MMA is a unique combat sport that allows fighters from different fighting styles to compete. This has led to well-rounded fighters that are both strikers and grapplers. The primary disciplines represented on the chart are wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and boxing. However, many champions also train in other martial arts.
Striking
As the name suggests, striking is a fighting style that encompasses punching and kicking. Most MMA athletes train in multiple disciplines, including Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Strikes should always be delivered at maximum power and impact to cause the most damage possible. This requires proper distancing, body positioning, footwork and the use of deception to disguise timing and direction of attack. This can be accomplished through a variety of techniques, such as stomping the foot, noise, frequent hand movement or a false guard position change.
MMA athletes can be divided into three categories based on their preferred fighting style: mixed, striking-dominant and grappling-dominant. Mixed fighters are those who have an arsenal of techniques and can adapt to any situation in a fight. This group includes athletes such as Jon Jones, Kamaru Usman and Jose Aldo.
Grappling
Grappling is the art of close-quarters fighting that involves controlling your opponent with clinching and smothering techniques, to know more click here combatpress.com/2023/11/the-breakdown-of-various-fighting-styles-in-mma/. Unlike striking arts that allow fighters to use weapons, grappling techniques are not designed to hurt their opponents. Examples of grappling styles include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling and catch wrestling (luta livre), muay thai and capoeira. MMA grapplers need to be comfortable with exchanges of strikes and takedowns, but are also required to know how to grapple on the ground and in submission holds. This is why most MMA champions have learned multiple martial arts to hone their skills.
For example, fighters like Conor McGregor come from boxing backgrounds but needed to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in order to stop getting knocked out early on in their fights. Likewise, Judo champions Karo Parisyan and Ronda Rousey have used their Olympic-caliber grappling to dominate women’s MMA. However, the most dominant grappling style in MMA is probably Jiu Jitsu. This is primarily due to its effectiveness in submission holds and pinning down opponents on the ground.
Takedowns
In the world of MMA, takedowns are the key to unlocking an opponent’s defenses and paving the way for dominant ground-and-pound victories. Legends such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Kamaru Usman, and Henry Cejudo have made a name for themselves through their masterful utilization of takedown techniques. To successfully execute a takedown, the fighter must utilize leverage, close the distance, and time their move to perfection. Footwork is also crucial for takedown success, as it allows the fighter to navigate the combat space and position themselves strategically.
A popular takedown technique is the ankle pick, which involves dropping down to grab an opponent’s lead leg and then throwing them onto their back. Another common takedown is the outside leg trip, which involves stepping around your opponent’s front leg and taking them to their side. In MMA, it’s important to have a variety of options for takedowns and throws that can be used in different scenarios. This will help you avoid being locked into a particular fighting style or becoming too predictable for your opponents.
Submissions
The MMA sport has a unique fighting style in that a fighter can win by submission, knockout, or points victory. Each fight is fought in a padded cage that is specifically designed with safety and fairness in mind. A referee is closely monitoring the fighters saftey and the judges are scoring each match. A fighter can win by submitting their opponent through joint locks and choke holds. This type of technique usually requires a high level of skill and is only possible when the opposing fighter is distracted or unconscious.
Boxing is an essential fighting style for MMA competitors to learn in order to develop their punches and footwork. This fighting style is also great for assisting with takedowns as well. Another effective striking style is Muay Thai which teaches the competitor how to deliver and defend punches. It can be very effective when used in combination with wrestling-based martial arts, as demonstrated by Royce Gracie at UFC 1.
Conclusion
The most successful MMA fighters are well-rounded, striking and grappling athletes. Fighters like Conor McGregor have boxing backgrounds and rely on powerful jabs to win fights, but without a good wrestling game they are vulnerable to takedowns and chokeholds.
