25 Best UFC Wrestlers of All Time

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is a thrilling spectacle, showcasing raw power, athleticism, and incredible skill. A key ingredient to the success of many fighters in this realm is their wrestling prowess.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has produced numerous iconic wrestlers who have left an indelible mark on the sport’s rich history. In this comprehensive blog post, we present to you the best wrestlers in UFC, their stellar achievements inside the octagon, and what sets them apart from the rest.

25 Top UFC Wrestlers of All Time

• Mark Coleman
• Curtis Blaydes
• Colby Covington
• Yoel Romero
• Tyron Woodley
• TJ Dillashaw
• Alexander Volkanovski
• Merab Dvalishvili
• Dominick Cruz
• Islam Makhachev
• Chael Sonnen
• Chad Mendes
• Chris Weidman
• Matt Hughes
• Tito Ortiz
• Frankie Edgar
• Randy Couture
• Cain Velasquez
• Stipe Miocic
• Kamaru Usman
• Daniel Cormier
• Khabib Nurmagomedov
• Georges St. Pierre
• Henry Cejudo
• Jon Jones

25. Mark Coleman

• Division: Heavyweight/Light Heavyweight
• MMA Record: 16-10-0

Mark Coleman, known as “The Hammer,” is hailed as the godfather of ground and pound in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). As a former NCAA National Wrestling Champion and Olympic wrestler, Coleman translated his grappling prowess into an impressive UFC career.

A two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, Mark holds notable wins against MMA legends such as Dan Severn and Igor Vovchanchyn. Known for his relentless wrestling style coupled with formidable submission skills, he also became a PRIDE Grand Prix 2000 Openweight Champion – becoming one of only four fighters to hold titles in both UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championship organizations.

24. Curtis Blaydes

• Division: Heavyweight
• MMA Record: 17-3-0 (1 NC) as of date of publication

Curtis Blaydes, a dominant force in the heavyweight division of UFC, showcases exceptional wrestling skills and an impressive MMA record.

With a background in collegiate wrestling at Harper College and Northern Illinois University, Blaydes transitioned to mixed martial arts successfully by utilizing his grappling prowess and relentless ground-and-pound techniques.

With an accurate takedown ability – boasting one of the highest averages per 15 minutes in UFC history – Blaydes strategically implements his strengths against opponents while keeping them on their toes with powerful striking abilities.

Throughout his career, he has cemented himself as a formidable presence within the heavyweight rankings.

23. Colby Covington

• Division: UFC Welterweight
• MMA record: 18-2

Colby Covington, an American mixed martial artist and former NCAA Division I wrestler, has made a significant impact in the UFC’s welterweight division. With his relentless pace and suffocating wrestling skills, he quickly gained recognition as one of the best wrestlers in UFC.

Not only does Covington have exceptional wrestling abilities to dominate opponents on the ground, but he also boasts high striking volume which keeps adversaries guessing throughout each match.

Known for his mental toughness and discipline inside the Octagon, “Chaos” has earned impressive victories over elite competition such as Demian Maia and Rafael dos Anjos.

22. Yoel Romero

• Division: Formerly UFC Middleweight
• MMA record: 13-5

Yoel Romero is a beast in the octagon and one of the top UFC wrestlers of all time. With his Olympic-level wrestling skills, he has dominated opponents with his takedowns and ground control abilities.

In addition to his impressive athletic abilities, Yoel Romero’s mental toughness and discipline have also allowed him to rise to the top of MMA rankings.

“I never get anybody calling me and saying, ‘Hey Dana, I want to fight Yoel Romero,’” White said. “When do you ever hear a guy call him out? It doesn’t happen. Guys wind up fighting him because the rankings dictate it or whatever, but no one is volunteering for that. [Adesanya] just kept blowing up my phone: ‘I want Romero. I want Romero. I want Romero.’ I respect that. You want to fight a guy like that, I respect it and so we made it happen.” –Dana White

He has proven himself to be a fierce competitor who never gives up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. It’s no wonder why he has been able to achieve multiple victories against some of the most revered fighters in UFC history like Lyoto Machida, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

21. Tyron Woodley

• Division: UFC Welterweight
• MMA record: 19-6 (1 draw)

Tyron Woodley is an American mixed martial artist and a former UFC welterweight champion. He has a great wrestling background, having been a two-time NCAA All-American wrestler in college.

With his exceptional takedown ability and dominant ground control skills, Tyron has been able to secure victories against some of the biggest names in UFC history.

One of his most memorable performances was when he defeated Robbie Lawler for the welterweight championship at UFC 201 by knockout in just under three minutes into the first round.

He displayed high agility, lightning-fast striking abilities, and mental toughness throughout the fight which proved why he is regarded as one of the best wrestlers in UFC history.

20. TJ Dillashaw

• Division: UFC Bantamweight, one time UFC Flyweight
• MMA record: 20-4

TJ Dillashaw is one of the most dominant wrestlers in UFC history. With a record of 16 wins and 4 losses, Dillashaw has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions.

Dillashaw’s accurate takedown ability and ground control make him a formidable opponent. In addition to his grappling prowess, he also possesses high agility and striking abilities, making him dangerous on both the feet and the ground.

His mental toughness and discipline have been tested throughout his career, notably in his rematch against Cody Garbrandt where he came back from being knocked down in the first round to win by TKO in the second round.

19. Alexander Volkanovski

• Division: UFC Featherweight
• MMA record: 22-1

Alexander Volkanovski has quickly risen to the top of the UFC rankings as one of the best wrestlers in the sport. The Australian fighter is known for his powerful takedowns and exceptional ground control, which have helped him secure impressive victories over some of the toughest opponents in his division.

Volkanovski’s background in rugby league has contributed significantly to his fighting style, giving him a unique combination of agility, strength, and power that makes him a force to be reckoned with inside the octagon.

He relies on accurate striking abilities and dominant wrestling skills to outmaneuver his opponents with ease.

18. Merab Dvalishvili

• Division: Bantamweight
• MMA Record: 16-4-0 as of date of publication

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian MMA fighter who competes in the bantamweight division of UFC. He has an impressive record of 13 wins and four losses, with three consecutive wins in his most recent fights.

In his most recent fight against John Dodson, Merab set a new UFC record by landing 13 takedowns in a single fight. His grappling abilities on the ground are also noteworthy, as he has shown dominant control over opponents and effective submission techniques.

17. Dominick Cruz

• Division: UFC Bantamweight
• MMA record: 22-3

Dominick Cruz is a seasoned UFC fighter with outstanding wrestling skills. He has won multiple titles, including the Bantamweight Championship twice during his career in UFC.

He boasts an impressive record of 23 wins and only three losses in his professional MMA career. One of his most notable victories was against TJ Dillashaw, which earned him the title for the second time.

Cruz’s mental toughness and discipline have been tested throughout his career due to injuries that kept him away from fighting for several years.

Overall, Dominick Cruz’s remarkable wrestling skills combined with his agility and striking techniques make him one of the best fighters in UFC history.

16. Islam Makhachev

• Division: UFC Lightweight
• MMA record: 19-1

Islam Makhachev is a rising star in the UFC and a skilled wrestler with impressive grappling techniques. He has won multiple wrestling championships before pursuing MMA, and his technical abilities on the mat have earned him a reputation as a dominant force in the Octagon.

In recent years, Makhachev has become one of the most talked-about prospects in UFC’s lightweight division, earning praise from fans and fellow fighters alike. His most notable victory came against Drew Dober at UFC 259, where he showcased his grappling skills by taking Dober down repeatedly before submitting him in round three.

15. Chael Sonnen

• Division: Middleweight/Light Heavyweight
• MMA Record: 31-17-1

Chael Sonnen is a former UFC fighter who was known for his exceptional wrestling skills in the octagon. He is a two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and has competed in multiple weight classes during his UFC career.

Throughout his UFC career, Sonnen faced some of the top fighters in the sport, including Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. His grappling abilities made him a formidable opponent for anyone he faced in the octagon, as he could outwrestle many of them with ease.

Overall, Chael Sonnen is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in UFC history due to his dominance on the mat during his fights.

14. Chad Mendes

• Division: Featherweight
• MMA Record: 18-5-0

Chad Mendes is a former UFC fighter who had an impressive wrestling career before transitioning to mixed martial arts. He was a two-time Pac-10 champion and an NCAA All-American wrestler at California Polytechnic State University.

During his time in the UFC, he became known for his exceptional wrestling skills, accurate takedowns, and dominant control on the ground.

Mendes’ wrestling prowess helped him become a top-ranked featherweight contender in the UFC with notable wins over fighters such as Clay Guida and Ricardo Lamas. Although he never captured a UFC championship belt, Mendes proved to be one of the best wrestlers in MMA during his time with the organization.

13. Chris Weidman

• Division: Middleweight
• MMA Record: 15-6-0 as of date of publication

Chris Weidman, a former college wrestler at Hofstra University, is one of the top wrestlers in the middleweight division of UFC. He has a record of 15 wins and 5 losses and is best known for his victories over Anderson Silva, who was undefeated before losing to him.

In addition to his wrestling prowess, Weidman also possesses impressive striking abilities, which he showcased in several fights. The combination of his outstanding wrestling and striking skills has earned him widespread recognition among MMA fans as one of the most talented fighters in the sport today.

12. Matt Hughes

• Division: Welterweight
• MMA Record: 45-9-0

Matt Hughes is a retired UFC fighter who made his debut in 1998. He was one of the pioneers of wrestling in MMA and helped popularize the sport. Hughes won two welterweight championships during his career, defending it successfully seven times.

In addition to his success inside the octagon, Hughes also had an impressive amateur wrestling career, becoming a two-time NJCAA national champion while attending Southwestern Illinois College.

His Olympic aspirations were cut short due to injuries, but he found immense success in mixed martial arts instead.

11. Tito Ortiz

• Division: Light Heavyweight
• MMA Record: 21-12-1

Tito Ortiz is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and one of the best wrestlers in the history of MMA. He was known for his impressive grappling skills, dominating opponents with his ground-and-pound technique and submission holds.

Ortiz’s toughness and mental discipline made him a fan favorite during his time in the octagon. His rivalry with Chuck Liddell is considered one of the greatest in MMA history.

Despite retiring from professional fighting, Tito Ortiz continues to be involved in combat sports as a promoter and trainer.

10. Frankie Edgar

• Division(s): Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight
• MMA Record: 23-11-1

Frankie Edgar is a former UFC lightweight champion and one of the top wrestlers in MMA. He has been successful across multiple weight classes, which shows his versatility as an athlete.

One of Frankie’s notable victories was against BJ Penn at UFC 112, where he dominated the fight with his takedowns and ground control. He also defeated Urijah Faber at UFC Fight Night 66 with his quick hands and footwork.

Frankie’s mental toughness is another significant factor that sets him apart from other fighters. He has faced some tough losses over the years but has always come back stronger.

9. Randy Couture

• Division(s): Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight
• MMA Record: 19-11-0

Randy Couture is one of the most respected and accomplished wrestlers to ever compete in the UFC. A former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Couture was known for his exceptional wrestling skills, which helped him dominate fights on the ground.

He used his grappling abilities to secure takedowns and control opponents, setting up submissions or striking from top position.

One of Couture’s most memorable moments came at UFC 68 when he defeated Tim Sylvia with a stunning performance that showcased both his striking and wrestling abilities. Despite being outsized by Sylvia, Couture used his superior technique and skill to take down the larger opponent repeatedly throughout the fight before finishing him with strikes in round five.

8. Cain Velasquez

• Division: Heavyweight
• MMA Record: 14-3

Cain Velasquez is a top UFC wrestler with an impressive record in the heavyweight division. He has won 14 of his 16 professional fights and held the heavyweight championship twice.

Velasquez’s takedown ability and dominant ground control have earned him many victories, including a TKO win over former champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 121.

In addition to being a skilled athlete, Velasquez possesses mental toughness and discipline that have helped him succeed in the Octagon.

7. Stipe Miocic

• Division: UFC Heavyweight
• MMA record: 20-3

Stipe Miocic is undoubtedly one of the best wrestlers in UFC history. He has held the UFC Heavyweight Championship three times, making him one of only five fighters to achieve this feat.

Miocic has faced some of the toughest opponents in MMA, including Francis Ngannou and Daniel Cormier. Despite suffering setbacks early in his career, he worked hard to improve his skills and become a true champion.

Overall, Stipe Miocic is an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers looking to make their mark in MMA.

6. Kamaru Usman

• Division: UFC Welterweight
• MMA record: 18-1

Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional MMA fighter, widely known for his impressive wrestling skills. He currently holds the UFC welterweight championship title and has defended it successfully against top contenders.

Usman was a national champion wrestler in college, which has helped him dominate opponents in the Octagon with his exceptional takedown ability and ground control techniques.

In addition to that, he also possesses striking abilities that make him a well-rounded fighter. Usman’s mental toughness and discipline have been crucial factors in his success as he always brings an intense focus to every fight.

5. Daniel Cormier

• Division: UFC Heavyweight and UFC Light Heavyweight (retired)
• MMA record: 22-3 (1 NC)

Daniel Cormier is a former two-division UFC champion and one of the greatest wrestlers in the history of MMA. He competed as a heavyweight and light heavyweight, with an impressive record of 22 wins and three losses.

Cormier’s wrestling skills honed from his days as an Olympic wrestler enabled him to dominate his opponents in the octagon. His grappling techniques, takedown accuracy, ground control, striking abilities, mental toughness, and discipline cemented his status as one of the top UFC fighters of all time.

Throughout his career, Cormier defeated some notable names such as Anderson Silva, Alexander Gustafsson, Derrick Lewis, Stipe Miocic (twice), and many others.

4. Khabib Nurmagomedov

• Division: UFC Lightweight
• MMA record: 29-0

Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in mixed martial arts history. The retired Russian fighter had an outstanding professional MMA career, going undefeated with a record of 29 wins and zero losses.

He won the UFC lightweight title by defeating Al Iaquinta in April 2018 and successfully defended it three times before announcing his retirement from the sport last year.

Khabib’s grappling prowess was particularly evident in his fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 229, where he relentlessly took down the Irishman and eventually submitted him with a neck crank.

3. Georges St. Pierre

• Davison: UFC Welterweight, UFC Middleweight (retired)
• MMA record: 28-2

Georges St. Pierre, also known as “GSP,” is a legendary figure in UFC history and one of the best wrestlers to ever set foot in the octagon.

With an impressive 26-2 record, GSP is widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time.

In addition to being an exceptional wrestler with a powerful takedown ability, GSP has also mastered other aspects of mixed martial arts such as striking and submission grappling techniques.

What sets Georges St-Pierre apart from other elite wrestlers in UFC history are his analytical mind that provides thorough preparation for each opponent he faces inside the Octagon paired with precision & accuracy on his attacks.

2. Henry Cejudo

• Davison: UFC Bantamweight and UFC Flyweight (retired)
• MMA record: 18-2

Henry Cejudo is a retired American mixed martial artist and Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling. He is one of the best wrestlers to have ever graced the UFC octagon.

Cejudo’s path to greatness began as an amateur wrestler, eventually representing the United States at the Olympics and capturing a gold medal in 2008. In his MMA career, he fought in two weight classes – flyweight and bantamweight – where he held titles in both divisions.

His signature victories include wins against Demetrious Johnson, TJ Dillashaw, Marlon Moraes, and Dominick Cruz.

Cejudo’s impressive resume speaks volumes about how great of a fighter he was during his time with UFC. Despite retiring at just 34 years old, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers transitioning into MMA competition.

1. Jon Jones

• Division: UFC Heavyweight, formerly UFC Light Heavyweight
• MMA record: 26-1 (1 NC)

Jon Jones is a name that every MMA fan recognizes, and for good reason. He is widely considered as one of the best UFC wrestlers in history and has an impressive fighting record to back it up.

Jones’ exceptional wrestling skills are what set him apart from his opponents. His ability to dictate fights on the ground is unmatched by most other fighters in his weight class.

Additionally, he possesses accurate takedown ability and high agility which allows him to strike effectively while maintaining control over his opponents.

Despite multiple controversies outside of the ring throughout his career, there’s no denying that Jon Jones remains one of the greatest fighters we’ve ever seen in MMA history.

Characteristics Of Great UFC Wrestlers

Great UFC wrestlers possess exceptional wrestling skills, accurate takedown ability, dominant ground control and submission techniques, high agility and striking abilities, as well as mental toughness and discipline.

Exceptional Wrestling Skills

Exceptional wrestling skills are a must-have for any UFC wrestler. Wrestling is considered the most dominant grappling art in MMA, and it’s no wonder that many of the greatest fighters in UFC history have had exceptional wrestling backgrounds.

Wrestlers with elite levels of takedown ability can easily control their opponents on the ground, making them difficult to beat.

Jon Jones is one example of a fighter with exceptional wrestling skills who has dominated his weight class for years. He uses his long frame and explosive double-leg takedowns to bring down opponents while showcasing an array of throws from different clinches positions.

Accurate Takedown Ability

Accurate takedown ability is one of the most important characteristics of great UFC wrestlers. It involves taking down an opponent to the mat while minimizing the risk of counterattacks.

For example, Khabib Nurmagomedov is known for his unparalleled takedown abilities in both sambo and wrestling.

Another wrestler who excels in accurate takedowns is Curtis Blaydes. His exceptional strength combined with his expert timing makes him a force to be reckoned with in any MMA match.

Accurate takedown ability not only allows wrestlers to gain control over their opponents but also helps them conserve energy throughout each round by dictating where the fight takes place.

Dominant Ground Control And Submission Techniques

UFC wrestlers who excel in dominant ground control and submission techniques are formidable opponents, as they are able to take the fight to the mat and control their opponent’s movements.

Ground control involves taking an opponent down, maintaining top position, and controlling them through grappling techniques such as holds or locks.

Submission techniques involve forcing an opponent into a compromised position where they must “tap out” or risk serious injury. These include chokeholds and joint locks like armbars or leg locks.

Some of the best fighters in UFC history have showcased these skills in fights that have become legendary among fans. Jon Jones is known for his innovative submission tactics, while Khabib Nurmagomedov’s ability to smother his opponents on the ground with wrestling skills earned him fame as one of the greatest fighters ever.

High Agility And Striking Abilities

To excel in UFC, possessing high agility and striking abilities is crucial. The best wrestlers in the sport have shown impressive speed and precision while delivering powerful kicks, punches, and elbows on their opponents.

For instance, Kamaru Usman is known for his explosive striking techniques that have helped him dominate some of the toughest fighters in the world.

The combination of high agility and striking abilities makes it possible for fighters to take quick advantage of openings during bouts. By switching between grappling moves, takedowns, ground control techniques, and swift strikes from any angle.

Great examples are Georges St-Pierre’s unique karate-based style combined with exceptional wrestling ability or Jon Jones’ reach advantage that he uses to land devastating elbow strikes along with taking down his opponents effortlessly on several occasions showed how a fighter can use both these qualities to their advantage.

Mental Toughness And Discipline

Mental toughness and discipline are two critical characteristics of great UFC wrestlers. These fighters must possess a strong mental game to handle the pressure of competing at the highest level and endure grueling training sessions, injuries, and setbacks.

Discipline is equally important because it enables UFC wrestlers to adhere to strict nutrition plans, stay committed to a rigorous training regimen, and maintain a positive attitude even during challenging times.

A good example of mental toughness and discipline is Khabib Nurmagomedov- one of the top-ranked UFC wrestlers ever who remained unbeaten throughout his career by focusing on his strengths and maintaining an unwavering commitment to his craft despite personal tragedies outside the ring.

Mental strength also played a role in Jon Jones’s dominance inside the octagon – he exudes confidence in himself no matter what situation he finds himself in.

Rising UFC Wrestlers To Watch

Keep an eye on these up-and-coming UFC wrestlers: Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, Zhang Weili, Petr Yan, and Aljamain Sterling.

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-born New Zealander who has taken the UFC by storm. He started his fighting career as a kickboxer, where he amassed an impressive record of 75 wins and 5 losses before transitioning to mixed martial arts.

Adesanya’s striking skills are unmatched among many MMA fighters; he utilizes his kickboxing background to devastating effect inside the octagon. His footwork and striking accuracy make him difficult to hit while allowing him to land significant shots on his opponents.

His most notable victories include Anderson Silva, Kelvin Gastelum, Robert Whittaker, and Paulo Costa – all accomplished through impressive striking combinations and precise counters.

Zhang Weili

Zhang Weili is one of the rising UFC wrestlers to watch. She is a Chinese mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division.

Zhang made her debut in August 2018 and has since been making waves in the UFC scene.

What sets Zhang apart is her impressive striking ability combined with strong grappling skills. She has shown incredible power and accuracy with her kicks, punches, elbows, and knees while also demonstrating excellent takedown defense and submission techniques on the ground.

Petr Yan

Petr Yan is a rising star in the UFC who has quickly become one of the top wrestlers in his weight division. The Russian fighter made his debut in 2018 and has since won six out of seven fights, earning himself the title of Bantamweight Champion.

Known for his exceptional wrestling skills and accurate takedowns, Yan dominates opponents on the ground with his ground control techniques and submission holds.

He also demonstrates high agility and striking abilities that make him a formidable opponent both on the mat and standing up.

Aljamain Sterling

Aljamain Sterling is a professional UFC fighter and one of the rising stars in the sport. He competes in the bantamweight division and has made a name for himself with his impressive grappling skills.

One of Sterling’s notable victories came against Cory Sandhagen where he was able to secure a submission win with an arm-triangle choke. His combination of wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and striking techniques makes him a tough opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division.

UFC Wrestling Techniques And Strategies

UFC wrestlers need to master a variety of techniques and strategies, including takedowns and throws, ground control and submissions, striking combinations, and defensive maneuvers for both offense and defense.

Takedowns And Throws

Takedowns and throws are essential techniques for any great UFC wrestler. These techniques involve taking down the opponent to the ground and gaining control over them. Here are some of the most effective takedowns and throws used in MMA:

1. Double leg takedown – This is one of the most commonly used takedowns in MMA. The wrestler drives forward, grabs both legs of the opponent, lifts them up, and takes them down.
2. Single leg takedown – Similar to double leg takedown, this technique involves taking down only one leg of the opponent.
3. Body lock takedown – This technique involves wrapping both arms around the opponent’s waist, lifting them up, and taking them down.
4. Hip throw – This throw involves using your hip to lift the opponent off their feet and throw them onto their back.
5. Greco-Roman throws – These are a series of throws that involve using upper body strength to lift and throw an opponent over your shoulder or head.
6. Judo throws – Derived from traditional Japanese martial arts, these throws use leverage and momentum to take an opponent down by flipping them over.

Mastering these takedowns and throws requires a lot of practice as it is about timing, balance, agility, speed, power, accuracy, and precision all at once. A skilled wrestler will know which technique to utilize based on their tactics that align with theirs or their opponent’s strengths or weaknesses on that particular fight night in combat sports like UFC.

Ground Control And Submissions

Ground control is a crucial aspect of wrestling in MMA. The ability to take an opponent down to the mat and maintain control is a significant advantage in any fight. Here are some of the best ground control and submission techniques used by UFC wrestlers:

1. Rear-naked choke: A technique that involves wrapping one arm around the opponent’s neck from behind and choking them using the other arm.
2. Armbar: A submission hold that focuses on hyperextending an opponent’s elbow joint by applying pressure with the legs, hips, and arms.
3. Triangle choke: A submission hold where one leg is placed across an opponent’s neck while the other leg wraps around their body, creating a triangular figure.
4. Kimura: A shoulder lock technique that involves isolating an opponent’s arm and locking it behind their back at the shoulder joint.
5. Ground-and-pound: This technique involves taking an opponent down to the mat and then delivering strikes while maintaining top position.
6. Guillotine choke: A submission hold where one arm wraps around an opponent’s neck from front while clasping hands together in a particular way causing strangulation.
7. BJJ sweeps – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has several sweeps for gaining top position on your opponents during grappling exchanges.
8. Mount Control – Established mount control gives you opportunities to transition into submissions as well as strike your opponents with elbow drops punches

These are just some of the techniques used by top UFC wrestlers to gain an advantage over their opponents on the ground. It takes immense skill, practice and mastery to perfect these moves, plus mental toughness when executing under duress or fatigue from other intense grappling exchanges leading up to it . In order to become a great wrestler in UFC, one must continuously work on improving their ground game through drills, sparring sessions, study tapes , etc because anything can happen in octagon!

Striking Combinations

Striking combinations are an important part of any UFC wrestler’s arsenal. They involve a sequence of punches, kicks, and elbows that aim to keep the opponent at bay and create openings for takedowns and submission holds. Here are some popular striking combinations used by top UFC wrestlers:

1. Jab-cross-hook: A classic combination that involves throwing a quick jab followed by a powerful cross punch and then finishing with a looping hook.
2. Superman punch-leg kick: This combination involves leaping forward with a superman punch before following up with a devastating leg kick that maximizes damage.
3. Front kick-uppercut-hook: This combination starts with a front kick that forces the opponent to back up before launching an uppercut and then finishing with another looping hook.
4. Jab-overhand-right low kick: This is another classic combination where the fighter throws a light jab before launching an overhand right that is designed to knock out their opponent. They then follow this up with a powerful low kick.
5. Switch kick-left hook-straight right: The switch-kick is used to catch opponents off guard as it involves shuffling the feet quickly before taking advantage of the opening created by the opponent’s sudden change in position.
6. Spinning back fist-back leg roundhouse-kick: This combo starts with a spinning backfist aimed at catching fighters off guard before following up with a powerful roundhouse-kick using their back leg.

By mastering these striking combinations, UFC wrestlers can become even more deadly in the Octagon, making them harder to defend against and increasing their chances of success in any fight they take on.

Defensive Maneuvers

Defensive maneuvers are just as important as offensive techniques in UFC wrestling. Here are some key defensive strategies used by top UFC wrestlers:

1. Sprawl: A sprawl is a technique used to defend against takedowns. The wrestler drops their hips back and spreads their legs out to create a wider base, making it more difficult for their opponent to take them down.
2. Guard: If a wrestler is taken down, they can use the guard position to protect themselves from strikes and work on submission holds. The guard involves wrapping your legs around your opponent’s torso while lying on your back.
3. Counterattacks: Skilled wrestlers can use counterattacks to turn their opponent’s attacks against them. For example, if an opponent goes for a takedown, the wrestler can use a knee strike or elbow strike to defend themselves.
4. Footwork: Good footwork is essential in both offense and defense in UFC wrestling. It allows wrestlers to maintain distance between themselves and their opponents or quickly move out of the way of strikes.
5. Defense against submissions: UFC wrestlers must also be proficient in defending against submissions like chokes and joint locks. This involves knowing how to escape from various submission holds or preventing opponents from getting into those positions in the first place.

By mastering these defensive maneuvers, UFC wrestlers can better protect themselves while also gaining an advantage over their opponents during fights.

Read more on Wrestling:

• Judo vs Wrestling: Which Grappling Art Should You Choose?
• Wrestling vs Jiu-Jitsu: Who Will Reign Supreme in Combat Sports?
• Wrestling Styles: What Are the Different Types of Wrestling?
• Top 21 Deadliest Martial Arts in the World According to Experts
•  

FAQs

1. Who are the best wrestlers in UFC history?

Some of the most notable wrestlers in UFC history include Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez and Randy Couture.

2. How does wrestling help in UFC fights?

Wrestling is a valuable skillset for fighters as it allows them to control their opponent’s body positioning and take them down to the ground with techniques such as takedowns and throws. This can lead to the fighter being able to strike their opponent from advantageous positions on the ground or submit them using grappling techniques.

3. Can you succeed in UFC without wrestling skills?

While it is possible for fighters without strong wrestling skills to have success in UFC through striking or submission game alone, having a solid foundation in wrestling can be a significant advantage both defensively and offensively during matches.

4. What makes a great wrestler in UFC?

The ability to effectively execute takedowns and maintain control over an opponent on the ground are key factors that make a great wrestler in UFC. Additionally, good stamina, resilience against fatigue, agility and quickness of movement are important attributes that contribute towards successful performances inside the octagon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wrestling skills have proven to be a crucial aspect of success in the UFC. The sport has witnessed some of the best wrestlers transition and excel at mixed martial arts.

From legends like Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz to present-day champions such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones, these fighters have shown exceptional techniques on the ground, in takedowns, and submission holds that make them stand out from their competition.

As fan favorites rise through the ranks with impressive performances such as Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya, it’s clear that wrestling will continue to play a vital role in MMA for years to come.