Are These The Best MMA Strikers We've Ever Seen?

To become the best of the best in MMA, you need to have a whole host of skills. After all, mastering the likes of wrestling, kickboxing, karate, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo is just the beginning, with even some of the biggest names in the Octagon still learning how to perfect their skills.

However, there are certainly some who have stood above the rest, especially in certain areas. Are these the best MMA strikers we've ever seen? They just might be, but that doesn't mean they're entirely safe. After all, with some hot talent making their way into the Octagon in recent years, they might have to work hard if they want to hold onto their titles.

José Aldo is known as one of the most feared MMA fighters

Hailing from Brazil is none other than José Aldo, an MMA fighter who instantly became known for his incredible striking ability. Combining his epic hits with his powerful leg kicks has been more than enough to dismantle opponents, but that's not all. His speed and accuracy make Aldo one to watch in the Octagon, going down as one of the most feared opponents in the sport. As if that wasn't enough, Aldo is known for his fight-ending leg kicks, a legendary move that's gone down as one of the most effective techniques in MMA. Challenging records and championships is nothing new for Aldo, whose striking legacy will continue for years after he finally hangs up his gloves.

Alexander Volkanovski uses his former rugby skill perfectly in the ring

You don't get named Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski for nothing. This Australian champion has more than earned the title of one of the most elite strikers in MMA throughout his time in the wrong, largely thanks to the fact he's so powerful, precise, and can adapt to any situation he's in. Coming from professional rugby meant Volkanovski had more than enough strength and speed to get started in the Octagon, something he's put to good use as he shows off relentless pressure and powerful kicks. If there's one thing Volkanovski can do better than most, it's wear down his opponent with hit after hit after hit.

Conor McGregor uses boxing-inspired moves to show off his striking skills

Coming from Ireland is none other than the legend that is Cono McGregor. After all, when it comes to MMA fighters, he might be one of the most famous of them all. His knockout power more than made McGregor one to watch in the ring, with his precision timing only backing things up. His striking technique largely comes from a boxing-centered style, but McGregor's long reach means he puts all of his training to good use whenever he steps into the ring. Of course, taking the sport to higher mainstream levels and showing off his incredible striking skills have certainly helped McGregor go down as one of the best MMA strikers we've ever seen.

Israel Adesanya perfectly blends graceful moves with powerful strikes in the ring

Having an unbeaten MMA record isn't an easy feat, but it's something Israel Adesanya has done with ease. Amazingly, Adesanya has done something so many have tried and failed to create, as the MMA fighter perfectly blends traditional martial arts techniques with kickboxing. The result? Strikes that will more than take any opponent down. Plenty have likened Adesanya's fighting style to a dance, as it often seems like he's floating around the Octagon. However, when those match-ending strikes come out, it's a very different story.

Stephen Thompson is already inspiring a generation of new MMA fighters

He might be known as "Wonderboy," but Stephen Thompson has more than shown off his power and talent in the Octagon throughout the years. Coming from karate means Thompson has all he needs to take MMA by storm, and it's something he's done ever since. Being so accurate and having lightning-fast kicks already makes him one to watch, but when you combine this with Thompson's deceptive footwork, it makes it almost impossible for his opponents to keep up. As one of the leading strikers in the sport, Thompson's career is certainly one to watch as he continues to grow and inspire others.

Anderson Silva is widely regarded as one of the best MMA fighters ever

Being regarded as one of the best MMA fighters we've ever seen, it might be little wonder that Anderson Silva holds the title of one of the best strikes in the sport, too. After all, there's no one who can stand up to his striking prowess, with Silva spending his career showing off his precision, creativity, and cat-like reflexes. Combining a host of martial arts skills into one fighting style has undoubtedly paid off for Silva, making him a dangerous opponent in the ring. His impact on MMA is something no one will ever forget, with his striking power alone seeing the legend go down in history.

Are these the best MMA strikers we've ever seen? They just might be. While plenty are ready to take on those at the top, they have a lot to prove first.