, in Moscow, Russia, Volkov’s journey in combat sports began with Kyokushin karate. He quickly transitioned to MMA, making his professional debut in 2009. Volkov’s early career saw him rise through various promotions, notably M-1 Global and Bellator MMA, where he captured heavyweight titles in both organizations.

His impressive performances and growing reputation earned him a UFC contract in 2016. Volkov’s arrival in the UFC marked a new chapter in his career, as he set his sights on conquering the heavyweight division’s elite. With notable wins including knockout triumphs over Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve, and Walt Harris, his striking prowess, honed through years of kickboxing and karate training, has become a defining feature of his fighting style.

His legacy as one of the tallest and most skilled heavyweights in the promotion is already cemented, but the “Drago” era may just be beginning.

His journey from Russian karateka to top UFC contender is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. As he continues to make his mark on the heavyweight division, the “Drago” legend grows, leaving fans and analysts alike eager to see what heights this towering figure can reach.

8. Emmanuel Yarborough:

The Gentle Giant of Early UFC stood at a towering 6’8″ (203 cm) and weighed over 600 pounds, remaining one of UFC’s most physically imposing figures. Although his time in the Octagon was brief, with only one fight at UFC 3 in 1994, Yarborough’s sheer size and unique background made him a memorable figure in the sport’s early days.

His fight against Hackney, while not technically impressive, became a spectacle due to the sheer size difference between the two fighters. Hackney, who was much smaller than Yarborough, earned the nickname “The Giant Killer” for his victory.

Though his career was short-lived, Emmanuel Yarborough’s impact on the UFC and the sport of MMA as a whole cannot be denied. He remains a fascinating figure in the history of the sport, a gentle giant who dared to step into the octagon and test his skills against the best in the world.

7. Paul Varelans:

Known as “The Polar Bear” for his Alaskan roots and massive frame, Varelans competed in the promotion from 1995 to 1996 and he stood at an imposing 6’8″ (203 cm). He was a true giant in the early days of the UFC., leaving a lasting impression on followers of the sport.

Varelans brought a unique fighting style to the octagon, which he called “trapfighting.” This self-described discipline emphasized trapping an opponent’s limbs to set up strikes or submissions. While unconventional, Varelans’ approach, combined with his sheer size and strength, made him a formidable opponent.

During his UFC tenure, Varelans secured notable victories against fighters like Cal Worsham and Gerry Harris. However, he also faced tough competition, suffering losses to the likes of Tank Abbott and Marco Ruas.

6. Dan Christison:

Fondly known as “A Big Man with a Big Heart”, Dan Christison, towered at 6’8″ (203 cm). This gentle giant, as many called him, brought a unique charm and a heart as big as his stature to the early days of the UFC.

Back in the wild west of the 90s MMA scene, Christison was a sight to behold. With his background in wrestling and football, he stepped into the cage with a mix of power and athleticism that few could match. He wasn’t just about brute force though, he was known for his sportsmanship and the respect he showed his opponents, win or lose.

Christison’s UFC career was definitely short, but it was certainly memorable. He gave fans some exciting moments, proving that big guys could move and fight with surprising agility. He might not have had the most polished technique, but he made up for it with sheer grit and determination.

5. Tim Sylvia:

Sylvia’s reign as a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion speaks volumes about his skill and dominance in the octagon. He secured the title initially in 2003 with a TKO victory over Ricco Rodriguez and then regained it in 2006 after a brief hiatus from the UFC. During his championship reigns, Sylvia defended his title against notable contenders like Andrei Arlovski and Jeff Monson.

Standing at an imposing 6’8″ (203 cm), Tim Sylvia was not just one of the tallest UFC fighters, but also one of the most successful heavyweights in the promotion’s history. Nicknamed “The Maine-iac” for his Maine roots and aggressive fighting style, Sylvia’s career is a testament to the potential impact of height and reach in MMA.

His height and reach allowed him to maintain distance and punish opponents with his long jab and powerful kicks. He was also surprisingly agile for his size, showcasing decent footwork and head movement.

However, Sylvia’s career was not without its challenges. He faced criticism for his sometimes passive fighting style and his struggles against wrestlers who could exploit his height disadvantage on the ground. Despite these criticisms, Sylvia’s achievements in the UFC are undeniable, and he remains a respected figure in the sport’s history.

4. Wes Sims:

Wes Sims, standing at 6’10” (208 cm), was an imposing figure in the UFC, known for his raw power, aggressive fighting style, and colorful personality. He competed in the promotion intermittently from 2002 to 2004, leaving a lasting impression on fans despite a mixed record of wins and losses.

Sims’ towering height and muscular build made him a daunting presence in the octagon. His nickname, “The Project,” reflected his ongoing development as a fighter and the potential that many saw in his raw athleticism. He was known for his aggressive, brawling style. He often relied on his size and strength to overwhelm opponents, though his lack of technical refinement sometimes proved to be a liability. Sims was involved in several memorable UFC moments, including a heated rivalry with Frank Mir and a controversial disqualification loss against Mike Kyle. His fights often generated excitement due to his unpredictable nature and willingness to engage in wild brawls.

Despite his limitations, Sims remains a memorable figure in UFC history. His larger-than-life personality, combined with his imposing physical presence and exciting fighting style, made him a fan favorite. He also served as a reminder that raw athleticism and heart can sometimes compensate for technical shortcomings in the octagon.

3. Gan McGee:

Nearing the end of this list, we have Gan McGee ranked as the third tallest UFC fighter ever.

Towering at 6’10” (208cm) and weighing over 260 pounds, Gan McGee was an imposing figure in the early days of the UFC. Known as “The Giant,” McGee’s unique combination of size and knockout power made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent for anyone who dared to step into the Octagon with him.

His UFC journey began in 2000 at UFC 28, where he faced fellow newcomer Josh Barnett. Despite his size advantage, McGee lost via TKO in the second round. Undeterred, he returned to the UFC in 2002, showcasing his improved skills with impressive TKO victories over Pedro Rizzo and Alexandre Dantas. McGee’s most significant opportunity came in 2003 when he challenged Tim Sylvia for the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 44. Despite his size and strength, McGee succumbed to Sylvia’s striking power in the first round.

Beyond his physical attributes, McGee was known for his sportsmanship and humble demeanor outside the cage. He was a beloved figure among fans and fellow fighters, earning respect for his dedication to the sport and his willingness to always put on a show for the crowd.

2. Semmy Schilt:

Placed at number 2, we have the Dutch behemoth standing at a staggering 6’11” (211 cm). He was not only one of the tallest fighters to ever grace the UFC, but also one of the most decorated strikers in combat sports history.

Schilt, aptly nicknamed “Hightower,” was a multi-faceted athlete with a background in Ashihara karate and a black belt in Judo. Before his foray into MMA, he dominated the kickboxing circuit, becoming a four-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. His striking prowess was legendary, characterized by devastating knees and kicks that could end a fight in an instant.

In 2001, Schilt made his UFC debut, bringing his unique blend of size, striking, and grappling skills to the octagon. Though his UFC career was relatively short, spanning only two fights, his impact was undeniable. His victories, including a memorable submission win over Pete Williams at UFC 31, showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to the different demands of MMA.

His imposing presence and technical skillset challenged conventional notions about size and fighting styles, inspiring a new generation of taller fighters to enter the octagon.

After leaving the UFC, Schilt continued to dominate the kickboxing world, further solidifying his status as a legend in combat sports. His legacy extends beyond his achievements, as he helped to redefine the possibilities for taller fighters in MMA.

1. Stefan Struve:

Standing at the peak of this list at a towering 7 feet tall (213cm), only few figures have been as physically imposing and captivating as Stefan Struve.

Aptly nicknamed “The Skyscraper,” was a unique and memorable presence in the heavyweight division. Struve’s journey in MMA began at a young age, training in various disciplines before making his professional debut at 17. His early career was marked by rapid success, as he quickly rose through the ranks of European promotions, showcasing his impressive height, reach, and developing ground game.

In 2009, Struve made his UFC debut, immediately capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. His towering frame and unorthodox striking style made him a formidable opponent, and he quickly earned a reputation as a fighter with tremendous potential. He achieved notable victories over established fighters like current heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva. His ability to utilize his height and reach in striking exchanges, combined with a surprisingly effective ground game, made him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

However, Struve also faced his fair share of challenges. His lanky frame made him susceptible to takedowns and ground-and-pound attacks. He also battled health issues, including a heart condition that sidelined him for a significant period. Despite these setbacks, Struve always showed resilience and determination, returning to the octagon time and again to test his skills against the best in the world.

In 2021, Struve announced his retirement from MMA, citing ongoing health concerns, however his career has become one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the heavyweight division.

The presence of tall fighters has had a significant impact on the sport of MMA. Their unique skillsets and physical attributes have forced opponents to adapt their strategies, leading to the development of new techniques and tactics. For example, shorter fighters have learned to close the distance quickly and get inside the reach of taller opponents. They have also developed techniques like leg kicks and takedowns to neutralize the height advantage.

On the other hand, taller fighters have learned to use their reach effectively and maintain distance. They have also developed strategies to defend against takedowns and avoid being controlled on the ground.