Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines multiple fighting styles, but wrestling has long been recognized as one of the best foundational disciplines. Wrestlers transitioning into MMA often excel due to their ability to dictate where the fight takes place. At 10th Planet Ont. Inc., we emphasize the importance of strong grappling fundamentals, and wrestling is a key part of that foundation.
Wrestlers enter the sport of MMA with a built-in advantage in grappling, a skill that many striking-based martial artists have to develop from scratch. Their experience with takedowns, pressure control, and positional dominance gives them an edge, especially in the early stages of their MMA careers. With the right training, wrestlers can integrate striking and submission techniques to become well-rounded fighters.
Control and Takedown Ability
One of the biggest advantages of wrestling for MMA is the ability to dictate where the fight takes place. Wrestlers are trained to shoot for takedowns, execute throws, and maintain positional dominance, allowing them to control opponents with relentless pressure. This takedown control is a game-changer in MMA, as fighters who can take down their opponents at will often control the pace of the fight.
A strong wrestling background also means superior takedown defense. Wrestlers who can prevent takedowns have a significant advantage, as they can keep fights standing against dangerous grapplers or take skilled strikers to the ground to neutralize their attacks. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier have shown how wrestling training can completely shut down even the most elite strikers in the sport.
Grappling for MMA and Ground Control
A key reason why wrestling is the best base for MMA is its effectiveness in grappling for MMA. Wrestlers develop a strong base, allowing them to control opponents on the ground using superior pressure and weight distribution. Once a fight hits the mat, wrestlers excel at keeping dominant positions like side control, mount, or back control, making it extremely difficult for opponents to escape.
Additionally, wrestling teaches scrambling and positional recovery, skills that are essential in MMA. Being stuck on the bottom is a vulnerable position, but wrestlers are trained to reverse positions, explode out of bad spots, and return to their feet quickly. This ability to escape and transition smoothly makes them some of the hardest fighters to keep down in a fight.
Endurance and Mental Toughness
Wrestling is known as one of the most grueling combat sports, requiring unmatched levels of cardiovascular endurance, physical strength, and mental toughness. The constant demand for explosive movements, repeated takedown attempts, and positional control builds superior conditioning that translates well into MMA.
In addition to physical endurance, wrestlers develop mental resilience through rigorous training. Wrestling practice often involves high-intensity drills, extreme weight cuts, and competitive matches, conditioning athletes to handle adversity. This mental toughness is crucial in MMA, where fights are unpredictable, exhausting, and require a relentless mindset to push through fatigue. Fighters with a wrestling background often outlast opponents due to their unwavering work ethic and ability to grind through tough situations.
Striking and Submission Adaptation
While wrestling provides the ability to control opponents, a well-rounded MMA fighter must also develop striking and submission defense. Wrestlers transitioning into MMA often focus on adding Muay Thai or boxing to complement their wrestling base. Developing strong striking allows wrestlers to keep fights standing when necessary and become more dangerous on their feet.
Submission defense is another crucial area of development. Wrestlers who don’t cross-train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may find themselves vulnerable to chokes and joint locks. However, many wrestlers successfully adapt by learning basic submission defense and ground escapes, preventing opponents from catching them in dangerous positions. Fighters like Henry Cejudo and Justin Gaethje have demonstrated how incorporating striking and grappling defense into a wrestling-based MMA style creates a dominant and well-rounded skill set.
Why Wrestling is the Best Base for MMA
When looking at the most dominant fighters in MMA history, many have a wrestling foundation. The ability to control an opponent, dictate the fight’s pace, and neutralize threats makes wrestling one of the most valuable skill sets in the sport. Whether focusing on takedown control, grappling for MMA, or developing striking defense, wrestling gives fighters an edge that is difficult to counter.
At 10th Planet Ont. Inc., we offer wrestling training for MMA, helping fighters build a strong base while integrating striking and submission defense. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve takedown defense or an advanced athlete sharpening your skills, our structured training ensures you develop the techniques needed to succeed in MMA.
How to Incorporate Wrestling into MMA Training
For those looking to develop a strong wrestling foundation for MMA, structured training is essential. At 10th Planet Ont. Inc., our MMA program integrates wrestling techniques with striking and submission grappling, helping students build a complete fighting style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wrestler looking to transition into MMA, our training sessions provide the necessary skills to compete at a high level.
A well-rounded MMA fighter understands how to use wrestling offensively and defensively. This means not only learning how to take opponents down but also how to use wrestling to stay on their feet when needed. The ability to seamlessly mix wrestling with striking and submission attempts is what makes the best fighters stand out in the cage.
10th Planet Ont. Inc. is located at 486 Evans Avenue Unit 11, Etobicoke, Ontario, M8W 2T7. Call us at (647) 231-6711 to learn more about our programs or visit our website to sign up for a trial class: https://10thplanetetobicoke.com/programs/.