The UFC, as a combat sport we know today, was originally conceived to identify the most effective martial arts in a no-weight division and minimal rules contest. The most prevalent styles in the promotion include boxing, wrestling, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, among others. Later on, Dana White’s revolutionary sport he helped grew to a $4 billion asset oversaw the incorporation of various martial arts by fighters. Often, a blend of different styles is also on display, such as Jake Shields’ American Jiu-jitsu. Significantly, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emerged as an essential among MMA fighters. In addition, BJJ also propelled many superstars to the pedestal of the UFC. To illustrate, one must not look further than the recently retired Glover Teixeira, who is a 2nd-degree black belt. Not to mention that stars like Conor McGregor, Khamzat Chimaev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira also hold a BJJ belt.

The ranking system in BJJ includes a tier that starts with a white belt and the highest attainable level is the red belt. Therefore, the hierarchy is white<blue<purple<brown<coral<red<black.

Notably, according to Sebastian Rivera of Vivid Seats, wrestling produces the maximum number of UFC champions. And, BJJ follows it in a close second position.

Khamzat Chimaev and his BJJ belt rank

The welterweight fighter is a purple belt holder in BJJ. Besides, ‘Borz’ is a predominant wrestler and his credentials include being a 3x national freestyle wrestling champion.

Markedly, the Swede is 6-0 in his brief UFC stint and still maintains an unblemished 12-0 record. Also, the Chechen fighter amassed the record of the fastest three-fight winning streak in modern UFC history (66 days) due to his prolific fighting acumen.

Conor McGregor and his BJJ belt rank

The Irishman is a brown belt holder in BJJ. Training under coach John Kavanagh, the ‘Notorious’, is famous for employing his slick boxing skills and thus holds deadly punch combos. Therefore, it is no surprise that his 19 career victories, out of a total of 22, came via T/KO.

‘Mystic Mac’ notoriously attained the status of ‘champ champ’ in the UFC after he defeated Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in 2016.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and his BJJ belt rank

‘The Eagle’ is a white belt holder in BJJ. However, the Russian fighter has honed skills in various other martial arts. Thus, the Dagestani fighter is an International Master of Sport in judo, sambo, army hand-to-hand combat, and Pankration.

Hence, it was a no-brainer when the American Kickboxing Academy product claimed the top spot in the lightweight division food chain. However, after his title defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Khabib retired with an undefeated record of 29-0,

Charles Oliveira and his BJJ belt rank

The Brazilian fighter is a 3rd-degree black belt holder in BJJ. ‘do Bronx’ trained in BJJ since the young age of 12, and eventually became CBJJE South American champion, world champion, and FPJJ Sao Paulo state champion.

The impressive results in BJJ continued until his transition to MMA in 2007. Following this, Oliviera decided to join the Macaco Gold Team under the tutelage of Jorge Patino, who also awarded the Sao Paulo fighter his black belt.

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Not only did Oliviera become the UFC champion, but achieved the record for most submission wins in the promotion’s history.

Dustin Poirier and his BJJ belt rank

‘The Diamond’ is a black belt holder in BJJ. But, the American fighter has gained a reputation as a gifted technical boxer. Known for his proficiency and shifting punching style, Poirier got his hand raised in fights against strikers like Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Eddie Alvarez.

What do you think of the BJJ rank of these UFC superstars like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor? Do you also agree that having a BJJ belt is an essential skill required to excel in the UFC? Let us know in the comments below.

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