MMA Equipment

Getting an opponent to the ground, or takedowns, is another essential skill of MMA. The style of takedown that has become the most popular in mixed martial arts is Greco-roman wrestling. Partly because of its prominence in the American school system, and partly because of it’s ancient and time proven style, Greco-roman wrestling consists of tackles, throws and slams, and have gone on to dominate much of MMA since its popularity in the UFC.

Typically, a fighter who wishes to take the fight to the ground will go for a single or double leg takedown. These techniques involve lowering the body to where the shoulders are level to an opponent’s hips. Next, the attacker drives forward, as they grab the opponents legs behind the knees. If performed right, the attacker will disrupt the opponent’s balance, sending the competitor to the ground on his back.

In addition to Greco-roman wrestling, Judo has also appeared in MMA as a useful style for controlling and bringing fighters to the ground. Because many MMA fighters spend considerable time in the clinch position, Judo hip throws and leg trips can be utilized to catch an opponent off guard, and send them flying to the ground. One caveat with Judo, however, is that traditionally, Judo is performed whilst wearing a gi. Due to the enforced standardization of MMA equipment in most competitive events, such as the UFC, gi’s, or other types of uniforms are not allowed in MMA. For a mixed martial artist to effectively use Judo, they must alter their training so that their techniques can be performed without grabbing an opponents clothing.