In MMA, the leg kick is an attack that is used to weaken the opponent and slow them safely out of range. They are arguably one of the most exciting and effective attacks in the sport. There are a lot of leg kickers in the UFC, but only a few greats know how to use them to the best of their abilities. A good leg kick lands with a thumping sound and the use of the leg that was struck may be immediately disrupted. Good leg kickers weave this strike into combinations and force fighters to consider this strike as one of their most dangerous weapons in their arsenal. Lets have a look at the 10 best leg kickers in UFC history.
10) Pat Barry
Pat Barry is famously known for being the trainer and fiance of UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas. “HD” had his own UFC career as well as a kickboxing career. Barry didn’t have a very successful MMA career, but he was a great heavyweight and would rely on heavy leg kicks throughout his career. He has a total of four professional victories via leg kick TKO in his professional MMA and kickboxing career.
9) Edson Barboza
Edson Barboza is one of the most talented fighters in the UFC. Barboza is known for throwing hard-swinging leg kicks. His speed and ability to throw combinations ending in leg kicks make him a formidable matchup for anyone in his division. “Junior” has scored two stoppage wins via leg kicks, including his fight with Rafaello Oliveira. The fight against Oliveira was stopped as the Brazilian was no longer able to use his left leg.
8) Alex Perez
Alex Perez, who rose up the ranks as a UFC flyweight contender, is known for delivering stunning leg kicks. “Zebra Kid” is a tough matchup for anyone in his division, as he brings an excellent wrestling game and some of the best leg kicks in the match. He defeated Jussier Formiga at UFC 250 via TKO with his incredible leg kick strikes. Alex also earned Performance of the Night for that fight.
7) Jon Jones
Jon Jones is one of the most incredible MMA fighters in UFC history. He has great abilities to strike from longer ranges. Jones takes every possible advantage of his opponent until they can retaliate. He uses leg kicks and popularized a unique leg kick called the oblique kick. The purpose of placing the foot downward on the front knee was to extend the knee more. His leg-kick dominance can be seen in his bouts against Thiago Santos and Mauricio Rua.
6) Jose Aldo
Jose Aldo was a football player during his teen years and before entering the MMA world. That’s the reason why he has some of the fastest and most dangerous leg kicks in the sport today. “Junior Mac” has had an impressive MMA career and has scored 17 of his 31 wins via knockouts. Aldo won a few knockout matches through his amazing leg-kick abilities. He defeated Chad Mendes at UFC 172 via an impressive knee knockout.
5) Forrest Griffin
Forrest Griffin began his MMA career in 2001, fought in various promotions like RSF, IFC and then finally entered the UFC in 2005. Griffin amassed a professional record of 19 wins and 7 losses during his career. The Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was an incredible leg kicker. His fight against one of the most feared Shogun Rua is proof of how amazing a leg kicker he is. Griffin revolutionized the use of leg kicks as a tool to help win fights.
4) Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje is one of the most amazing MMA fighters in the history of the sport. The best part about him is that he either ends the fight by knocking his opponent or by dragging them and drawing under pressure. Gaethje’s most powerful and useful skill is his leg kick. “The Highlight” has great flexibility that allows him to throw hard leg kicks from very close range. Gaethje uses his efficient kicks to break his opponent’s will.
3) George St. Pierre
The legendary UFC fighter George St. Pierre is one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. He brought an incredible amount of technique and understanding of the sport that no other fighter could keep up with. GSP was known for using combinations that were difficult to counter and effective. One of his most effective combinations that can be seen in his many fights is the Superman jab to the outside leg kick. This was the major part of his moves and made him nearly invincible.
2) Israel Adesanya
Israel Adesanya is not only one of the most incredible MMA fighters but also one of the best leg kickers in the UFC. His leg kicks are more accurate than most of the fighters, which makes him a stunning leg striker. During his fight against Yoel Romero at UFC 248, “The Last Stylebender” landed 25 leg kicks, leaving his opponent’s leg covered with bruises and bumps, making it difficult for Romero to even walk after the fight.
1) Pedro Rizzo
Rizzo began his professional MMA career in 1996 and soon entered the UFC. He fought in the promotion from 1998 to 2003 and was known for throwing heavy leg kicks that could end fights in an instant. Pedro scored 15 out of his 20 wins through knockouts during his professional career. He actually made a video series on how to perform leg kicks effectively in MMA.
Also Read: 10 Best African MMA Fighters In UFC History
