Anderson Silva and the 5 Most Creative Fighters in MMA

Spinning hook kicks, flying triangles, double jumping roundhouse kicks.  No, this isn't a Jet Li movie, but actual techniques used inside the cage. 

Over the years, the MMA world has seen many electrifying, creative talents that use seemingly impossible moves to not only excite crowds, but devastate their opponents. Here are the top five fighters who put the “art” back into mixed martial arts. 

5. Shinya Aoki

Aokiplata

The current DREAM Lightweight Champion has some of the craziest submission victories on his résumé.  Using his unorthodox brand of BJJ, Aoki has tapped out renowned fighters such as current Bellator champ Eddie Alvarez and Strikeforce top contender, Tatsuya Kwajiri. 

One of his most exciting submissions came when he fought Joachim Hansen at PRIDE Shockwave 2006.  In the first round, he caught the Norwegian with what is widely considered the first successful gogoplata in MMA history.  Not to be content with just your everyday gogoplata, Aoki tapped Katsuhiko Nagata at DREAM 4 with what fans have dubbed the “Aokiplata,” a variation on the move. 

Aoki is truly one of the most exciting grapplers in the sport today.

4. Anthony Pettis

Showtime Kick

We all know about the Showtime kick that won Anthony Pettis the last WEC Lightweight belt against Ben Henderson.  But that was just one of many insane moves that this Duke Rufus product has thrown in the cage. 

At WEC 50, “Showtime” showed off his capoeira skills against Shane Roller, posting up on one arm and kicking Roller in the face.   That came only a few months after a sick high roundhouse rendered Danny Castillo unconscious.  His unorthodox striking and slick grappling will keep opponents on their toes for years to come.

3. Genki Sudo

Genki Sudo Highlights

Genki Sudo was one of the most entertaining fighters of his day.  Choreographing elaborate dance routines before each match, Sudo would dance during the fight as well, baffling opponents by doing the robot before flying into a crazy takedown or submission.

The “Neo Samurai” is best known for his crushing spinning backfists, knocking out the likes of Korean Jin-Woo Kim at the 2002 K-1 Challenge.   With outstanding submission victories over Nate Marquardt and Mike Brown, Sudo decided to call it quits after submitting Damacio Page in 2006.  Fans will remember this eccentric fighter not only for his antics, but his dominance in the cage as well. 

2. Jon Jones

Jon Jones Highlights

The newly minted UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion is no doubt one of the most exciting fighters to enter the octagon in years.  It seems every fight, he throws spinning elbows, spinning back kicks and flying knees—and lands them.  These funky moves gave Shogun Rua a beatdown at UFC 128.

What’s more insane is that, at just 23 years old, he is still learning and growing in the sport.  

1. Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva KO's Yushin Okami from Bottom Guard

Before there was Jon Jones, there was “The Spider”.  Considered the top pound for pound fighter in the world, Silva has many highlights to his credit, even his loses. 

In his disqualification loss to Yushin Okami at Rumble on the Rock 8, Silva knocked out Okami with a cresent kick while still in the guard.  That’s just unreal.  And against Tony Frykland at Cage Rage 16, he threw a straight elbow—like a jab—for the KO. 

Whether it's walking back and KOing Forrest Griffin, or pulling out a last minute triangle armbar on Chael Sonnen, Anderson Silva always comes out and surprises fans.  He truly embodies what it means to be the champion.