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There are a few things that come naturally to fighters, giving them a massive advantage each time they step foot in the UFC's octagon. An awkward fighting style, which usually can't be replicated in training by sparring partners, is one such trait.
Many UFC fighters have used their unpredictability and unique skillsets to amass a career in the promotion. Fighters like Lyoto Machida, Jon Jones, Darren Elkins and Ben Rothwell have been difficult to counter, even if some of these names have frequently tasted defeat. Even on the current roster, several UFC fighters have turned heads with their unconventional techniques.
Here are five UFC stars who have an awkward fighting style.
#5 UFC featherweight Ryan Hall
It's tough to accurately describe Ryan Hall's style. The third-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is one of the most unassuming fighters on the UFC roster, with his unique style involving Imanari rolls and kicks from distance giving him an eight-fight win streak following a loss in his professional debut.
Hall racked up four wins in the UFC, including one over former lightweight and welterweight champion B.J. Penn, before falling to Ilia Topuria at UFC 264 last month. 'The Wizard' came under immense criticism for being one-dimensional against Topuria, but that's how he has fought for most of his career.
Hall's skills on the ground are exceptional. However, he has found opponents tough to come by and injuries have been far too frequent for his liking. The 36-year-old doesn't have much time left at the top level, but he remains one of the true martial artists in MMA right now.
#4 UFC middleweight Jack Hermansson
Jack Hermansson is 2-2 in his last four UFC fights, but he's one of the best middleweights on the roster. 'The Joker' was last seen in action in May, when he rebounded from a loss to eventual title challenger Marvin Vettori with a smart comeback win over young Edmen Shahbazyan.
Hermansson has been in the UFC since 2016 and is 9-4 in the promotion. He has notable wins over Kelvin Gastelum and Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza, apart from Shahbazyan. The Swede is extremely durable and reasonably well-rounded, but his biggest asset is his unpredictability.
Hermansson's style can only be described as jerky, with sudden movements characterizing his striking. He drifts in and out of range, using his superb submission skills and level changes to keep his opponents guessing. Only three of his nine UFC wins have gone to a decision, proving just how tough he is to counter.
#3 Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson
Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is at the lowest point of his career right now and seems to be nearing the end of his days as a top fighter. However, 'El Cucuy' was a different animal in his prime and remains one of the biggest enigmas in the UFC.
Ferguson's unorthodoxy transcends his fighting as he has often been seen engaging in bizarre training activities. From kicking steel poles to rolling with household objects, the 37-year-old seeks inspiration from various strange sources while in camp.
Ferguson's craziness is seen in the octagon as well, although he has seen certain holes exposed over his last three fights. He has often used an assortment of vicious elbows and flying strikes from various angles to complement his sneaky submission skills.
For a period of time between October 2013 and June 2019, Ferguson was an unsolvable puzzle. His relentless pressure and seemingly infinite gas tank, coupled with his awkwardness, resulted in opponents just being unable to predict what he'd do next.
#2 Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz has seen injuries restrict his development as a fighter over the years, but he remains one of the greatest UFC bantamweights ever. The former WEC champ was the inaugural bantamweight champion and reeled off a series of wins before falling to Cody Garbrandt in December 2016.
Cruz's biggest skills are his exceptional footwork and unpredictable movement. Using a variety of angles to initiate attacks and keeping his hands low at all times, 'The Dominator' has been impossible to counter for most of his opponents with his impeccable head movement and defensive awareness.
Cruz snapped a two-fight losing skid earlier this year against Casey Kenney, who was his third opponent in over five years. Fights won't be tough to come by for the 35-year-old in a stacked division, and we might soon see his awkward yet pleasing fighting style in the octagon.
#1 UFC light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka
Another fighter who is as unconventional outside the octagon as he is in it, Jiri Prochazka has taken the UFC light heavyweight division by storm. 'Denisa' has fought only twice in the UFC, but he is already in the title conversation by virtue of an exceptional win streak and two highlight-reel knockouts.
Prochazka always keeps his hands low and throws strikes from strange angles. He switches stances languidly, having always spoken about his goal of achieving "flow" and "perfection" in the octagon. The Czech Republic native is only 28 years old and will definitely treat us to several incredible moments in the future in the UFC.
