The sport of mixed martial arts is that of the unexpected, disciplined, and more. Just as the sport offer variety, so do the fighters specific martial art. Today, we’ll be taking a look at which discipline holds up the best inside the cage.

5. Capoeira

Perhaps one of the most unique styles amongst this list, capoeira is the first martial art we’ll be taking a look at. Not very many fighters have used this, but amongst the crowd, Conor McGregor has popularized this the most, hands down. However, in terms of being useful in MMA, its tricky due it being difficult to actually pull off in a fight with a lot of risk involved.

4. Taekwondo

Taekwondo is another popular martial art that is utilized by many of the top athletes in the sport. Some familiar names that use taekwondo techniques are Anderson Silva, Anthony Pettis, Benson Henderson, and more. Taekwondo has many, many effective kicking techniques as well, and blends in with Muay Thai, with many fighters using both martial arts, such as Edson Barboza.

3. Kickboxing

Kickboxing perhaps has some of the best fundamentals when it comes to mixed martial arts. Perhaps one of the best fighters that presents kickboxing to a tee is heavyweight contender and multiple time K1 kickboxing champ, Alistair Overeem. Other notable fighters such as Stephen Thompson have had a successful career in kickboxing, going 57-0 in his career before transitioning into MMA.

2. Karate

Ah, one of the biggest staple martial arts, we’re taking a look at karate first. Fighters like Lyoto Machida popularized karate as a real threat in the sport of MMA, Karate has a new-found presence that It once did not have in MMA. Other fighters such as Stephen Thompson have made this a sought-after art to master as well. Other fighters such as UFC superstar, Conor McGregor have even implemented karate into their arsenal as well.

1. Muay Thai

This is one of the most popular martial arts practiced by many successful MMA fighters, such as UFC star, Jose Aldo, the former featherweight king. Fighters such as Edson Barboza also have a Muay Thai-based style. Barboza has some of the nastiest KO’s with kicks, and the “fundamentals” if you will, of Muay Thai may just make it one of the most effective styles for kicking in all of martial arts.

So, out of these martial arts, which one reigns supreme for kicking?