A common question that strikes the mind of nearly every MMA practitioner is MMA fighter vs Street fighter- who is the better one, and probably you are wondering the same!
Crowning either MMA fighter or Streetfighter as the better one than the other is a game of the long run that requires a complete war of words.

Where MMA boxers and fighters hold techniques like grappling, jabs, etc., a street fighter is better exposed to the fighting environment and gives some really good punches and kicks.
So, quickly grasp a cup of coffee, and let’s unravel the mystery of MMA fighter vs Street fighter- the better one!
MMA Fighter vs Street Fighter: Who Will Win the Fight?
Both MMA fighters and Streetfighters are best at their ends. Where the top MMA fighters have an advantage of the best striking techniques, fitness, and defense, the street fighters have the leverage to throw all the techniques and stances they know without being least concerned about breaking any rules or stuff.
They can easily go close and opt for lethal attacks and injuries without thinking for once.
Moreover, street fighters are good at attacking and throwing punches one after another.
But in the end, it is the experience that speaks. A naive MMA Fighter cannot stand in front of an experienced street Fighter, and similarly, who has the guts to fight and win against one of the best MMA Fighters?
One of the turning points of fights is that most street fighters have practiced and learned MMA workouts in some part of their life. As a result, they fight against MMA Fighters quite well. Some of the street fighters that later became MMA professionals are:
- Eddie Alvarez
- Jorge Masvidal
- Dada 5000
- Lee Murray
MMA Fighter vs Street Fighter- The Path to Lead!
Now let’s slowly but surely discuss the plus points and path of victory of each fighter in detail. Each has its own set of techniques and stances to throw against the other.
MMA Fighter’s Path to Success
Even a fat MMA fighter can stand and win against a fit street fighter. This is because of the strong grip on the powerful submissions and throws that give it an edge over all other fighters. So, the best MMA techniques that are vital for success on roads as well as in closed cages are:
1. Takedowns and Submissions
Standing and fighting against a street fighter who is really good at punching is obviously not a smart game plan to opt for. That is why let it be a tall MMA fighter or a small, chubby fighter; both opt for takedowns and submissions.
As soon as the MMA fighter takes his opponent to the ground, he can do a variety of submissions that the street fighter is least familiar with and hence can’t defend.
For example, he can coke the street fighter, use armbar holds, or go for a sprawl. A simple joint lock submission is more than enough to finish the game of a street fighter.
2. Leg kicks
Another bread-and-butter weapon that MMA fighters use and win in MMA fighter vs Street fighter games is leg kicks.
In leg kicks, the MMA fighter gets their footwork strong and kicks the legs of the opponent continuously on the same point. As a result, the opponent remains no longer stable and hence loses his ground.
MMA fighters take advantage of that very moment and attain the dominant position. Any of the techniques can be used later on, like under hook, duck under, bear hug, leg trip, etc.
Apart from these, as soon as the MMA practitioner lessons the distance between him and the opponent, all the deadly submissions. These include shoulder lock, anaconda lock, rear naked choke, flying scissor hook, etc. which no street fighter can defend.
Street Fighter’s Path of Success
MMA fighters have the edge over street fighters due to better ground submissions and striking techniques. But it doesn’t mean that street fighters can never make their way out. There are a few advantages that street fighters gain over MMA fighters:
1. Boxing Techniques
Street Fighter is usually a better boxer than an MMA Fighter. Therefore, they have a better punching speed and technique, leading to forceful punches at times.
Here are some long-lasting punching bags options for any fighter to improve their punching skills.
2. Better Speed and Coordination
Where the MMA fighters focus on drills and strikes, the street fighters have a higher attacking speed, and better footwork. As a result, they can prevent themselves from getting close to the opponent and hence reduce the chances of getting grounded.
Similarly, jabs are often in favor of street fighters.
All and all, we can say that although street fighters are good, MMA fighters are the best. It is difficult for street fighters to compete against MMA Fighters successfully.
MMA Fighter vs Street Fighter- Who Is Better at Self Defense?
When it comes to self-defense, MMA fighters are clear-cut winners. They have learned various fighting styles with help them cope with and come out of different fighting situations.

They are trained in how to deal with scenarios like
- Fighting in range
- In close quarters
- On the ground
- In foot games
- Up against the fence
But for street fighters, the ground game is a big issue. They have a grip on punches, boxing, and a few kicks. But once a boxer gets knocked down, the game is over at his end if he doesn’t manage to get up again.
Can an MMA Fighter Beat a Street Fighter?
Yes, an MMA fighter can easily beat a street fighter by working on his clinching techniques and takedowns. Since the street fighter’s weak point is takedowns, the MMA fighter should try his best to close up the distance and take the opponent to the ground.
Once the street fighters are caught off the ground, the game shifts to an on-ground position, and they lose their stability.
So, the strongest weapon of an MMA fighter in MMA fighter vs Street fighter comparison is takedown and submissions.
Remember the fight between Randy and Toney? Toney lost the fight only because he had no experience in fighting and defending on the ground.
How Can a Street Fighter Beat an MMA Fighter?
For a street fighter to win against an MMA fighter is something a bit difficult and tricky, but not impossible.
Your ultimate goal as a street fighter should be to keep
- Your foot game strong
- Execute hard punches
- Remain at a distance from the MMA fighter
so that he doesn’t manage to take you to the ground and turn the tables in his favor.
Most Effective Martial Arts Style in Street Fighting
Now that you have become well acquainted with MMA fighters’ leverage over street fighters let’s find out which martial art is most effective in street fighting.
Although judo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, wrestling, etc., are all very effective against a street fighter, Muay Thai, the art of 8 limbs, has been found to be most effective and useful in a real-life street fight situation, and here is why!
In real street fighting scenarios, you can easily get pulled around the waist, resulting in imbalance and falling to the ground. But Muay Thai offers you lots of kicks and how to grapple the opponent on your feet, etc., which are quite helpful in street fighting.
Can UFC MMA Fighting Stand against Street Fighting Skills?
A common thought is that UFC MMA fighting is a sport, hence its practitioners can’t take and fight outside the octagon of the game. But don’t let it fool you any longer.
From double leg takedown to trip and guard pass, UFC fighters master them all. The only point that goes against them in a street fighter is the speed of the opponent and footwork to some extent.
But that isn’t a big deal. UFC fighters can learn how to dodge and coordinate with footwork fluidly in no time.
So, depending on the experience, either of the two can win.
The only problem is that UFC and the law don’t permit UFC fighters to fight outside the octagon or in any kind of street fight.
MMA Fighter vs Street Fighter- The More Effective!
The whole discussion leaves us with no more questions that an MMA Fighter is a definite winner against a street fighter. His drills, techniques, and attacking style are much better than a street fighter. Moreover, he knows how to defend himself from various people at a time.
Military forces across the globe also learn MMA techniques and skills in order to cater to their enemies when are without weapons.
Secondly, history openly states that most MMA fighters got in street fights before their MMA journey started. So, they are well up with the thoughts and tactics of a random street fighter.
A few MMA fighters who got involved in street fighting are:
- Eddie Alvarez
- Roger Huerta
- Bas Rutten
- Tank Abbott
Conclusion- The Final Wrap-Up!
There is no second thought that street fighters are strong and competitive. But when there is a head-on-head competition between MMA fighter vs Streetfighter, an MMA Fighter nearly always manages to take the bargaining chip due to better grappling, sweeps, drills, and submissions.
And with this, the umbrella of MMA fighter vs Street fighter concludes.
Chris Bent
Chris Bent is a professional MMA Trainer who has expertise in both Martial Arts and Karate and he loves to teach Men, Women and Kids.