MMA Fighters Who Specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Gracie Barra

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has been a fundamental aspect of mixed martial arts (MMA) since its inception, providing fighters with unmatched grappling skills and submission techniques. Here’s a look at some of the top MMA fighters who have honed their BJJ skills to perfection and have used them to achieve great success in the sport.

Demian Maia

Demian Maia is renowned for his mastery of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, holding a 5th-degree black belt. His career in the UFC has been marked by numerous submission victories, highlighting his exceptional grappling prowess. Maia’s ability to control opponents on the ground and apply a wide range of submissions makes him a standout figure in the world of MMA.

Charles Oliveira

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira, a previous UFC Lightweight Champion, is known for his record-breaking number of submission wins in the UFC. His blend of high-level BJJ and striking ability has made him a dominant force in the lightweight division. Oliveira’s relentless pursuit of submissions and his capacity to adapt during fights have solidified his status as a top contender.

Fabricio Werdum

Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum is a highly decorated BJJ practitioner, with multiple world championships and ADCC titles to his name. Werdum’s grappling expertise played a crucial role in his victories over MMA legends like Fedor Emelianenko and Cain Velasquez, where he utilized his submission skills to great effect.

Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza

Ronaldo Souza, also known as “Jacaré,” is a BJJ black belt and a former world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His success in the MMA middleweight division is largely due to his exceptional grappling skills. Jacaré’s ability to transition smoothly from striking to grappling has allowed him to dominate and submit some of the best fighters in the division.

Gilbert Burns

Gilbert “Durinho” Burns is a top contender in the UFC welterweight division, recognized for his outstanding BJJ skills. Burns has achieved numerous submission victories and has also developed his striking, making him a well-rounded fighter. His grappling background provides a significant advantage on the ground, allowing him to control and finish his opponents.

Mackenzie Dern

Mackenzie Dern is one of the most accomplished female grapplers in MMA, with multiple world championships in BJJ. As a UFC strawweight contender, Dern consistently leverages her elite grappling skills to secure submission victories. Her ability to dominate opponents on the ground and her aggressive pursuit of submissions make her a formidable competitor.

Ryan Hall

Ryan Hall is known for his unique and effective grappling style, particularly his leg lock techniques. Competing in the UFC featherweight division, Hall’s unorthodox approach and expertise in BJJ make him a difficult opponent to prepare for. His focus on BJJ allows him to control and submit many of his adversaries, often leading to impressive finishes.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains a vital element of MMA, with numerous fighters using their grappling skills to dominate the sport. The fighters mentioned above have not only mastered BJJ but have also successfully incorporated it into their overall MMA strategy, making them some of the most skilled and dangerous athletes in the octagon. As MMA continues to evolve, the influence of BJJ endures, and these fighters exemplify its effectiveness in mixed martial arts competition.