Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has witnessed the rise and fall of various fighting styles throughout its history. From the early days of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to the dominance of striking arts, one style has consistently proven its effectiveness in recent years: wrestling. While Brazilian Jiu-jitsu may have been considered the most effective style in the past, wrestling has emerged as the most dominant martial art in modern MMA.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind wrestling’s success in MMA and explore the key factors that contribute to its dominance.
A Look at UFC Rankings
To gain a deeper understanding of wrestling’s dominance in MMA, we can examine the official UFC rankings across different weight classes. It becomes evident that elite wrestlers are present at the top of each division. From heavyweight to flyweight, wrestlers consistently occupy the ranks of the most successful fighters. This prevalence of wrestlers among the top contenders highlights the importance of wrestling skills in modern MMA.
Some notable examples include Stipe Miocic, the heavyweight champion with a background in NCAA Division I wrestling, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated lightweight champion with a background in wrestling. These fighters showcase the impact of wrestling in their respective weight classes.
Enhancing Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Skills
One of the primary reasons why wrestling is so effective in MMA is its ability to enhance Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) skills. Wrestlers who transition to MMA often excel in applying submission moves due to their exceptional ability to advance to the mat and secure dominant positions. This advantage allows them to execute submission techniques with precision.
Wrestlers excel in making swift transitions on the mat, bypassing their opponents’ guards, and effortlessly securing positions necessary for submissions. Moves like the Arm Triangle, Monoplata, and Kimura become easily accessible to wrestlers due to their exceptional control and positioning on the ground. The effectiveness of wrestling in enhancing BJJ skills is evident in the success of fighters like Daniel Cormier, who utilized wrestling-based techniques to secure victories with submissions.
Neutralizing Striking Styles
Even elite strikers like Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya have recognized the importance of incorporating wrestling into their skill sets. Wrestling provides a crucial element of defense against striking styles, allowing fighters to neutralize their opponents’ attacks by taking the fight to the ground. This ability to dictate where the fight takes place makes wrestlers highly unpredictable and gives them an advantage over other styles.
By constantly changing the position and location of the fight, wrestlers force their opponents to expend significant amounts of energy. This constant movement and control exertion favor wrestlers, who are known for their exceptional cardiovascular endurance. The ability to neutralize high-level strikers is one of the key reasons why wrestling is so effective in MMA.
Mental Toughness and Work Ethic
Wrestlers are renowned for their mental toughness and unparalleled work ethic. The grueling nature of wrestling training, both physically and mentally, builds a unique level of toughness in wrestlers. This mental edge allows them to push through challenging moments during fights and maintain composure under pressure.
The rigorous training and discipline required in wrestling also enable wrestlers to transition to MMA more seamlessly than athletes from other disciplines. Wrestlers like Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, and Tyron Woodley have successfully adopted other martial arts such as kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing due to their exceptional work ethic and ability to adapt.
Controlling the Fight with Clinching
Clinching against the cage is another area where wrestlers excel in MMA. By utilizing under hooks and body locks, wrestlers can neutralize the striking game of their opponents and exert tremendous pressure. This control forces their opponents to carry their weight, leading to exhaustion and a significant advantage for the wrestler.
Skilled wrestlers like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington have made clinching against the cage a cornerstone of their fighting styles. They use their wrestling expertise to control their opponents, limiting their movement and utilizing techniques from Muay Thai and dirty boxing to further dominate the fight.
Scoring Favors Wrestling
The scoring system in MMA also contributes to the effectiveness of wrestling. Takedowns are scored similarly to knockdowns, giving wrestlers a significant advantage in the eyes of the judges. Even if a striker dominates the fight on the feet, a well-timed takedown can sway the judge’s decision in favor of the wrestler. This scoring bias towards takedowns often leads to controversial decisions and has solidified the importance of wrestling in MMA.
The Psychological Advantage
Wrestlers bring two crucial psychological factors into the cage: fear of being taken down and desperation. The constant threat of takedowns from wrestlers creates fear and uncertainty in the minds of their opponents. This fear disrupts the game plans of strikers and puts them at a disadvantage.
Additionally, when a wrestler successfully executes takedowns and maintains dominant positions, their opponents often become desperate to escape. This desperation leads to mistakes and exhaustion, allowing the wrestler to capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerability. Wrestlers’ psychological advantage further illustrates the effectiveness of wrestling in MMA.
Wrestling Moves in MMA
Wrestling has a plethora of moves that seamlessly transition into MMA. Some of the most effective wrestling moves in MMA include the penetration step, single-leg takedowns, double-leg takedowns, and the sprawl. These moves provide fighters with the ability to control the fight, take their opponents to the ground, and neutralize striking attacks.
The penetration step is a fundamental offensive move in wrestling that helps cover the distance between opponents. Single-leg and double-leg takedowns are versatile techniques that allow fighters to secure takedowns by grabbing their opponents’ legs. The sprawl, on the other hand, is a defensive technique used to evade takedowns and maintain a dominant position. These moves highlight the adaptability of wrestling techniques in MMA.
The Impact on Betting Odds
The dominance of wrestling in MMA has a significant impact on betting odds. Bookmakers and bettors alike recognize the advantage that wrestlers bring to the octagon, leading to more favorable MMA odds for fighters with wrestling backgrounds. Analyzing the stylistic matchup between two fighters, with one having a wrestling advantage, can provide valuable insights for bettors looking to make informed wagers.
Conclusion
Wrestling’s dominance in MMA is undeniable, with elite wrestlers consistently outperforming their opponents in the octagon. The ability to enhance BJJ skills, neutralize striking styles, control the fight, and capitalize on the psychological advantage make wrestling an essential discipline for MMA fighters. The rich history and legacy of wrestling, combined with its seamless integration into MMA, solidify its position as one of the most effective martial arts in the sport. As the sport continues to evolve, wrestlers will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of MMA.
