Is Wrestling Better Than BJJ for MMA?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Is Wrestling Better Than BJJ for MMA? When it comes to mixed martial arts (MMA), two grappling disciplines that often come into the spotlight are wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Both sports have proven to be effective in the MMA arena, but the question remains: Is wrestling better than BJJ for MMA? Let’s take a closer look at each discipline and consider their strengths and weaknesses. Wrestling Wrestling is an ancient combat sport that focuses on takedowns, control, and pinning your opponent. It emphasizes explosive strength, athleticism, and quick reflexes. Wrestlers train extensively in techniques such as single-leg takedowns, double-leg takedowns, suplexes, and throws. Strengths of Wrestling: Takedowns: Wrestlers are known for their ability to take opponents down to the mat with speed and precision. This skill is invaluable in MMA as it allows wrestlers to dictate where the fight takes place. Control: Wrestlers excel at controlling their opponents on the ground. They have a deep understanding of body positioning and leverage, making it difficult for opponents to escape or mount an offense. Athleticism: Wrestling requires exceptional strength, agility, and endurance. Wrestlers are renowned for their explosive movements and relentless work ethic. Weaknesses of Wrestling: Grappling Submissions: While wrestlers have a solid foundation in controlling opponents on the ground, they may lack expertise in submission holds commonly seen in BJJ. Pulling Guard: In MMA, pulling guard (a BJJ technique where a fighter intentionally goes to their back) is generally seen as a disadvantage. Wrestlers may struggle when their opponents choose this strategy. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) BJJ, on the other hand, is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submissions. It originated from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu but was refined and popularized by the Gracie family in Brazil. BJJ practitioners aim to submit their opponents through various joint locks, chokes, and positional control. Strengths of BJJ: Submissions: BJJ practitioners have an extensive arsenal of submissions at their disposal. They are skilled in applying joint locks and chokes from various positions. Guard Work: BJJ emphasizes working from the guard position, which allows fighters to control and neutralize opponents even from the bottom position. Joint Manipulation: BJJ fighters have a deep understanding of joint manipulation, allowing them to apply pressure on joints for submission or control purposes. Weaknesses of BJJ: Takedowns: While BJJ includes some takedown techniques, it generally doesn’t prioritize them as much as wrestling does. This can put BJJ practitioners at a disadvantage against skilled wrestlers who can dictate where the fight takes place. Athleticism: While athleticism is important in any combat sport, some argue that wrestlers tend to possess greater athleticism due to the nature of their training. The Verdict So, is wrestling better than BJJ for MMA? The answer is not straightforward. It largely depends on the individual fighter and their style of fighting. Wrestlers have a clear advantage in takedowns and control, while BJJ practitioners excel in submissions and guard work. To be successful in MMA, fighters often need a well-rounded skill set that includes both wrestling and BJJ. Many champions and top-level fighters have demonstrated the importance of blending these two disciplines to create a formidable ground game. In conclusion, instead of focusing on whether wrestling or BJJ is better for MMA, fighters should embrace the strengths of both disciplines and adapt them to their own unique fighting style. By combining the explosive takedowns of wrestling with the submission prowess of BJJ, fighters can become a force to be reckoned with in the octagon.
