Top 10 Most Influential Striking Styles in MMA Today

Modern MMA striking is a melting pot of global martial arts. Fighters no longer rely on a single discipline — instead, they blend styles to create efficient, unpredictable striking systems.

Here are the 10 most influential striking styles in MMA today.

1. Muay Thai

Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai dominates MMA striking. Elbows, knees, clinch control, and devastating leg kicks make it indispensable.

2. Boxing

Elite boxing fundamentals remain essential. Fighters with crisp jabs, head movement, and timing often control exchanges and dictate pace.

3. Kickboxing

Kickboxing bridges boxing and Muay Thai, offering dynamic combinations and strong defensive movement.

4. Kung Fu

Kung Fu contributes footwork, angular attacks, and relaxed power. Its influence is often subtle but effective, especially in movement-heavy fighters.

5. Karate

Karate’s explosive entries and exits have proven extremely effective, particularly in fighters like Stephen Thompson and Lyoto Machida.

6. Taekwondo

High-level kicking techniques, speed, and flexibility make Taekwondo valuable when adapted for MMA.

7. Dutch Kickboxing

Combining boxing combinations with low kicks, Dutch Kickboxing thrives in high-pressure exchanges.

8. Savate

This French striking art brings unique kicking angles and precision footwork.

9. Sanda

Chinese Sanda blends striking with throws, making it highly transferable to MMA.

10. Traditional Martial Arts Blends

Many fighters now integrate multiple traditional arts, creating hybrid striking systems tailored to MMA’s demands.