Best MMA athletes with grappling skills

Islam Makhachev is recognized as Tapology's number one grappler in 2026, showcasing a complete grappling package rooted in Dagestani wrestling and Sambo. His methodical approach, positional control, and relentless ground pressure make him a dominant force in MMA.

Charles Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission wins and attempts, demonstrating an unmatched variety of submission techniques. His aggressive ground game and willingness to attack submissions in transition make him one of the most dangerous grapplers in the sport.

Ilia Topuria, ranked number two on Tapology's best grapplers list, possesses elite Greco-Roman wrestling skills and an impenetrable takedown defense. His ground-and-pound finishing ability from top position makes him a significant threat, often underestimated due to his striking.

Arman Tsarukyan is an elite wrestler known for his aggressive takedowns and smothering top control, making fights incredibly difficult for his opponents. His high-level grappling was evident in his close contest against Islam Makhachev, showcasing his ability to challenge the best.

Sean Brady is a welterweight with elite wrestling skills, consistently winning grappling exchanges and creating takedown opportunities. His ability to maintain top control against strikers makes him a reliable grappling-based threat in his division.

Alexandre Pantoja, the current Flyweight champion, utilizes relentless takedowns and top pressure to neutralize opponents. His consistent submission threats from top position make him a dominant grappling-based fighter in the flyweight division.

Anthony Hernandez is a middleweight with five UFC submission wins across diverse techniques, making him deceptively dangerous from back position. His underestimated submission threats contribute to his effectiveness as a grappler.

Caio Borralho is a fast-rising middleweight with elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a grappling-heavy game, complementing his wrestling with submission ability. His capacity to create finishing threats from every position makes him a dangerous grappler.

Merab Dvalishvili is an elite freestyle wrestler with the highest takedown volume in the UFC, consistently taking down every opponent he has faced. His relentless pace and takedown ability make him a formidable grappler who can control and wear down opponents.

Mackenzie Dern is the current UFC Women's Strawweight Champion and a highly decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, holding multiple world titles. Her unparalleled grappling skills and record for submission wins in the strawweight division make her a dangerous puzzle for any opponent.

Ryan Hall is a 3rd-degree BJJ black belt and a bronze medalist at the ADCC World Championship, widely regarded as one of the best lightweight submission grapplers. His unique and highly effective leg lock entries make him a constant threat on the ground.

Glover Teixeira, a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and 2nd-degree BJJ black belt, holds records for most finishes and submissions in his division. Despite being a veteran, his grappling skills, particularly his chokes, remain highly effective and difficult to defend.