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Karate and the UFC have had a strange, ever-changing dynamic over the years. Widely dismissed as one-dimensional and ineffective in the early days of the promotion, Karate underwent a renaissance in the noughties. Some of the entries on this list were key architects in its renewed interest among UFC fighters in more recent years.
Created during the Ryukyu Kingdom era of Japanese history, it exploded in popularity in Japan during the early-to-mid twentieth century. Its use in martial arts-oriented action films throughout the ‘70s led to an increased international interest in it also.
Set for an Olympic debut later this year, the martial art of Karate has branched off into a variety of off-shoots over the years. Highly beneficial for improving agility, coordination, speed and explosive striking power, Karate can be a truly exceptional tool for UFC fighters. Provided, of course, they balance it out with an adequate level of ground game conditioning.
#5. Former UFC featherweight and lightweight Conor McGregor
One of the most precise and well-timed strikers of his generation, Conor McGregor’s finest performances have showcased a blend of boxing, kickboxing, Karate and Taekwondo.
The stance McGregor employed to great success during his time in the featherweight division was classic Karate fare. Wide-legged and in a partial side-on squat, McGregor would bounce back and forth lightly on the feet. His stance left him covered on all fronts defensively with space to throw well-placed strikes to his opponent.
Another patented tool in McGregor’s arsenal is the spinning back kick, a staple of several forms of Karate. If McGregor is to defeat Dustin Poirier in their highly-anticipated trilogy fight next month, he may need to revert to the old winning formula that won him the UFC featherweight and lightweight titles. Especially given the staggering level of confidence he's been displaying so far in the lead up to UFC 264...
#4. Current UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson
One of the most prolific strikers in the history of the UFC, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson started learning Karate at age three. As a teenager, Thompson added kickboxing to his repertoire and began competing at just 15. Prodigiously talented, Thompson mixes the southpaw and side-out stances in the octagon to maximize his striking efficiency.
Despite having a relatively long 75-inch reach, Thompson has frequently used his Karate-based offense to keep opponents at bay with sharp jab kicks. Some have expressed concern at Thompson’s stance failing to adequately guard his head when charging into battle. Thompson himself has confirmed this purported flaw is by design.
For the fighters foolish enough to move in closer for a shot at Thompson’s skull, they get a lesson in footwork. ‘Wonderboy’ has frequently shown cat-like agility in his counterstrikes and turns, leading to devastating kicks for those who come in too close.
Well-regarded by fighters and fans alike, Thompson’s exceptional skills have kept him high in the UFC welterweight rankings for years. A win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 264 might be his ticket to a title fight with Kamaru Usman.
#3. Former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo
When Henry Cejudo first arrived in the UFC, it was his wrestling that set him apart from the rest. Ferocious in his takedowns and masterful in his counter-wrestling, Cejudo’s grappling was enough to keep him on top until he met Demetrious Johnson.
‘Mighty Mouse’ was able to overcome Cejudo’s exceptional wrestling and land a series of match-ending knees and punches. With his flyweight title dreams crushed less than three minutes into round one, it was obvious Cejudo needed to retool. His reckless performance against Joseph Benavidez eight months later further exposed flaws in his limited game.
Cejudo took up Shotokan Karate to diversify his fighting style. Now sporting a wider, side-on stance and considerably more explosive striking, Cejudo demolished Wilson Reis at UFC 215. Cejudo never lost again during his brief but seminal run in the UFC. With Karate in his arsenal, Cejudo eventually won both the UFC flyweight and bantamweight titles before he retired in May 2020.
#2. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida
Arguably the one who started it all, UFC legend Lyoto Machida is the man who proved Karate in MMA works. Before Machida, several less versatile Karate practitioners were brutalized at early UFC shows due to their lack of grappling ability. For an accomplished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner like Machida, this was never going to be an issue.
After six months of professional wrestling training at the infamous New Japan Dojo, Machida changed lanes and moved into MMA. There, he mixed a variety of hard-hitting Shotokan Karate movements with BJJ and even Sumo to fine tune his fighting style.
Machida silenced Karate critics everywhere when he decimated Rashad Evans at UFC 98 to become light heavyweight champion. Realizing how effective Karate could be as a striking platform, many fighters took up the practise in Machida’s wake. A pioneer of the octagon, Machida’s legacy speaks for itself. He currently fights in Bellator MMA.
#1. Former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre
Often regarded as one of the greatest welterweights of all time, Georges St-Pierre began learning Kyokushin Karate when he was seven years old. Having endured bullying at school from a very early age, GSP’s father sent him into Karate training so he could better defend himself.
By age 12, GSP had secured his 2nd dan Kyokushin Karate black belt. From there, he diversified his fighting capabilities, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (which he eventually secured a black belt in as an adult), wrestling and boxing. Despite the vast number of disciplines under his belt, GSP’s fighting style, particularly in his earlier years, was dominated by his Karate expertise.
Through Karate, GSP adopted a wide stance in the octagon that enabled better takedown counters. It also granted him a safer distance between himself and his opponent where he could safely throw his deadly lead-leg roundhouse kicks.
One of the best to ever do it, ‘Rush’ showcased perfectly what a devastating tool Karate can be in MMA.
