Best Cage Fighting Techniques In Wrestling

Best Cage Fighting Techniques In Wrestling

Cage fighting combines various martial arts, and wrestling plays a critical role in controlling opponents. The ability to perform effective wrestling techniques can make the difference between winning and losing inside the cage. In this article, we’ll discuss the best cage fighting techniques in wrestling that every fighter should master.

Best Cage Fighting Techniques In Wrestling
Best Cage Fighting Techniques In Wrestling

1. Double Leg Takedown

The double-leg takedown is one of the most fundamental and effective wrestling techniques in cage fighting. This move allows a fighter to shoot for both legs of their opponent, driving them to the ground. By attacking the legs, the wrestler forces the opponent off balance, making it easier to control them.

To perform this move successfully, the wrestler must lower their stance, explode forward, and grab both of the opponent’s legs. Once they have the legs, they drive forward and use their momentum to slam the opponent to the mat. It’s a quick, powerful, and high-percentage move that works at all levels of competition.

2. Single Leg Takedown

The single-leg takedown is another effective wrestling technique that can be used to take control in a cage fight. This move involves attacking one of the opponent’s legs, either by lifting it or tripping it. It’s particularly useful when you can get your opponent off balance or when they make the mistake of overcommitting to a strike.

To perform the single-leg takedown, a wrestler typically steps to the side of their opponent, grabs one of their legs, and pulls it towards them.

3. Clinch and Dirty Boxing

In a cage fight, the clinch can be a powerful tool, especially for wrestlers. The clinch allows a fighter to control the opponent’s upper body and restrict their movement. From the clinch, a wrestler can employ dirty boxing, which involves throwing short, powerful punches to the head and body while maintaining control.

The key to the clinch is to close the distance quickly, securing the opponent’s head or body, and then working to land strikes from close range. The clinch also provides an excellent opportunity to set up takedowns, especially when the opponent is off balance from absorbing punches or trying to defend.

4. Body Lock Takedown

The body lock takedown is one of the most effective wrestling techniques in cage fighting, especially when an opponent is trying to avoid being taken down. This move involves wrapping your arms around your opponent’s body and lifting them to execute a takedown.

The body lock takedown can be performed in multiple ways: you can lift your opponent and throw them to the mat or use a sweeping motion to trip them. The beauty of the body lock is that it allows you to control the opponent’s hips and prevent them from sprawling or escaping, making it a powerful move for dominating your opponent in the clinch.

5. Suplex

A suplex is a high-impact wrestling move that can dramatically shift the momentum of a cage fight. In a suplex, the wrestler lifts their opponent and then slams them back first into the mat. The move can be executed in various ways, including from the standing position, from a body lock, or even from the clinch.

Executing a suplex requires excellent timing and strength, but when done correctly, it can daze and damage the opponent while also allowing the wrestler to transition into a dominant position.

6. Sprawling

Sprawl is a defensive wrestling technique designed to stop an opponent’s takedown attempt. When an opponent shoots for a double or single-leg takedown, the sprawl involves quickly moving your hips backward and lowering your body’s weight toward your opponent’s back. This action prevents the opponent from lifting your legs and forces them to the ground, where they are vulnerable to strikes or submissions.

Learning to sprawl effectively is crucial for every MMA fighter. The faster and more explosive your sprawl, the harder it is for your opponent to complete a takedown.

7. Ground Control and Positioning

In cage fighting, the ability to control your opponent on the ground is a crucial part of wrestling. Once a wrestler has successfully taken their opponent down, they need to establish dominant ground control. This includes maintaining positions like the side control, mount, and back control.

From these positions, the wrestler can land strikes, attempt submissions, or work to pass the guard. Solid ground control is important because it prevents the opponent from escaping or reversing the position, allowing the wrestler to dictate the pace of the fight.

8. Submission Defense and Escapes

Wrestlers who enter the cage must also be prepared for submissions. Having a strong understanding of submission defense and escapes is critical. Wrestlers are often more focused on top control, but they must also know how to defend against submissions like armbars, chokes, and triangles.

Techniques like the elbow escape, bridge and roll, and kimura defense are all essential tools for wrestlers in MMA. By learning to defend against submissions, wrestlers can focus on keeping their dominant positions and avoiding dangerous situations on the ground.

Conclusion

Wrestling offers some of the most effective and versatile techniques in cage fighting. The ability to control the fight through takedowns, clinches, and ground control can make a significant difference in a fighter’s success. Wrestlers who can combine their skills with strong striking, submission defense, and conditioning will always have an edge inside the cage. Mastering these key techniques is essential for any fighter looking to excel in cage fighting and MMA competition.