In this clip from UFC Now, we take a look at Michael Bisping’s choice of top 5 traditional martial arts practitioners that compete in MMA.
One of the most fascinating parts of watching mixed martial arts is seeing the ways that fighting styles clash with one another. Which only makes it even more interesting when one of the two competitors have a background in traditional martial arts.
For a long period of time, many thought that traditional martial arts weren’t even viable in the slightest for mixed martial arts competition, but over the past few years we’ve begun seeing more and more of their techniques implemented into the sport. Fighters like Conor McGregor among others have begun implementing TMA technique into their overall skill set which makes for a dangerous combination.
Curious as to who uses traditional martial arts the most effectively? Check out the list below and let us know what you’d do differently in the comments below!
5) Stephen Wonderboy Thompson
Holding black belts in multiple martial arts, Stephen Thompson is a 57-0 undefeated kick boxer who has made his way into MMA. His record in MMA has grown to 12-1, but with his recent TKO victory over former champion Johnny Hendricks, he has proven that he is more than just a traditional martial artist making his way into the sport, he is now a top 5 welterweight in the UFC who could possibly be the next to challenge for the title.
4) Demian Maia
Demian Maia is a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and one of the most overall skilled Jiu-Jitsu players in the world. His approach to MMA clearly represents the background of which he comes from. If Maia is fighting, expect to see him rush across the cage and force his opponent to the mat, where he routinely wins by submission or ground control. Although he has implemented some striking into his skill set as well, he primarily relies on his background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to bring him the win anytime he steps into the cage.
3) Georges St-Pierre
You can make an argument for Georges St-Pierre being the greatest fighter of all time. The former UFC welterweight champion retired on top of the sport with every loss in his career avenged. He began training as a black belt in Kyokushin karate, but using the same discipline he used to master karate, he became the best wrestler in UFC history without any high school or collegiate experience. Not only did St-Pierre handle himself like a true martial artist in the cage, but he did while outside of it as well making himself a role model for many.
2) Anderson The Spider Silva
When you think of MMA, Anderson Silva might be the face that pops into your mind, but that doesn’t prevent him from being a traditional martial artist as well. He originally began his training in taekwondo in which he holds a black belt, he then moved on to Capoeira and then eventually Muay Thai. But now he also holds black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, making him as complete a martial artist as a man can truly be.
1) Lyoto Machida
When looking for a traditional martial artist, Lyoto Machida is what you’d expect to find. He looks, moves, and fights just as you’d imagine after hearing he is a 3rd dan black belt in Shotokan Karate. He is also a former UFC champion and the first to ever come from a karate background.
He went 16-0 before tasting his first defeat, because his fighting style was so unique those he fought couldn’t figure out how to get within range without getting clobbered and possibly knocked out. Machida has been a staple in the UFC for nearly a decade now and even though he is on the tail end of his career he is still a dangerous fight for any man.
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