It ranges from well-known martial arts styles (i.e. Karate, Taekwondo, Krav Maga, BJJ and MMA) to more unique martial arts styles (i.e. “Drunken Fist” Kung Fu, Sherlock Holmes’ Bartitsu and Zulu Stick Fighting). Mixed martial arts is not a style in of itself, but a melting pot of varying disciplines and techniques. Let’s take a look at the more common styles seen in the octagon and discuss what makes them effective. The styles we don’t see. MMA is a combination of many martial.

MMA Strategies

The techniques utilized in mixed martial arts competition generally fall into two categories: striking techniques (such as kicks, knees and punches) and grappling techniques (such as clinch holds, pinning holds, submission holds, sweeps, takedowns and throws). The first ever and largest MMA Sanctioning body in the world today is the International Sport Combat Federation (ISCF). Although sanctioning bodies such as the ISCF have rules and regulations for MMA, rules may vary between promotions. While the legality of some techniques (such as elbow strikes, headbutts and spinal locks) may vary, there is a near universal ban on techniques such as biting, strikes to the groin, eye-gouging, fish-hooking and small joint manipulation.

Today, mixed martial artists must cross-train in a variety of styles to counter their opponent’s strengths and remain effective in all the phases of combat. For instance, a stand-up fighter will have little opportunity to use their skills against a submission artist who has also trained in take downs. Many traditional disciplines remain popular as ways for a fighter to improve aspects of their game.

Popular Disciplines

Most ‘traditional’ martial arts have a specific focus and these arts may be trained to improve in that area. Popular disciplines of each type include:

• Stand-up: Various forms of boxing, kickboxing/Muay Thai and forms of full contact karate are trained to improve footwork, elbowing, kicking, kneeing and punching.

• Clinch: Freestyle, Greco-Roman wrestling, Sambo and Judo are trained to improve clinching, takedowns and throws, while Muay Thai is trained to improve the striking aspect of the clinch.

• Ground: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shoot wrestling, catch wrestling, Judo and Sambo are trained to improve ground control and position, as well as to achieve submission holds, and defend against them.

Some styles have been adapted from their traditional form, such as boxing stances which lack effective counters to leg kicks and takedowns, or Judo techniques which must be adapted for No Gi competition. It is common for a fighter to train with multiple coaches of different styles or an organized fight team to improve various aspects of their game at once. Cardiovascular conditioning, speed drills, strength training and flexibility are also important aspects of a fighter’s training. Some schools advertise their styles as simply « mixed martial arts », which has become a genre in itself; but the training will still often be split in to different sections, focusing on one of the three.

While mixed martial arts was initially practiced almost exclusively by competitive fighters, this is no longer the case. As the sport has become more mainstream and more widely taught, it has become accessible to wider range of practitioners of all ages. Proponents of this sort of training argue that it is safe for anyone, of any age, with varying levels of competitiveness.

Hybrid Styles

The following terms describe hybrid styles a fighter may use, over the course of a fight, to achieve victory. While some fighters have tallied notable victories by striking, ground-and-pound as well as submission throughout their careers, most fighters will rely on a smaller number of techniques while adopting a style that plays to their strengths.

Sprawl-and-brawl

Sprawl-and-brawl is a stand-up fighting tactic that consists of effective stand-up striking, while avoiding ground fighting, typically by using sprawls to defend against takedowns.

Mma Fighting Styles

A sprawl-and-brawler is usually a boxer, kickboxer, Thai boxer or full contact karate fighter who has trained in wrestling to avoid takedowns to keep the fight standing. Often, these fighters will study submission wrestling to avoid being forced into submission, should they find themselves on the ground. This style can be deceptively different from traditional kickboxing styles, since sprawl-and-brawlers must adapt their techniques to incorporate takedown and ground fighting defense.

Clinch fighting

Clinch fighting and dirty boxing are tactics consisting of using a clinch hold to prevent the opponent from moving away into more distant striking range, while also attempting takedowns and striking the opponent using knees, stomps, elbows, and punches. The clinch is often utilized by wrestlers that have added in components of the striking game (typically boxing), and Muay Thai fighters.

Wrestlers may use clinch fighting as a way to neutralize the superior striking skills of a stand-up fighter or to prevent takedowns by a superior ground fighter. The clinch of a Muay Thai fighter is often used to improve the accuracy of knees and elbows by physically controlling the position of the opponent.

Ground-and-pound

Ground-and-pound is a ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw, obtaining a top, or dominant position, and then striking the opponent, primarily with fists and elbows. Ground-and-pound is also used as a precursor to attempting submission holds.

This style is used by wrestlers or other fighters well-versed in submission defense and skilled at takedowns. They take the fight to the ground, maintain a grappling position, and strike until their opponent submits or is knocked out. Although not a traditional style of striking (it was first demonstrated as an effective technique by UFC and Pride grand prix champion, Mark Coleman), the effectiveness and reliability of ground-and-pound has made it a popular tactic. Today, strikes on the ground are an essential part of a fighter’s training.

Submission grappling

Apart from being a general martial arts term, submission grappling is also a reference to the ground fighting tactic consisting of taking an opponent to the ground using a takedown or throw and then applying a submission hold, forcing the opponent to submit. While grapplers will often work to attain dominant position, some may be more comfortable fighting from other positions. If a grappler finds themselves unable to force a takedown, they may resort to pulling guard, whereby they physically pull their opponent into a dominant position on the ground.

Submissions are an essential part of many disciplines, most notably catch wrestling, judo, Sambo, pankration, Army Combatives, MCMAP and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They were popularised in early UFC by Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie.

Lay-and-pray

Lay-and-pray is a pejorative term for a strategy whereby a fighter can control their opponent on the ground, but is unable to mount an effective offense. They simply seek to negate the offense of their opponent, « praying » for a decision victory. In some promotions, penalties may be imposed for lay-and-pray techniques if the referee determines that a fighter is stalling.

Getting involved in MMA can be very exciting since you’ll be able to explore a variety of fighting styles. Nevertheless, you’re only going to have time to focus on a handful of them so you’ll want to choose wisely. Which styles are the most effective in combat situations? Which styles are going to provide you with the most benefits and the fewest negatives?

10 Best MMA fighting styles so you can find the ones that suit your needs

1. Boxing

Ultimately, boxing is one of the oldest forms of martial arts. Some may refer to this as western boxing. Nevertheless, western boxing is the technique comprising of punches. This art will require you to learn a handful of punches including jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts.

If you’ve managed to master the art of boxing, you will be able to avoid punches while delivering hard blows of your own. While this martial art is very effective on the feet, you’re going to be left vulnerable on the ground.

Advantages

• You’ll be able to hold your own on the feet
• You can mix up your punches to catch your opponent off guard
• You’ll gain addition power
• Your cardio will improve

Disadvantages

• You’re not going to be good on the ground

Is It For Me?

At the end of the day, boxing is one of the most exciting combat sports on the planet. However, you need to make sure it is suitable for your MMA venture. Do you like punching people in the face? Do you want to learn how to slip punches and deliver painful counter blows? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, boxing is for you. It is one of the best MMA fighting styles for brawlers. If you want to stand up and fight, you’ll want to learn how to box.

The only downside is that you’re going tofind yourself in a world of hurt once the fight hits the mat. With that beingsaid, it is wise to learn a combination of styles so you’ll be ready to protectyourself no matter where the fight goes.

2. Submission Wrestling

Submission wrestling is one of the most effective styles for mixed martial arts. While submission wrestling is similar to collegiate wresting, it is much different. The submission wrestler will have a clear advantage over its opponent so they’ll be able to lock onto submissions while taking advantage of their wrestling prowess. This may enable them to end the match quickly so they don’t have to worry about taking any punishment. However, the wrestler will need to get the fight to the mat as soon as possible.

Advantages

• You can get the fight to the mat very quickly
• You’ll be able to control your opponent while you catch your breath
• Nullifying your opponent will be easy
• You can pull off submissions to end the fight quicker

Disadvantages

• Your stand-up skills will be limited
• Your takedowns might not be as good as a collegiate wrestler

Is It For Me?

Being a wrestler is tough since you’ll haveto get the fight to the ground first. When you’re dealing with a skilledopponent with good takedown defense, you may have to take a few shots first.With this in mind, submission wrestling is only suitable for tough individuals.Make sure you can take a few shots without quitting before agreeing to selectthis style as your primary MMA fighting style.

3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

There is nothing more exciting or beautiful than watched a BJJ artist submit an opponent. They’ll quickly work their opponent to the mat before looking for a submission. Whether they’re going for an arm, leg, or neck, you can guarantee that it is going to be quick and painful. BJJ practitioners are one of a kind. They’ll be able to secure unique submissions that others cannot. When everything goes your way, you’ll be able to take your opponent down and secure a submission win without getting hit in the face.

However, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not good onthe feet. If you cannot get the right to the ground, you’re going to findyourself in a lot of trouble.

Advantages

• You’ll be able to submit your opponents more often than not
• You can nullify the fight on the ground
• In perfect situations, you’ll be able to win without getting hit or hitting your opponent

Disadvantages

• Your stand-up game will suffer
• You may have trouble getting your opponent to the ground

Is It For Me?

BJJ is amazing and it can be used in thereal world. If you run into a dangerous individual, you can take them to theground and hold them there using your BJJ skills. Nevertheless, MMA fightersare professionals. They’ve discovered ways to counter BJJ fighters. Therefore,you may find it difficult to get your opponent to the ground. If this happens,you’ll be out of your element and that can be frightening. Adding BJJ to yourarsenal is a good idea. However, you should not rely solely on this martial artsince it is going to leave you vulnerable on the feet.

4. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is similar to boxing but there are notable differences. With kickboxing, you’re going to be adding your elbows, knees, and shins to the equation. You’ll also develop a unique stance so you can defend from these attacks. Kickboxers have deadly kicks but their punches may lack power. Nevertheless, any kickboxer will be able to do exceptionally well in combat sports. Their success will depend on the type and skill of opponent they’re fighting. If they’re fighting a newbie with limited wrestling skills, they’ll thrive.

If they’re fighting a skilled wrestler, thekickboxer may find himself on the ground without a chance of getting up.Therefore, it is an excellent art to train but it might not be suitable foreveryone.

Advantages

• You’ll have more tools to work with
• You can use kicks to keep your opponent away
• You might be able to KO your opponent right away
• You can mix it up and catch your opponent off guard

Disadvantages

• Your ground game is limited
• If your opponent catches your kick, you’re headed for the ground

Is It For Me?

Kickboxing is a great addition for anymixed martial artist. Nevertheless, it is limited on its own. You’re going tohave a tough time fighting off of the mat. You may end up finding herself pinnedto the mat for 4 of the 5 minutes. Therefore, it is not suitable for everyone.If you cannot stand the thought of being put into a situation where you’rehopeless, you’ll want to learn a different martial art. If you’re interested inknocking people out, kickboxing will be a good option for you.

5. Judo

Judo has grown in popularity and it is easy to see why. The founder of the combat art also practiced jiu jitsu. So, it has elements of BJJ added into the equation. Nevertheless, judo was designed for people small in stature. This means that you can toss people around even if you’re slightly smaller than them. Over the years, Judo has established itself as one of the most dominant martial arts.

It was added to the Olympics in 1964. With that being said, you can see that Judo is legit. It can be a great martial art for anyone who wants to get the fight to the canvas.

Advantages

• It works great for smaller fighters
• You can toss around bigger opponents
• You’ll be able to get the fight to the ground quickly
• There are several submissions to enjoy

Disadvantages

• Your options for ending the fight as limited
• You’re going to be a duck out of water on the feet

Is It For Me?

Judo is not suitable for everyone. Ifyou’re a bigger guy who can toss people around, you may want to go with BJJsince it’ll give more options to end the fight much sooner. Judo is suitablefor smaller fighters who want to nullify their opponent on the ground asquickly as possible. You can also use Judo in the real world. Whether you needto stop an attacker or prevent a thief from fleeing the scene, Judo will do thetrick. Just remember that you’re going to have a tough time defending yourselfon the feet. You’ll need to get the fight to the mat as quickly as possible.

6. Greco-Roman Wrestling

When it comes down to it, Greco-Roman Wrestling is one of the most effective forms of wrestling. It has been used in the Olympic Games since 1896. The wrestling style has been featured in every summer Olympics since 1904. When compared to freestyle wrestling, you will see that there is one minor difference. When you’re involved in a Greco-Roman Wrestling competition, you will not be able to grab your opponent below the waist. This makes things much tougher and places more emphasis on throws. You won’t be able to trip your opponent.

One of the most popular Greco-Romanwrestlers of all time is Randy Couture. He excelled in MMA and you’ll be ableto do the same with this style.

Advantages

• You’ll learn throws that enable you to get the fight to the ground quickly
• You will get very strong
• You can learn a lot about fighting in the clinch
• You’ll learn how to use underhooks and that will make a huge difference in MMA

Disadvantages

• Your striking ability will not be impressive
• You’ll need to use the cage or mat to find success

Is It For Me?

Greco-Roman Wrestling has been used by someof the world’s top MMA fighters including Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, and DanHenderson. There is a good chance you’ve heard of these individuals. If youlike and want to emulate Couture’s fighting style, you’ll want to learnGreco-Roman wrestling. It is a good choice since you’ll be able to hold youropponent against the cage or ground. You’ll be able to slam your opponent tothe ground and immediately take control of the situation. You’ll be able topunish your opponent in the clinch too. Greco-Roman wrestlers have a greatchance of excelling in MMA.

7. Sambo

It is rare to see someone use Sambo in MMA. Nevertheless, it is one of the most effective martial arts for combat sports. With this skill, you’ll learn how to defend yourself. Sambo stands for “self-defense without weapons”. It was developed by the Russian SFSR in the Soviet Union and has been around since the 1920s. There are several big name MMA fighters who practiced Sambo including Fedor and Andrei Arlovski. The latter didn’t use it very much but Fedor did. Current UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, practices Sambo as well.

The only downside to Sambo is the fact that many strikes have been outlawed. While Sambo allowed soccer kicks, groin strikes, and headbutts, MMA does not. Nevertheless, Sambo is an effective technique that will prove to be great for any MMA fighter.

Advantages

• You’ll be able to get your opponent down quickly
• You can use a range of strikes to punish your opponent
• You’ll also be able to submit your opponent at will

Disadvantages

• Your opponent may have an advantage on the feet

Is It For Me?

If you’re a big fan of the Russianfighters, you may like Sambo. It is similar to wrestling but it takes things toa new level. Sambo is a little more violent making it good for street fighters.Just remember that you won’t be able to soccer kicks, headbutts, and groinstrikes in MMA. You can use them in combat sambo but you’ll have to remove themfrom your arsenal before being involved in an MMA contest. Either way, Sambo isa good option for many people. If you like wrestling but want somethingdifferent, you should give it a try.

8. Shoot Wrestling

Next, you have shoot wrestling. This style of wrestling combines aspects of catch wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, freestyle wrestling, Muay Thai, and so much more. Shoot wrestling attempts to rely on more realistic moves. When you learn shoot wrestling, you’re going to experience full contact moves. This will increase the excitement for the fan while ensuring that you’re able to control your opponent. Shoot wrestling has become very popular. It was trained at the Lion’s Den and the Shamrock Martial Arts Academy.

Bas Rutten worked with Masakatsu Funaki whois a legendary shoot wrestler. This technique can be very effective in MMA aslong as it is used properly. Some forms of shoot wrestling place more emphasison submissions than others. Therefore, you’ll need to find a trainer who isoffering what you’re after.

Advantages

• You’ll be able to combine various wrestling disciplines
• You can submit your opponent
• Getting the fight to the ground won’t be tough
• You can expand on this form of wrestling to make it more effective

Disadvantages

• Standing and banging is not a good idea
• You may gas out early on

Is It For Me?

Ultimately, shoot wrestling is not suitablefor everyone. It can be tough and you struggle at first. After all, you’relearning various techniques from many different wrestling disciplines.Nevertheless, it’ll pay off in the long run. With shoot wrestling, you canprevent your opponent from hurting you. You’ll also be able to score points andwin. Remember that your fight might be considered boring. Therefore, this styleof wrestling is not for everyone.

9. Catch Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the best techniques for winning an MMA fight. However, you need to make sure that you’re using the right style. Catch wrestling will prove to be very beneficial. This style of wrestling combines wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Therefore, it is very effective for taking the opponent to the ground and submitting them rapidly. This type of wrestling has been around since the late 1800s but it is becoming more popular in MMA. Many former UFC Champions relied on this style to achieve their dreams. For instance, Frank Shamrock and Josh Barnett implemented catch wrestling techniques into their fighting styles.

Also, Kazushi Sakuraba was a well-knowncatch wrestler and he managed to dominate the Gracies. Catch wrestling is greatbut it does have some limitations.

Advantages

• You can take your opponent down
• You’ll learn how to submit your opponent
• It has been proven successful by Frank Shamrock, Sakuraba, and Josh Barnett

Disadvantages

• You have to take your opponent down
• You may get hit in the face too much

Is It For Me?

Catch wrestling is suitable for almosteveryone. It doesn’t take long to learn the techniques but it’ll take a longtime to master them. Nevertheless, you can begin finding success in MMAimmediately. If you get good at catch wrestling, you’ll be able to take downthe top strikers and nullify their strengths. If this sounds exciting to you,it is a good idea to learn more about catch wrestling.

10. Freestyle Wrestling

Freestyle wrestling is easily one of the best wrestling styles for MMA. As a freestyle wrestler, your options will be plentiful. You’ll be able to grab your opponent anywhere so you can secure the takedown. For instance, you’ll be able to shoot in for single and double legs. This ensures that you’ll have a far better chance of getting the right to the mat. Even if your stand-up skills are lacking, your freestyle wrestling prowess will ensure success.

Tito Ortiz, Mark Coleman, and KevinRandleman have used freestyle wrestling to secure UFC Championships. There is agood chance that freestyle wrestlers will continue to dominate the sport.Others cannot find a way to get back up allowing the wrestler to nullify thefight and score points. You’ll also find ways to punish your opponent from thetop position.

Advantages

• You’ll use double leg takedowns
• You can score points on the ground
• Your opponent won’t be able to get back up
• You won’t have to worry about getting hit too much

Disadvantages

• If you can’t get them down, you’re in trouble

List Of Mma Fighting Styles

Is It For Me?

Ultimately, freestyle wrestling is one ofthe best martial arts for any MMA fighter. It’ll enable you to control thefight at all times. If you’re getting hit in the face too much, you can stopthat by securing a takedown. If you’re getting tired, you can snag a takedownand recover. Freestyle wrestling is the most effective martial art since nobodyhas found a way to overcome its strengthens. Just remember that you shouldn’tstop here. Once you’ve learned how to freestyle wrestle, you should add otherskills to your arsenal. Do that and you can become an unstoppable MMA fighter.

FAQs

How Many Martial Arts Are There In MMA?

Types Of Mma Fighting Styles

At the end of the day, there are tons ofmartial arts in MMA. Simultaneously, you have to understand that mixed martialarts has evolved over the years. In the past, it was common for fighters topractice only one martial art. This allowed wrestlers to test their skillsagainst boxers. Then, submission fighters were able to do the same. Today, mostfighters are going to combine various disciplines to get the desired results.With that being said, there are hundreds of martial arts used in MMA andthey’re growing.

Ufc Styles Of Fighting

What Is The Most Deadly Martial Art?

Combat Jujitus is believed to be one of the most deadly martial arts in the world. This style is utilized by the United States Special Forces and it is believed to be the deadliest known to man. Some others that may rank high on the list include Krav Maga, Sambo, Muay Thai, and Silat.

Fighting Styles In Mma

What Fighting Styles Are Not Allowed InUFC?

Mma Fighting Styles

Ultimately, most fighting styles areallowed in the UFC. However, that fighting style will need to conform to therules and regulations of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, Aikido isnot allowed. This is the case because this style uses illegal finger locks.