HOW TO FIGHT A WRESTLER

James Vick
Apr 02, 2025By James Vick

How to Fight a Wrestler: A Strategy Guide for Amateur Fighters

Preparing for a fight against a wrestler can be a daunting task, especially for those accustomed to striking rather than grappling. With a fight looming in about two months, it's crucial to construct a solid game plan. Understanding the dynamics of wrestling and incorporating specific strategies into your training routine will put you in a better position to perform well. Let's break down some essential strategies and training routines that can help you handle a wrestling opponent effectively.

Understanding the Challenge

Navigating the complexities of wrestling requires an understanding of what to expect. Wrestling, especially in amateur fights, frequently involves leveraging cage work rather than open mat takedowns. Thus, grasping these techniques is paramount.

"Most wrestling doesn’t come in the open mat; it comes off of the cage."

Highlights of wrestling include basic techniques such as singles and doubles, which are staples in American wrestling. Unless the opponent possesses specific skills like Greco Roman or judo background, focus on these fundamental elements, especially if you're facing a competent high school level wrestler.

Strengthening Cage Defense

Focus on Basics

  1. Singles and Doubles: Concentrate on defending against single and double leg takedowns, the core techniques of wrestling in the United States.
  2. Body Lock Defense: Learn to counter body locks using fundamental positions and defenses.

Drill Consistently

Allocate three days a week to drilling cage work. Practice consistently to reinforce your familiarity with possible scenarios and responses.

Practical Techniques

  • Underhooks and Overhooks: Develop proficiency in using hooks to control your opponent and prevent them from taking your back.
  • Cross-Facing and Guillotine Defenses: Essential for countering advances and maintaining defensive strength.


"You don’t need 100 moves. Learn five or six different cage work defenses."

Incorporating Striking with Caution

While you're focusing primarily on defense, don't disregard your striking roots. However, adapt your striking technique to reduce vulnerabilities.

Stick to Boxing

  • Distance and Timing: Maintain a strong sense of spacing to keep the wrestler from closing the distance too swiftly.
  • Combination Work: Focus your training on setting up strikes properly with combinations, minimizing opportunities for your legs to be trapped or caught.

Minimize Kicks

Kicks pose a risk due to their potential to be caught. Train to keep them reserved and ensure they're well set up to avoid takedowns.

Training Routine

With insight from top-level fights and experiences, like those from the Ultimate Fighter, a structured routine is essential. Here’s an approach:

  • Cage Work and Wrestling: Three days a week focusing on close-proximity fighting defenses.
  • Jiujitsu: Once a week to improve basic submission defenses, useful for scrambles.
  • Boxing Focus: Emphasize maintaining your striking strength while avoiding excessive vulnerabilities.

Keeping the Fight at a Distance

The advantage lies in ensuring that the fight remains in your realm of comfort—on your feet. A wrestler will aim to press you against the cage, making it imperative to:

  1. Enhance Footwork: Improve your movement skills to prevent closure by the wrestler.
  2. Control Pace: Dictate the pace of the fight, retaining it in the center of the ring as much as possible.

Preparing Mentally and Physically

The culmination of physical techniques aligns with mental preparation. Adopting the right mindset is crucial:

  • Adaptability: Stay flexible with your plans, ready to switch strategies depending on how the match is evolving.
  • Confidence in Preparation: Trust in the routines and drills that form your foundation.

Visual Inspiration

In summary, solidifying your game plan to outmatch a wrestler requires concentration on key areas over the two-month preparation period. Focusing on cage defense, integrating strategic striking, and anchoring the fight's dynamics to your strengths are critical components. Remember, simplicity and repetition in defense—alongside effective use of your striking background—sets you on the path to success.

For those looking to delve deeper, don't hesitate to explore various resources or engage in conversations about further enhancing your skills.

"Focus on that, and make sure you’re getting overhooks, and being really strong with your overhook position so they can’t go to your back."

Enhance your preparation by adopting these strategies tailored for amateur fighters gearing up against wrestlers. Feel free to share your own experiences or ask further questions in the comments below. Whether you're a newcomer to martial arts or looking for a gym, explore resources such as the Ultimate Guide on Choosing Your Martial Arts School Instructor for more insights.

Connect and Continue the Journey

For any additional questions or different topics you'd like covered, leave a comment below or check out instructional resources. Keep honing your skills and best of luck in the ring!