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UFC fighters represent the peak of mixed martial arts. Much of the modern world's association with traditional martial arts is tied to Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun is known for being the progenitor of countless martial arts across the world. Thus, many fighters take inspiration from ancient Japanese martial arts philosophies.
Many of the mixed martial artists competing under Dana White's banner liken themselves to samurai. Only a few of them capture the true values and tenets of the oft-referenced bushido code of honor. The bushido code includes seven virtues: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, loyalty, and honor.
Some UFC fighters represent only one of these virtues, while others embody a combination of them. This list details five mixed martial artists who typify these core samurai tenets.
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#5. Israel Adesanya
The former middleweight champion has long outed himself as a fan of East Asian culture. He is an avid consumer of anime and would likely be among the first to claim his closeness to the samurai code. However, Israel Adesanya does not represent every virtue referenced in bushido.
Instead, 'The Last Stylebender' is closely associated with loyalty and rectitude. While rectitude has several meanings depending on the context, it means something more specific in the samurai context. It means having the wisdom to make the correct decision in times of great difficulty.
The former UFC titleholder excels in this aspect. Despite fans often calling for him to rely on a riskier but more entertaining fighting style, he refuses. He remains defensively responsible and faces all the criticism that comes his way. Ultimately, his decisions are correct, as he has only two losses in his MMA record.
Additionally, he is loyal to his continued trust in City Kickboxing. Furthermore, his loyalty extends to his teammates. He refused to criticize Dan Hooker after the latter's recent poor run of form. The former kickboxer is usually quick to criticize others, even if undeserved, but never does the same for his teammates.
#4. Neil Magny
Neil Magny doesn't avoid matchups with anyone. 'The Haitian Sensation' is ready and willing to face anyone and everyone in the welterweight division. He is known for having the record for the most wins in UFC welterweight history and is tied for having the second-highest number of wins in the promotion's history.
Throughout his career, the 170 lbs standout has clashed with countless different foes. He's faced Shavkat Rakhmonov, Rafael dos Anjos, Kelvin Gastelum, Carlos Condit, Demian Maia, Johny Hendricks, Robbie Lawler, and Gilbert Burns. It's a nightmarish series of opponents for anyone to face inside the octagon.
He even challenged Khamzat Chimaev on several occasions during a time when every other welterweight was allegedly avoiding 'Borz.' Thus, Neil Magny embodies courage. He is willing to face any challenge regardless of how intimidating or risky it might be.
#3. Max Holloway
Max Holloway is a former featherweight champion. He is best known for his record-breaking output in the striking department and his legendary trilogy with reigning 145 lbs kingpin Alexander Volkanovski. When it comes to how closely he connects to samurai values, one should look at courage and loyalty.
'Blessed' is a courageous fighter who never turns down a challenge. He fought Dustin Poirier for the interim lightweight belt at UFC 236. He dared to be great. Similarly, despite losing thrice to Alexander Volkanovski, he continues to challenge him with no concern over how these losses may impact his legacy.
The Hawaiian great also fights with exceptional courage by wading through his opponent's punches to land his own. Furthermore, he routinely challenges them to stand in the center of the octagon and trade blows with him. He has also been exceptionally loyal and has never left Gracie Technics throughout his career.
#2. Georges St-Pierre (retired UFC fighter)
There is rarely a universal agreement on who the greatest mixed martial artist of all time is. However, one of the fighters who is consistently mentioned as potentially the greatest of all time is Georges St-Pierre. The Canadian legend is a former UFC champion in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
His accomplishments as a 170'er have become part of MMA folklore, while his win against Michael Bisping at 185 lbs launched him into a rare class of being a two-division champion. During his tenure as a UFC fighter, 'GSP' has always been defined by his respect and benevolence.
The two are classic samurai virtues, and the retired UFC legend represents them well. His benevolence means he has always been kind to others, even if they didn't deserve it. The Canadian great also conducts himself respectfully, even once apologizing for cursing during an interview.
#1. Jiří Procházka
There is no UFC fighter who embodies the samurai code better than Jiří Procházka. The former 205 lbs titleholder is one of the most dynamic strikers on the UFC roster. While he recently vacated his light heavyweight throne due to a shoulder injury, he was at the helm of a thirteen-fight win streak prior.
The Czech phenom credits The Book of Five Rings by legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi as a fundamental part of his growth as both a person and fighter. He also considers himself a dedicated follower of bushido virtues, and he represents courage most visibly.
The former champion fights without fear of being knocked out. He steps in deep with every punch, intent on flatlining his foe without any concern for the consequences of being so offensively-minded.
