5 Best Grapplers In The UFC

Mixed Martial Arts has gone through a rapid evolution, which makes complete sense given that the sport was invented a mere 25 years ago. The days of specialists dominating the octagon are long gone... or so we thought. The general consensus used to be that you had to be equally skilled in all of the disciplines.

Astonishingly enough, specialists have taken that theory and thrown it right out the window. There has been quite the resurgence. More specifically, specialists on the ground have been particularly dominant, hoisting their opponent several feet into the air, and slamming them directly on their skull. It seems to be a pretty good tactic… who knew right?

The slamming isn’t the only devastating technique. These animals have the ability to maul opponents, zapping them of their energy, and either ground and pounding them into oblivion, or submitting them into unconsciousness.

There’s a distinct look on a fighters face when they’re faced with an athlete of this caliber. It looks as if their souls have been physically ripped right out of their bodies. No wonder these are the most feared people in the UFC.

Demian Maia is a crafty veteran of the game. Unlike most of the athletes on this list, he focuses on Brazilian Jiu-JItsu. Demian’s ground game isn’t just good for MMA standards. Maia has excelled in legitimate Jiu-Jitsu competitions. He won the World Cup back in the early 2000s. This makes him a terrifying foe for any UFC fighter.

This prodigy harkens back to the old days of MMA. It’s no secret that BJJ reigned supreme in the early 1990s. We can thank the legendary Royce Gracie for introducing such a beautiful art.

Maia took the craft to the next level though. Back in 2015 he went on a 6 fight win streak against the likes of Carlos Condit, Jorge Masvidal, and Gunnar Nelson. That is an unreal run. These were the most elite fighters in the division at the time. Not to mention, 3 out of 6 of his wins were by submission. Demian rightfully earned himself the name “Human Backpack” .

Regardless of who you are, chances are you’re not rushing to take this Jiu-Jitsu phenom to the ground.