Top 10 MMA Fighting Styles Every Fan Should Know

Mixed Martial Arts, commonly known as MMA, is a combat sport that combines techniques from multiple fighting disciplines. An MMA athlete may use boxing punches, Muay Thai kicks, wrestling takedowns, judo throws, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions during the same contest.

This combination of striking and grappling is what makes MMA so unpredictable. A fighter can dominate with punches, control an opponent against the cage, secure a takedown, or finish the contest with a submission. Understanding the martial arts behind these actions can make every fight more interesting to watch.

Modern MMA fighters rarely depend on only one discipline. They usually develop a primary style and then train in other areas to cover their weaknesses. Here are ten important fighting styles every MMA fan should know.

1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, commonly called BJJ, is one of the most influential martial arts in MMA. It focuses on ground fighting, positional control, escapes, and submissions.

BJJ teaches athletes how to use leverage and technique against larger or stronger opponents. Instead of relying entirely on physical power, practitioners learn to control an opponent’s body and attack vulnerable joints or the neck.

Common BJJ submissions in MMA include:

• Rear-naked chokes
• Guillotine chokes
• Arm bars
• Triangle chokes
• Kimuras
• Heel hooks
• Ankle locks

BJJ also includes several important positions. The guard allows a fighter on their back to control or attack an opponent using their legs. Mount and back control are dominant positions from which a fighter can attempt submissions or land strikes.

Traditional BJJ competitions usually do not allow punches or kicks. MMA fighters must therefore adapt their grappling to account for strikes. A position that works well in a grappling tournament may be dangerous if an opponent can punch or elbow.

Every serious MMA fighter needs at least a basic understanding of BJJ. Even athletes who prefer striking must know how to defend submissions and escape from the ground.

2. Wrestling

Wrestling is one of the strongest foundations for MMA because it helps fighters decide where the contest takes place. A skilled wrestler can take an opponent down, defend takedown attempts, control positions, and return to the feet.

Common wrestling techniques in MMA include:

• Double-leg takedowns
• Single-leg takedowns
• Body locks
• Trips
• Throws
• Sprawls
• Mat returns
• Cage control

Wrestling is not only about putting an opponent on the ground. It also develops balance, pressure, explosiveness, endurance, and positional awareness.

A wrestler with strong takedown defense can force a grappler to remain standing. The same fighter can take a dangerous striker to the ground and reduce their ability to use punches and kicks. This control makes wrestling extremely valuable.

Traditional wrestling does not include submissions or striking, so wrestlers must adjust their techniques for MMA. They need to protect their necks from chokes, avoid knees during takedown attempts, and control opponents without leaving themselves vulnerable to submissions.

Many successful MMA fighters combine wrestling with boxing and ground strikes to create a pressure-heavy style.

3. Boxing

Boxing is the foundation of punching in MMA. It teaches athletes how to throw accurate combinations, defend punches, use footwork, and control distance.

The main boxing punches include:

• Jab
• Cross
• Hook
• Uppercut
• Overhand punch
• Body shot

The jab is especially useful because it can measure distance, interrupt an opponent, and prepare more powerful attacks. Hooks and uppercuts are often effective at close range, while body punches can reduce an opponent’s energy.

Boxing also develops defensive skills such as slipping, blocking, parrying, and moving away from danger.

However, traditional boxing must be modified for MMA. A boxer cannot use the same stance without considering kicks and takedowns. Placing too much weight on the lead leg can make it easier for an opponent to land low kicks. Standing too upright may increase the risk of being taken down.

MMA gloves are also smaller than boxing gloves, so defensive strategies that rely entirely on covering the face may be less effective. MMA fighters must combine boxing defense with distance management, head movement, and footwork.

4. Muay Thai

Muay Thai originated in Thailand and is often called the “art of eight limbs.” The name refers to the use of two fists, two elbows, two knees, and two shins.

Muay Thai gives MMA fighters a wide variety of striking tools, including:

• Punches
• Round kicks
• Low kicks
• Body kicks
• Head kicks
• Knee strikes
• Elbows
• Teep kicks

The Muay Thai clinch is particularly valuable. From close range, a fighter can control the opponent’s head or upper body while delivering knees and elbows. Clinch skills can also help create trips or disrupt an opponent’s balance.

Low kicks are among the most common Muay Thai techniques used in MMA. Repeated kicks to the legs can reduce an opponent’s mobility, weaken their stance, and make it harder for them to generate power.

Traditional Muay Thai fighters often use a more upright stance than wrestlers. MMA athletes must adapt this position to defend takedowns. They must also be careful when throwing kicks because an opponent may catch the leg or use the opportunity to complete a takedown.

5. Kickboxing

Kickboxing combines punches and kicks into fast, powerful combinations. Depending on the ruleset, it may include knee strikes and limited clinch work.

Kickboxers usually develop strong skills in:

• Combination striking
• Distance management
• Footwork
• Counterattacking
• Defensive movement
• Kicking at multiple levels
• Switching between punches and kicks

One advantage of kickboxing is its ability to connect attacks smoothly. A fighter may use punches to make an opponent raise their guard before delivering a kick to the body or leg. They may also finish a kicking combination with punches when the opponent attempts to close the distance.

Kickboxing is sometimes confused with Muay Thai, but they are not identical. Muay Thai traditionally emphasizes elbows, knees, clinch control, and a different rhythm. Kickboxing often features more active footwork and boxing-style combinations, although styles vary between athletes and organizations.

In MMA, kickboxers must add takedown defense and ground skills. Without these adjustments, a strong wrestler may prevent them from using their preferred striking game.

6. Judo

Judo is a Japanese martial art known for throws, trips, pins, and submissions. Its practitioners, known as judoka, learn how to disrupt an opponent’s balance and use momentum to complete a throw.

Useful judo techniques for MMA include:

• Hip throws
• Foot sweeps
• Inside and outside trips
• Shoulder throws
• Body locks
• Arm locks
• Pins and control positions

Judo can be especially effective in the clinch. A fighter may use an opponent’s forward pressure to execute a throw or trip. Judo also teaches athletes how to remain balanced while attempting to put an opponent on the ground.

Traditional judo relies heavily on gripping the jacket, known as a gi. MMA competitors do not wear a gi, so judoka must adapt their grips. They may use underhooks, overhooks, wrist control, or head-and-arm positions instead.

Judo throws can be dramatic, but they also need to be used carefully. A failed throw may allow the opponent to take the back or secure a dominant ground position.

7. Sambo

Sambo is a martial art and combat sport developed in the former Soviet Union. It combines elements of wrestling, judo, and submission grappling.

There are different forms of sambo. Sport sambo emphasizes throws, control, and submissions, while combat sambo includes striking in addition to grappling.

Sambo practitioners are often known for:

• Powerful takedowns
• Chain wrestling
• Trips and throws
• Fast transitions
• Leg locks
• Top control
• Ground-and-pound awareness

Combat sambo is particularly relevant to MMA because its athletes already have experience combining striking and grappling. They may move smoothly from punches into a takedown or from a throw into a submission attempt.

Sambo’s emphasis on leg attacks also makes its practitioners dangerous on the ground. Opponents must be careful not to leave their knees, ankles, or feet exposed during scrambles.

The style can produce well-rounded fighters, but sambo athletes still need to adjust to the specific rules, cage environment, and round structure of professional MMA.

8. Karate

Karate includes many different systems, each with its own techniques and training methods. In MMA, karate-based fighters are often recognized by their wide stances, quick entries, unusual timing, and ability to strike from long range.

Common karate techniques used in MMA include:

• Straight punches
• Reverse punches
• Front kicks
• Side kicks
• Round kicks
• Spinning attacks
• Blitzing combinations
• In-and-out footwork

Karate fighters may stand at a greater distance than traditional boxers. Instead of remaining in close range, they often enter quickly, attack, and move away before the opponent can counter.

This movement can make karate-based athletes difficult to time. Their rhythm may feel unfamiliar to opponents who are accustomed to conventional boxing or Muay Thai patterns.

However, a wide karate stance can expose the lead leg to low kicks. It may also create challenges against strong wrestlers. Successful karate-based MMA fighters adapt their stance, develop takedown defense, and learn how to operate when an opponent closes the distance.

9. Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art known for its speed, flexibility, and wide range of kicking techniques. While its traditional rules differ significantly from MMA, several taekwondo movements can be highly effective inside the cage.

Common taekwondo-inspired techniques include:

• Side kicks
• Hook kicks
• Spinning back kicks
• Question-mark kicks
• Axe kicks
• Roundhouse kicks
• Jumping kicks

Taekwondo practitioners often develop excellent control of distance and the ability to kick from unexpected angles. Their speed and creativity can make them dangerous at long range.

Spinning attacks may generate significant power, but they also carry risks. A missed spinning technique can leave a fighter off-balance or expose their back. MMA athletes must use these techniques selectively and return quickly to a defensive stance.

Traditional taekwondo generally places less emphasis on boxing, wrestling, and ground fighting. Practitioners entering MMA therefore need to add strong punching defense, takedown defense, and grappling skills.

10. Catch Wrestling

Catch wrestling is a grappling style that emphasizes takedowns, pins, pressure, joint locks, and submission holds. It influenced several modern combat sports and remains relevant to MMA.

Unlike some forms of submission grappling, catch wrestling often encourages aggressive top control. Practitioners attempt to keep opponents pinned while searching for submissions.

Important catch wrestling skills include:

• Takedowns
• Rides and pins
• Neck cranks
• Leg locks
• Arm locks
• Scramble control
• Heavy top pressure

Catch wrestlers may attack submissions from positions where other grapplers would focus primarily on control. Their ability to transition quickly between holds can create problems for opponents.

Some traditional catch-wrestling techniques may be restricted under specific MMA rules, so fighters must understand which attacks are legal. They must also adapt to striking and cage work.

When combined with boxing or Muay Thai, catch wrestling can create a physically demanding style based on pressure, control, and submission threats.

How Fighting Styles Are Combined in MMA

Modern fighters do not compete as pure representatives of one martial art as often as athletes did in early MMA events. Most professionals train in multiple disciplines.

Common style combinations include:

Wrestling and Boxing

This combination allows a fighter to pressure opponents with punches while threatening takedowns. The opponent may lower their hands to defend the takedown, creating openings for strikes.

Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

A fighter can attack with kicks, knees, and elbows while remaining comfortable if the contest reaches the ground. Strong BJJ may also give the athlete confidence to strike aggressively.

Kickboxing and Takedown Defense

Some fighters use wrestling mainly to keep the contest standing. Instead of attempting many takedowns, they defend against grapplers and continue using their kickboxing.

Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Wrestling helps the athlete secure top position, while BJJ provides submissions and positional control. This combination can be especially effective against opponents who struggle from the bottom.

Karate and Wrestling

Karate offers fast long-range attacks, while wrestling helps protect the fighter when opponents close the distance. The threat of a takedown may also create more striking opportunities.

Which Fighting Style Is Best for MMA?

There is no single best style for every fighter or situation.

Wrestling may allow an athlete to control where the fight takes place, but wrestling alone does not provide complete striking or submission skills. Boxing offers effective punches, but a pure boxer may struggle with kicks and takedowns. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is powerful on the ground, but a grappler must first bring the opponent into a suitable position.

The best approach is usually a balanced MMA skill set built around the fighter’s natural strengths. A fast athlete may prefer long-range striking, while a physically powerful competitor may focus on wrestling and cage control.

At the highest levels, specialists still exist, but they must be competent in every major area of MMA.

How to Recognize a Fighter’s Style

Fans can identify a fighter’s background by watching their stance, movement, preferred range, and reactions.

A boxing-based fighter may use frequent jabs and head movement. A Muay Thai specialist may target the legs and body with kicks while attacking from the clinch. A wrestler may move forward, lower their level, and push opponents toward the cage.

A BJJ specialist may actively seek submissions or appear comfortable fighting from the bottom. A karate-based fighter may maintain a wide stance and use sudden in-and-out attacks.

However, appearances can be misleading. Professional fighters train in several disciplines, so their methods may change depending on the opponent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do MMA fighters need to learn every martial art?

No. Fighters do not need to master every discipline, but they must understand striking, wrestling, and submission grappling. Most develop expertise in selected areas while maintaining enough skill to defend themselves everywhere else.

What is the best fighting style for an MMA beginner?

Many beginners benefit from learning a grappling discipline such as wrestling or BJJ and a striking discipline such as boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai. The best starting point depends on available coaching, fitness, and personal interests.

Is MMA itself a fighting style?

Yes. Modern MMA has developed into a distinct sport with its own techniques and strategies. It is no longer simply a collection of separate martial arts.

Which style is best for self-defense?

No style guarantees safety in every situation. Awareness, avoidance, and leaving danger should be the priorities. Combat-sports training can develop useful skills, but real-life situations remain unpredictable.

Can a traditional martial artist succeed in MMA?

Yes, but traditional techniques must be adapted to handle takedowns, submissions, cage control, and full-contact striking.

Final Thoughts

MMA includes techniques from many martial arts, but ten styles have had a particularly strong influence: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, kickboxing, judo, sambo, karate, taekwondo, and catch wrestling.

Each discipline offers valuable tools. Boxing develops punching, Muay Thai provides powerful kicks and clinch strikes, wrestling controls the location of the fight, and BJJ creates submission opportunities. Other styles add throws, unusual movement, creative kicks, pressure, and specialized attacks.

Understanding these fighting styles helps fans recognize what athletes are trying to accomplish. Instead of seeing only punches, kicks, and takedowns, viewers can appreciate the strategy behind every movement—and that makes MMA far more exciting to watch.