Top 5 UFC fighters with Muay Thai Background

Muay Thai and MMA

Muay Thai is one of the most effective martial arts in MMA. It is a combat sport where you use fists, elbows, knees, and shins to inflict damage to your opponent through stand up striking and clinching techniques.

Muay Thai History

This fighting system originated in Thailand as a form of entertainment during local festivals, and it evolved through the King’s personal interest in the sport.

The previously bare fisted fighters started wearing headbands and armbands as a symbol of good luck in battle as their traditional muay thai gear.

In present times, they still practice certain symbolisms and traditions but with a more modern twist especially with their unique muay thai shorts.

Why Muay Thai

Muay Thai is truly distinctive and became well known to the world because of its effectiveness in Mixed Martial Arts.

The influence of Muay Thai is undeniable in most UFC fighters. Some of them have a solid foundation in utilizing the eight limbs to strike from different ranges and angles, making them very dangerous in a stand up game.

In this article, we will showcase UFC fighters who shine best in their Muay Thai capabilities and expertise.

1.   Jose Aldo

In his prime, Jose Aldo dominated the featherweight division in the UFC and was undefeated for a decade.

Some may say that he is a complete package in MMA in terms of his striking and grappling. His leg kicks combined with his defensive wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, made him a force to be reckoned with.

Aldo holds the most wins by knockouts, landing a total of 691 significant strikes, in UFC featherweight division.

2.   Valentina Shevchenko

The most savage and current UFC flyweight division champion is no other than Valentina Shevchenko.

Currently, she is the present UFC #1 ranked women’s pound-for-pound. But before all these accomplishments, Valentina Shevchenko is already a decorated champion as a Muay Thai Fighter.

She was exposed to combat sports at an early age through the influence of her older sister and mother who is the president of Kyrgyzstan national Muay Thai Association and a former multiple-time Muay Thai champion herself. From what I see she was born into this sport to win and dominate all the way!

3.   Anderson “The Spider” Silva

One of the best athletes with a solid stand-up fighting game is Anderson Silva.

Thanks to his expertise in Muay Thai, Boxing and Taekwondo he was regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA history and many consider him best of all time.

Silva is a great knockout artist who uses Muay Thai striking techniques in every position he can.

4.   Donald Cerrone

Cerrone started training Kickboxing when he was 20 years old, soon after he pursued Muay Thai.

His well known striking combinations are deadly when combined with his head kicks. Though Cerrone is well past his prime, you know you’re gonna watch a good show when Cowboy is on!

5.   Jon “Bones” Jones

Jon Jones brutal spinning back elbow knockout is one of his signature moves that puts his opponents to the canvas.

Aside from his deadly elbow he is also keen on using a diverse kicking arsenal such as roundhouse kicks, front kicks to the head and body and oblique kicks to the knee.

Jon Jones’ unorthodox style of fighting made him one of the best if not, the best MMA UFC has ever seen!

Here’s a recap of all the top 5 Muay Thai Fighters inside MMA:

1. Jose Aldo
2. Valentina Shevchenko
3. Anderson “The Spider” Silva
4. Donald Cerrone
5. Jon “Bones” Jones

Conclusion:

And that concludes our list of UFC Superstars with the best Muay Thai Background! Muay Thai is a good sport to try out for either fighting or simply working out. The ability to utilize your eight limbs is one of the best ways to lose weight as well. If you are tired of conventional work out then go try this martial art now!