Top 10 USA kickboxing fighters of all time
The history of kickboxing in the USA – The Best 10 Kickboxers at all Times in United States of America:
| Name | Fight Record | Best Opponents | Best Results | City of Birth | Trainer | Gym |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benny “The Jet” Urquidez | 63-0-1 | Kunimitsu Okao, Howard Jackson | Undefeated Champion | Los Angeles, CA | Arnold Urquidez | Jet Center |
| Don “The Dragon” Wilson | 72-5-2 | Dennis Alexio, Branko Cikatić | 11-time World Champion | Alton, IL | Bob Chaney | Bob Chaney’s School of Karate |
| Rick “The Jet” Roufus | 65-9-1 | Maurice Smith, Rob Kaman | Multiple World Titles | Milwaukee, WI | Duke Roufus | Roufusport |
| Dennis “The Terminator” Alexio | 70-2-1 | Don Wilson, Branko Cikatić | Multiple World Titles | Vacaville, CA | Dale Alexander | Gym Alexander |
| Bill “Superfoot” Wallace | 23-0 | Joe Lewis, Jeff Smith | Undefeated Champion | Portland, IN | Glenn Keeney | Superfoot Training Academy |
| Joe Lewis | 18-4 | Bill Wallace, Chuck Norris | Multiple World Titles | Raleigh, NC | Bruce Lee, Tom Thompson | Joe Lewis Fighting Systems |
| Maurice Smith | 52-13-4 | Rick Roufus, Branko Cikatić | World Titles in Kickboxing & MMA | Seattle, WA | Greg Jackson | AMC Pankration |
| Kevin “The Monster” Randleman | 17-16 | Maurice Smith, Bas Rutten | UFC Heavyweight Champion | Sandusky, OH | Mark Coleman | Hammer House |
| Kathy Long | 18-1 | Denise Taylor, Ramona Gatto | 5-time World Champion | St. Louis, MO | Eric Nolan | House of Champions |
| Troy Dorsey | 15-4-4 (Boxing), 26-7-1 (Kickboxing) | Kevin Rosier, Richard Hill | World Titles in Boxing & Kickboxing | Mansfield, TX | Pat Burleson | Burleson Martial Arts |
A Brief History of Kickboxing in the USA
Kickboxing in the United States has a rich history, shaped by pioneering athletes and influential trainers. Emerging in the 1970s, American kickboxing quickly distinguished itself from its Asian counterparts, particularly Muay Thai and Japanese kickboxing, through its unique blend of boxing and traditional martial arts.
The Pioneers
Benny “The Jet” Urquidez is often credited as one of the founding figures of American kickboxing. Born in Los Angeles, California, Urquidez began his martial arts journey under the tutelage of his brother, Arnold Urquidez. With an undefeated record of 63-0-1, Benny’s fierce fighting style and adaptability allowed him to dominate various opponents worldwide, earning him the nickname “The Jet.”
Another early star, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, hails from Alton, Illinois. Training under Bob Chaney, Wilson’s career boasts an impressive record of 72-5-2. Known for his strategic approach and powerful kicks, Wilson faced and defeated numerous top-tier fighters, including Dennis Alexio and Branko Cikatić, securing his place as an 11-time world champion.
The Dominant Fighters
Rick “The Jet” Roufus, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is celebrated for his agility and knockout power. Under the guidance of his brother Duke Roufus at Roufusport, Rick amassed a record of 65-9-1. His battles against Maurice Smith and Rob Kaman are considered some of the most thrilling in kickboxing history.
Dennis “The Terminator” Alexio, born in Vacaville, California, also made a significant impact. Training with Dale Alexander, Alexio’s career (70-2-1) was marked by multiple world titles and memorable fights against Don Wilson and Branko Cikatić.
The Undefeated Champions
Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and Joe Lewis were not only fighters but also martial arts innovators. Wallace, with a perfect record of 23-0, was renowned for his lightning-fast left leg, which earned him the nickname “Superfoot.” Trained by Glenn Keeney, Wallace’s notable victories include wins over Joe Lewis and Jeff Smith. Lewis, trained by Bruce Lee and Tom Thompson, transitioned from karate to kickboxing, claiming multiple world titles and battling icons like Bill Wallace and Chuck Norris.
The Versatile Athletes
Maurice Smith and Kevin “The Monster” Randleman exemplified versatility, transitioning from kickboxing to MMA. Smith, from Seattle, Washington, trained with Greg Jackson and held titles in both sports. Randleman, a UFC Heavyweight Champion from Sandusky, Ohio, trained under Mark Coleman at Hammer House, showcasing his prowess in both striking and grappling.
The Women in Kickboxing
Kathy Long, born in St. Louis, Missouri, broke barriers for women in kickboxing. Training with Eric Nolan, Long achieved a record of 18-1 and became a five-time world champion, defeating top contenders like Denise Taylor and Ramona Gatto.
The Dual Champions
Troy Dorsey from Mansfield, Texas, made history as a champion in both boxing and kickboxing. Training with Pat Burleson, Dorsey’s dual-sport success includes world titles and memorable bouts against fighters like Kevin Rosier and Richard Hill.
Conclusion
American kickboxing has evolved over the decades, thanks to these legendary fighters and their dedicated trainers. Each athlete brought their unique style and strengths, contributing to the sport’s growth and popularity. The legacy of these kickboxing greats continues to inspire new generations of fighters and fans alike.
www.top-fighters.com
Best USA Kickboxing Fighters
Best USA Kickboxing Fighters
- Focus on listing top American kickboxers like Benny Urquidez, Don Wilson, and Rick Roufus.
History of Kickboxing in USA
- Cover the origins and development of kickboxing in the USA, highlighting key pioneers and milestones.
Benny The Jet Urquidez
- Detail Urquidez’s undefeated record, notable opponents, and impact on the sport.
Don The Dragon Wilson
- Discuss Wilson’s fight record, championships, and key fights against top contenders.
Rick The Jet Roufus
- Highlight Roufus’s career achievements, famous fights, and training at Roufusport.
American Kickboxing Champions
- Feature multiple world champions like Dennis Alexio, Bill Wallace, and Joe Lewis.
Top Female Kickboxers USA
- Focus on Kathy Long’s achievements and her role in breaking barriers for women in kickboxing.
Kickboxing Training Gyms USA
- Mention notable training gyms like Jet Center, Bob Chaney’s School of Karate, and Roufusport.
Kickboxing vs Muay Thai USA
- Compare American kickboxing with Muay Thai, emphasizing differences in techniques and rules.
Legendary Kickboxing Fights USA
- Recap legendary fights involving American kickboxing greats and their best opponents.
