Who Are the Best Jiu-Jitsu Fighters in the UFC?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has proven to be one of the most effective martial arts in modern MMA. It allows fighters to control and neutralize their opponents even if they are not the physically stronger fighter, thanks to its highly technical grappling. UFC legends like Rousimar Palhares, Demian Maia, and Charles Oliveira are among the top BJJ fighters in history.
Over the years, many elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters have competed in the UFC. Here are the top five grapplers in UFC history:
List of Best Jiu-Jitsu Fighters in the UFC
| Rank | Fighter | Total Submissions | Notable Wins | Championship Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Oliveira | 21 (UFC Record: 17) | Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler | UFC Lightweight Champion (2021) |
| 2 | Demian Maia | 14 | Carlos Condit, Chael Sonnen | No UFC Title, Welterweight Contender |
| 3 | Rousimar Palhares | 15 | Mike Pierce, Alan Belcher | No UFC Title |
| 4 | Gilbert Burns | 9 | Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson | No UFC Title, Welterweight Contender |
| 5 | Brian Ortega | 8 | Renato Moicano, Cub Swanson | No UFC Title, Featherweight Contender |
5. Brian Ortega
With 8 submission wins, Brian Ortega has shown he is a serious threat on the ground. His wins against Renato Moicano and Cub Swanson are highlights. While he has a good mix of striking and grappling, Ortega has not yet captured UFC gold.
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4. Gilbert Burns
Known as “Durinho,” Gilbert Burns is a fan favorite due to his exciting combination of explosive strikes and solid submission skills. With 9 submission victories in his MMA career, Burns’ Jiu-Jitsu has been key to his success.
3. Rousimar Palhares
Rousimar Palhares, also known as “Toquinho,” was feared for his devastating leg locks and knee bars. He secured 15 submission victories in his career, becoming a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend in MMA.
2. Demian Maia
During his prime, Demian Maia was one of the hardest fighters to defeat. Known for his incredible Jiu-Jitsu skills, Maia often controlled opponents from their back and secured rear-naked chokes. He earned 14 submission wins in his career.
1. Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira is widely regarded as the best Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in UFC history. His extraordinary submission abilities helped him become the UFC lightweight champion in 2021. With 21 submission wins, he holds the record for the most submissions in UFC history (17).
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