Combining wrestling with cage fighting is a powerful strategy that can give any fighter a significant advantage inside the cage. Wrestling is one of the most effective disciplines in MMA, allowing fighters to control the pace of the fight, dictate positions, and neutralize an opponent’s striking ability. In this article, we’ll explore how to blend wrestling with cage fighting techniques to dominate in MMA.
1. Utilize Takedowns to Control the Fight
One of the key elements in combining wrestling and cage fighting is mastering takedowns. Wrestlers are known for their ability to bring their opponents to the ground quickly, which can neutralize striking threats and put you in a more dominant position.
The double-leg takedown, single-leg takedown, and body lock are all wrestling techniques that can be used effectively in the cage. The idea is to close the distance, secure the takedown, and move to a position where you can either ground and pound or attempt submissions. When combining wrestling with cage fighting, a strong takedown game is crucial for controlling the action.
2. Use the Cage for Positioning and Control
In MMA, the cage is an important tool that wrestlers can use to their advantage. Wrestlers often take control of the cage to corner their opponents, limiting their movement and setting up more opportunities for takedowns or strikes.
You can use the cage to pin your opponent and work for a takedown, or simply use it to trap their movement and prevent them from escaping. Techniques like the dirty boxing clinch or the headlock can help you keep your opponent trapped against the cage while you work for a dominant position.
Additionally, the wall walk—pushing off the cage to stand back up—is a technique that wrestlers can use to escape from dangerous positions on the ground.
3. Master Ground Control After Takedowns
Once you have successfully taken your opponent down, it’s important to use your wrestling skills to maintain control on the ground. Wrestlers excel at top control, meaning they can keep their opponent on the bottom while avoiding submissions and landing strikes.
The best way to combine wrestling and cage fighting on the ground is to stay heavy on top. This means maintaining pressure, keeping your opponent’s shoulders on the mat, and staying out of danger. Transitioning from positions like side control, mount, or back control allows you to land powerful ground and pound strikes or work for submissions, using wrestling as the base.
Wrestling also helps in scrambles. If your opponent tries to escape or reverse positions, your ability to sprawl, maintain posture, and fight for dominant positions will give you the edge in the scramble.
4. Incorporate Dirty Boxing and Striking in the Clinch
While wrestling can be used to control your opponent’s body and move to the ground, the clinch also opens up opportunities for striking. Dirty boxing is a technique where you land short, powerful punches in the clinch, typically targeting the opponent’s head and body.
Incorporating wrestling into dirty boxing can be very effective in cage fighting, as it allows you to control the opponent’s posture and land strikes at close range. You can use the overlook or underhook to control your opponent’s arms and land knees or short punches. This approach will tire your opponent out, making them more vulnerable to further takedowns or submissions.
5. Defend Against Takedowns with Wrestling Fundamentals
When you’re combining wrestling with cage fighting, it’s just as important to defend as it is to attack. Wrestlers are skilled at stuffing takedowns and keeping the fight standing, so incorporating these techniques into your cage fighting strategy is essential.
One of the best ways to defend against a takedown is by sprawling. Sprawling is a wrestling technique that involves dropping your hips and sprawling your legs backward to prevent the opponent from lifting you. You can use the cage to help defend takedowns, as it can limit the opponent’s ability to complete their takedown attempts. By positioning yourself near the cage, you can make it more difficult for your opponent to complete a successful takedown.
Additionally, knowing when to use underhooks to fight off an opponent’s takedown attempt will allow you to remain standing and possibly reverse the position to gain control.
6. Learn Submission Defense and Escapes
A successful cage fighter who blends wrestling must also be able to defend against submissions. While wrestling offers excellent control, it’s not immune to submissions from skilled grapplers. You must learn how to defend against common submissions like armbars, triangles, and guillotines by using proper positioning, posture, and movement.
If you find yourself in a bad position on the ground, knowing escapes like the elbow escape or hip escape is vital. Wrestling emphasizes body movement, and using that mobility to escape submissions or re-establish top positions can make all the difference in an MMA fight.
7. Conditioning and Mental Toughness
Wrestling requires a level of conditioning and mental toughness that can make or break a fight. Integrating wrestling into your cage-fighting strategy means preparing your body for constant pressure and action. Fighters with strong wrestling backgrounds are known for their ability to grind out opponents and maintain a relentless pace throughout the fight.
Building cardio, strength, and explosiveness is essential to ensure that you can execute wrestling moves effectively in the cage. Mental toughness is equally important, as you must stay calm and focused even when your opponent is trying to wear you down.
Conclusion
Combining wrestling with cage fighting creates a winning strategy that involves both controlling the fight and neutralizing your opponent’s strengths. By mastering takedowns, using the cage for control, and maintaining top position, wrestlers have a distinct advantage in MMA.
By focusing on these key techniques, you can create a solid foundation for success in cage fighting and leverage wrestling to become a more complete and dangerous fighter.
