Here is a list of the most commonly used styles in UFC and a brief description of each.
Boxing – a combat sport and martial art where the fists are used as the main and only weapon. This “sweet science,” as referred to by its practitioners, uses elaborate and highly technical footwork to compliment their punches.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – A derivative of the Japanese jujutsu (with some confusions of this as judo). This martial arts style was brought into Brazil by Mitsudo Maeda and now has three main branches all rooting from Maeda: Gracie Humaita, Gracie Barra, and Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu emphasizes the use of ground fighting techniques and the use of submission locks.
Wrestling – an ancient combat sport and fighting system that focuses on grappling techniques especially on clinches, submission locks, throws, and grappling bouts. Wrestling is perhaps the oldest sport in the world. It has many international disciplines including Greco-Roman wrestling, submission wrestling, combat grappling, bench wrestling, and sambo.
Jiu-Jitsu – an ancient martial art that includes weapons training, throws, submissions, and locks. Much like most of the Eastern martial arts styles, jiu-jitsu also has a shrouded history.
Judo – Judo means “gentle way.” It is a modern Japanese combat sport founded in 1882 by Dr. Kano Jigoro. In this sport, the competitors seek to immobilize or subdue his opponent by using throws, submission locks, and grappling maneuvers. Striking is not allowed in competitive Judo.
Karate – is a name used to refer to a wide range of ancient martial arts style originating from Japan. Some of the popular styles of Karate are Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Kenpo. Most of its fundamentals are recorded in the Bubishi, which is referred to by many as the bible of Karate.
Muay-Thai – A Siamese martial arts that emphasizes the use of knees to defeat one’s opponent.
Kung Fu – is an ambiguous term used to refer to hundreds of martial arts styles that originated in China. Most of the Kung Fu styles are based on the movements of animals and insects such as Northern and Southern Praying Mantis Style, Tai Chi Chuan, Choy Li Fut, Eagle Claw, Monkey Style, Drunken Style, and many more.
Tae Kwon Do – is the national combat sport of Korea whose history can be traced back in the time of the three rival kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. The focus of this sport is in kicking although some punching techniques are employed in this sport.

