Muay Thai, is recognized as a very effective striking base within MMA, and is very widely practiced among mixed martial artists. Fighters (some of whom have won titles) such as Maurício Rua, Wanderlei Silva, Jose Aldo, Renan Barão, Anderson Silva, Thiago Silva, Gina Carano and Cristiane Santos employ a broad range of tactics born of Muay Thai. Countless other mixed martial artists have trained in the art and it is often taught at MMA gyms as is BJJ and Wrestling.
Many techniques associated with muay Thai are often seen in MMA, such as punches, elbows, clinch fighting, high kicks, leg kicks and knees.