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From Brazilian Legacy to the UFC: How Oliveira and Lopes Are Redefining the Art of Jiu-Jitsu in MMA
UFC

Published 49 days ago

From Brazilian Legacy to the UFC: How Oliveira and Lopes Are Redefining the Art of Jiu-Jitsu in MMA

Gilbert Burns, a Brazilian MMA legend, recently named Charles Oliveira as the best jiu-jitsu technician adapted to MMA in the UFC. He also praised Diego Lopes’ pure talent, whose performances in traditional jiu-jitsu have made an impression.

To remember:

  • Gilbert Burns names Charles Oliveira as the best jiu-jitsu specialist in MMA in the UFC.
  • Oliveira leads the stats with 22 submission wins in 37 fights.
  • Diego Lopes impresses Burns with his pure talent in traditional jiu-jitsu.
  • Lopes has 12 submission wins out of 28 career victories.
  • Burns, a 40-year-old veteran, shares his analysis after a career that began in 2012.

In the ruthless world of the UFC, where raw power and technique intertwine, Brazilian jiu-jitsu remains a fearsome weapon. And who better than Gilbert Burns, an MMA veteran and iconic figure of the discipline, to speak on it? At 40 years old, after a career that began in 2012, Burns recently shared his analysis of the best jiu-jitsu technicians competing under the UFC banner. Without hesitation, he placed Charles Oliveira at the top of the list, calling him the best jiu-jitsu specialist adapted to MMA.


With an impressive record of 22 submission wins in 37 fights, Oliveira embodies technical excellence. His ground game, both creative and precise, makes him an absolute reference for Burns. But the former Brazilian fighter doesn’t stop there: he also highlighted Diego Lopes, whose pure talent in traditional jiu-jitsu has left a mark. With 12 submission wins out of 28 career victories, Lopes confirms his reputation among those who have trained with him.


A Brazilian Legacy Unmatched

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a cornerstone of MMA, and Burns, as an expert, knows how to recognize the talents carrying on this legacy. Oliveira and Lopes, though different in their approach, represent the pinnacle of the discipline. Oliveira, with his fluid style and spectacular finishes, has redefined the standards of jiu-jitsu in MMA. As for Lopes, his more traditional approach impresses with its technical purity, proving that mastery of the fundamentals remains a major asset.


Burns, who himself has excelled with his ground game, emphasizes the importance of these two athletes in the sport’s evolution. Their influence extends beyond the Octagon: they inspire a new generation of fighters to perfect their technique, regardless of their style.

Oliveira and Lopes, each in their own way, prove that jiu-jitsu remains a dominant discipline in the UFC. Their talent, recognized by peers like Gilbert Burns, confirms that the art of ground fighting continues to shape the future of MMA.

Editor's Opinion
By Celtic
Gilbert Burns is right to put Oliveira on a pedestal—this guy is the Fast and Furious of jiu-jitsu, always with a wild move up his sleeve. And Lopes in all this? A purist who turns fundamentals into contemporary art, hats off!
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Celtic

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