Taekwondo’s Greatest Fighters Ever (not what you think!) and UFC Famous Fighters

Tyrone Staben
May 27
4 min read

Updated: Jun 9

Taekwondo’s explosive kicks and disciplined philosophy have shaped Olympic athletes, UFC famous fighters, Hollywood icons, and influential public figures. From the octagon to the silver screen, Taekwondo’s reach is global and enduring. Here’s a closer look at some of Taekwondo’s greatest fighters ever and how their careers have evolved.

Joe Rogan: From Teenage Champion to Podcast Powerhouse

Before becoming a household name in podcasting and UFC commentary, Joe Rogan was a formidable Taekwondo competitor. He began martial arts as a teenager and quickly made his mark, winning the U.S. Open Taekwondo Championship lightweight title at just 19. Rogan then stunned the competition by defeating the middleweight and heavyweight champions to claim the Grand Championship making him one of the greatest fighters ever. He also held the Massachusetts full-contact Taekwondo title for four consecutive years, often crediting Taekwondo for his discipline and understanding of fighting mechanics (1).

Jon Jones: UFC Legend with Taekwondo Technique

Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever, incorporates Taekwondo into his fighting arsenal. His use of spinning back kicks, body kicks, and precise sidekicks in the octagon reflects his early exposure to the Korean martial art. Jones’s ability to control distance and pace is a testament to Taekwondo’s strategic influence on his striking style and has earned him a spot amongst the top UFC famous fighters (2).

Chuck Norris: Hollywood Icon and Martial Arts Pioneer

Chuck Norris is not only an action star and pop culture legend but also a martial arts trailblazer. He holds a 9th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and was the first Westerner to receive this prestigious rank. Norris’s expertise helped popularise Taekwondo in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, and he frequently showcased the art in his film choreography (3).

To learn more about why Norris is one of the greatest fighters ever and his exceptional work, check out this video:

Jennifer Aniston: Friends Icon with Taekwondo’s Discipline

Jennifer Aniston, beloved for her role in Friends, has incorporated martial arts, including Taekwondo-inspired workouts, into her fitness regimen. She has spoken about how martial arts gave her a sense of discipline and confidence, helping her maintain peak physical condition throughout her career. One of Taekwondo’s greatest fighters ever for a whole other reason (4).

Anthony Pettis: One of UFC Famous Fighters with Taekwondo Roots

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis is renowned for his creative striking, much of it inspired by Taekwondo. A black belt in the art, Pettis became famous for his “Showtime Kick”—a spectacular move where he ran up the cage wall and delivered a flying kick to his opponent’s head. His agility and inventiveness highlight the dynamic possibilities of Taekwondo in modern MMA (5).

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Champion of Martial Arts Culture

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the legendary bodybuilder, actor, and former governor of California, also holds an honorary black belt in Taekwondo. This distinction reflects his lifelong advocacy for fitness, martial arts, and his support for programs promoting physical discipline and youth engagement through sport (6). Another icon connected to Taekwondo’s greatest fighters ever legacy.

Valentina Shevchenko: UFC Champion with a Taekwondo Foundation

Valentina Shevchenko, arguably one of the UFC famous fighters in history, has a strong Taekwondo background. She is a Taekwondo champion whose mastery of kicks and striking precision has translated seamlessly into her MMA career. Shevchenko’s technical prowess and versatility in the octagon are rooted in her early training in the Korean martial art and make her one of the female greatest fighters ever (7).

Elon Musk: Early Training in Discipline and Focus

Before becoming one of the most influential tech entrepreneurs in the world, Elon Musk trained in Taekwondo as a youth. While he didn’t pursue it professionally, he has noted that martial arts helped him cultivate a strong sense of self-control and resilience—qualities he has carried into his business ventures (8). Musk may not top the fight cards, but his presence in the world of Taekwondo still links him loosely to the greatest fighters ever.

Barack Obama: Presidential Respect for Martial Arts

In 2009, Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was awarded an honorary black belt in Taekwondo by the South Korean government. The honor recognised his appreciation for Korean culture and his respect for the discipline and philosophy behind the martial art (9). While not a fighter in the ring, his honorary title places him in a symbolic circle of Taekwondo’s greatest fighters ever.

The Enduring Impact of Taekwondo’s Greatest Fighters Ever

From championship belts to blockbuster films and even the halls of political power, Taekwondo’s legacy endures. Its blend of discipline, precision, and powerful kicks continues to inspire fighters, entertainers, and leaders worldwide. For anyone seeking to follow in these legends’ footsteps, Taekwondo offers a path to both physical mastery and personal growth. Whether you dream of joining the ranks of UFC famous fighters or just aim to be your personal best, this martial art has something to offer everyone.

Ready to begin your own journey with one of the world’s most dynamic martial arts? Check out Mozhdeh Martial Arts—where future champions and the next greatest fighters ever take their first steps.