Mixed Martial Arts is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques. Both standing and on the ground from a variety of other combat sports and martial arts. Created the first regulated MMA league in the United States named Tough Guy Contest later renamed Battle of the Super fighters sanctioning ten tournaments in Pennsylvania.
MMA athletes tend to be some of the best conditioned athletes in the world and those in the UFC represent the top percentage of that group. MMA fans of course love a good scrap, but there’s something about watching a fighter who defies the logic of nutrition and physics. Whether it be with a near-perfect physique or the ability to overpower their opposition, these fighters are the most physically imposing competitors to step foot in the Octagon. Here you can see the list of Top 10 Most Physically Imposing Fighters in MMA history.
Top 10 Most Physically Imposing Fighters in MMA History
Hong Man Choi is a South Korean Kickboxer, Mixed Martial Artist and former serum wrestler. In Asia he is called “Che Man”. He currently competes in K-1 and Dream and stands 2.18m, weight 143 kg. On September 30, 2006, Choi fought Jérôme Le Banner in the final eliminations, and lost after 3 Rounds and 1 extra Round on points. Choi easily won his first mixed martial arts fight on K-1 Dynamite in Osaka. He decisively beat former TV star Bobby Ologun in just 16 seconds in what was considered a huge mismatch.
Bob The Beast Sapp has had a lengthy MMA career in Japan and it is due almost entirely to him being a physically imposing figue. His first match pitted him against pro wrestler and longtime Fighting Network RINGS competitor Yoshihisa Yamamoto who he finished by TKO at 2:44 of the first round. He did participate in 2007’s K-1 event in the Amsterdam Arena, fighting as a replacement for Remy Bonjasky, against Peter Aerts. Sapp lost the fight by KO within 20 seconds in the first round by a knee to the liver.
- Wagner Da Conceicao Martin
Wagner Da Conceicao Martins was born on 19 May 1978. He is better known as Zuluzinho. Zuluzinho holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under black belt Ricardo Ricardinho Bulldog Candido Gomes. Zuluzinho lacks in musculature and athleticism. He makes up for in pure mass. Who also serves as his MMA coach.
Paulo Cesar Da Silva was born on 21 July 1963. He is a Brazilian former national bastetball player for the Brazilian national basketball team and later Mixed Martial Artist and professional Wrestler. He better known by his ring name Giant Silva. In the mid- 90s Silva was a staple for Pride “freakshow”fights. Silva certainly is physically imposing.
Semmy Schilt was bron on 27 October 1973. He is a Dutch former Ashihara Karateka, Kickboxer of Mixed Martial Artist. One time Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam Champion and four time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. Schilt is the most decorated Heavyweight kickboxer in history having won five major tournaments. He is widely regarded as one of the division’s all-time greats.
Brock Lesnar is the most athletic. He had to cut weight to make the 256 lbs heavyweight limit. Not just big boned and large, lesnar has cartoon style muscles that make average men tremble. Lesnar made his debut with the promotion in an event titled UFC 81:Breaking Point against former UFC Heavyweight Champion. Lesnar was wearing 4XL gloves for the fight making him the second man in Nevad’s combat sports history to wear such gloves after Choi Hong Man.
Tim Sylvia is a retired American Mixed Martial Arts fighter professional wrestler and former two time Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. He was born on 5 March 1974. Sylvia was known for his striking abilities and knockout power, with most of his wins coming by way of TKO/KO and at 6’8 he often used his massive size and reach advantage. When he ruled the division there was littler his opposition could do to handle his size. Sylvia is one of the most successful heavyweight champions in history.
Antonio Carlos Silva was born on 14 September 1979. He is a Brazillian mixed martial who competes in the heavyweight division of the UFC and previously at super heavyweight. He is a former EliteXC Heavyweight Champion a former Cage Rage World Heavyweight Champion and a former Cage Warriors Heavyweight Champion. Silva has an obviously large build with enormous features making him a scary sight to behold. Silva is the perfect size for the 265 lbs heavyweight limit. Cutting weight to make the limit he walks into the cage around 280 lbs.
Kimo Lepoldo in the ninth number of the list top 10 most physically imposing fighters in MMA history. Kimo Leopoldo was born on 4 January 1968. He is retired American mixed martial artist. He made his MMA debut at UFC 3 in 1994 losing to Royce Gracie by submission. He sports many religious tattoos and entered the arena at UFC carrying a large cross on his back. Kimo Leopoldo was a true heavyweight who would be a relatively imposing figure.
Kenneth Wayne Ken Shamrock was born on 11 February 1964. He is an American mixed martial artist Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer and professional wrestler. He famous the Nick name “The World’s Most Dangerous Man”. Heavyweight competitors were often out of shape sluggers with littler technique. In the early days of the MMA ken Shamrock looked like a monster. Shamrock had technique and could fight in prominent matchups, but had the body-builder type physique and size that made him much more physically imposing that many of his opponents.
