When it comes to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the spotlight often shines brightest on the knockout artists and the relentless wrestlers. But lurking in the shadows, twisting limbs and choking out the competition, are the unsung heroes of the octagon: the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. These fighters bring a unique blend of technique, strength, and endurance to the table, turning the tide of battle in ways that leave fans in awe.
Among the ranks of these BJJ maestros, a few stand out for their skill and ability to dominate inside the UFC. They’ve turned BJJ into an art form, showcasing that even the most formidable strikers can be subdued with the right grip. Let’s dive into the world of UFC’s best BJJ practitioners, where submissions are king and the ground game reigns supreme.
The Best Current BJJ Practitioners In The UFC
The octagon has seen its fair share of skilled fighters, but some names stand out more than others when it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As BJJ remains a pivotal element in MMA, these athletes have proven to be maestros on the mat, turning fights around with their grappling prowess. Here’s a look at the best current BJJ practitioners in the UFC.
Mackenzie Dern
Mackenzie Dern’s BJJ pedigree is nothing short of impressive. Having practiced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 3 and with ties to the Gracie family, she’s considered one of the top female BJJ practitioners. Her transition to MMA has been seamless, and her ground game is something opponents meticulously try to avoid. Dern’s submission victories are a testament to her BJJ expertise, making her a formidable force in the women’s division.
Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history. His diverse submission portfolio, including the rear-naked choke that he’s used to finish top contenders, underscores his BJJ mastery. Currently on a mission to reclaim his lightweight title, Oliveira’s ability to control opponents on the ground and find submission openings is unmatched, making him a standout BJJ practitioner in the octagon.
Tony Ferguson
Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson is known for his unconventional approach inside the UFC. While his striking is unorthodox, his grappling skills are equally remarkable. Ferguson’s BJJ background and his knack for creating opportunities for submissions have made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. His capability to pull off a submission from any position demonstrates his BJJ prowess.
Jailton Almeida
Emerging as one of the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions’ most promising talents, Jailton Almeida boasts an impressive record of finishes. His BJJ game has played a crucial role in his success, allowing him to dominate opponents on the ground. Almeida’s strength and technique make him a noteworthy BJJ practitioner who could make significant waves in his division.
Gilbert Burns
Known for both his striking and grappling, Gilbert Burns has an enviable BJJ resume, with titles in the IBJJF World Championship and the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals. His ability to seamlessly transition from striking to grappling has caught many opponents off-guard. Burns’s submission skills are a threat to anyone in his division, highlighting his status as a top BJJ practitioner in the UFC.
Brian Ortega
Brian Ortega’s jiu-jitsu skills have been his calling card throughout his UFC career. His submission victories are a clear indication of his BJJ finesse, which he has used to climb the ranks in the featherweight division. Ortega’s fight IQ, combined with his grappling expertise, makes him a dangerous opponent on the ground.
Ryan Hall
Renowned for his unique approach to BJJ, Ryan Hall has made a name for himself as a submission specialist in the UFC. His ability to execute intricate leg locks and his relentless pursuit of submissions have set him apart. Hall’s ground game is a puzzle that many fighters struggle to solve, making him one of the most intriguing BJJ practitioners in the sport.
Gunnar Nelson
Gunnar Nelson’s stoic demeanor belies his ferocity on the ground. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie, Nelson has repeatedly demonstrated his grappling proficiency. His calmness and technique on the mat have garnered him several submission wins, cementing his place as a premier BJJ practitioner in the UFC.
The Best Former UFC BJJ Fighters
These fighters have left an indelible mark on the UFC with their exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. They’ve not only demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ in mixed martial arts but have also inspired countless fans and up-and-coming fighters.
Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie is a name synonymous with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the UFC. He pioneered BJJ’s inclusion in MMA and showcased its effectiveness against larger and stronger opponents. At UFC 1 in 1993, Gracie amazed the world by winning three UFC tournaments, solidifying the power of BJJ. He carved a niche for himself and BJJ in MMA history with a staggering record of 11 out of 15 wins by submission. Notably, Gracie also holds the record for the longest UFC fight, which clocked in at about 36 minutes. His impact on MMA is monumental, paving the way for future generations.
Ronaldo Souza
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, although not mentioned earlier, is another formidable BJJ practitioner whose prowess on the ground is unparalleled. A multiple-time world jiu-jitsu champion, Jacare transitioned to MMA and brought with him a relentless grappling game that could intimidate even the toughest fighters. His ability to control opponents and find submissions from any position made him a feared competitor in the octagon.
Demian Maia
Demian Maia, renowned for his 4th-degree black belt in BJJ, has used his superior grappling to defeat numerous opponents. Out of his 28 wins, 14 were by submission, showcasing his tenacity and skill on the ground. Maia’s BJJ abilities were so feared that opponents often avoided taking the fight to the ground. His accolades include the MMA awards for Breakthrough Fighter of the Year in 2008, and Submission of the Year between 2019-2020, highlighting his impactful career in the UFC.
BJ Penn
BJ Penn, a 5th-degree BJJ black belt, is celebrated for his adaptability and prowess in both the welterweight and lightweight divisions. Penn’s ability to control his opponents and secure positions, especially from the back where he could apply his signature rear-naked choke, was remarkable. Despite a career that saw highs and lows, Penn’s contribution to showcasing BJJ in MMA is undeniable. His record of 16 wins reflects his competitive spirit and the respect he commanded inside the octagon.
Fabricio Werdum
Fabricio Werdum is often hailed as one of the most accomplished BJJ practitioners to compete in the UFC. A former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Werdum’s BJJ skills were a critical component of his fighting style, allowing him to submit opponents who were often considered unbeatable. His victory over Fedor Emelianenko in 2010, where he ended Fedor’s decade-long unbeaten streak via triangle choke, is one of the most iconic moments in MMA history, underlining the effectiveness and importance of BJJ in high-level competition.
Each of these fighters has contributed to the legacy of BJJ in MMA, showcasing the art’s effectiveness, versatility, and depth. They’ve left behind an inspiring legacy that continues to influence the sport today.