Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, is widely known for its fast and dynamic kicks. It has gained significant popularity worldwide due to its effectiveness in combat sports like the UFC. Over the years, many notable Taekwondo fighters in the UFC have left a lasting impact on the sport. Let’s check my list of the best TKD fighters in UFC.
Chris Barnett
“Beast Boy” is a professional mixed martial artist. He has a unique style as a heavyweight and makes use of several Taekwondo techniques. Barnett has been practicing Taekwondo since childhood and is a 3-dan black belt in the art. He has used his expertise in Taekwondo to his advantage in the cage, utilizing flashy kicks. He spins to catch his opponents off guard.
Barnett’s style has garnered him a lot of attention in the UFC and has made him a fan favorite. He has a record of 23 wins and eight losses in his professional MMA career, with 18 of those wins coming by knockout. Barnett’s most notable performance came in his UFC debut in June 2021; he knocked out Gian Villante in the second round with a spinning heel kick.
Barnett’s use of Taekwondo has made him a unique and exciting fighter to watch in the UFC. He has shown that traditional martial arts can still be effective in modern MMA. He continues inspiring other fighters to incorporate their styles into their fighting game.
Anthony Pettis
Anthony Pettis is a former UFC lightweight champion and a sports veteran. One of the aspects that set him apart from his opponents was his extensive use of Taekwondo techniques inside the octagon.
Pettis has a 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and the art heavily influences his striking game. He is known for his flashy kicks, particularly his signature “Showtime Kick.” He used this technique to knock out Benson Henderson in the final of the WEC lightweight tournament.
This kick involved running up the cage wall. Then, delivering a kick to Henderson’s face instantly became one of the most iconic moments in MMA history. He has a record of 25 wins and 14 losses, eleven of which came via knockout.
Throughout his UFC career, Pettis continued to showcase his Taekwondo skills by incorporating spinning back kicks, jumping kicks, and other acrobatic strikes into his game. His striking was unpredictable and difficult for his opponents to defend against.
Pettis’ use of Taekwondo in the UFC not only made him a fan favorite. He also inspired a new generation of fighters to incorporate this martial art into their fighting styles. His legacy will forever be linked to his mastery of Taekwondo and its impact on the sport of MMA in the UFc.
Yair Rodriguez
Yair Rodriguez is known for his impressive use of Taekwondo techniques inside the UFC octagon. He began training in Taekwondo at a young age in Mexico and eventually transitioned to mixed martial arts.
Rodriguez’s Taekwondo background has been a major asset in his UFC career. He utilizes his lightning-fast kicks and acrobatic techniques to devastating effect. He is known for his spinning kicks and flying knees, often catching opponents off guard and resulting in spectacular knockouts. He has a record of 16 wins and only three losses.
Besides his striking skills, Rodriguez has also demonstrated solid grappling skills and a well-rounded game. This has helped him become a top UFC featherweight division contender. He has faced some of the toughest fighters in the division, including Frankie Edgar and Max Holloway.
His use of Taekwondo in the UFC has made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch, and he is sure to continue making waves in the sport of MMA.
Dennis Siver
Dennis Siver is a retired German mixed martial artist. He gained prominence in the UFC for his exceptional use of Taekwondo techniques. Siver began his martial arts journey in Taekwondo, and his mastery of the art was evident in his fights.
In the UFC, Siver’s use of Taekwondo allowed him to execute swift, powerful kicks that often caught his opponents off guard. He was known for his spinning back kicks, which he used to devastating effect in several of his fights. Siver’s Taekwondo background also helped him to excel in the UFC’s grappling and clinching techniques.
Siver’s success in the UFC was largely due to his dynamic style and ability to adapt to different opponents. He has amassed an impressive record of 23 wins and 11 losses throughout his career. Dennis Siver’s use of Taekwondo in the UFC helped establish him as a skilled and respected fighter in mixed martial arts.
Dong Hyun Kim
Dong Hyun Kim, also known as “Stun Gun,” is a South Korean mixed martial artist widely recognized for his exceptional use of Taekwondo in the UFC. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and judo and has competed in various weight classes throughout his career.
Kim’s Taekwondo skills have significantly influenced his success in the UFC. He is known for his dynamic kicking techniques, including spinning kicks and flying knees, which have allowed him to win numerous fights. His Taekwondo background has also contributed to his excellent footwork, making him a difficult opponent to land strikes on or take down.
His record currently stands at 22 wins and four losses. Kim has faced several famous opponents, including Carlos Condit and Demian Maia. Despite losing some of these fights, his taekwondo skills have always impressed fans and fellow fighters alike.
Dong Hyun Kim’s use of Taekwondo in the UFC has made him a formidable opponent in the octagon. His dynamic kicking techniques and exceptional footwork have contributed to his success in the sport. He has earned a reputation as one of the best Taekwondo practitioners in mixed martial arts.
Chan Sung Jung
Known as “The Korean Zombie,” he is a renowned mixed martial artist and a former professional Taekwondo practitioner. He is widely recognized for his unorthodox and explosive fighting style. He incorporates various techniques from Taekwondo and other martial arts.
In his early days as a professional fighter, Chan Sung Jung was known for his impressive kicks and footwork he developed through years of training in Taekwondo. Chan Sung Jung used these skills to devastating effect in his fights. He often caught his opponents off-guard with his lightning-fast kicks and powerful strikes.
Over the years, Chan Sung Jung has continued to refine his skills and adapt to the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including a prolonged hiatus from the sport due to military service, he has remained a formidable force in the UFC. His record currently stands at 17 wins and eight losses in MMA.
John Makdessi
Known as ”The Bull .”John Makdessi has dynamic striking skills and an extensive background in Taekwondo. Makdessi began his martial arts journey at a young age. He practiced various disciplines, such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Kickboxing and holds a black belt in Taekwondo.
Makdessi’s Taekwondo background has been a key factor in his success in the UFC. He has a unique ability to incorporate his Taekwondo techniques into his striking arsenal. His kicks are lightning-fast and explosive, so he keeps his opponents guessing.
One of Makdessi’s signature techniques is his spinning back kick, which he has used to devastating effect in several of his fights. He has also shown a mastery of other Taekwondo techniques, such as the roundhouse kick and the flying side kick. His record currently stands at 18 wins and eight losses in the UFC.
James Moontasri
James Moontasri is a retired mixed martial artist who gained popularity for his impressive use of Taekwondo in the UFC. Moontasri, who holds a 5th-degree black belt in Taekwondo, utilized his skills in the octagon to earn several highlight-reel finishes during his career.
Moontasri was known for his dynamic kicking techniques, which he used greatly in his fights. He was particularly adept at utilizing the spinning backkick, which he could deliver with power and precision. Moontasri also had excellent footwork, allowing him to quickly close the distance on his opponents and set up his kicks.
TKD’s background has given him a unique, entertaining, and effective style. His unorthodox techniques caught many opponents off guard. His ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances made him a difficult puzzle to solve. Also, his style amassed a record of 9 wins and five losses in the UFC.
Anderson Silva
Anderson “The Spider” Silva is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, known for his devastating striking ability and unique style that blends elements of various martial arts. One martial art that played a significant role in Silva’s success in the UFC is Taekwondo.
Silva is a 5th-degree black belt in Taekwondo. His background is evident in his use of dynamic kicks and footwork in the octagon. He often utilizes a front leg side kick, known as a “push kick,” to keep his opponents at bay and set up his strikes. He is also known for his flashy spinning kicks, such as the spinning back and heel kick, resulting in some of his most memorable knockouts.
In addition to his striking ability, Silva’s Taekwondo training has also influenced his movement and footwork in the cage. He is known for his fluidity and agility, allowing him to evade his opponent’s attacks and land his strikes precisely. His style has given him an impressive record of 34 wins and 11 losses.
Silva’s use of Taekwondo in the UFC has helped him become one of the most dominant fighters in the sport’s history. His ability to blend various martial arts styles, including Taekwondo, has made him a formidable and exciting fighter to watch.
Rose Namajunas
Rose Namajunas, better yet known as “Thug Rose,” is a former UFC women’s strawweight champion known for her exceptional use of Taekwondo in the octagon. Namajunas’ use of Taekwondo is evident in her striking style, where she uses a combination of quick and precise kicks and fast and powerful punches to dominate her opponents. Her footwork is also impressive, allowing her to move around the octagon quickly and effectively.
One of Namajunas’ most notable fights that showcased her Taekwondo skills was her victory over Joanna Jedrzejczyk for the UFC strawweight title. Namajunas’ quick and powerful kicks kept Jedrzejczyk at bay, and her footwork allowed her to dodge and counter Jedrzejczyk’s strikes. Her style has given her an impressive record of 11 wins and five losses.
Namajunas’ use of Taekwondo is a testament to the effectiveness of traditional arts in MMA. Her ability to incorporate her training in Taekwondo into her fighting style has made her a formidable opponent in the UFC and a true inspiration to martial artists worldwide.
Valentina Shevchenko
Valentina Shevchenko, also known as the “Bullet,” is a Kyrgyzstani-Peruvian mixed martial artist. She is widely regarded as one of the best female fighters in the world, with a record of 23 wins and 4 losses.
One of the key components of Shevchenko’s fighting style is her extensive background in Taekwondo. She began practicing martial arts at a young age and has continued incorporating these techniques into her fighting style. She is currently ranked as a 2nd-degree black in Taekwondo.
In the UFC, Shevchenko is known for her powerful kicks and precise strikes, which she uses to devastating effect against her opponents. Her Taekwondo training has given her excellent footwork. Allowing her to easily move around the octagon and avoid her opponents’ attacks.
Shevchenko’s use of Taekwondo has played a significant role in her success in the UFC. Her ability to mix her striking with grappling and other techniques has made her a formidable opponent. She is considered one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport today.
Benson Henderson
Benson Henderson is a former UFC lightweight champion known for using Taekwondo techniques in his fights. Henderson’s background in Taekwondo has given him a unique style that has proven effective in the octagon. He has had over 42 MMA bouts with a record of 30 wins and 12 losses.
Henderson’s use of Taekwondo techniques is evident in his striking game. He utilizes a lot of spinning kicks and fast footwork to create angles and openings for his attacks. He also incorporates a lot of sidekicks and front kicks into his game, which allows him to keep his opponents at bay and control the distance of the fight.
One of the most iconic moments of Henderson’s career came in his fight against Anthony Pettis at UFC 164. He attempted a jumping sidekick, a technique commonly used in Taekwondo, but ultimately failed to connect. Despite the missed attempt, it showcased Henderson’s willingness to take risks. Especially in his use of Taekwondo techniques to gain an advantage.
Henderson’s use of Taekwondo in the UFC has proven to be an effective tool in his arsenal. Thus, he can create unique, striking opportunities and keep his opponents guessing.
Paul Felder
Paul Felder, better known as “The Irish Dragon,” is a former UFC lightweight fighter known for his impressive striking skills. One of the key elements of Felder’s striking game is his use of Taekwondo techniques, which he has incorporated into his fighting style to great effect.
Felder is a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo and has been practicing the art since childhood. He has a deep understanding of the art’s kicks and uses them to set up his punches and knees, creating a unique and unpredictable striking style that has proven highly effective in the UFC octagon.
Felder’s Taekwondo techniques are particularly useful in the UFC because they allow him to keep his opponents at a distance and control the fight’s pace. He can throw powerful kicks from range, making it difficult for his opponents to close the distance and land strikes of their own. His style has given him an impressive record of 17 wins and only 6 losses in MMA.
His use of Taekwondo in the UFC is a testament to the versatility and effectiveness of martial arts in combat sports. His skills and creativity in the octagon have made him a fan favorite and a highly respected fighter in the MMA community.
Dooho Choi
Known as “The Korean Superboy,” he is a South Korean mixed martial artist who rose to fame for his impressive use of taekwondo techniques in the UFC. Choi’s record stands at 19 fights, with 14 wins and four losses. Of those 14 wins, 11 were by way of knockout, showcasing his devastating striking abilities.
What sets Choi apart from other fighters in the UFC is his extensive background in taekwondo, a Korean martial art that emphasizes precision. Choi’s precise striking has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters to watch in the UFC.
In his UFC debut, Choi won a Fight of the Night bonus with his knockout victory over Juan Puig. He continued to impress with his striking skills, including a memorable win over Thiago Tavares via knockout. Although he has faced some setbacks in recent years, including his hiatus in the UFC due to mandatory military service in South Korea. Choi remains a fan favorite for his thrilling fights and dynamic fighting style.
Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the UFC. His unique style of fighting incorporates several Taekwondo techniques. He emphasizes fast, high kicks and jumping, and spinning heel kicks. Barboza has been able to incorporate these techniques into his bouts with great success. His record stands at 22 wins and 11 losses.
Barboza’s use of Taekwondo has been particularly effective in his striking game. Thus allowing him to land powerful kicks to his opponents’ legs, bodies, and heads. He has also demonstrated his ability to use Taekwondo techniques to counter his opponents’ attacks. He is most famous for a wheel kick knockout of Terry Etim in 2012.
Despite his success with Taekwondo, Barboza is also a well-rounded fighter who has developed strong skills in other areas such as Muay Thai, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He has used this diverse skill set to win over some of the best fighters in the UFC. These include Anthony Pettis, Dan Hooker, and Gilbert Melendez.
His use of Taekwondo has made him a unique and exciting fighter to watch in the UFC. His success with martial art is a testament to the effectiveness of incorporating different styles.
Daron Cruickshank
Daron Cruickshank is a retired American mixed martial artist. He gained notoriety in the UFC for his impressive use of Taekwondo techniques. Cruickshank began his martial arts journey at a young age, studying Taekwondo under his father’s guidance. He competed in amateur Taekwondo competitions and earned a 2nd-degree blackbelt in the discipline.
When he transitioned to mixed martial arts. Cruickshank’s Taekwondo background gave him a unique advantage over his opponents. He used his lightning-fast kicks and spinning techniques to great effect. He often stunned his opponents with unexpected strikes. His most famous knockout came in a 2012 UFC bout against Henry Martinez. He landed a devastating head kick that put his opponent to sleep.
Cruickshank’s flashy style won him many fans. Still, it also made him a target for more experienced fighters who could counter his attacks. Despite this, he continued to use his Taekwondo skills throughout his career, even adding in other techniques from kickboxing and wrestling to round out his skillset.
Throughout his career, he has amassed over 38 total bouts, consisting of 23 wins and 14 losses, with 1 no-contest. Today, Cruickshank is remembered as one of the UFC’s most exciting fighters. His innovative use of Taekwondo techniques continues to inspire martial artists worldwide.
Nina Ann Nunes
Nunes also Ansaroff is a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the strawweight division of the UFC. She is known for her impressive use of Taekwondo in the octagon.
Ansaroff’s Taekwondo background is that of a 3rd-degree black belt. This is evident in her striking techniques, as she often utilizes powerful kicks to inflict damage on her opponents. We saw this when she faced off against Cynthia Calvillo. Her dynamic kicking ability was a valuable asset in this bout. She was able to land devastating head kicks and body kicks on her opponent.
Apart from her striking, Ansaroff’s Taekwondo training has also helped her in her footwork and agility. She can move around the octagon easily and avoid her opponent’s attacks. Though now retired in 2022, she continues to be a testament to the techniques of Taekwondo. Her record has over 18 bouts consisting of 11 wins, 4 of which came through knockout, and 7 losses.
Ansaroff’s impressive use of Taekwondo has helped her succeed in the UFC. She holds victories over top-ranked fighters such as Angela Hill and Claudia Gadelha. Her striking, footwork, and agility combination have made her a formidable opponent in the strawweight division. She is considered one of the top prospects in the sport.
Jonathan Martinez
Jonathan “Dragon” Martinez is a rising star in the UFC. He is known for his speed, agility, and accuracy. Martinez has utilized his Taekwondo skills to great effect in the octagon, earning him a reputation as a formidable striker.
Martinez began training in Taekwondo at the age of 14 and later transitioned to MMA, making his UFC debut in 2018. He holds impressive wins over fighters such as Frankie Saenz and Thomas Almeida.
In his fights, Martinez showcases his Taekwondo skills through various techniques. This includes some spectacular head kicks, knees, and roundhouse kicks to the liver. He uses these techniques to keep his opponents at bay and create openings for his strikes. Additionally, his footwork and movement are reminiscent of his early traditional Taekwondo background, allowing him to evade his opponent’s attacks and counter with precision strikes.
Martinez is a talented martial artist. He has successfully integrated his Taekwondo background into his MMA game. Martinez has a record of over 22 total bouts, consisting of 18 wins and only 4 losses. He continues to climb the UFC ranks. It will be exciting to see how he further develops and utilizes his striking skills in the octagon.
Bruno Mesquita
Knowns, also known as “Korea,” is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who has made a name for himself in the UFC. He began training in Taekwondo at a young age and eventually became a black belt. He then transitioned to MMA and made his professional debut in 2015.
Korea’s Taekwondo background has given him a unique style that sets him apart from other fighters in the UFC. He is known for his flashy kicks and quick footwork, which he uses to keep his opponents at bay and land devastating strikes. His precision and kick accuracy has earned him the nickname “Korea.”
These skills have been fully displayed in the UFC, where he has several highlight-reel knockouts with his kicks. In his most recent fight, he knocked out a tough opponent with a spinning heel kick, widely regarded as one of the year’s best knockouts. He has an impressive record of 12 wins and only 4 losses with 1 draw.
Bruno Korea’s use of Taekwondo in the UFC has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent for anyone in his weight class. His unique style and knockout power have made him a force reckoned with in the octagon.
Bas Rutten
Bas Rutten is a former mixed martial artist and kickboxer who competed in the early days of The UFC during the 1990s and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of MMA. He was known for his dynamic striking style, which incorporated elements of Taekwondo.
Rutten’s has 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo. Rutten’s ability to mix his Taekwondo kicks with punches and knees made him a dangerous striker and helped him win several fights.
One of Rutten’s most famous fights was against Tsuyoshi Kohsaka at UFC 18. Rutten utilized his Taekwondo skills, landing various leg kicks that ultimately led to a decision victory. Throughout his career, he has had over 33 bouts, consisting of 28 wins and only 4 losses, with 1 draw.
Rutten’s use of Taekwondo in the UFC helped pave the way for the modern era of MMA, where fighters are expected to be well-versed in multiple martial arts and disciplines. Rutten’s innovative, striking style and use of Taekwondo techniques have inspired countless fighters.
Conclusion
Taekwondo has played a significant role in the success of many fighters in the UFC. These fighters have showcased their skills and techniques in the octagon and have established themselves as some of the sport’s most feared and respected competitors. With their impressive performances and continued dedication to their craft, they have set a standard for future Taekwondo fighters in the UFC to follow.
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