Unveiling the legends: Discover the best Asian MMA fighters of all time who have made a significant impact in the world of mixed martial arts. From Weili Zhang to Kazushi Sakuraba, these fighters have showcased their skills and achievements in the octagon.
| Fighter | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Weili Zhang | Current and two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion |
| Chang Sung Jung | Popularly known as ‘The Korean Zombie,’ gained popularity for his ability to endure heavy blows |
| Dong Hyun Kim | Competed in the UFC and had several memorable fights, including bouts against Nate Diaz and Damian Maia |
| Yoshihiro Akiyama | Widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian fighters of all time |
| Kazushi Sakuraba | Known as the ‘Gracie Hunter,’ holds victories over 15 champions from different top MMA organizations |
| Song Yadong | Rising star in the Bantamweight division of the UFC |
These fighters have made a significant impact in the world of mixed martial arts, showcasing their skills and achievements in the octagon.
Asia has been the birthplace of some of the most popular martial art forms and has produced a host of talented fighters in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). While the Western world may dominate the MMA scene today, it’s important to recognize the legends hailing from Asia who have made a significant impact in the octagon. In this article, we unveil the best Asian MMA fighters of all time, showcasing their achievements and contributions to the sport.
Weili Zhang
Regarded as one of the best female fighters of all time, Weili Zhang is the current and two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion. She holds the record for being the first-ever Chinese and East Asian UFC champion. Before making her mark in the UFC, Zhang competed in the China-based kickboxing promotion Kunlun Fight, where she became the KLF Women’s Strawweight Champion in 2017. Zhang is a true inspiration for aspiring Asian fighters.
Chang Sung Jung
Popularly known as ‘The Korean Zombie,’ Chang Sung Jung put South Korea on the map of MMA. Competing in the Featherweight division of the UFC, Jung gained popularity for his ability to endure heavy blows and continue fighting. He has also competed in other promotions such as the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), Pancrase, World Victory Road, and DEEP.
Dong Hyun Kim
Dong Hyun Kim, another Korean legend of the sport, made a name for himself in the Japanese promotion DEEP and the South Korean promotion Spirit MC. He later joined the UFC and had several memorable fights, including bouts against Nate Diaz, Damian Maia, Colby Covington, and Tyrone Woodley. Kim’s MMA career has solidified his status as one of the best Asian fighters of all time.
Yoshihiro Akiyama
Yoshihiro Akiyama, a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka of Korean descent, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian fighters of all time. Akiyama’s accomplishments include winning the gold medal in judo at the 2001 Asian Championships representing South Korea and the gold medal in the same sport at the 2002 Asian Games representing Japan. He has competed in various promotions, including K-1 HERO and the UFC.
Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba, known as the ‘Gracie Hunter,’ has made a name for himself in the MMA world. He has defeated several members of the renowned Gracie family and holds victories over 15 champions from different top MMA organizations. Sakuraba has competed in promotions such as the UFC, PRIDE Fighting Championships, Hero’s, and Dream. He is also the founder of the submission wrestling promotion Quintet.
Song Yadong
Song Yadong, a rising star in the Bantamweight division of the UFC, represents the new generation of Asian fighters. With impressive wins against Marlon Vera and Marlon Moraes, Yadong has showcased his skills and potential in the octagon. Nicknamed ‘The Kung Fu Kid,’ Yadong continues to climb the ranks in the UFC.
These are just a few of the many Asian MMA fighters who have left a lasting impact on the sport. Their dedication, skills, and achievements have paved the way for future generations of fighters from Asia to make their mark in the world of MMA.
