Fighters in the UFC combine a variety of martial arts forms in order to be more competitive. However, there is no doubting the effectiveness of Muay Thai in the ring or cage! From brutal close-range strikes to control-gaining moves like the clinch, Muay Thai has proved to be an essential martial art practiced by UFC fighters. [Related:
Did you know that Kru Chris has trained with UFC fighters?
]6 Muay Thai Moments Worth Re-Watching:
Anthony Pettis Super Kick
Anthony Pettis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin landed a super athletic knockout kick after jumping from the cage wall. This kick made Anthony “Showtime” Pettis famous around the world. Anthony currently holds a record of 20 wins and 6 losses in the UFC. He’s known as a creative fighter with an excellent standing game and strong ground game. Pettis has been a student of Taekwondo since the age of 5 and later picked up boxing & Muay Thai.
Greatest kick in UFC history – Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim
Edson Barboza throws a perfect spinning wheel kick, knocking out Terry Etim. Edson currently holds a record of 19 wins 4 losses in the UFC lightweight division. His style is considered aggressive and explosive. Edson only job in life has been as a fighter since he began training at the age of eight!
Pablo Garza KO Fredson Paixao with Flying Knee!
Pablo Garza of Fargo, North Dakota performed a brutal flying knee kick. This flying knee must have felt like a baseball swing to the face! Garza has a total of 12 wins and 4 losses in the featherweight division. He’s highly skilled in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, but started his journey in sports in basketball as a point guard.
Dong Hyun Kim Spinning Elbow KO
Dong Hyun Kim fighting out of Busan, South Korea does a jaw-shattering, spinning elbow to the side of his opponent’s face for an instant knock out. He currently holds a record of 22 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. He specializes in Judo with well-rounded situational performance and excellent takedown ability. He began training Judo at age 15.
José Aldo vs Cub Swanson K.O 7 SEC
This compilation would not be complete without a Jose Aldo clip. Jose Aldo is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Watch him throw a swift flying knee kick to Cub Swanson, knocking him out in just 7 seconds. Jose Aldo holds a record of 26 wins and 3 losses. His ground game is spectacular as well as his knockout power. He aspired to play football one day but his path took a turn early on. He was tired of being beaten up on the streets and started training as a competitive fighter.
Cartwheel Kick at UFC
The cartwheel kick – a risky maneuver that can always end really bad or really good was executed flawlessly by Alan Jouban! His well-timed cartwheel kick staggered his opponent, Matt Dwyer. Jouban holds a record of 15 wins and 5 losses. His style is both explosive and dynamic and nature with striking being his main focus. Alan first started training for fighting when he was 23 and continued on to be a successful MMA fighter.