5 current UFC fighters who are equally deadly with striking and submissions

#4. Islam Makhachev – UFC lightweight contender

Islam Makhachev is more than just a grappler, as Bobby Green recently found out

Right now, it’s safe to say that there are few more feared fighters operating in the UFC than lightweight contender Islam Makhachev. Not only is the Dagestani on one of the longest winning streaks on the roster, with 10 victories in a row dating back to 2016, but he’s also the fighter who most people suspect will be the promotion’s next titleholder at 155 pounds.

However, while Makhachev has quickly become renowned for a wrestling game strong enough to rival that of his mentor, former UFC lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov, the truth is that he’s a fighter who is deadly in all areas.

Sure, the Dagestani’s number of wins via submission (10) puts his record of four knockouts in the shade, but that doesn’t mean that Makhachev can’t take out opponents with his fists, both standing and on the ground.

We saw that in 2018, when he sparked out longtime veteran Gleison Tibau with a beautifully timed left hand to the jaw, knocking him unconscious in a single shot. Most recently, Bobby Green felt the power of Makhachev’s striking, as he was pounded into defeat from the mount in just over three minutes.

Essentially, it seems to be the case that Makhachev simply takes the path of least resistance to find victory in the octagon, and that path is usually on the ground. However, based on the evidence we’ve seen, he’s more than happy to finish his opponents with strikes, too.

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#3. Vicente Luque – UFC welterweight contender

Vicente Luque is probably the deadliest finisher in the welterweight division right now

Although he was unable to take out Belal Muhammad on his most recent trip to the octagon, it’s definitely arguable that the most deadly finisher in the UFC’s welterweight division right now is Vicente Luque.

‘The Silent Assassin’ has been the distance just once in his 14 wins inside the octagon. Most impressively, he doesn’t appear to care whether he takes his foes out with his striking skills or with his Brazilian jiu-jitsu-based submissions.

To date, Luque has knocked out a total of eight opponents in the UFC, including Muhammad in their first meeting and the ultra-durable Bryan Barberena. He’s also submitted five, including highly-rated contender Michael Chiesa and former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.

Basically, no fighter can afford to take Luque lightly in any area of a fight. If he’s given a single opening, it’s highly likely that ‘The Silent Assassin’ will grab it, usually leaving his opponent in a beaten heap on the canvas.

Judging by his fight with Muhammad, the Brazilian does have a few holes to close in his game, most notably in his wrestling defense. However, when it comes to finishing skills, it’s clear that Luque is second to none in the promotion right now.