One of the main grappling styles that we are seeing in modern day MMA is Sambo, and that's mainly due to the sheer talent coming out of the Dagestani Republic. Russian Sambo fighters have excellent takedown skills, excelling in ankle picks, double-legs and more. 

Then there's Brazil. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artists would often have excellent transitions, and they would be very comfortable fighting off of their backs, because they have such a good guard. 

In this article, we will rank and analyse the best MMA grapplers of all time…

The rankings of the best MMA grapplers are based on measurable and verifiable MMA statistics, including:

Wins-Losses-Draws: Overall career records sourced from authoritative platforms like Tapology and Evolve MMA.

Submission Victories (30%): The number of wins via submission reflects grappling dominance.

Takedown Accuracy and Defence (20%): Effectiveness in securing and countering takedowns is critical.

Championship Titles (30%): Titles won, particularly in grappling-heavy divisions, weigh heavily in the rankings.

Control Time & Fight Metrics (20%): Duration of ground control and grappling-specific metrics (e.g., takedowns per fight).

Data was sourced from Tapology and Evolve MMA, with rankings validated and cross-referenced between both platforms.

Critical Consensus Table: Ranking the Top MMA Grapplers 

The critical consensus table combines data from Tapology and Evolve MMA to rank the best MMA grapplers in the sport's history.

Critical Consensus Table

As you can see, Khabib Nurmagomedov is regarded as the best MMA grappler of all time by Tapology, with his student, Islam Makhachev, getting the number one rank from Evolve MMA.

Charles Oliveira is third on this list despite being regarded as the greatest submission artist in UFC history.

Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre are ranked fourth and fifth respectively due to their ability to take anybody down as well as defending against takedowns.

SportsBoom MetaScale: Grappling Rankings

The SportsBoom MetaScale takes into account a fighters record (40%), submission wins (30%), and titles won (30%). Here are the results below…

SportsBoom MetaScale

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov

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.

2. Islam Makhachev

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.

3. Charles Oliveira

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.

4. Jon Jones

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. 

5. Georges St-Pierre

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.

7. Kamaru Usman

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.

8. Daniel Cormier

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.

10. Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Despite being tenth on this list, Henry Cejudo is really one of the most technical and tactical MMA fighters to ever do it. Despite having a karate-based stance, Cejudo's biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight goes; he has superb takedown defence, but also can take anybody down in any way he wants. Unfortunately, the former two-weight UFC champion is towards the latter stage of his career, but he certainly still has enough left to mount another title charge at bantamweight.

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.

1. Khabib Nurmagomedov

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.

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.

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.

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.

Khabib Nurmagomedov kicks Justin Gaethje//Getty Images

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.

2. Islam Makhachev

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.

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.

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.

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.

Islam Makhachevand Dustin Poirier grapple//Getty Images

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.

3. Charles Oliveira

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.

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.

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.

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.

Charles Oliveira and Tony Ferguson//Getty Images

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. 

4. Jon Jones

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Jon Jones//Getty Images

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.

5. Georges St-Pierre

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.

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.

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.

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.

Georges St-Pierre//Getty Images

6. Demian Maia

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.

7. Kamaru Usman

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kamaru Usman//Getty Images

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.

8. Daniel Cormier

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.

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.

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.

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.

Daniel Cormier//Getty Images

9. Jacare Souza

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.

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Despite being tenth on this list, Henry Cejudo is really one of the most technical and tactical MMA fighters to ever do it. Despite having a karate-based stance, Cejudo's biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight goes; he has superb takedown defence, but also can take anybody down in any way he wants. Unfortunately, the former two-weight UFC champion is towards the latter stage of his career, but he certainly still has enough left to mount another title charge at bantamweight.

10. Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Despite being tenth on this list, Henry Cejudo is really one of the most technical and tactical MMA fighters to ever do it. Despite having a karate-based stance, Cejudo's biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight goes; he has superb takedown defence, but also can take anybody down in any way he wants. Unfortunately, the former two-weight UFC champion is towards the latter stage of his career, but he certainly still has enough left to mount another title charge at bantamweight.

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Despite being tenth on this list, Henry Cejudo is really one of the most technical and tactical MMA fighters to ever do it. Despite having a karate-based stance, Cejudo's biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight goes; he has superb takedown defence, but also can take anybody down in any way he wants. Unfortunately, the former two-weight UFC champion is towards the latter stage of his career, but he certainly still has enough left to mount another title charge at bantamweight.

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Despite being tenth on this list, Henry Cejudo is really one of the most technical and tactical MMA fighters to ever do it. Despite having a karate-based stance, Cejudo's biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight goes; he has superb takedown defence, but also can take anybody down in any way he wants. Unfortunately, the former two-weight UFC champion is towards the latter stage of his career, but he certainly still has enough left to mount another title charge at bantamweight.

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Despite being tenth on this list, Henry Cejudo is really one of the most technical and tactical MMA fighters to ever do it. Despite having a karate-based stance, Cejudo's biggest strength is his ability to dictate where the fight goes; he has superb takedown defence, but also can take anybody down in any way he wants. Unfortunately, the former two-weight UFC champion is towards the latter stage of his career, but he certainly still has enough left to mount another title charge at bantamweight.

Henry Cejudo//Getty Images

Grappling Techniques That Changed MMA

Several grappling techniques have changed MMA grappling in the last few years, but here are some of the most notable techniques that have been implemented more and more by various fighters.

Firstly, Khaib Nurmagomedov had several techniques that he was exceptional at, however, one of the best techniques that he made famous and that is now used by other fighters is the “Dagestani Handcuff”. 

Khabib used this technique when he had his opponents trapped between himself and the cage on the ground. He would trap one of his opponent's arm underneath their own body whilst grabbing the other loose wrist and controlling that before landing vicious ground-and-pound.

One technique that Demian Maia made famous was the body triangle whilst on his opponent's back. By maintaining and squeezing the body triangle, it disrupts your opponents breathing, and it's much more difficult to escape and slip out of, rather than the traditional hooks technique.

The Future of Grappling in MMA

The future of MMA grappling is very much in the hands of three fighters: Bo Nickal, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev. All three of these fighters have a grapple-heavy style, and although they are quite young in their MMA careers, they are all ranked very highly in their respective UFC weight classes.

After Rakhmonov's recent win over Ian Garry, he is now in line for a shot at the UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in 2025. Meanwhile, Bo Nickal and Khamzat Chimaev are most likely one more ranked win away from being given a number one contender shot, or a title shot themselves, meaning, 2025 and beyond could see the majority of UFC titles being held by fighters with expertise in wrestling and grappling, as opposed to striking.

SportsBoom Suggests 

SportsBoom suggests Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are the best MMA grapplers of all time because of their dominance in the UFC lightweight division with their Sambo style.

Charles Oliveira comes in at third even despite being the best submission artist in mixed martial arts history with his excellent Brazilian Jiu-jitsu skills.

Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre closely follow. Jones and St-Pierre's greatness is largely down to their grappling skills because they were able to dictate where the fight is fought at, which is a skill that is very rare even in modern day MMA.