Best kickboxers in UFC history: Top 5
The UFC has evolved into the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, witnessing the rise and dominance of various fighting styles. In the early days, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu reigned supreme, but as the sport evolved, striking became a crucial aspect of MMA. These fighters have left an indelible mark on UFC history:
Number 5: José Aldo:
Hailing from Brazil, José Aldo holds the distinction of being the longest-reigning featherweight champion in UFC history. His accolades extend beyond the promotion, having achieved success against fighters spanning multiple generations in various organizations.
While Aldo’s reputation has been built on devastating leg kicks, he remains a multifaceted striker. One of Aldo’s signature techniques was the brutal low kick. He strategically employs combinations to force opponents to retreat, making it difficult for them to check his low kicks while moving backward with one leg airborne.
He was extremely aggressive in every fight, and backed it up with pristine techniques aswell as devastating power. His defensive skills against low kicks are remarkable, as he adeptly nullifies the calf kicks, an effective weapon used by many fighters today.
Aldo’s low-kick game creates openings for his boxing skills, allowing him to strike without fear.
Number 4: Stephen Thompson:
Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson’s striking prowess makes him a standout in the welterweight division even to this day. A former kickboxing champion, Thompson’s transition to MMA showcased his exceptional ability to use distance to his advantage.
His style, rooted in karate, involves a long-distance approach, which forces opponents to take additional steps to close the gap. This extended range grants him ample time to read and counter his foes’ movements. Him being extremely fast to back this up. it meant his opponents would cop abarrage of devastating blows when trying to close the distance.
Thompson’s evasive footwork is reminiscent of classic karate techniques, and he frustrates his opponents into lunging recklessly, only to capitalize on their mistakes. The Americans karate also invites low kicks deliberately, luring opponents into attacking his lead leg. However, as they attempt to target him, Thompson adeptly slides out of range, countering with precise strikes or well-timed side kicks.
Number 3: “The Notorious” Conor McGregor:
Known for his charismatic personality and exceptional boxing skills, Conor McGregor is considered one of the best strikers in UFC history. While his kicking game might not be as pronounced as some others on this list, McGregor has displayed impressive kicking techniques throughout his career.
In his bout against Donald Cerrone, McGregor showcased his diverse kicking arsenal. A roundhouse head kick initiated the finishing sequence, highlighting his ability to execute kicks with deadly precision. His boxing remains his most dominant skill, his well-rounded kicking game makes him a formidable opponent in all ranges of combat.
Number 2: Israel Adesanya:
Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya’s striking finesse has captivated fans worldwide. Before his successful transition to MMA, Adesanya was an accomplished kickboxer, and he has seamlessly integrated those skills into the Octagon. His long and rangy frame serves as an asset, forcing opponents to engage from a distance that exceeds their comfort zone.
Adesanya’s dynamic striking arsenal includes swift step-in jabs and punishing low kicks, creating hesitation in his opponents’ movements. His feinting game is a work of art; he not only uses hand and shoulder feints but also utilizes hip feints to bait opponents into defensive reactions.
When they attempt to close the distance, Adesanya capitalizes on their overextension, delivering devastating counter-hooks that have led to emphatic knockout victories.
Number 1: Anderson “The Spider” Silva:
Anderson “The Spider” Silva, was an unrivaled kickboxer in the octagon. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, he made his UFC debut in 2006 with an impressive knockout victory over Chris Leben in the first round. After that, he went on a remarkable 11-fight winning streak, defeating some of the biggest names in the sport effortlessly.
Anderson Silva was considered such a phenomenal fighter due to a combination of several factors that contributed to his success:
- Striking Mastery: Silva’s striking skills were exceptional. He had lightning-fast and precise strikes, and his understanding of striking techniques and timing was unparalleled. His kicks, punches, and knees were delivered with incredible accuracy and power.
- Elusive Defense: Silva had an uncanny ability to avoid getting hit. He utilized head movement, footwork, and upper body slips to evade his opponent’s strikes, making it challenging for them to land clean shots.
- Range Control: Silva was a master at controlling the distance between himself and his opponents. He could stay just outside their range, making it difficult for them to connect, while still being able to strike effectively.
- Counter Striking: He was a brilliant counter-striker, using his opponent’s aggression against them. He would often bait them into attacking and then swiftly counter with devastating precision.
- Mental Toughness: Silva possessed a calm and composed demeanor inside the octagon. He didn’t get rattled under pressure and remained focused throughout the fight.
The combination of these factors, along with his natural talent and dedication to training, made Anderson Silva one of the most dominant and captivating fighters in the history of mixed martial arts.
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