Top 5 grapplers in the UFC today

Modified Oct 07, 2016 08:05 GMT

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 28: (Top) Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano in their UFC women's bantamweight championship bout during the UFC 184 event at Staples Center on February 28, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) — It is said Rousey’s armbar still haunts Cat Zingano’s dreams

#1 Demian Maia

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 12: Demian Maia (L) wrestles with Gunnar Nelson in a welterweight fight during UFC 194 at MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 12, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) — The moment Gunnar Nelson realised Maia is the deadliest grappler in the world

Demian Maia is probably the best grappler in the UFC today. He is a veteran who has been fighting in the UFC from way back in 2007 where he debuted with a submission victory against Ryan Jensen at UFC 77. It was a sign of things to come.

Maia has a 18-6 record with the company, and out of his eighteen victories a staggering nine have come from submissions. He has 56 successful takedowns, 86 passes, and his rear-naked choke is the stuff of legend.

The 38-year-old is long overdue a shot at the welterweight title and considering he his on a 6 fight win streak – including choking out Carlos Condit in less than 2 minutes – we should hopefully see the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt in contention for the belt soon.