VIDEO | Bruce Lee’s techniques are still applied in modern MMA

https://youtu.be/R0BsQSDCRPM

Bruce Lee is widely considered to be one of the most influential martial artists of all time. And while some skeptics might suggest that Lee never actually fought, all it takes is a quick look at modern mixed martial arts to see just how sprawling his influence has been.

Yes, even today, some 43 years after Lee’s death, some of the techniques that he popularized are still visible on stages as big as the UFC’s Octagon. As the video at the top of this post shows, Lee’s techniques have been emulated by modern MMA stars like Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Anderson Silva and Tony Ferguson.

Then again, it’s no secret that many of today’s top fighters draw inspiration from Lee. McGregor, for example, has referred to the Jeet Kune Do founder as one of his greatest influences.

“He would have been world champion in MMA, no doubt” McGregor said of Lee said in a 2015 interview. “He’s fluid, he’s loose, he’s fast. His movement was fluid, it’s efficient, it’s functional.”

“Bruce was free, his body was nimble.”

Where do you stand on the legacy of Bruce Lee? Are you surprised to see so many of his techniques used by today’s top fighters?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 5/21/2017.