5 UFC fighters with the best boxing, and 1 with the worst

Every fight starts on the feet, which is why boxing is an essential element of mixed martial arts. Even wrestlers need to set up their takedowns with jabs (looking at you, GSP).

Since the early days of the UFC, fighters have used their boxing skills to punish their opponents. Throughout the years, fans have been treated with knockouts from some of the best boxers in MMA.

While every MMA fighter needs to know at least some boxing, not all hands are created equal. That's why we're going to look at 5 of the best boxers currently in the UFC - and 1 of the worst.

5. Conor McGregor

"Mystic Mac" didn't get his moniker by predicting submissions - it's all about the knockouts, baby! In fact, Conor McGregor is so enamored with his boxing that he doesn't even count submissions or decisions in his win-loss record.

There's no denying that "The Notorious" is highly regarded for his heavy-hands. The Irish superstar has racked up 19 of his 22 wins via TKO/KO, with 17 of the 19 coming via punches.

McGregor began his life in combat sports inside a boxing gym at the tender age of 12, years before he would learn about MMA. He trained at the Crumlin Boxing Club in Dublin, Ireland, taking up the sport to learn self-defense after suffering bullying. The reps ended up paying massive dividends, as McGregor would develop into one of the best boxers in the UFC.

When McGregor made his UFC debut in on April 6, 2013, he won Knockout of the Night for his performance against Marcus Brimage. It set the tone for what would become known as McGregor's "touch of death" punch - his signature straight left hand.

McGregor would go on to win his next 5 consecutive fights - with all but one coming via TKO or KO. During that stretch he beat Dustin Poirier, Chad Mendes, and Jose Aldo - all with his boxing.

What separates McGregor's boxing from your average UFC fighter is his incredible accuracy, masterful distance management, and devastating countering ability. His legendary boxing abilities gave credence to his famous quote, "precision beats power, and timing beats speed" after he knocked out Jose Aldo with one punch at UFC 194.

McGregor became so regarded for his boxing that he set the stage for an unprecedented crossover between the worlds of MMA and boxing - taking on Floyd Mayweather Jr. on August 26, 2017. McGregor lost via TKO in the 10th round, but many fight enthusiasts were impressed that an MMA fighter was able to hang around that long with one of boxing's GOATs.