Highlights

• Judo is a prominent combat discipline in MMA, with fighters like Karo Parisyan showcasing its effectiveness.
• Dong Hyun Kim, a feared black belt in Judo, used his takedowns and ground game to achieve success in the UFC.
• Judo skills have been instrumental in the careers of fighters like Yoshihiro Akiyama, Fabricio Werdum, and Kayla Harrison.

There are many disciplines used in mixed martial arts. The very nature of MMA primarily relies on the fluid mixture of multiple forms of combat to enhance competition.

Judo is one of the most prominent forms of combat used in mixed martial arts. There have been many notable fighters whose backgrounds in Judo have led to significant success in MMA. Judo utilizes throwing techniques and takedowns to secure a favorable position over your opponent.

Japanese martial arts continues to grow in popularity due to its use in the UFC. Here are some of the best UFC fighters to incorporate Judo in their fights.

10 Karo Parisyan Is A Former WEC Welterweight Champion

Karo Holds Wins Over Nick Diaz and Josh Koscheck

This list would not be complete without mentioning Armenia's Karo Parisyan. The former UFC welterweight contender is a black belt in Judo and a 10-time world champion in professional competition. He compiled a 9-4 UFC record and defeated notable combatants such as Matt Sera, Nick Diaz, and Chris Lytle.

Parisyan was a powerful Judo practitioner, capable of dominating his opponents with throws and takedowns during his prime. His UFC career never amounted to much in the grand scheme of things, but it is worth noting that at one point he was scheduled to face UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes before an injury pulled him from the card. He would never hit such heights again.

9 Dong Hyun Kim Had The First UFC Spinning Elbow Knockout

One Of The Most Feared Black Belts In The MMA World

8 Yoshihiro Akiyama Was Known For His Judo Takedowns

A Fighter Who Captivates Audiences Inside The Octagon And On The Silver Screen

Yoshihiro Akiyama had already established himself as a combat sports superstar in Asia before joining the UFC. The Japanese native holds two gold medals in the Judo competition and 15 wins in mixed martial arts.

Despite a relatively unsuccessful career in the UFC, Akiyama's Judo pedigree is undeniable. Even in his losses, he would usually display some incredible judo throws like in his matches against Chris Leben and Jake Shields.

7 Fabricio Werdum Is Better Known For His Jiu-Jitsu

He Is Also A Black Belt In Judo

Fabricio Werdum is well-known for his skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However, he also holds a black belt in Judo and used his Judo skills to complement his high-level grappling.

The former UFC heavyweight champion dominated opponents on the ground using his slick submission skills, ground and control, and fluid movement. He had victories over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Roy Nelson, and Cain Velasquez. Nowadays, Werdum is out of the UFC and competing in the sport of bare-knuckle fighting.

6 Yushin Okami Used Judo To Takedown Anderson Silva

One Of The Best Ground And Pound Fighters In The MMA World

Yushin Okami was arguably the most successful Japanese fighter in UFC history. The former top-ranked UFC middleweight boasted a dominant submission game and powerful ground control.

He holds a black belt in Judo and defeated Nate Marquardt, Mark Munoz, and Alan Belcher throughout his UFC career.

5 Vitor Belfort Was A Judoka Specialist

Belfort Was A Well-Rounded Fighter

It is easy to forget how good Vitor Belfort was on the ground. The former UFC champion spent most of the second half of his career knocking out his opponents rather than grappling them.

Belfort holds a black belt in Judo and used his ground game consistently early in his career to beat his opponents into submission. He had victories over Wanderlei Silva, Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson. He even used a straight armbar to almost defeat Jon Jones at UFC 152, which would have been one of the most shocking wins in MMA history.

4 Valentina Shevchenko Uses Her Judo More Than Most

'The Bullet' Loves Judo Takedowns

Valentina Shevchenko is widely considered the second-greatest female mixed martial artist of all time. The Russian native is an extraordinary talent whose striking and ground game are equally impressive.

The current women's UFC flyweight champion has defended her belt six consecutive times and holds a black belt in Judo. Shevchenko is specifically good at securing takedowns using her powerful throws. After securing a takedown, she utilizes powerful ground and pound or submissions to get her opponents to quit early and often. Expect her to continue her dominance until a worthy challenge presents itself.

3 Khabib Nurmagomedov Struggled With Judo

'The Eagle' Struggled To Transition From Wrestling To Judo Training As A Teen

Khabib Nurmagomdeov holds a black belt in Judo and an International Master of Sport in Judo. The former UFC lightweight champion is considered one of the most dominant grapplers in MMA history and for good reason.

He secured 11 wins by submission and holds the record for most takedowns landed in UFC history at 21. If Khabib was able to grab hold of his opponent, it would only be a matter of time until the fight would go to the ground. Nurmagomedov will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history.

2 Ronda Rousey Put Judo On The Map

Ronda Rousey Was A Trailblazer In The World Of Women's MMA

It took a special kind of talent and personality to truly elevate Judo in the world of mixed martial arts. That athlete came in the form of Ronda Rousey whose Judo abilities were of the highest level.

The former women's UFC bantamweight champion holds a 6th Dan black belt in Judo and has defended her UFC title six consecutive times. Her ability to throw opponents into unfavorable positions and secure a submission was legendary, to say the least. Rousey is considered one of the greatest UFC stars and Judo practitioners in MMA history.

1 Kayla Harrison Is The Greatest Judoka To Compete In MMA

Harrison Is A World Champion Judoka

Kayla Harrison made her UFC debut against Holly Holm at UFC 300. Her achievements include winning at the 2010 World Judo Championships, as well as securing gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport's most formidable competitors. Additionally, Harrison showcased her mastery at the Pan American Games, claiming gold in both 2011 and 2015. Her success as a judoka in the PFL further cementing her legacy as a judo icon.