My first pro fighter that i really admired was probably either Peter Aerts or Ernesto Hoost
(Sorry i don;t know jack about MMA the way you guys do)
Ramon Dekkers is another fighter who got me hooked!
In terms of newer fighters, I am a Self Proclaimed Masato Nut hugger though I do admit I suckle at the teat of his rival, Albert Kraus! Both of these guys are awesome
damn there are so many fighters I admire... in terms of heart though I cannot find a fighter better than Sakmongkon