
There are many styles of fighting within the UFC framework. Competitors from each weight group use their skills from different martial arts to win fights.
There is no set way to win a fight in the UFC, but many fighters have perfected styles that make them almost impossible to beat when performed well.
Throughout the UFC, grappling, which is a fighting technique based on throws, sweeps, and clinching, is used often by many fighters across all weights.
In this article I’m going to highlight 3 outstanding grapplers in the UFC, and how they use grappling as part of their overall unique style.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib is a Russian born mixed martial artist from Dagestan. In his early life, he began wrestling but also trained Judo and Sambo whilst in the military.
Prior to this back in his hometown during his youth he cites that he was often in street fights, but ultimately made the conscious decision to focus all his energy on mixed martial arts.
He officially joined the UFC in 2012 and won his first fight via submission.
Amongst Sambo and other grappling titles, Khabib has established himself in the UFC world as a top grappler. His grappling technique has evolved from his original wrestling days to what we know it to be today.
His style mimics the grappling that is prominent in the Judo and Sambo world that he grew up with. He has refined this to a science to continue his winning in UFC appearances.
His grappling can be split into 4 main sections: the pressure and control he applies when in vulnerable positions, the way he uses grappling techniques from the judo and sambo world, his all around strong submission skills and finally ability to defend whilst executing the other parts of his game plan.
Islam Makhachev
Islam is a Russian MMA fighter who has used his background in sambo and BJJ to create a comprehensive grappling fight style.
He had a successful career in the mixed martial arts world winning a total of twenty-six fights, five by knockout, twelve by submission and a single loss by knockout.
Similar to Khabib, Islam mentions how street fighting was common in their respective regions, and shortly after this he began training in freestyle wrestling before switching to MMA, then transferring into the UFC.
His grappling style mimics that of traditional Jiu Jitsu fighters. He takes his opponents down, then passes the legs, and begins seeking out the submission.
In many of his fights Islam forces his opponent to the corner of the cage in an attempt to clinch or hook in to gain a more advantageous position.
His grappling style is viewed as quite bold, but his boldness has served him well as he only has suffered one career loss.
Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira is a Brazilian fighter who is also fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu.
He is a strong competitor in the UFC and has had a notably successful career. He officially transitioned to MMA in 2007, but prior to this was a strong competitor in jujitsu.
He won many Jujitsu championships across different belt divisions, but decided he wanted a new challenge.
His grappling style is rooted in the early foundations of his jujitsu training but over the years he has developed other aspects including his striking and take down ability.
Oliveira also holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history, demonstrating why this is a fundamental aspect of his grappling style in the UFC.
His grappling style can be split into sections. Firstly, his submission capability, he uses armbars, chokes and leg locks to submit his opponents.
This, coupled with his flexibility in his transitions allows him to submit his opponents from somewhat awkward angles. This combined with his strong guard retention, and top pressure once his opponent is in a vulnerable position has created a winning grappling strategy for Oliveira.
Grappling is a key element and fundamental part of the UFC. These three practitioners have used grappling and created their own unique paths through which they win professional fights.