MMA is one of the youngest, yet fastest growing combat sports. Fighters have been mixing martial arts systems for 1000’s of years (like Pankration) but the modern sport of MMA has popularised it massively. MMA’s modern history and be categorised into three stages
Stage 1
The early days of MMA featured bare knuckle fights in Vale Tudo and the UFC. These were usually pitting style against style. Famous fighters from this era include Wanderlai Silva, Rickson Gracie & Marco Ruas
Stage 2
Gradually all fighters understood they needed to cross train other systems to give themselves the best chance of winning. Famous fighters from this era include Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten & Anderson Silva
Stage 3
Over the next decade fighters started to train specifically in MMA as its own style. This is the modern evolution of MMA. Famous fighters from this era include George St Pierre, Demetrious Johnson & Jon Jones
Primary Delivery Systems
Whilst you can use any system or style you like in MMA but there are three that have proven most successful in competitio
Muay Thai
Is generally considered the best striking base for MMA as it includes kicks, punches, knees & elbows – plus clinching
Wrestling
Wrestling is the most popular takedown system for MMA as it contains both upper and lower body takedowns that can executed from distance & from the clinch
BJJ
Is generally considered the best submission system for MMA as it contains ground controls, submissions & escape
MMA Ranges
MMA is primarily fought across four ranges
Long Range
Long range is typically thought of as kicking range but now includes dynamic distance punches like the superman punch
Middle Range
This is inside of kicking range and primarily includes strikes with the hands (boxing)
Dirty Boxing / Clinch Range
This range is typically where you can grab / wrestle your opponent. Strikes in this range include knees, elbows & short punches
Ground
This range occurs when the fighters hit the ground and can include long range, mid-range and close range strikes when grappling. This range is typically thought of as “ground & pound” range. The best fighters can seamlessly transition between ranges whilst combining striking and grappling when appropriate
5 Primary Fighting Styles
If you watch MMA for long enough you will notice that there are five primary fighting styles that are seen repeatedly. Most fighters will fit into one or two if these styles.
Strike & Stuff
This style is favoured by the technical striker who is looking to stay on their feet and pick and opponent off with superior striking skills. If the opponent attempts a takedown they usually see it coming and stuff or stifle it early. Classic Examples: Anderson Silva Israel Adesanya Jon Jones
Spawl & Brawl
This style is similar to the strike & stuff but the fighter in this case usually lacks striking finesse and has a tendency to throw big bombs. This often puts them out of position and means they have to sprawl hard as their opponent gets deeper on the takedown. Classic Examples Chuck Liddel Wanderlai Silva Justin Gaethje
Pin & Punish
This style takes advantage of superior wrestling ability to pin opponent against the cage and wear them down with pressure and dirty boxing. If the takedown is there, they may take it but are also quite happy chopping away against the cage. Classic Examples Randy Couture Cain Valasquez
Slam & Smash
This style is favoured by powerful wrestlers who typically pick their opponents up, slam them to the matt and smash them with heavy ground & pound. Classic Examples Brock Lesner Matt Hughes Fedor Emelianenko
Trip & Tap
This style is often used by BJJ fighters who enter and use low energy tripping techniques to get their opponent to the mat and secure the submission win. Classic Examples Carlos Newton Demian Maia Khabib Nurmagomedov
Outlaw Martial Arts
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