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In the sport of mixed martial arts, being well-rounded is akin to a consecratory weapon. The ability to switch between game-tactics is one of the most accurate barometers of success inside the demonic eight-sided structure. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has an impressive marquee of fighters who exhibit a multi-faceted skill-set. Here are five such names.
#1 Demetrious Johnson
Undoubtedly, the name that froths to the top, like good barley, is none other than Demetrious Johnson’s. Known popularly as “Mighty Mouse”, Demetrious Johnson has proved time and again why he is such a lethal force inside the octagon.
Bestowed with the gift of precision and speed, Johnson’s dynamism in terms of changing angles while striking makes him a competitive striker in the game. In addition to that, Johnson is also revered for his proficient wrestling skills, which he effectively exploits while in close range.
He also has the knack for takedowns, which further adds to his multi-faceted game plan. One of the greatest fighters to grace the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he also exhibited technical brilliance when he manoeuvred a suplex-to-armbar transition in his match against Ray Borg. In a recently conducted interview, Johnson expressed a desire to fight Floyd Mayweather, saying:
“I’m very well-rounded. It’s mixed martial arts. I would even do a handicap. I won’t even grapple with him. I won’t even go to the ground at all. I’ll get him in the clinch, bang up, hit him in the liver, kick him in the liver, take out his legs and work him.”
If I were Mayweather, I would be wary of the threat.
#2 Georges St-Pierre
The accolades ring unanimous praise for Georges St-Pierre, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest middleweights to have set foot inside the octagon. GSP is a premium blend of all the notable fighting disciplines which he effectively conjures into a single capsule. He’s a ferocious striker, which he has proved time and again.
Coached in disciplines like boxing and Muay Thai, GSP strikes well and GSP strikes hard! Even in his return fight against Michael Bisping, a visibly jacked St-Pierre didn’t let the “extra muscle” hold back the intensity or the ferocity of his attacks.
Striking aside, he is known for his powerful takedowns, which not even the best of fighters can withstand. A black-belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Georges St-Pierre is a master at submissions, something which has gone a long way in him being established as a well-rounded fighter.
His stellar 26-2 record in the oeuvre of mixed martial arts is a powerful indicator of how technically proficient he is inside the demonic structure made of steel. He holds the rare distinction of title reigns in two weight classes.
#3 Jose Aldo
Boasting of a well-rounded approach to the sports of mixed martial arts, is none other than the lethal Brazilian, Jose Aldo. A featherweight messiah, Aldo has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a product of the well known Nova Uniao camp which has produced big names such as B.J. Penn, Junior dos Santos and the likes.
Despite winning most of his fights via knockout, Aldo possesses a game that’s balanced in all aspects: kicking, punching, takedowns and submission. His Muay Thai expertise brings forth all of his striking abilities, especially following punch combinations with hard low kicks.
Under the tutelage of the Luta Livre camp, Jose Aldo added upthrust to his wrestling abilities, which can be seen in his thunderous takedowns. Throughout his career, the Brazilian stalwart has shown exceptional abilities on the ground.
The most wonderful thing about seeing Aldo’s matches is the way he effortlessly blends his attacks, timing all of his moves to near perfect and overwhelming his opponents with a barrage of movements, making it hard for them to brace themselves from the incoming onslaught.
#4 Jon Jones
Heralded as one of the best Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters in the light-heavyweight division, barring his controversies outside of business, Jon Jones has a stellar 22-1-1 record against his name.
Having fought some of the most accomplished fighters evidences the fact that he is one of the most well-rounded MMA fighters in the world, currently. In my honest opinion, Jon “Bones” Jones has the repertoire which easily wins him the award of the “most complete fighter”.
His striking abilities are akin to sword-wields and he can open fighters up with his elbows. He makes use of kicks and has put some of the strongest competitors to test. In addition to his striking, Jones has a strong background in wrestling and has even managed to out-wrestle someone of the calibre of Daniel Cormier, a gold medalist in the sport!
Jones has shown equal elan when it comes to fighting on the ground with a powerful Brazilian jiu-jitsu game. His takedowns and submission moves stand testimony to outstanding abilities once the fight goes to ground. (Not to forget the fact that he was the first fighter to tap “Rampage” Jackson out!)
#5 Cain Velasquez
The Mexican powerhouse is definitely one of the most well-equipped fighters across all individual disciplines that go into the making of a great fighter. Boasting of a vast array of striking techniques in his arsenal, Velasquez is widely appreciated for pulling-off the best combinations in the heavyweight segment.
An NCAA Division I wrestling background goes to show his prowess in wrestling that complements his striking abilities. He’s constantly on the move and gives opponents very little room to manoeuvre. One of his strongest-points is his clinch which usually sets up a takedown.
Though not known to be much of a submission-administrator, Velasquez uses his wrestling knowledge to maintain a dominant position. All-in-all, a competitive fighter who shows no signs of slowing down, irrespective of the challenge that lies in front of him!
