Top 10 Best MMA Grapplers of All Time: The Art of the Ground Game

Khabib Nurmagomedov kicks Justin Gaethje//Getty Images

Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov was unbeaten throughout his professional MMA career for a reason; his Sambo grappling skills dwarfed everybody else's. He had an excellent single-leg takedown, double-leg takedown, and he was able to hold people against the cage and practically do whatever he wanted with them. 

Once the fight reached the mat against the cage, you would see him instantly tie up his opponent's legs and lean into them to trap them. Then, he would flatten them out whilst maintaining wrist control, and from there he would unleash ground-and-pound strikes to finish the fight or set up submissions. These trademark moves have cemented Khabib's legacy not just in Russian MMA, but combat sports in general.

Islam Makhachevand Dustin Poirier grapple//Getty Images

Islam Makhachev is mentored by Khabib Nurmagomedov and it's easy to see why. The current reigning and defending UFC lightweight champion is one more win away from setting himself apart from the rest of the best UFC lightweight champions in history, including Khabib. 

Makhachev has extraordinary grappling, particularly from half guard where he often attacks kimura's and arm triangles. He can also easily pass guard into side control.

Charles Oliveira and Tony Ferguson//Getty Images

Charles Oliveira holds the record for the most submission victories in UFC history with 16, and it's easy to see why. 

“Do Bronx” has excellent takedowns, often pulling guard to get the fight to the mat, and he really doesn't care about being on his back even against fellow elite grapplers because of his superb full guard. Oliveira also excels in scrambles where he can pull off some insane transitions to dominant positions or submissions.

Jon Jones//Getty Images

When it comes to mixing all the different disciplines together to create and execute a game plan, you can't get much better than Jon Jones. Although people know “Bones” for his creative striking, he is an excellent grappler, and he's showcased that throughout his career against some of the best wrestlers and BJJ artists during their prime. Once Jones gets people to the ground, his length allows him to search for various submission angles that most can't get to. 

Georges St-Pierre//Getty Images

Georges St-Pierre, one of the greatest MMA fighters ever, was excellent in every phase of grappling. He had great takedown defence, he had elite timing and technique when it came to shooting his own takedowns, and he was a master on the ground. 

One thing you may realise from this list is that most, if not all, had some form of grappling background before they started their MMA journey, however, the Canadian didn't. GSP was the first modern fighter to become an elite grappler in the midst of his pro MMA career.

The BJJ world champion fully transitioned to MMA in 2005, despite making his debut in 2001, and it wasn't until 2009 that he suffered his first defeat. 

Throughout his career, but especially in the early stages, Maia relied purely on his grappling skills to win him fights. He eventually earned the nickname “the human backpack” because of his unique ability to take people's backs, lock up a body triangle and sink in a rear naked choke, something he did nine times out of his 14 submission wins.

Kamaru Usman//Getty Images

Kamaru Usman has excellent cardio to go with his incredible strength. He uses these physical attributes to his advantage in his wrestling and grappling by constantly grabbing and grinding his opponents down to the point where their gas tank is almost empty. Recently though, Usman has begun taking up a more boxer-heavy approach.

Daniel Cormier//Getty Images

Daniel Cormier is one of the best wrestlers the octagon has ever seen. DC had powerful single leg and double leg takedowns, and he could use these in the open space or up against the cage. Often, Cormier would been seen lifting his opponents up high and then slamming them down to the mat with brute force.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza was a scary individual in his peak years. He had exceptional BJJ skills to go with his powerhouse style of grappling. Once the Brazilian secured a takedown, you knew it was night night for his opponent; he was so strong at passing his opponents’ guard, he would either ground-and-pound you to sleep, strangle you to sleep or snap a limb.