Best Grapplers Turned Strikers in MMA

In mixed martial arts' heyday, fighters only specialized in one style or aspect of fighting.

Grapplers had the advantage early on, as most MMA fighters had never seen or heard of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Fighters today are more well rounded than their predecessors, forcing up and comers and veterans alike to evolve.

Many grapplers have had to work on their stand-up so that they could compete outside of the ground game.

Here are the five best grapplers that have made the transition to formidable strikers.

Frankie Edgar

UFC Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar started off as just a wrestler, having a solid collegiate and high school wrestling career.

Edgar has a deep background with the sport, even serving as a coach on the Rutgers University wrestling team.

Starting off as a smothering wrestler, Edgar has evolved a very good stand-up game, recently knocking out Gray Maynard and out-striking another fighter on this list to take the title.

Urijah Faber

Former WEC Featherweight champion Urijah Faber came into the sport as a very skilled grappler.

Faber possessed a solid wrestling background and an advanced level of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Over time, Faber added a great striking game with his fast hands and hard punches.

Now in the bantamweight division of the UFC, he has become one of the most well-rounded lighter weight fighters. 

Cain Velasquez

A former NCAA All-American, UFC Heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has a decorated wrestling background that has served him well in his career.

However, many fans know him for his great boxing skills, as he has knocked out or technically knocked out all but one of his opponents en route to an undefeated record.

Velasquez has proven that top notch grapplers can turn into feared strikers as well.

Nick Diaz

Headliner of Saturday's UFC 137, former Strikerforce Welterweight champion Nick Diaz has a great boxing background that he built on top of his solid jiu-jitsu base.

Starting out as a submission artist, Diaz has become an elite boxer who has even had a successful go at professional boxing.

This former champion brings a deadly, well-rounded game as he returns to the UFC.

BJ Penn

Former two-time UFC champion BJ Penn earned his "Prodigy" moniker with his quick rise in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu scene.

Coming into MMA, Penn retained solid submission skills, but also added a fierce boxing skill set that has put many challengers to sleep.

Considered one of the best fighters in the sport's history, Penn's strikes have evolved to be just as deadly as his ground game.

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