Kickboxer vs. Wrestler – Who is the Best? Top Fighters List
Who would win in a fight between a kickboxer vs. wrestler? It’s an age-old question that has been debated since the dawn. Well, not really, but it’s something that many people have wondered about.
What’s the difference between a kickboxer and a wrestler? Kickboxing emphasizes striking techniques using punches and kicks, often standing up. In contrast, wrestling is about grappling, involving throws, takedowns, and ground control to pin the opponent on the mat.
Both martial arts styles offer different advantages and disadvantages, so who would come out on top?
Let’s dive into the details and see if we can get to the bottom of this debate!
Wrestler vs. Kickboxer – Who Would Win?
When it comes down to it, there isn’t one clear-cut answer as to who would win between a kickboxer and wrestler in a fight – it depends on the skill level of both fighters involved.
Generally speaking, most experts agree that a kickboxer would likely have an advantage over a wrestler due to their ability to use striking techniques.
However, if the wrestler was experienced enough, they could easily neutralize any offensive attempts made by the kickboxer with their superior ground game.
List of 5 Best Kickboxers vs. 5 Best Wrestlers of All Time
The Top 5 Best Kickboxers of All Time
Kickboxing is a martial art and combat sport combining karate and Muay Thai elements. It has been around since the 1970s when Japanese promoters started organizing tournaments for fighters with different styles.
Over the years, kickboxing has become more popular as different organizations have emerged to promote and organize fights.
But who are the best kickboxers ever? Here’s our list of the top five best kickboxers of all time!
1. Giorgio Petrosyan
Giorgio Petrosyan is an Italian-Armenian kickboxer who competes in the K-1 World Grand Prix.
He’s known for his lightning-quick hands and feet, which he uses to dominate opponents with stunning technique and devastating power.
Petrosyan has gone on to win several world titles in different weight classes as well as The Contender Asia tournament in 2008. He was also named Fighter of the Year by Combat Press in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2014.
2. Ernesto Hoost
Ernesto Hoost is a Dutch four-time K-1 champion considered one of the greatest kickboxers ever. He had an impressive record of wins over some of the toughest opponents, such as Masaaki Satake, Andy Hug, and Remy Bonjasky.
Ernesto Hoost was known for his powerful left hook punch, which he used to knock out many opponents throughout his career.
He retired in 2006 after losing his last fight against Peter Aerts and went on to become a trainer for K-1 fighters like Badr Hari and Semmy Schilt.
3. Semmy Schilt
Semmy Schilt is a Dutch heavyweight champion who won four K-1 World Grand Prix tournaments between 2002 and 2009.
He holds several records, including being the only fighter to win three consecutive K-1 titles (2002–2004).
During his career, he faced notable opponents such as Ernesto Hoost, Remy Bonjasky, Jerome Le Banner, Gary Goodridge, Mirko Cro Cop Filipović, and Peter Aerts.
After retiring from fighting in 2012, he became a coach at Golden Glory gym, where he trains fighters like Alistair Overeem.
4. Mirko Cro Cop Filipović
Mirko Cro Cop Filipović is a Croatian heavyweight fighter who made his name competing in PRIDE Fighting Championships during its heyday in Japan between 2004–2006.
During this time, he earned wins over notable opponents such as Wanderlei Silva, Josh Barnett, and Mark Coleman. He displayed an impressive blend of exceptional standup skills combined with submissions on the ground, making him one of the most feared fighters then.
Although Cro Cop lost some fights towards the end of his career due to age catching up with him, he remains one of the most recognizable names in MMA today.
Thanks to those successful PRIDE days, he earned two Middleweight Championships belts before finally retiring from fighting for good in 2021 at age 48.
5. Ricco Verhoeven
Ricco Verhoeven is a Dutch heavyweight kickboxer who has competed under the GLORY Kickboxing promotion since 2013; where he has held the Heavyweight championship belt since 2017 after winning over Jamal Ben Saddik by unanimous decision victory following five rounds war between them both.
Before that, Ricco held the WFL title back when it used to be known as It’s Showtime promotion which later merged into GLORY.
Throughout his career, Ricco faced notable opponents such as Badr Hari, Errol Zimmerman, Rico Verhoeven, Mladen Brestovac, Ismael Londt & Benjamin Adegbuyi.
Despite suffering a few losses early on during GLORY events, Ricco bounced back strongly & regained form back by knocking out top-tier heavyweights like Jamal Ben Saddik & Guto Inocente.
A Look at the 5 Best Wrestlers of All Time
Professional wrestling has been around for centuries, and it has changed drastically over the years. While the rules have evolved, one thing that hasn’t changed is the talent of the wrestlers.
From legends like Andre The Giant and Hulk Hogan to modern-day superstars like Roman Reigns and Jon Moxley, these athletes have pushed their bodies to the limit in pursuit of greatness.
Today, we’re going to take a look at five of the best wrestlers of all time.
1. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is one of the most dominant Superstars in WWE history. He has held multiple championships throughout his career, including the Universal Championship.
He is also known for being a part of The Shield—a powerful trio with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose—and for his iconic “Spear” finishing move.
Several of his WrestleMania events have been main events, and he remains one of WWE’s biggest stars.
2. Bryan Danielson (AKA Daniel Bryan)
Daniel Bryan is considered by many to be one of wrestling’s greatest technical wrestlers ever. He made waves in independent promotions before signing with WWE in 2009.
In 2013, he became one of WWE’s biggest stars when he won a tournament to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 30. This event was called “Yes! Movement” after his trademark catchphrase.
3. Jon Moxley (AKA Dean Ambrose)
Jon Moxley first made waves on WWE TV as Dean Ambrose—one-third of The Shield alongside Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
During his tenure in WWE, he held multiple championships, including the United States and Intercontinental Championships.
After leaving WWE in 2019, Moxley signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Since then, he has become one of AEW’s top stars and is now known as Jon Moxley instead of Dean Ambrose.
4. The Undertaker
The Undertaker is widely considered one of wrestling’s all-time greats with an incredible 30+ year career.
His career began in 1990 when he debuted on WWF television as a mysterious character who rose from underneath the ring during his entrance themes music video playing graveyard organ music.
Dubbed “The Deadman,” he quickly gained fame through his unique persona and impressive matches against some of wrestling’s greatest legends, such as Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kane, Kurt Angle, Edge, Ric Flair, Sting, John Cena, Batista, Brock Lesnar among many others.
His undefeated streak at Wrestlemania was legendary, which includes 21 victories out of 22 matches. His retirement match against AJ Styles at Wrestlemania 36 was an emotional moment for both fans & fellow wrestlers alike.
5. Shawn Michaels
Another name synonymous with professional wrestling is Shawn Michaels or “Mr. Wrestlemania.”
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, starting as part of The Rockers tag team before becoming a singles competitor & eventually headlining various PPVs every year until his retirement match against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania 26.
He was known for having some classic matches against Bret Hart & Stone Cold Steve Austin, which are still discussed today, along with memorable feuds against Triple H & Randy Orton.
His impact on pro wrestling can not be understated, as it helped redefine what people expect from a performer inside & outside the ring, paving the way for future generations to follow suit & make their mark on this business.
Conclusion
While there may never be an absolute consensus on who would win in this hypothetical fight between a kickboxer versus wrestler – one thing remains certain; each style offers its own unique set of skills that can be used effectively against any opponent depending on the situation/context in which they find themselves in.
Ultimately though – like all things related to combat sports – experience (and skill) will dictate who walks away victorious at the end of the day.
So whether you prefer kicking or grappling, train accordingly so you can come out ahead!
