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First off, I'd like to clarify that we're well aware of the myriad of variables which play a vital role in determining whether or not a given fighter can succeed at the highest levels in the sport of MMA. Now, granted that simply being well-built or "ripped" isn't really enough to make it as a big-time Mixed Martial Arts competitor, but an aesthetically-pleasing body isn't really undesirable, is it?
Be it a professional fighter or a common man/woman, the vast majority of us do have the desire to attain and maintain a well-toned physique, and simultaneously ensure that we don't carry too much muscle, lest we compromise our cardio.
On that note, today, we take a look at some of the most ripped UFC fighters.
#5 Tyron Woodley
"The Chosen One" is beyond the shadow of a doubt, one of the most polarizing personalities in all of combat sports. Tyron Woodley started off as an amateur wrestler with a respectable collegiate background and eventually made the transition to the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.
Much like many other wrestlers-turned-MMA fighters; Woodley largely relied on his grappling skills and looked to take the fight to the mat at the earliest. However, what T-Wood gradually discovered, is the fact that he'd been gifted with an extremely powerful right hand -- in other words, he developed the ability to throw heavy leather with his right hand.
Given that Woodley enjoys a reputation for being one of the hardest working people in the sport, it may not come as a surprise to many that he subsequently developed excellent striking fundamentals, which in turn served to further amplify the one-punch KO power he has in his right hand.
Nevertheless, when you examine Woodley's physique, it's apparent that he carries a considerable amount of muscle mass which undoubtedly helps him cut a large amount of weight while getting down to the Welterweight limit of 170 pounds for the weigh-ins, and then re-hydrate efficiently.
It's important to note that while Woodley is indeed one of the most ripped fighters in the UFC today, he'd previously been plagued with stamina issues, particularly during the early stages of his run in the UFC.
#4 Paulo Costa
Having competed in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts since 2012, Paulo Costa is currently on an impressive 4-fight win streak in the UFC, with all of his Octagon victories coming by way of TKO. "The Eraser" is undeniably one of the most ripped fighters in the UFC today, and has in fact been on the receiving end of way too much negativity and seemingly unwarranted criticism for his physique.
Intriguingly enough, most of Costa's detractors allege that the young Brazilian prospect has been engaging in the use of illegal steroids/PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs), which is the secret behind his insanely sculpted body. Meanwhile, others criticize Costa, asserting that all the unnecessary muscle mass that this young man carries, will only serve to diminish his cardio in a long fight.
Well, Costa's physique and training routines have been paying dividends thus far, and it's just like the saying goes – why fix something, if it isn't broken! Moreover, Costa has often explained that he likes to appear big and intimidating, which often times helps him mentally beat his opponents well before the fight has even started.
#3 Yoel Romero
"The Soldier of God" may very well be one of the greatest athletes to have ever competed, not only in the MMA realm, but also in all of sports! Yoel Romero is a 41-year-old man, who routinely beats elite Middleweight fighters who happen to be a lot younger than him.
Not only does Romero defy Father Time, but also does so in style! Romero possesses one of the greatest physiques in the world of professional sports today. Add to that the fact that he has time and again shown the ability to go the full 5 rounds inside the Octagon, and it'd be folly to state that his sculpted physique has been detrimental to his cardio.
The Soldier of God has an unbelievably ripped body, and still somehow manages to keep his endurance at the elite level – doing all that at 41 years of age nonetheless...
#2 Holly Holm
"The Preacher's Daughter" Holly Holm is 37 years of age, stands at 5'8", and is absolutely jacked! This former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion is so very ripped, that she gives most competitors in all of sports today, stiff competition as regards possessing the near-perfect well-toned body.
Well, I too happen to be a huge Holm fan, and religiously follow her social media profiles, where she regularly posts workout videos and tips. A word of caution though, most of the workouts she posts online, are incredibly challenging and may not be suitable for a common person to engage in.
Considering that, it's no surprise that Holm is so very ripped. Nevertheless, what truly impresses one and all about her physique, is that despite being one of the most muscular (and prettiest!) women in the UFC, she still boasts excellent cardio.
A fighter's fighter, and true professional – Holm is one of the best ambassadors of MMA, who just so happens to be blessed with a marvelous body.
#1 Valentina Shevchenko
"Bullet" is now the new UFC Women's Flyweight Champion of the world, and the thousands of combat sports fans who've followed her career in Muay Thai as well as MMA, have a great reason to celebrate.
Valentina Shevchenko traversed a long and tough road to UFC gold, and had previously come up short in a controversial Split Decision loss to arch-rival Amanda Nunes in their UFC Women's Bantamweight Title matchup at UFC 215 in 2017.
Regardless, Shevchenko persevered and moved down to her natural weight-class of 125 pounds – beating Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 231 by way of Unanimous Decision, to win the vacant UFC Women's Flyweight Championship. "Bullet" is perhaps one of the most underrated and underappreciated fighters in all of combat sports today.
That may very well be due to the fact that she largely refrains from engaging in unnecessary trash-talking theatrics, and is indeed an incredibly respectful competitor. Additionally, Shevchenko is gifted with one of the most incredible physiques in all of MMA today.
The Kyrgyzstani-Peruvian fighter boasts great cardio, and still somehow maintains her ripped, well-toned body. Her toned abdominal muscles and masterfully-trained neck signify how seriously this wonderful woman takes her training routines and MMA career.
Which other ripped UFC fighters do you feel deserve mention on our list? Sound off in the comments!
