Fighting is not only a physical contest, but also a mental one. Fighters need to have skills, strategies, and intelligence to overcome their opponents. But who is the smartest fighter in the history of combat sports? This is a difficult question to answer, as different fighters have different styles, strengths, and weaknesses. However, based on some criteria such as ring IQ, adaptability, game planning, and versatility, we can attempt to rank some of the most intelligent fighters ever.

Ring IQ

Ring IQ is the ability to read and react to the situation in the ring (or cage). It involves knowing when to attack, when to defend, when to counter, and when to adjust. A fighter with a high ring IQ can anticipate the opponent’s moves, exploit their openings, and avoid their traps. Some examples of fighters with a high ring IQ are:

• Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Widely regarded as one of the best defensive boxers of all time, Mayweather was a master of controlling the pace, distance, and rhythm of the fight. He could adapt to any style, switch stances, and use his footwork, reflexes, and counter-punching to frustrate and outpoint his opponents. He was also very good at making adjustments mid-fight, such as when he changed his strategy against Marcos Maidana in their rematch, or when he figured out how to deal with Manny Pacquiao’s speed and angles.
• Georges St-Pierre: The former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion, St-Pierre was a dominant force in mixed martial arts for over a decade. He was known for his well-roundedness, athleticism, and discipline. He had a high fight IQ, as he could analyze his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, and devise a game plan that would neutralize them. He was also very good at mixing up his striking and wrestling, and transitioning between them seamlessly. He rarely made mistakes, and always stayed calm and composed in the cage.
• Anderson Silva: The former UFC middleweight champion, Silva was one of the most creative and unpredictable strikers in MMA history. He had a high ring IQ, as he could use his timing, distance, and angles to set up his attacks, and use his feints, taunts, and movements to bait his opponents into making mistakes. He was also very good at countering and finishing his opponents with his precision and power. He had a knack for finding openings and landing devastating strikes, such as when he knocked out Vitor Belfort with a front kick, or when he submitted Chael Sonnen with a triangle choke in the last round of their first fight.

Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to change and improvise according to the circumstances of the fight. It involves being able to cope with adversity, overcome challenges, and find solutions. A fighter with a high adaptability can deal with different opponents, styles, and situations, and turn the tide of the fight in their favor. Some examples of fighters with a high adaptability are:

• Muhammad Ali: The former heavyweight boxing champion, Ali was one of the most charismatic and influential athletes of all time. He was also one of the most adaptable fighters ever, as he could fight in different ways depending on his opponent and the situation. He could use his speed, footwork, and jab to outbox his opponents, or he could use his chin, heart, and will to outlast them. He was also very good at adjusting his tactics mid-fight, such as when he used the rope-a-dope strategy to tire out and defeat George Foreman, or when he switched to a more aggressive approach to knock out Sonny Liston in their rematch.
• Jon Jones: The former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jones is widely considered as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. He was also one of the most adaptable fighters ever, as he could use his physical attributes, skills, and creativity to overcome any challenge. He had a diverse arsenal of strikes, takedowns, submissions, and elbows, and he could use them in different combinations and variations. He was also very good at studying his opponents, and finding ways to neutralize their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. He was also very good at overcoming adversity, such as when he fought through a broken toe to finish Chael Sonnen, or when he survived a near knockout to submit Vitor Belfort.
• Rosi Sexton: The former MMA fighter, sports therapist, osteopath, and politician, Sexton was one of the smartest and most versatile fighters ever. She had a PhD in theoretical computer science, and she used her intelligence and analytical skills to improve her fighting skills. She was also very adaptable, as she could fight in different weight classes, and use different styles and techniques. She was a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and she had a strong striking and wrestling game. She was also very good at finding ways to win, such as when she submitted Debi Purcell with a keylock, or when she outpointed Zoila Frausto with her grappling.

Game Planning

Game planning is the ability to prepare and execute a strategy that will give the fighter an advantage over the opponent. It involves doing research, analyzing data, and training accordingly. A fighter with a high game planning can anticipate the opponent’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses, and use them to their benefit. They can also stick to their plan, or modify it if needed. Some examples of fighters with a high game planning are:

• Randy Couture: The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, Couture was one of the most experienced and respected fighters in MMA history. He was also one of the best game planners ever, as he could use his wrestling, clinch, and dirty boxing to dominate his opponents. He was very good at doing his homework, and finding ways to exploit his opponents’ flaws. He was also very good at implementing his plan, and making adjustments if needed. He was also very good at defying the odds, and beating younger and stronger opponents, such as when he beat Tim Sylvia, Gabriel Gonzaga, and Brandon Vera.
• Ronda Rousey: The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, Rousey was one of the most dominant and popular fighters in MMA history. She was also one of the best game planners ever, as she could use her judo, grappling, and armbar to finish her opponents in a matter of seconds. She was very good at imposing her will, and forcing her opponents to play her game. She was also very good at executing her plan, and rarely deviating from it. She was also very good at breaking her opponents’ spirit, and making them tap out, such as when she beat Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Bethe Correia.
• Carlos Condit: The former UFC interim welterweight champion, Condit was one of the most exciting and versatile fighters in MMA history. He was also one of the best game planners ever, as he could use his striking, wrestling, and submissions to beat his opponents. He was very good at studying his opponents, and finding ways to exploit their weaknesses. He was also very good at executing his plan, and adapting to different situations. He was also very good at finishing his opponents, and putting on a show, such as when he beat Nick Diaz, Martin Kampmann, and Thiago Alves.

Versatility

Versatility is the ability to use different skills, techniques, and styles to fight effectively. It involves being able to switch between different modes, and being unpredictable and creative. A fighter with a high versatility can surprise and confuse their opponents, and use their diversity to their advantage. Some examples of fighters with a high versatility are:

• Royce Gracie: The pioneer of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA, Gracie was one of the most influential and revolutionary fighters of all time. He was also one of the most versatile fighters ever, as he could use his grappling, submissions, and ground and pound to beat his opponents. He was very good at using his jiu-jitsu to neutralize his opponents’ size, strength, and skills. He was also very good at using his versatility to overcome different challenges, and beat different types of fighters, such as when he beat Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and Kazushi Sakuraba.
• Lyoto Machida: The former UFC light heavyweight champion, Machida was one of the most unique and elusive fighters in MMA history. He was also one of the most versatile fighters ever, as he could use his karate, muay thai, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu to beat his opponents. He was very good at using his striking to keep his opponents at bay, and use his angles, timing, and precision to land his shots. He was also very good at using his versatility to surprise and finish his opponents, such as when he knocked out Rashad Evans, Randy Couture, and Ryan Bader.
• Demetrious Johnson: The former UFC flyweight champion, Johnson was one of the most dominant and skilled fighters in MMA history. He was also one of the most versatile fighters ever, as he could use his striking, wrestling, and submissions to beat his opponents. He was very good at using his speed, movement, and transitions to control the fight. He was also very good at using his versatility to outclass and finish his opponents, such as when he submitted Kyoji Horiguchi, Henry Cejudo, and Ray Borg.

Conclusion

There is no definitive answer to who is the smartest fighter, as different fighters have different qualities, achievements, and preferences.