10 Weirdest UFC Fighting Styles
5. Capoeira
Originating from the beaches of Brazil, Capoeira is a combination of high octane striking and ceremonial dance displays that can prove as lethal as it is mesmerising.
The style was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil around the beginning of the 16th century and showcases acrobatic sequences and viciously rhythmic kicks. Leaning into the flow of combinations, rather than fixed attacks, Capoeira has been sewn into many of the UFC's top athletes over the years.
Brazilian natives such as Anderson Silva (a yellow belt in the art), Jose Aldo and Thiago Santos have all borrowed from their time studying the form to make serious marks on the UFC.
Capoeira has become so popular that it can now be seen - outside of Brazil and combat sports - in films like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Durmstrang school display moves on arrival to Hogwarts). Wesley Snipes can also regularly be found performing the style in action scenes, as he practises Capoeira, too.
With a string of UFC Champions and global popularisation, it's safe to say that Capoeira stands as one of the more decorated unorthodox fighting styles.