The 10 best submission grapplers in MMA history according to Scrap Digest
Who do you think the best submission grapplers of all-time are in MMA history? Which grapplers are the best to compete in the cage?
Grapplers are a unique bunch in mixed martial arts due to their ability to take a fight to the ground and win. Here's Scrap Digest's top 10 list of who they think are the best grapplers to compete in MMA:
10. Jake Shields: Shields does a great job of combining BJJ and wrestling. He's an explosive fighter with 12 submission wins under his belt.
9. Ronda Rousey: An Olympian medalist and UFC champion, Rousey is Hall of Fame material in the world of MMA. Rousey achieved victory by submitting 9 of her opponents out of her 12 wins.
8. Shinya Aoki: Aoki is known for his intensity and aggression in competition. This world-class fighter has black belts in BJJ and judo.
7. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: Nogueira is one of only four fighters to win championships in UFC and Pride.
6. Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza: Known as 'Jacare' in the BJJ world, Souza has an effective kimura and has been a Strikeforce champion.
5. Fabricio Werdum: Werdum is a 4-time BJJ world champ and has a black belt in judo. He's a formidable grappler and knows what it takes to win in ADCC, IBJFF, and MMA.
4. Rickson Gracie: 11 of Rickson's fights ended with him winning by submission. He's a legend in the grappling community and will forever be regarded as one of the best to ever compete in both MMA and grappling.
3. Kazushi Sakuraba: Also known as the Gracie killer, Sakuraba is an absolute legend in MMA history. He had superior grappling defense and demonstrated a high fighting IQ throughout the course of his professional fighting career.
2. Royce Gracie: If you don't know who Royce is then you can't call yourself a true fan of MMA. Royce showed the world the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by defeating fighters significantly bigger and stronger than him.
1. Demian Maia: 13 of Maia's 27 wins are via submission. His ability to control the fight using his grappling skills are undeniable.
Is there anyone on this list who you would have never included? Who is on your top 10 list? Let us know in the comments below!