Ranking the 5 most athletic fighters in the UFC today

#4. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones

Perhaps the tallest master of the one-armed cartwheel, UFC light heavyweight ace Jon Jones is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete. At 6’4”, the long-limbed Jones doesn’t appear to have a body type tailor-made for heavy duty strength training.

Regardless, ‘Bones’ is a master weightlifter and can often be seen performing Olympic lifts such as the hang clean with ease. Lately, the MMA legend has been moving up to 600lbs deadlifts in the weights room.

A black belt in Greg Jackson’s Gaidojutsu, Jones has proven to be exceptionally gifted in all areas of combat. A supreme striker, Jones also has the reflexes and mobility to be a master counter-wrestler.

His decision wins over the likes of Anthony Smith and Dominick Reyes have also showcased his top-of-the-line cardio. Currently bulking up for heavyweight, the now considerably larger Jones continues to display great speed and precision in his striking.

Furthermore, his full body strength and explosiveness are at an all time high. The former light heavyweight kingpin has been knocking out 20 MPH sprints as part of his training at 250lbs. A gifted and versatile athlete, to say the least.

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#3. Former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje

The UFC lightweight division’s hardest hitter can’t even celebrate a win without showing off his athleticism. ‘The Highlight’ has often been known to do a backflip off the top of the cage. It’s a difficult, dangerous feat that he (usually) lands perfectly.

Beyond the surprise acrobatics, Justin Gaethje’s strikes are akin to getting rocked by a missile launcher. Possessing near superhuman levels of explosive power for his size, Gaethje has more than earned his nickname over the years.

Despite his striking notoriety, Gaethje comes from a wrestling background. Unsurprisingly, the former collegiate-level star boasts the kind of cardio, coordination and mobility one comes to expect from a top-level wrestler.

A look at Gaethje’s training shows off his fast hands, bone-breaking turning kicks and mastery of plyometrics. One of the lightweight division’s most dangerous combatants, don’t be surprised to see Gaethje lift undisputed UFC gold before all is said and done.