Best 30 BJJ Fighters In UFC History

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has gained immense popularity in the world of mixed martial arts and the UFC. Its practitioners have established themselves as some of the most successful fighters in the sport. They employ their grappling expertise to submit their opponents or gain dominance on the ground. These Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submission specialists have shaped and pioneered the effectiveness of BJJ in the UFC. 

Demian Maia

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 5th-degree black belt and legend. He has made a name for himself in mixed martial arts. With a professional record of 28 wins and 11 losses, Maia has become known for his exceptional use of BJJ techniques in the UFC. He holds 14 submissions throughout his career in the UFC.

Maia’s rank as a BJJ practitioner is also impressive. He is a 5th-degree black belt under Fabio Gurgel, one of the most respected BJJ instructors in the world. Maia’s mastery of BJJ has allowed him to dominate many of his opponents in the UFC, often forcing them to tap out to his submissions.

His use of BJJ in the UFC has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has shown time and time again that he is one of the best BJJ practitioners in the world and has cemented his legacy as a true master of the art. 

Charles Oliveira

Oliveira is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the UFC today and for a good reason. With a professional record of 33 wins and 9 losses, he has 21 submission victories to his name, making him the all-time leader in that category in UFC history. Oliveira’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background has been the key to his success. His mastery of the art has been on full display in the octagon.

Oliveira is a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ, and his skills on the ground have earned him numerous accolades in the sport. He has won multiple world championships in BJJ and has been recognized as one of the top BJJ practitioners in MMA. His ability to control his opponents on the ground and submit them with various techniques has made him a nightmare matchup for any fighter in the UFC.

Gilbert Burns

Burns made a name for himself in the UFC with his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. With a professional record of 21 wins and 5 losses, Burns has won 9 fights via submission, making him one of UFC’s most dangerous submission specialists.

Burns holds a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ under the renowned instructor Rafael Barros and is considered one of the top BJJ practitioners in the UFC. He has showcased his grappling skills in multiple fights, dominating opponents on the ground with his slick submissions and dominant grappling.

In addition to his impressive UFC record, Burns has also competed in high-level BJJ competitions, including the ADCC World Championship and IBJJF World Championship, where he has medaled multiple times. His technical proficiency and mastery of BJJ positions have earned him respect among fellow martial artists and fans alike.

Mackenzie Dern

Mackenzie Dern is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and one of the most skilled female grapplers in the UFC. She has used her BJJ expertise to great effect, winning multiple fights by submission and earning a reputation as a dangerous ground fighter.

Dern has an impressive record in the UFC, with 12 wins and only 3 losses. Her record includes 7 submissions, highlighting her proficiency in BJJ. She has defeated top-ranked opponents such as Tecia Torres, Randa Markos, and Hannah Cifers.

Dern’s accomplishments in BJJ are equally impressive. She is a multiple-time world champion in various BJJ competitions. She has also won gold medals in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship.

Ryan Hall

Ryan Hall is a well-known fighter in the UFC, recognized for his unorthodox fighting style and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) expertise. Hall holds a professional record of 9 wins and 2 losses, with 3 of those wins coming by way of submission. His impressive BJJ skills have earned him a 3rd-degree black belt under the legendary Felipe Costa.

Hall has utilized his BJJ prowess in his fights, often looking for opportunities to take the fight to the ground and submit his opponents. He has a unique approach to BJJ, utilizing techniques such as the “50/50 guard” and the “imanari roll,” which have caught many of his opponents off guard.

Ronaldo Souza

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4th-degree black belt and one of the most decorated practitioners to compete in the UFC. Souza’s grappling skills are a crucial part of his fighting style. He has earned numerous victories using his BJJ expertise.

During his UFC career, Souza has amassed a record of 24 wins and 9 losses. Of those 26 victories, an impressive 12 have come by submission. Thus highlighting his proficiency in BJJ. Some of his most notable submission wins include victories over Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, and Tim Boetsch.

Souza’s rank as a BJJ practitioner is highly respected, as he is a multiple-time world champion and ADCC champion in the sport. He has also earned his black belt from the legendary BJJ master Henrique Machado.

Fabricio Werdum

Werdum is a Brazilian mixed martial artist known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. He has an extensive record in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he has faced some of the toughest opponents in the heavyweight division. Werdum’s BJJ has been instrumental in his success in the UFC. He has used it to finish many of his opponents, such as Alexander Gustafsson, Walt Harris, and Cain Velasquez.

Werdum holds a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 9 losses. Of those 24 victories, 12 have come through submission, demonstrating his proficiency in BJJ. Werdum is a 2nd-degree black belt in BJJ under Octávio Coutoand. He has won numerous BJJ championships, including the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) championship.

Rafael Dos Anjos

Dos Anjos made a name for himself in the UFC by showcasing his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. Dos Anjos holds a 4th-degree black belt in BJJ and has utilized it greatly throughout his UFC career. He has a record of 32 wins and 14 losses, with 11 of those wins coming by way of submission.

He has a well-rounded MMA game, but his grappling and submission skills are particularly impressive. He has submitted notable opponents like Benson Henderson, Neil Magny, and Kevin Lee, among others. Dos Anjos is known for his ability to take his opponents down and control them on the ground, eventually submitting them with his slick grappling techniques.

Sergio Moraes

Sergio Moraes is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has made a name for himself in the UFC. He has an impressive record of 14 wins and 7 losses, with 8 of those wins coming by submission. Moraes has been known to use his exceptional grappling skills to control his opponents on the ground and submit them with various chokes and joint locks.

As a BJJ practitioner, Moraes is highly respected in the martial arts community. He is a black belt under the legendary Everdan Olegário. He has won numerous world championships and medals in several BJJ competitions. Moraes has also served as a coach and mentor to many young BJJ practitioners.

Throughout his career in the UFC, Moraes has faced some of the toughest fighters in the welterweight division. He has proven time and time again that his BJJ skills are among the best in the world.

Brian Ortega

Brian Ortega is known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. Ortega, who holds a 1st-degree black belt in BJJ under Rener Gracie. With a professional record of 15 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no-contest in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Ortega’s success in the UFC can be attributed to his impressive grappling ability. He has secured 7 submission victories, including his famous guillotine choke submission of Cub Swanson at UFC Fight Night 123. Ortega also holds notable submission victories over top-tier fighters such as Renato Moicano and Diego Brandão.

In addition to his impressive record, Ortega’s BJJ skills have earned him a reputation as one of the best submission artists in the UFC’s featherweight division. He is ranked as a black belt under the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and his BJJ prowess has been key in his rise to becoming a top-ranked fighter in the UFC.

Renato Moicano

A Brazilian mixed martial artist who has competed in the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight divisions. Moicano is known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, which he has effectively used in his fights. His record in the UFC stands at 17 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. 

Moicano has won 10 of his fights in the UFC by submission, showcasing his proficiency in BJJ. He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has competed in several BJJ tournaments, earning numerous accolades for his skills. Moicano’s BJJ skills have also been honed through his training at the Brazilian Top Team.

Moicano’s use of BJJ in the UFC has been pivotal in securing his victories and dominating his opponents on the ground. His technical proficiency in BJJ has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the UFC.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Antonio, known as “Minotauro,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in mixed martial arts history. Throughout his UFC career, Nogueira demonstrated exceptional grappling skills, utilizing his BJJ expertise to secure numerous victories.

Nogueira had a successful run in the UFC, accumulating a record of 34 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no-contest. Out of his 34 wins, 21 came by way of submission. In addition to his UFC record, Nogueira also had a storied career in PRIDE Fighting Championships, where he won the heavyweight title and defeated numerous legendary fighters.

As a BJJ practitioner, Nogueira holds a 5th-degree black belt under Ricardo De la Riva. His sports accomplishments include placing silver and bronze in the World Jui-Jitsu Championships.

Gunnar Nelson

Nelson is a well-known mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship for his impressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills. With a professional record of 19 wins and 5 losses, Nelson has proven himself to be a formidable opponent in the octagon.

Nelson’s BJJ skills have been a major factor in his success in the UFC, as he has won 13 of his 25 fights by submission. He holds a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ and is widely regarded as one of the best BJJ practitioners in the UFC.

Throughout his career, Nelson has used his BJJ skills to dominate opponents on the ground and secure impressive submissions. His most notable submission victories include an armbar submission against Bryan Barberena and a rear naked choke against Alex Oliveira.

Anderson Silva

One of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu played a crucial role in his success in the UFC. Silva holds a professional record of 34 wins, 11 losses, and 1 no-contest, with 22 of those wins coming through knockout or technical knockout. However, he also has 3 submission victories, showcasing his high-level grappling skills.

Silva earned his 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ under the renowned Nogueira brothers, and his rank as a practitioner is often considered to be among the best in the sport. He used his BJJ expertise to devastating effect in several high-profile fights, including a submission victory over Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.

Royce Gracie

Royce Gracie is widely considered one of the most important figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts history. Gracie first rose to prominence in the early days of the UFC, where he dominated opponents with his unparalleled grappling skills. With a record of 15 wins and 2 losses, Gracie was a pioneer of MMA, and his use of BJJ helped to revolutionize the sport.

Gracie’s most notable accomplishment was winning the UFC 1 tournament in 1993, where he submitted three opponents in a single night. He went on to win UFC 2 and UFC 4 as well, solidifying his place as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

His record includes 11 submissions, showcasing his expertise in BJJ. He is a 7th-degree coral belt in BJJ and is widely regarded as one of the greatest practitioners of the art in history. His use of BJJ in the UFC helped to popularize the martial art and paved the way for its widespread adoption in MMA today.

Davi Ramos

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist who has made a name for himself in the UFC. Ramos began training in BJJ at a young age. His grappling skills have helped him become a top contender in the lightweight division, with a professional record of 10 wins and 5 losses. Ramos’s skills have shown him to be a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.

Ramos has achieved 7 submissions victories in his UFC career, demonstrating his proficiency in BJJ. He is a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ and has won numerous sports championships. His use of BJJ in the UFC has been instrumental in his success, as he has taken down opponents and controlled them on the ground.

Rodolfo Vieira 

Vieira is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and a rising star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has been using his BJJ skills to dominate opponents in the octagon, compiling a record of 8 wins and only 2 losses.

His impressive submission game sets Vieira apart from other fighters, having won most of his UFC fights by submission. His submission victories include a rear-naked choke, an arm-triangle choke, a guillotine choke, and an armbar, demonstrating his versatility and proficiency in various submission techniques.

Vieira’s success in the UFC is a testament to his skill and experience in BJJ. He is a five-time world champion and holds several gold medals in the AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro, making him one of the most accomplished BJJ practitioners in the world.

His rank as a BJJ black belt further solidifies his position as a top-tier grappler. With his impressive record and submission skills, Vieira is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s middleweight division.

Kron Gracie 

Kron is a black belt and professional mixed martial artist who has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Kron Gracie is the son of the legendary Rickson Gracie and has been practicing BJJ since childhood. His BJJ skills have been the cornerstone of his success in the UFC.

Kron Gracie has a professional MMA record of 5 wins and 1 loss, with 5 of those wins coming by way of submission. In his UFC debut, he submitted Hyung Soo-Kim with an armbar in the first round. He followed that up with another submission win over Tatsuya Kawajiri before suffering back-to-back losses to Cub Swanson.

As a BJJ practitioner, Kron Gracie is highly regarded, holding a black belt under his father, Rickson Gracie. He has won multiple world championships in BJJ and is known for his exceptional grappling skills.

Damien Brown

A former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC’s lightweight division. Throughout his career, Brown showcased his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, which he used significantly in the Octagon. He holds a record of 19 wins and 13 losses, with 9 of his victories coming by submission.

Brown is a highly skilled BJJ practitioner who has achieved a brown belt. Brown’s expertise in BJJ is evident in his grappling abilities, which he used to control and submit his opponents in the UFC. His most notable submission victories in the UFC came against Daron Cruickshank and Ben Games.

Adriano Martins

Adriano Martins is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the UFC. Martins holds a black belt in BJJ and has utilized his skills on the ground to achieve numerous victories in his career. Martins has a professional MMA record of 28 wins and 12 losses, with 3 of his victories coming by way of submission. Highlighting his expertise in BJJ in the octagon.

Martins has also competed in high-level BJJ tournaments and has a black belt in the art. His proficiency in BJJ has made him a formidable opponent in the UFC, as he has been able to submit some of the best fighters in the world.

Ben Saunders

This UFC fighter is known for proficiently using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the octagon. Saunders utilized his BJJ skills throughout his career to earn multiple submission victories, cementing his reputation as a submission specialist.

Saunders competed in the UFC, amassing a record of 23 wins and 13 losses. Of his 22 victories, 6 came via submission, demonstrating his mastery of BJJ techniques. His submission victories included techniques such as the “omoplata,” “d’arce choke,” and “armbar.”

Saunders’ BJJ credentials are also impressive. He earned his black belt in BJJ under world-renowned instructors Ricardo Liborio and Eddie Bravo. 

Tony Ferguson

Ferguson is a renowned mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) through his impressive grappling skills, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). With a professional record of 25 wins and 8 losses, Ferguson has won 8 of his fights by submission, showcasing his proficiency in BJJ.

Ferguson’s BJJ skills have allowed him to dominate many of his opponents on the ground. He can take advantage of his opponent’s weaknesses and submit them with technical proficiency. In addition to his UFC success, Ferguson has also competed in BJJ tournaments, where he earned his black belt under Eddie Bravo.

Despite not being ranked among the highest-level BJJ practitioners, Ferguson’s use of BJJ in the UFC has been instrumental in his success and has earned him respect from fellow fighters and fans alike.

Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz is a well-known UFC fighter who is renowned for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and a granite chin. With a professional record of 22 wins and 13 losses, Diaz has secured 13 victories through submission, which speaks to his proficiency in BJJ.

Diaz holds a 3rd-degree black belt in BJJ under Cesar Gracie and is considered one of UFC’s most accomplished BJJ practitioners. He has used his BJJ expertise to submit some of the toughest opponents in the sport, including Conor McGregor and Tony Ferguson.

Diaz’s use of BJJ in the UFC is not limited to submissions. He is also adept at using his grappling skills to control his opponents on the ground and dominate them in positional battles.

Nick Diaz

Nick is a well-known mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Diaz is known for his impressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills, which he has used greatly in his fights. Throughout his career, Diaz has accumulated a record of 26 wins, 10 losses, and 2 no-contests. Of his 26 wins, an impressive 8 have come by submission.

Diaz’s proficiency in BJJ is reflected in his ranking as a 3rd-degree black belt in the discipline. He has trained extensively in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu system, emphasizing leverage and technique to overcome larger opponents. Diaz’s ability to transition seamlessly between striking and grappling has made him a formidable opponent in the UFC. His BJJ skills have been a key factor in his success in the sport.

BJ Penn

BJ Penn is widely considered one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to have competed in the UFC. He won his first world championship in BJJ at age 20 and achieved an impressive record of 16 wins, 14 losses, and 2 draws in the UFC. Of those 16 wins, 6 were by submission, demonstrating Penn’s incredible mastery of the grappling arts.

Penn earned his 5th-degree black belt. He is also known for his innovative use of BJJ techniques in MMA. He was given his black belt in less than 4 years, a remarkable achievement in BJJ.

Despite facing tough competition in the lightweight and welterweight divisions, Penn’s BJJ skills allowed him to defeat notable opponents such as Renzo Gracie, Kenny Florian, and Matt Hughes. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the sport and as one of the most excellent BJJ practitioners to have ever competed in the UFC.

Jon Olav Einemo

A mixed martial artist from Norway who competed in the UFC as a heavyweight. Einemo is known for his grappling skills, particularly his use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he utilized effectively in his fights. Einemo has a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and has won multiple-time national championships in both the ADCC world championship and submission wrestling in Norway. 

While Einemo’s UFC career was short-lived in the UFC, his use of BJJ was a standout feature in his fights. He possessed a high-level grappling skill set and could use it effectively against primarily strikers opponents. Einemo’s performances in the UFC demonstrated the importance of being well-rounded in MMA and highlighted the effectiveness of BJJ in the octagon.

George St-Pierre

George St-Pierre, also known as GSP, is regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever. Throughout his career in the UFC, he showcased his impressive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and dominated opponents with his ground game. With a record of 26 wins and just 2 losses, GSP won 6 fights by submission, showcasing his expertise in BJJ.

As a practitioner of the sport, GSP was awarded a black belt in BJJ by Bruno Fernandes, one of the top BJJ coaches in Canada. He utilized his grappling skills to control his opponents and secure dominant positions, setting up submissions with his excellent transitions and ground and pound.

GSP’s mastery of BJJ was evident in his performances against top opponents like Matt Hughes, Johny Hendricks, and Michael Bisping. He used his grappling to neutralize their striking and finished them with submissions. GSP’s use of BJJ in the UFC was instrumental in his success and solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in the sport

Rickson Gracie

A legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of all time. He competed in the early days of Japan’s Vale Tudo championships and Pride, using his BJJ skills to devastating effect. Gracie had an impressive record, winning most of his fights via submission.

Gracie’s use of BJJ, Revolutionized the sport, as he showcased the effectiveness of ground fighting and submission techniques. Every UFC fighter today now encompasses some form of submission art in their techniques. He was a master at using leverage and technique to overcome opponents who were much larger and stronger than him. Gracie’s contributions to the development of MMA cannot be overstated, and his legacy continues to influence the sport today.

Gracie is a ninth-degree red belt in BJJ, the highest rank attainable in art. His mastery of BJJ is evident in his record of 11 wins, 9 came by submission, in 11 professional careers. He is truly a legend and pioneer in the world of martial arts.

Lyoto Machida

Lyoto Machida is a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion known for his elusive striking style and precise counterattacks. However, many people might need to learn that he also has a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu foundation that has helped him win fights throughout his career.

Machida holds a black belt in BJJ under Walter Broca and has trained in the art for over two decades. In his professional MMA career, he has recorded 26 wins and 12 losses with 2 submission victories, including a memorable arm-triangle choke finish of Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at UFC Fight Night 79.

While Machida’s striking abilities have been the cornerstone of his success, his BJJ skills have helped him in many aspects of his fighting game, such as controlling his opponents on the ground and escaping dangerous positions. Machida’s BJJ speaks volumes about his proficiency in the art in several arts.

Vitor Belfort

The Brazilian mixed martial artist who made his debut in the UFC back in 1997. Throughout his career, he has greatly utilized his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, securing numerous victories in the Octagon. Belfort has won 26 of his 41 professional MMA fights by 3 by submission, showcasing his skills as a BJJ practitioner.

Belfort earned his black belt in BJJ under the legendary Carlson Gracie, known for his ground game expertise. This training served Belfort well in his early UFC career. He secured submission wins over opponents such as Anthony Johnson and Bobby Southworth.

While Belfort is best known for his striking prowess, with devastating knockout wins over fighters like Dan Henderson and Luke Rockhold, his BJJ skills have also been crucial to his success in the UFC. With a professional record of 26 wins and 14 losses, Belfort remains one of the most exciting fighters in the sport’s history.

Conclusion

BJJ has become an essential part of the UFC and has produced some of the most successful fighters in the sport’s history. These 30 fighters have proven to be some of the best at utilizing their BJJ skills in the octagon and have significantly impacted the sport of mixed martial arts.