This list of Top 10 competitive martial artists is going to consist of competitive martial artists that concentrate on mainly one discipline such as famous karate fighters. Martial Artists that many regards as the greatest martial artists of all time. On record that is so not including legendary martial artists. There won’t be any MMA fighters here, that’s a whole different list. I’m also going to try and limit the amount of Muay Thai fighters because let’s face it, they could fill the whole list. Plus, any fighters that are still active as their legacy is not yet complete. Being the best doesn’t mean these are undefeated martial artists as remaining undefeated is near impossible with points decisions. I’m sure there are many fighters people will think I’m mad to include/not include, whys this guy so high up etc and I’m sure there’s many I’ve missed but this is going by what people mention as the greatest when asked and obviously personal opinion.
10 Bill Wallace
Before he faced off against Jackie Chan in The Protector, Bill Super Foot Wallace was an undefeated full contact Karate champion. He won the PKA world middleweight title and successfully defended it for almost 6 years from 1974 to 1980 before retiring. He started off in point fighting tournaments before transitioning to full contact. He gained the name super foot for his lighting fast kicks, most notably his left roundhouse kick. He was such a dominant figure that Black Belt magazine named him in its hall of fame 3 times in 7 years and twice as a competitor of the year. He might not have the numbers as some of the fighters on here but he’s still considered a legend in the sport. His record stands at 23 wins (12 KO’s) 0 losses 0 draws.
9 Joe Lewis
Joe Lewis was the first World Heavyweight Kickboxing champion that managed to combine a World Karate title with his Kickboxing title. Lewis was the first of only two people to hold world titles in two different fighting sports. He was twice voted by his peers as the greatest fighter in Karate history having won numerous tournaments. Voters included Bill Wallace, Chuck Norris, and Jeff Smith. Bruce Lee also considered him the greatest fighter of all time. He is also recognized as the father of modern Kickboxing. After retiring he moved full time into teaching and travelled the world teaching seminars and was awarded Instructor of the year by Black Belt magazine. His Kickboxing record stands at 16wins (14 Kos) 4 losses 1 draw.
8 Benny Urquidez
Many regard Benny the Jet Urquidez as one of the greatest fighters in the history of American martial arts. Like many, he started in non-contact Karate but transitioned to full contact. He held six world titles in five different weight divisions. Remaining largely undefeated in 27 years becoming the longest reigning world champion ever. He was one of the first American Kickboxers to take on and defeat the tough Muay Thai fighters. During his career, he also had many undocumented fights so his fight record is a little sketchy. Benny himself says his record is 200 -0. Benny retired in 1989 before returning at age 42 to defeat the 25-year-old reigning champion Yoshihisa Tagami from Japan which is an incredible feat. His record stands at 49 wins (35 Kos), 1 lost, 1 draw.
7 Andy Hug
When speaking of Great martial artists, it would be impossible not to mention Andy Hugg. Andy Hug was a Swiss Kyokushin Karateka and Kickboxer. Considered as one of the best kickboxers of all time and one of the most famous Karate fighters. He was a K1 legend who defeated many of the sports most famous names. Throughout the 80’s he won several Karate tournaments. His titles include:
- Karate World Cup Champion 1992
- Karate World Cup Finalist 1993
- U.K.F. World Super Heavyweight Champion
- W.M.T.C World Super Heavyweight Champion
- W.K.A. World & European Muay Thai Super Heavyweight Champion
- 987 – Kyokushinkai Open World Championship 2nd place
- K-1 World Grand Prix 1996 Champion
- K-1 World Grand Prix 1997 Finalist
- K-1 World Grand Prix 1998 Finalist
Sadly, Hug passed away age on 35 from leukemia in 2000. He was planning a retirement match and to move into acting. His kickboxing record stands at 37 wins (21 Kos) 9 losses, 1 draw.
6 Dennis Alexio
Everyone knows Alexio from Kickboxer as the brother of Van Damme’s character who got defeated and paralyzed for life at the hands of Tong Po. But in reality, Alexio could probably beat everyone in that movie without even breaking a sweat. Dennis The Terminator Alexio is considered one of the greatest heavyweight Kickboxers in the sport’s history. He first started light heavyweight winning the PKA world light heavyweight title before moving up to cruiserweight and winning the ISKA world cruiserweight full contact strap. Eventually, he would transition to heavyweight, winning 6 world titles and being considered the undisputed world heavyweight champion. He was even offered the opportunity to fight in the first UFC competition but refused. His Kickboxing record stands at 68 wins (63 KO’s) 2 losses, 1 draw, 2 non-contests.
5 Dieselnoi Chor Thanasukarn
Thanasukarn is considered by many to be one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters ever. He was an undefeated Lumpinee stadium champion. He was so dominant that many simply refused to fight him, fearing his vicious knee attacks and went 2 years without a fight due to lack of competition. He was forced to retire because there was no one left to fight. His record stands at 110 wins (40 Kos), 0 losses, 2 draws.
4 Rickson Gracie
Rickson Gracie is regarded by many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu figures as the greatest BJJ practitioner of all time. Although Rickson himself claims his record is 400-0, professionally he was undefeated in mixed martial arts and grappling. Winning the first Vale Tudo tournament in Japan and returning the next year to win the tournament again and defend his title. There are many videos of Rickson taking on and submitting fighters from all different disciplines. Since Rickson has caused some controversy, criticising some UFC tournament winners, many fighters have tried to lure Rickson out of retirement to challenge his record. Today he teaches and trains to carry on the family tradition. His record stands at 11 wins by submission, 0 wins, 0 draws
3 Roger Gracie
Many are probably wondering why Roger Gracie is above Rickson Gracie and basically because Roger has achieved a lot more in his career. Since his recent retirement, many consider him the greatest BJJ practitioner of all time. A 10-time world BJJ champion and ONE light heavyweight champion he has beaten some of the biggest legends in the sport and has never been submitted in 20 years of competition. Most of his losses have usually been points losses. His record stands at BJJ 71 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw. MMA record 8 wins (1 ko) 2 losses, 0 draws.
2nd (joint 1st) Samart Payakaroon
Joint first and 2nd place is Samart Payakaroon. He could well have been the greatest combat sports athlete to ever live. Winning the Lumpiee stadium title at 4 different weights in only 2 years. Once he realized he couldn’t progress any further in Muay Thai, he transitioned to boxing winning the WBC junior featherweight title. K-1 champion Buakaw Banchamek stated that Samart was the greatest Muay Thai fighter ever. Ask anyone who is a Muay Thai fan and they will say Samart is the best ever. His record stands at Professional boxing 21 wins (12 Kos) 2 losses, 0 draws. Kickboxing 130 wins (30Kos) 18 losses, 2 draws.
1 (joint 1st) Don Wilson
In joint first place with Samart Payakaroon. Whether you love him or hate him, Don the Dragon Wilson beat everyone and is considered the greatest Kickboxer in history. He has beaten more quality competition than anyone else including handing a rare defeat to Dennis Alexio further up the list. He is an 11-time world Kickboxing champion, the only kickboxer to win 11 world titles in 3 weight divisions. He defeated 11 other world champions, 12 number one contenders and 15 champions on 4 continents. A Black Belt Hall of Famer and STAR Career Champion: Highest Rated Kickboxer of All Time. Some consider him a boring fighter but his record speaks for itself. He also competed in 3 MMA fights winning all 3. His record stands at 72 wins (48 KOs) 5 losses, 2 draws, 3 no contests.
Some truly honourable mentions go to:
Ernesto Hoost
Buakaw Banchamek
Ramon Dekkers
Yodsanklai Fairtex
Hajime Kazumi
Saenchai
