ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JULY 12: In this handout image provided by UFC, (R-L) Max Holloway punches Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in their UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
We take a look at some of the best boxers that have graced the UFC octagon, and pick some of our favorites – here is who the best boxer in the UFC is
Boxing remains one of the most fundamental skillsets a fighter must possess in a mixed martial arts ruleset. While every fight and round begins on the feet, boxing has been a primordial requisite in an MMA setting. During his fight against Calvin Kattar, Max Holloway entered invincible zone as he peppered his opponent with boxing shots, and yelled at the commentary booth, ‘I am the best boxer in the UFC’. But who is the best boxer to fight in the UFC?
Much like wrestling, boxing is one of the most important skillsets and base to have in MMA. Establishing a boxing range might get challenging, but having your fundamentals on fleek can open up opportunities at the right moment that fighters can capitalize on. Regardless of that, one can secure unblemished footwork, and immaculate defense by putting in boxing rounds.
A good sparring exposure in boxing can also improve a fighter’s cardiovascular abilities, and chin conditioning. Boxing remains one of the most physically tiring aspect in a training regime, and it would be a brick short of a load if fighters neglect that aspect. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite boxers from the UFC.
One of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Anderson Silva left the sport in 2020, after losing three fights in a row, and quickly transitioned to boxing. Silva is widely regarded as a pioneer of the sport having held the middleweight title for nearly seven years, amassing 10 title defenses, and accumulating numerous records and accolades inside the promotion. Silva has been impressing everyone with his boxing proficiency and at 47 yrs old, he still remains a viable threat.
Anderson Silva began as a Muay Thai fighter, who had slick submission skills thanks to his black belt in jiu-jitsu. However, it was his ambidextrous adroitness in boxing is what separated him from the rest. Silva showed intangible boxing defense, reminiscent of the great Muhammad Ali in his prime.
In his fight against Forest Griffin, the Spider stifled him with his adroit defense that left Griffin aiming for thin air. Silva would lure opponents into hitting him by creating a phantasmal sequence, and when they charged to attack, he would slip out and counter with needle-like precision.
His unorthodox ‘cobwebs in the air’ distraction and bewitching mind games would stupefy his rivals, and he has carried the same approach in his boxing endeavors quite successfully.
Although Volkanovski beat Max Holloway on both occasion when they last fought, there are still some doubts in the minds of many people, who believe that Holloway won both the fights. The trilogy fight will determine once and for all the featherweight GOAT, since both fighters are at the top of this conversation.
Holloway is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the game, and self-acclaimed best boxer in MMA. Holloway fights out of Hawaii, a land known for glow pulses of lava, searing heat clashes with water cold enough to freeze, powerful waves that sculpt the shoreline. It is also known for producing some of the most fearsome warriors in the history of this sport.
Hawaiian fighters are a combination of American swagger and technique, mixed with Mexican fighting spirit and toughness. Popular for the welcoming ‘Aloha’ spirit they can switch up and reach out for their warrior spirit within, and never shy away from a fist-fight.
Holloway embodies the spirit of Hawaii, and comes to fight with everything he has every time he fights. He has an iron chin, and unbreakable will.
Holloway utilizes a wide boxing stance, one of the best in the games. He approaches a fight similar to another fighter on the list Nick Diaz- instead of hitting opponents with everything in the gas tank and closing it out in early rounds, he peppers them with an avalanche of shots and approaches the fight as a five-rounder. The overwhelming assault becomes too much to take, leaving opponents breathless. Holloway has entered many contests without sparring a single round, something which is unheard in MMA.
In today’s MMA landscape, Petr Yan has emerged as one of the most complete fighters the world has ever seen. A Master of Sports in boxing, Yan transitioned into MMA almost effortlessly. Although his fighting style is based around the rudimentary fundamentals of boxing, he has induced crisp kick-boxing and domineering grappling abilities into his arsenal.
Yan’s boxing skills inside the octagon are second to none. His attacks are based on a high guard Mexican stance, but he also parries shots, and loads counters almost effortlessly. He never wastes any movement in the cage, and is always thinking two steps ahead of his opponents. In addition to his peerless skills, he also has ice in his veins when it comes to fighting, thanks to his champion mindset and infrangible will.
Dustin Poirier and Jorge Masvidal have hailed Yan as a fighter that they look up to. He is one of those fighters who is never caught out of position, and everything including his hand placement, stance, vision, and approach is textbook boxing.
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