Freddy Roach: BJ Penn, GSP and Anderson Silva are the TOP 3 Boxers in MMA

Legendary boxing coach Freddy Roach once again labeled Anderson Silva as the best pure boxer currently competing in Mixed Martial Arts. Roach praised Silva’s movement and timing, adding that “The Spider” is one of the most intelligent fighters he ever worked with. UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, who trained with Freddy Roach on several occasions, is ranked at #2, while BJ Penn completes the TOP 3 list at #3. Roach also mentioned Nick Diaz at #4 and KJ Noons at #5, crediting both fighters for their work ethic.

“I had the honour of working with Anderson Silva when he was in our gym for about five or six days in a row. He told me, ‘I’m pretty good at MMA, but I’m not too good at boxing. He’s just a real humble guy and very talented. He is one of the best guys that really understands distance and timing. He fights off the ropes a little bit. I told him that can be a little bit dangerous sometimes and to be careful, but he’ll suck you in, he’ll set you up, he’s one of the most intelligent fighters I’ve ever seen and have ever worked with.”

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