The Advantage of North American Mixed Martial Arts

by Luke Thomas on Jan 10, 2008 12:46 PM EST in News Comment 2 comments

Again, in a word, wrestling:

"This is exactly the kind of opportunity I need," says [Cyril] Diabate. "America is where everything is happening right now, both fight- and training-wise."

In an earlier interview with The Fight Network, Diabate revealed his intentions to improve his takedown defense and wrestling skills before competing in the U.S. These two areas are at that the core of the Team Quest camp. Home to two-time Greco-Roman wrestling Olympian and PRIDE middleweight champion Dan Henderson, the burgeoning camp should serve as a beneficial second home for the Frenchman.

"In the past I haven't had to worry about top level wrestlers trying to take me down," says Diabate. "But now [with upcoming fights in American promotions], things will change."

Diabate is one among many who are awakening to the importance of having a strong wrestling game when competing in North America. The Canadians and Americans have cultivated strong programs throughout their schools and communities for decades and have the accolades at the international level to prove it. Now that globalization of the sport is bringing talent to our shores from all over the world, it has become more important than ever to incorporate wrestling when fighting here. That also means more than learning wrestling techniques. It also means a stronger emphasis on weight cutting, aggressive attacks, and maximizing the use of size and strength. Including more wrestling into one's game isn't going to completely alter their style, but it will substantively adjust it. Either their opponent forces them to or they do it on their own to use the new skills. Believe it.

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Re: The Advantage

Man up MTU and admit it.

I was one who a few years ago was convinced that the day of the wrestler was over. I think I was right that the day of the pure wrestler was over, but it is now such a crucial part of a full fight game, that it's impossible to deny what you've said. Rudimentary wrestling skills, ie Machida v Soko, Forrest v Rua, etc, have proven this. And this is the reason why so many Pride guys have failed.

I watched Yarenokka?, and thought, man there is no skilled wrestling at all here. Pride was the same way. BUT when you put a Pride guy in the cage, with his superior striking and BJJ, and if he had prior wrestling experience, he becomes a champion. If only Coleman was 10 years younger...

by MoreThanUFC on Jan 10, 2008 7:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: The Advantage

Ishida and Miyaki both showed some good wrestling at NYE in Japan. Ishida's wrestling completely shut down Melendez' sprawl n' brawl game, something Clay Guida couldn't do. Unfortunately that's all Ihida had -- takedowns, one sub attempt and nothing else.
And Coleman's great failing was he never expanded beyond wrestling.

by Kid Nate on Jan 10, 2008 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs