Former UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw has sparked a heated debate in the MMA community by stating that wrestling is currently having a greater impact on MMA than jiu-jitsu. According to Dillashaw, it’s the controlling aspect of wrestling that gives it an edge over jiu-jitsu in the world of mixed martial arts.
In a recent interview, Dillashaw explained that wrestlers have a significant advantage in MMA due to their ability to dictate the pace and control the pressure of a fight. He emphasized that when rolling with high-level jiu-jitsu black belts, he feels comfortable and in control, knowing he can dictate the pace and direction of the fight. However, when facing a skilled wrestler, the dynamics of the fight change dramatically.
“When you go against another D1 wrestler, you’re like, ‘f*ck man, we’re gonna have to work.’ We’re gonna work our ass off this round because this guy’s not gonna stop,” Dillashaw said.
Dillashaw attributes the superiority of wrestling in MMA to its fast-paced, non-stop nature. Unlike jiu-jitsu, where stalling is allowed, wrestling requires constant movement and action. This relentless pace translates well to MMA, where scrambles are more frequent and fighters need to be prepared to adapt quickly.
“In jiu-jitsu, it’s lackadaisical. You lay on your back. You can stall, you’re allowed to stall. And with a wrestler, it’s never stopping. Lots of scrambles. In MMA, no gi obviously, there’s more scrambles than there are in jiu-jitsu matches,” Dillashaw explained.
Dillashaw’s comments have sparked a debate among MMA enthusiasts, with some arguing that jiu-jitsu is still a vital component of a fighter’s skillset. While jiu-jitsu is undoubtedly essential for submissions and ground control, Dillashaw’s point about the controlling aspect of wrestling cannot be ignored.
The statistics support Dillashaw’s claims. According to a statistic, wrestlers have a significantly higher success rate in MMA than jiu-jitsu practitioners. In fact, 62% of UFC champions have a wrestling background, while only 28% have a jiu-jitsu background.
While Dillashaw’s comments may have ruffled some feathers, his assessment of the current MMA landscape is hard to argue with. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how fighters adapt and incorporate different skillsets to gain a competitive edge.
For now, it appears that wrestling is the dominant force in MMA, and fighters would do well to focus on developing their wrestling skills if they want to succeed at the highest level.
