Top MMA stand up strikers who avoid the ground

[RD'S Alias - 1A]

Ok, there has been lots of talk about avoiding the shoot, or defending against BJJ guys. Since MMA is really big now, and we finally have fighters of all persuasions, who are the TOP stand up fighters that are best at avoiding the take down, staying on thier feet and are able to win that way?

[sanjuro_ronin]

Besides the typical ones? ( Mirko, Chuck and so on...)

[RD'S Alias - 1A]

Yes, name them if possible, and include clips if you can.

Not all of us are super MMA fight fans to where we know all the obsessive details.

I am hoping to compile a list of good stand up fighters who are successful at avoiding the ground, and videos for everyone to study thier methods.

Maybe if we have a centralized source it will help those who are researching the subject and are looking for ideas to improve thier own anti takedown game.

If we can create a good source for that, maybe more Kung Fu guys will start entering the UFC or other MMA comps.

[MasterKiller]

Liddell and Cro Cop.

Cro Cop may have the best takedown defense in the world.

[street_fighter]

I am hoping to compile a list of good stand up fighters who are successful at avoiding the ground, and videos for everyone to study thier methods.

Maybe if we have a centralized source it will help those who are researching the subject and are looking for ideas to improve thier own anti takedown game.

If we can create a good source for that, maybe more Kung Fu guys will start entering the UFC or other MMA comps.

yeah, that sounds like a good use of your time. keep livin the dream.

[Vio]

Rampage
Allister Overeem
Chiek Kongo
Vanderlei Silva
Melvin Manhoef
Gomi

[sanjuro_ronin]

You should also get the best "take downers" so people can see what a real take down is suppose to look like.

[RD'S Alias - 1A]

You should also get the best "take downers" so people can see what a real take down is suppose to look like.

Reply]
Agreed.

Anyone have clips of these guys in action, defending takedown attempts?

[bodhitree]

I'm too lazy to find the clips myself, just go to youtube and look for

Matt Hughes
Mike Van Aresdale
Karo Parisyan Judo
wrestling in MMA
Kevin Randleman
Fedor
takedowns in mma
nastulo (sp?) paulo
Yoshida
Randy Couture

[Knifefighter]

BJ Penn has one of, if not the best, single leg takedowns in MMA.

What do all of the MMA guys who "avoid" the ground have in common?

They are also good on the ground.

[RD'S Alias - 1A]

What abut guys who are primarily strikers, who are good at defending the takedown and staying on thier feet? Are they all good on the ground?

[WinterPalm]

Look no further than Anderson Silva...best standup and great ground skills as well...maybe lacking a bit in the wrestling...but he is technically very sound and capable on the ground and standing up.

He is the ideal technician.

Here is a good video involving his takedown defense:

http://rapidshare.com/files/12439695...fontinelle.mpg

He also looks like Bruce Lee from Enter the Dragon both in terms of physique and shorts.

[Knifefighter]

What abut guys who are primarily strikers, who are good at defending the takedown and staying on thier feet? Are they all good on the ground?

Cro cop trains with one of the top BJJ fighters in the world and is at least a purple, if not brown belt, by now. Silva is a BJJ black belt.

All the wrestlers (Matt Hughes, Mike Van Aresdale, Kevin Randleman, Couture) have extensive ground backgrounds, as ground work plays at a big roll in all wrestling programs.

Karo Parisyan and Fedor both have Sambo backgrounds. Sambo has significant groundwork.

Pretty much all top MMA guys train hard on the ground, in addition to the other areas.

I'm pretty sure Anderson Silva is also a BJJ black belt.

[WinterPalm]

A Silva is definately a BJJ BB. The beauty of his style is that he is constantly going for the kill...whether it be strikes or submission attempts he doesn't stall and continues to bring it. That is what makes him ideal to watch.

[RD'S Alias - 1A]

You guys are missing the point here.

I am looking for guys who are primarily STANDUP fighters, who are good at keeping the fight standing up by avoiding the take down.

I don't really want to discuss BJJ specialists. Yes, I know *Everyone* does BJJ on some level, but I am more interested in guys who specifically avoid the ground, and win standing up.