UFC Fighting Styles: How Muay Thai, BJJ, and Kickboxing Dominate the Octagon

Introduction: The Evolution of MMA Fighting Styles

The early days of the UFC were characterized by style-versus-style matchups, where practitioners of different martial arts would compete to prove the superiority of their discipline. However, as the sport evolved, it became clear that a well-rounded skill set was crucial for success.

Three martial arts, in particular, have risen to prominence: Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kickboxing. Let’s explore why these styles have become so dominant in the Octagon.

Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs

Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, has become a fundamental striking art in MMA due to its versatility and effectiveness.

Key Techniques:

1. Punches: Jab, cross, hook, uppercut
2. Elbows: Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, spinning
3. Kicks: Roundhouse kicks to legs, body, and head
4. Knees: Straight knees, flying knees
5. Clinch work: Control and strikes from the clinch

Why It’s Effective in the UFC:

• Versatility: Utilizes all striking limbs, making it highly adaptable
• Clinch Dominance: Excellent for close-range fighting and defending takedowns
• Devastating Strikes: Techniques like elbow strikes and leg kicks can quickly end fights
• Conditioning: Rigorous training builds excellent cardio and toughness

UFC Fighters Known for Muay Thai:

• Anderson Silva
• José Aldo
• Joanna Jędrzejczyk
• Valentina Shevchenko

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): The Ground Game Revolutionizer

BJJ’s effectiveness was demonstrated early in UFC history and continues to be a crucial component of any well-rounded fighter’s arsenal.

Key Techniques:

1. Guard: Closed guard, open guard, butterfly guard
2. Submissions: Armbars, triangles, rear-naked chokes
3. Sweeps: Various techniques to reverse position from bottom to top
4. Positional Control: Mount, back control, side control
5. Guard Passing: Techniques to move through the opponent’s guard

Why It’s Effective in the UFC:

• Ground Dominance: Provides tools to control and submit opponents on the ground
• Defensive Skills: Allows fighters to survive and escape bad positions
• Submission Threats: Creates finishing opportunities from various positions
• Energy Efficiency: Enables fighters to control opponents while conserving energy

UFC Fighters Known for BJJ:

• Charles Oliveira
• Demian Maia
• Brian Ortega
• Mackenzie Dern

Kickboxing: The Evolution of Stand-Up Fighting

While traditional kickboxing has its roots in karate and boxing, modern kickboxing (often incorporating elements of Muay Thai) has become a staple in MMA striking.

Key Techniques:

1. Boxing Combinations: Jab-cross-hook combinations
2. Kicks: Low kicks, body kicks, head kicks
3. Defensive Movement: Slips, rolls, blocks
4. Footwork: Cutting angles, creating distance
5. Counter Striking: Timing-based counter attacks

Why It’s Effective in the UFC:

• Precision Striking: Emphasizes clean, technical strikes
• Combination Work: Flows seamlessly between punches and kicks
• Defensive Acumen: Develops strong defensive skills and counter-attacking
• Distance Management: Excellent for controlling the range of the fight

UFC Fighters Known for Kickboxing:

• Israel Adesanya
• Stephen Thompson
• Holly Holm
• Conor McGregor (incorporates elements into his karate-based style)

The Synergy of Styles in Modern MMA

While these three styles form the core of many UFC fighters’ skill sets, it’s their integration that truly defines modern MMA.

Muay Thai + BJJ:

This combination creates a fighter dangerous at all ranges. The threat of takedowns opens up striking opportunities, while strong striking can create openings for takedowns.

Example: José Aldo’s legendary takedown defense is built on his Muay Thai base, allowing him to strike freely.

Kickboxing + BJJ:

This pairing often results in a more point-fighting style on the feet, with the BJJ as a backup plan or way to threaten opponents.

Example: Israel Adesanya uses his kickboxing to pick apart opponents, with enough BJJ to defend takedowns and get back to his feet.

Muay Thai + Kickboxing:

Fighters who blend these styles often have a diverse, unpredictable striking game that’s hard to defend against.

Example: Valentina Shevchenko seamlessly blends techniques from both arts in her striking exchanges.

Training for Modern MMA

To succeed in today’s UFC, fighters typically need to train in all these disciplines. Here’s a basic template for aspiring MMA fighters:

1. Striking Sessions: Combine Muay Thai and Kickboxing drills
2. Grappling Sessions: Focus on BJJ, both gi and no-gi
3. MMA Sparring: Put it all together in realistic fight scenarios
4. Strength and Conditioning: Build the physicality needed to execute techniques
5. Fight IQ Development: Study fights and develop strategic thinking

Conclusion: The Future of Fighting Styles in the UFC

As MMA continues to evolve, we’re likely to see even more refined integrations of these core styles, along with the incorporation of techniques from other martial arts. However, the foundation laid by Muay Thai, BJJ, and Kickboxing is likely to remain crucial for success in the Octagon.

At Fighting Fit Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu in Austin, we recognize the importance of these core disciplines. Our MMA program is built on the solid foundation of Muay Thai, BJJ, and Kickboxing, ensuring that our students develop a well-rounded skill set suitable for both self-defense and competition.

Whether you’re an aspiring UFC fighter or simply someone looking to get in great shape while learning effective martial arts, training in these core styles will provide you with a comprehensive and powerful skill set.

Ready to start your MMA journey? Join us at Fighting Fit Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu and begin mastering the fighting styles that dominate the UFC!