It is believed that wrestling is the best base for MMA. However, there are many cases when basic strikers perfectly adjusted their style to MMA, acquired the necessary wrestling skills and eventually achieved great heights in mixed martial arts. In today’s article, we will talk about the basic representatives of boxing who have successfully performed or will perform in MMA in the near future.
Raphael Butler
Rafael came to MMA straight from professional boxing, where he had a good record (35-12). In 2010, at the age of 26, he decided to try himself as a mixed martial arts fighter and won several victories in a row, while continuing to perform in the professional ring. In 2012, he finally retired from boxing and focused on MMA. A year later, a major American promotion, Bellator, signed a contract with Butler, of which he is a fighter to this day. In Bellator, Butler managed to win 4 victories and was defeated 2 times. He skillfully adjusted his boxing style to MMA and had a noticeable advantage in the stance. His overall record in MMA is 9-2. See the schedule of upcoming fights at 234fight.com.
Alexander Gustafsson
Before coming to MMA, Alexander performed in amateur boxing for a long time, where in 2003 he achieved the title of champion of Sweden. Boxing skills have become one of the main “trump cards” of the Swedish athlete. He kept his distance well and moved on his feet. Gustafsson has repeatedly become a contender for the UFC light heavyweight belt. In the standing position, he caused serious problems to the once best p4p fighter – Jon Jones and almost inflicted his first defeat.
Holly Holm
Multiple WBF, IBF and WBAN world boxing champion – Holly Holm is one of the brightest representatives of boxing in MMA. Holly started trying her hand at MMA back in 2011, and had several successful fights. In 2012, she triumphantly completed her boxing career and fully focused on MMA. After 7 successful fights in this sport, Holly signed a contract with the UFC in 2014. Already in 2015, Holm became the champion of the best MMA promotion, sensationally knocking out Ronda Rousey.
Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is rightfully considered one of the best strikers in the UFC. In martial arts, Conor began his career in boxing and for a long time acted as an amateur. After some time, he was inspired by the idea of a career in MMA, where he became one of the most popular and highly paid fighters. McGregor became a two-weight UFC champion and impressed many martial arts fans with his punching technique.
Petr Yan
The current UFC champion in the lightest weight category, Petr Yan, has been boxing for a long time and has achieved the honorary title of master of sports in this discipline. In MMA, Peter was brought by a combination of circumstances and financial difficulties. At first, Yang used only his advantage in boxing skills, but with each new fight, he began to add in other aspects of the fight. For 6 years, Peter has come a long way from an amateur boxer to one of the best MMA fighters, regardless of weight.
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