Mixed martial arts (MMA) has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, evolving into one of the most exciting combat sports. It combines techniques and skills from various disciplines like boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate and more. MMA riddles offer an entertaining, brain-teasing way to test your knowledge about the sport.
Let’s warm up with a quick riddle: What MMA skill focuses primarily on clinches, knee strikes, elbow strikes and low kicks? The answer is Muay Thai. Read on for 46 more brain-bending riddles covering MMA history, fighters, events and much more. How many can you get right?
General MMA Riddles
Riddles Covering MMA Basics
Q: I require agility, strength and stamina. I’m not for the faint of heart. Two enter me, one leaves victorious. What am I?
A: An MMA fight cage
Q: We come from different backgrounds but pursue a common goal. You’ll find us circled together time and again. Who are we?
A: MMA fighters in the Octagon cage
Q: With no weight divisions or point systems, I’m where skills and strategy are tested raw. Beat your opponent to advance. What am I?
A: An MMA tournament
MMA History & Origins Riddles
Q: I hosted a contest considered the precursor to modern MMA. Held in Denver in 1993, I had very few rules! What event am I?
A: The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 1
Q: We played a key role in pioneering MMA. Name the family of Brazilian brothers who founded the UFC.
A: The Gracie family
Q: I popularized Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a foundational MMA skill. I defeated heavier opponents using technique and leverage. Who am I?
A: The legendary Royce Gracie
Riddles on MMA Personalities
Fighter Riddles
Q: I dabble in pro wrestling but my high kicks and punching prowess are real. I hold the record for UFC featherweight title defenses. Who am I?
A: Max “Blessed” Holloway
Q: Call me “The Baddest Woman on the Planet.” My devastating striking and judo earned MMA gold and boxing titles too. What’s my name?
A: Amanda “The Lioness” Nunes
Q: My left leg became notorious from all the opponents’ heads I kicked. You might call me “Mr. Left High Kick.” What’s my name?
A: Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović
MMA Coach & Personality Riddles
Q: My loudmouth bravado and BMF title belt are as legendary as my pupils like Masvidal and Diaz. Who am I?
A: Jorge Masvidal’s coach, Mike Brown
Q: I shout instructions and get up close and personal with fighters between rounds. You’ll find me cageside wearing suits and sunglasses. Who am I?
A: A UFC cutman
Q: Octagon girls like Arianny Celeste strut their stuff during breaks in the action. What else do I do besides look glamorous?
A: Hold up signs indicating which round is next
Event, Match & Organization Riddles
UFC Event Riddles
Q: I’m Dana White’s brainchild, a hit reality show for aspiring UFC hopefuls. What am I?
A: The Ultimate Fighter
Q: We’re numbered UFC events held annually featuring epic title fights and main events. What are we?
A: UFC pay-per-views
Q: I made MMA history in 2017 as the first female UFC champion versus champion bout at MSG. Name the superfight.
A: Amanda Nunes vs. Cris Cyborg
Famous Match Riddles
Q: An epic 13-second KO finished me after my opponent landed a powerful left hook kick. What shocking UFC bout am I?
A: Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo
Q: I lasted 14 seconds in 2011, the fastest knockout in a UFC title fight. A colossal right hand took my belt. What fight was I?
A: Cain Velasquez vs Brock Lesnar
Q: I lost a chunk of my right ear during this gnarly 5-round war. Many still consider it the greatest UFC bout ever. Name me.
A: Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar finale fight at The Ultimate Fighter 1
Other MMA Organization Riddles
Q: I hosted an epic 2021 fight starring Jake Paul and Ben Askren that critics called a farce. What boxing/entertainment company am I?
A: Triller boxing promotion
Q: I’m an Asian MMA organization hosting events across 20 countries. You’ll find future UFC stars in my ranks. Who am I?
A: ONE Championship MMA
Q: From soccer kicks to headbutts, I have less rules than the UFC. I host events on most continents except Antarctica! What MMA league am I?
A: Russia’s Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) promotion
Riddles on MMA Moves, Disciplines & Gear
MMA Discipline & Style Riddles
Q: My arsenal includes the rubber guard and twisters. On the ground is where I do my best work, using joint locks and chokes to finish foes. What discipline am I?
A: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ)
Q: Sambo and judo help me throw opponents to the mat. There my “master of sport” ranking shines, raining down blows. Who am I?
A: UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov
Q: I use punch and kick combinations to overwhelm challengers. In addition to conditioning, my repertoire relies heavily on speed work. What striking background do I likely have?
A: Dutch-style kickboxing
Signature MMA Moves Riddles
Q: My name comes from a pro wrestling powerbomb. I lift and slam foes head first to the mat for a likely KO. What bone-crunching move am I?
A: The pile driver
Q: I cut off blood and oxygen with tight pressure to my opponent’s neck. He must tap out or pass out from my crushing grip. What submission hold am I?
A: The rear naked choke
Q: My name matches my downward elbow trajectory as I strike opponents on the mat. One wrong move can mean a fight-ending TKO. What am I?
A: The 12-6 elbow
MMA Gear Riddles
Q: These fingerless 4 oz gloves let fists fly with force. Their open-palm design fosters grappling too. What gear am I describing?
A: The fingerless 4 oz MMA fight gloves
Q: We hug teeth tight so mouth guards can protect smiles. Some say we affect stamina and performance too. Who are we?
A: A fighter’s MMA mouthguard
Q: I cling tight to prevent cauliflower ear, a badge of honor caused by abrasion. Wrap me around those precious pinnae. What piece of gear am I?
A: Headgear to protect a fighter’s ears
Conclusion
How did you do with these mixed martial arts riddles? MMA continues to surge mainstream, especially with celebrities like Jake Paul stepping into the cage and Octagon. As the sport evolves, expect even more intriguing questions—and answers—to arise.
