Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s packed with action, skill, and a whole lot of sweat. But did you ever wonder how many martial arts an MMA fighter actually knows? Let’s dive into it and find out!
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):
Most MMA fighters know at least 3 to 5 different martial arts. These include striking arts like boxing and Muay Thai and grappling styles like wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Fighters mix techniques to become well-rounded. The more diverse their training, the better they adapt in the cage.
What Is MMA, Really?
MMA is a mash-up of many combat styles. It’s not just one martial art—it’s a blend of them. That’s why it’s called “Mixed” Martial Arts. Fighters use the best moves from different sports to create their own unique style.
Think of it like a recipe. Each martial art is an ingredient. Some fighters use more spice (like kickboxing), while others prefer grappling (like judo or wrestling).
The Core Styles in MMA
Almost every MMA fighter trains in at least these basic martial arts:
- Boxing: Amazing for fast punches and movement.
- Muay Thai: Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs”—uses fists, elbows, knees, and shins.
- Wrestling: Great for takedowns and control.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Focuses on submissions and ground fighting.
- Judo: Specialized in throws and clinch work.
These are the foundation. Most fighters train in all five to compete at the highest level.
Strikers vs Grapplers
There are two main fighting styles in MMA: striking and grappling. Let’s break them down:
Striking-focused fighters
These athletes prefer to keep the fight standing. Their toolkits often include:
- Boxing
- Muay Thai
- Karate or Kickboxing
- Taekwondo
They rely on speed, power, and timing.
Grappling-focused fighters
These fighters aim to take the battle to the ground. They focus on:
- Wrestling
- BJJ
- Judo
- Sambo (a Russian martial art)
They use takedowns, pins, and submissions to win.
How Many Styles Do Most Fighters Know?
Most MMA fighters are trained in at least 3 to 5 martial arts. Let’s look at a typical fighter:
Example: MMA Fighter Joe
- Boxing (hands and footwork)
- Muay Thai (kicks and knees)
- Wrestling (takedowns)
- BJJ (submissions)
- Judo (throws)
That’s five different skills. And they don’t just know a little—they train hard in each one.
How Fighters Mix Their Skills
A real MMA fight can switch from striking to grappling in seconds. That’s why fighters need to blend styles smoothly.
Here’s how it might go:
- Start with boxing to test distance.
- Use a Muay Thai kick to slow the opponent down.
- Fake a punch, shoot for a wrestling takedown.
- Once on the ground, apply a BJJ submission.
It’s a game of chess, not just brawling.
Are There Fighters Who Specialize in One Style?
Yes, there are! Especially in the early days of MMA. For example:
- Royce Gracie – BJJ Master
- Chuck Liddell – Kickboxer with wrestling
- Khabib Nurmagomedov – Elite wrestler with striking
But today, most fighters train in multiple disciplines. Specialization is good, but being well-rounded is better.
Training, Training, and More Training
MMA fighters don’t just “know” martial arts—they live them. Their week might look like this:
- Monday: Boxing and Wrestling
- Tuesday: Strength Training and BJJ
- Wednesday: Muay Thai and Judo
- Thursday: Sparring (mix of everything)
- Friday: Cardio and Technique Drills
They put in hours and hours to master every move.
Do All Fighters Learn the Same Mix?
Nope! Every fighter has a unique strategy. Some love kicks, some like submissions. Their mix of martial arts depends on:
- Their natural strengths
- Their coaching team
- Who they’re fighting next
It’s all about tailoring the training to win.
The MMA Learning Journey
It’s like school, but for martial arts. A new fighter might begin with one discipline, like wrestling. Then they’ll add striking and BJJ. Over time, they build a complete toolset.
The goal? Be effective everywhere: standing, in the clinch, and on the ground.
Cool Styles You Didn’t Know Were in MMA
Some fighters have cool and unusual martial arts in their arsenal:
- Capoeira – Brazilian dance-fight (used by Anthony Pettis)
- Sambo – Russian grappling and striking (used by Khabib)
- Karate – Straight-line attacks and movement (used by Lyoto Machida)
These styles add flair and surprise elements in fights.
Conclusion: So How Many Do They Know?
On average, MMA fighters train in at least 3 to 5 different martial arts. Some go even further and add unique styles. Their goal is to be ready for anything. After all, MMA is about mixing the best.
So next time you watch a fight, try to spot the different techniques: a boxing jab here, a wrestling takedown there, maybe even a slick judo throw. You’ll see just how much goes into an MMA fighter’s skill set.
From punches to pins, kicks to chokes, MMA fighters are true martial arts masters.