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<h3>The Way You Train Is The Way You Fight: Breaking Down a Vital Lesson for Young Fighters</h3>Hey guys, welcome to today’s blog! I wanted to share a simple, but incredibly important principle that every fighter—especially those just starting out—needs to hear. This isn’t about flashy techniques or new moves; it’s about groundwork and reality. If you’re young and thinking about stepping into the ring, the cage, or anywhere competitive, this lesson might save you a lot of pain and disappointment later on. Seriously, I can’t believe I even have to say this, but it’s something I see all the time as a coach and fighter. You’re going to fight the way you train. It sounds almost too simple, but it’s the heart of everything you’ll ever do in martial arts. Let’s dig deep into what that really means, why it matters, and how you can use it to be a better fighter and athlete!<h3>Introduction: Why Training Habits Matter</h3>There’s a phrase I keep repeating to my students:<blockquote>“You’re going to fight the way you train.”</blockquote>Sounds obvious, right? But let’s be real: most beginners don’t realize how true it is until it’s too late. If you’ve ever thought, "I train sloppy, but I’ll turn it on when I fight," trust me—you won’t. The habits you build when the stakes are low are the same ones that come out when everything goes crazy in a real fight. <h3>The Truth About Practicing Like You’re Going to Fight</h3>Every time you hit the bag, spar, drill your grappling, or even shadow box in front of the mirror, you’re laying down patterns. Your body learns what “feels normal”, and that’s what shows up under stress. When you’re tired, under pressure, or shocked by an opponent’s attack, you’ll default to whatever you did in training. Hands Up: The Classic ExampleLet’s talk about the simplest technique: keeping your hands up. In almost every class I’ve taught, there’s someone who drops their hands the moment nobody’s looking. Ask most beginners why, and you’ll get the same answer:<blockquote>“Yeah, but in a real fight, I’ll keep my hands up.”</blockquote>No, you won’t. If you didn’t build it in the gym, it won’t be there when someone swings for your head. <h3>Common Training Mistakes That Haunt You in Fights</h3>Here are some classic mistakes I see all the time:<ul><li>Dropping your hands after throwing a punch </li><li>Staying too stationary (no foot movement) </li><li>Not moving your head off the center line </li><li>Weak defense while hitting pads or bags </li><li>Sloppy footwork </li><li>Not setting your feet before striking or defending </li><li>Ignoring defensive technique while grappling</li></ul>All of these mistakes might not punish you in practice. But in a live fight, where every split-second counts, bad habits become real weaknesses. <h3>Perfect Practice vs. Realistic Performance</h3>Let’s keep it real: nobody, not even Floyd Mayweather, is completely flawless in a fight. Even the best have technical slip-ups. The difference is, they train as close to perfect as possible. Most fighters only perform at a percentage of their training technique when under pressure.<blockquote>“You can practice with perfect technique, 100% technique, as best you can, and you’re still not going to maintain that in a fight.”</blockquote>So ask yourself: if you’re only performing at 70% of your best under fire, what does your “best” look like in the gym? If your training is loose or lazy, your fighting will be worse. <h3>The Role of Technique: Why “Almost” Isn’t Enough</h3>Technique isn’t just about looking good or passing your next belt test. It’s about safety, efficiency, and winning. Good technique keeps you safe from getting knocked out, choked, or taken down. It lets you move with less effort and more impact.The Halfway TrapIf you train while halfway going through the motions, you’re setting yourself up for disaster:<ul><li>Bad habits become second nature </li><li>Sloppy form gets repeated in real fights </li><li>You’re not protected from counter-attacks </li><li>You lose out on power and speed</li></ul>If you only practice with so-so form, you’re building the wrong patterns. When your adrenaline is spiking, when your body aches—those lazy drills are what you’ll fall back on. <h3>Coaching Stories: Real People, Real Problems </h3>Over the years, I’ve seen these truths play out with students and peers. The Hands-Up Myth One guy said to me, “I drop my hands now, but I’ll keep them up in a fight.” I had to laugh, but then I got real with him: “No, you won’t.” If it’s not automatic in the gym, it’s not automatic in the ring. My Own StrugglesTo be honest, I’ve struggled with keeping my hands up too. Years ago, I felt like I wasn’t taught the right way at first, and it haunted me for a long time. I had to re-learn those habits and drill them until they stuck. If you’re not absorbing technique right away, trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to fix mistakes early. Young Fighters: Building Habits That Last With young fighters, the problems are always the same:<ul><li>Not moving the head off center line </li><li>Hands down after punches </li><li>Bad footwork </li><li>Standing still—easy targets</li></ul>Whatever you’re doing wrong in practice becomes a real risk in the fight. On the flip side, whatever you do right in training will be your strengths in competition. <h3>Don’t Be Naive: You Won’t Magically Improve in a Fight</h3>It’s easy to be naive about what’ll happen “when it’s real”. Training is your test-drive for fights. If you’ve never done something reliably in the gym, it’s fantasy to think you’ll pull it off under pressure.<blockquote>“Don’t be naive or delusional enough to think that because you think it’s cool to drop your hands that all of a sudden come fight time, you’re magically going to be able to keep them up.”</blockquote>That’s not just about hands. If you’re in a grappling match and can't escape side control or get up from bottom in class, you won’t magically pull it off when adrenaline’s pumping and someone’s really trying to hold you down. <h3>Applying the Lesson to Grappling and Self-Defense</h3>This principle crosses over into all areas of martial arts, not just striking.<ul><li>If you fail to escape in the gym, expect trouble in a live fight. </li><li>If you don’t defend submissions in training, you’re vulnerable in competition. </li><li>If you can’t get back up in practice, you won’t do it in the cage.</li></ul>One student told me, “In a real fight, I’ll get up anytime I want.” My answer: You have to prove it in the gym first. If you’re stuck on your back day after day, you need to change how you practice. <h3>Dealing With Variables: Injuries, Nerves, and More </h3>Fighting isn’t just a technical challenge. When the pressure’s on, all kinds of variables creep in.<ul><li>Nerves </li><li>Injuries (early or mid-fight) </li><li>Unexpected attacks </li><li>Crowd, noise, mental fatigue</li></ul>But even with these challenges, your basic habits rule the day. Build the right habits and you’ll survive when life throws curveballs at you.<blockquote>“You can be nervous, you could receive an injury early on in the fight, but as a whole, you’re going to fight the way you practice.”</blockquote><h3>Making The Most of Your Training Time</h3>So, what should you do in training to make this work for you? 1. Treat Each Drill Like the Real ThingIf you drop your defense while hitting pads, expect to do the same in fights. If you get lazy with footwork during bag rounds, you’ll be a stationary target when it counts.2. Find Coaches Who Actually Correct Your FormSome pad holders just hold—they never bother with feedback. Make sure whoever’s running your session is sharp about technique. Demand corrections. 3. Record and Watch Your Own TrainingUse video. See the details. Do you look crisp, or are there leaks in your technique?4. Fix Mistakes Right AwayDon’t let weeks or months go by before correcting fundamentals. Early fixes mean lifelong solid habits.5. Focus on Both Offense and DefenseSparring isn’t just for landing shots. Make defense a priority every round.6. Drill Under PressureSimulate fatigue, stress, intensity. The closer training is to “fight-like conditions”, the better.<h3>FAQ: Common Questions from Young Fighters</h3>Q: What if I’m naturally athletic and can turn it up in fights?A: Athleticism helps, but technique is irreplaceable. You might have a couple of good fights, but bad habits catch up eventually—especially as you face better opponents.Q: How do I know my training is good enough?A: Ask yourself: Are you practicing near perfect technique every session? Are you getting corrective feedback? Are your habits locked-in under pressure and fatigue?Q: Can I fix bad habits after I’ve already started fighting?A: Yes, but it takes extra effort. The sooner you spot and fix weaknesses, the better. Video, coaching, and honest sparring help.Q: Isn’t sparring supposed to be less intense than fights?A: Sparring is for learning, but habits still form. Always keep defenses tight and technique sharp, whether you’re going light or hard.Q: Do these ideas work for grappling, too?A: Absolutely. Any repeated movement—escapes, submissions, transitions—needs good technique every rep. Don’t slack off just because it’s “only drilling.” <h3>Final Thoughts and Action Steps </h3>So, here’s the big picture:<ul><li>Whatever you do in practice becomes your reality in a fight. </li><li>Perfect your technique every day, every round, every drill. </li><li>Don’t let bad habits sneak in, especially when nobody’s watching. </li><li>Seek out coaches and partners who help you grow. </li><li>Be honest with yourself. You can’t trick the process.</li></ul>Take five minutes after every class to reflect. What did you do well? What needs work? Write it down, or better yet, record your rounds and study them.<blockquote>“Try to make sure your technique is close to as perfect as possible and anything you’re doing, because if you’re lucky, come fight time, you will maintain a good percentage of that. But if your technique is off and you’re sloppy in practice, it is s gonna be often really sloppy in the fight.”</blockquote><h3>Recommended Resources &amp; Next Steps</h3>If you’re serious about getting started or leveling up your skills, check out my book:<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/5azGfiz" href="https://a.co/d/5azGfiz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School &amp; Instructor</a> You’ll find all the tips you need to pick the school and coach that fits you best. I wrote it to help young fighters and anyone interested in martial arts. And don’t forget—subscribe to the channel for more videos, leave any questions in the comments, and let me know which subjects you want me to cover next!<figure id="figure-n8mcy03lw7mfvt4i6s"><iframe id="n8mcy03lw7mfvt4i6s" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/To5YvwyuB8o" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/To5YvwyuB8o?si=4zlrbyOpP1DRi2W2" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/To5YvwyuB8o" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

YOU FIGHT HOW YOU TRAIN

<h3>How to Get to the UFC: Real Advice from a Fighter</h3>So, you want to know how to get into the UFC? You’ve probably seen a bunch of content online, heard advice at the gym, maybe you’ve even got coaches telling you to “train hard” and “win fights.” Well, I’ve lived through it, I breathe this stuff every day. Let me tell you, most of what people say about making it in the UFC barely scratches the surface. If you’re really serious, there’s way more to consider—and in this post, I’m breaking down everything I wish someone had laid out for me when I first started. What you’re about to read isn’t some cookie-cutter, step-by-step list. This is hard-earned truth from someone who’s been deep in the fighting game—so settle in, grab a drink, and let’s dive into what REALLY matters.<h3>The Harsh Reality: Most Won’t Make It</h3>Let’s get one thing straight right away: 99% of people who start out wanting to get to the UFC will never reach it.Does that mean you shouldn’t try? Of course not. But you need to know the odds, and you need to stack them in your favor however you can. Even if you do EVERYTHING right, there are no guarantees. All I can do is promise you the best chance possible based on what I’ve experienced firsthand.<blockquote>“I’ve been a fighter for years now, and 99% of people aren’t going to make it in the UFC. Even if you follow these steps, there’s definitely no guarantees. But I promise I’ll give you the best chance possible … in my opinion.”</blockquote><h3>Why Your First Two Years Are Everything</h3>Seriously, your first two years of training are crucial. Not just for “getting in shape” or “looking good”—I’m talking about technique.<h3>What Happens if You Build Bad Technique?</h3>From what I’ve seen and lived, if you build bad habits early, it takes twice as long—sometimes even longer—to break and fix them. Imagine this:<ul><li>Boxed for two years. Every time you throw a jab, you drop your right hand. </li><li>Nobody corrects you, just says “keep your hands up,” without showing you HOW. </li><li>Do that for two years? It might take you four to erase that habit.</li></ul>Bottom line: Technique is everything. If you’re sloppy, you’re setting yourself back years.<h3>Building Real Technique vs. Bad Habits</h3>Fighting isn’t just about being tough. It’s about reps and technical precision.<ul><li>In striking, you get a TON of reps. If you’re doing the wrong thing over and over, that habit gets burned in deep. </li><li>Grappling (like takedowns or defense) doesn’t get as many reps, but bad habits matter here too.</li></ul>Example<ul><li>Throw a hundred jabs in a round? That’s a hundred chances to do it RIGHT or WRONG. </li><li>Practicing double-leg takedowns? You get fewer reps, but still, each one should count.</li></ul>This is why it’s even more important to have good technique in boxing and striking early on. If you mess up here, it haunts you later.<h3>Boxing: The Foundation You Can’t Ignore</h3>Let me say this: Boxing is king for hands, and hands are king in today’s MMA, especially with those tiny 4-ounce gloves.<ul><li>Box for at least 1.5 to 2 years BEFORE moving to kickboxing or other stuff. </li><li>Most knockouts—like 90%—in MMA come from hands. Not head kicks, not flying knees (even though those are worth training, too). Hands win fights.</li></ul>Why Focus So Much on Boxing?<ul><li>More fighters now have good hands. If you don’t, you’ll get left behind. </li><li>You need crisp technique, defense, and setups. </li><li>Don’t just chase the flashy stuff. Get your boxing on point first.</li></ul><h3>Wrestling: The King of MMA</h3>If boxing is king of hands, wrestling is king of where the fight goes. It’s what sets apart real contenders.<ul><li>Wrestling decides where the fight happens—on the feet, on the ground, against the cage. </li><li>Offensive AND defensive wrestling both matter. </li><li>Even if you’re a submission guy, if you can’t wrestle, it doesn’t matter how great your jiu jitsu is. You’ll be stuck against people you can’t take down or defend against.</li></ul>My Experience<blockquote>"Half my wins are by submission … but if you can’t wrestle, it doesn’t matter how good you are at jiu jitsu or striking. You’re in trouble."</blockquote>If you have a high school wrestling background? That’s a huge advantage. But you still need to keep leveling up.<h3>Attributes and Realistic Self-Assessment</h3>Don’t try to be someone you’re not. A lot of beginners make the mistake of copying freak athletes and expecting the same results.<ul><li>Guys like Alex Pereira, who knock folks out with a jab—he’s not normal. He has insane knockout power. </li><li>If you’re not a knockout artist, don’t build your whole game around “landing one big punch.” </li><li>Same thing with super fast fighters. If you’re not that fast, don’t copy their game.</li></ul>Be Realistic<ul><li>Look at YOUR attributes—cardio, height, speed, toughness. What are you naturally good at? </li><li>Build a gameplan around your strengths. </li><li>Cardio is one attribute anyone can improve.</li></ul><blockquote> "It doesn’t matter how many attributes you have. If you don’t have high level technique, it’s unlikely you’re getting to the UFC—or staying there."</blockquote><h3> The Critical Importance of Coaching</h3>If you take ONE thing away from this post, let it be this: World-class coaching is everything. You cannot stay loyal to people who don’t teach high-level technique. Loyalty can help or hurt you. Most of the time in MMA, it hurts. Why Coaching Matters<ul><li>Fighters who make it to the UFC usually already have natural attributes. </li><li>But what keeps you there? Coaching and technique. </li><li>Tons get signed, go 2-2, then get cut—not because they weren’t tough, but because they stuck with coaches who weren’t fixing their technique.</li></ul><blockquote> “Superior coaching is the only thing that's getting you—or keeping you—there.”</blockquote>Should You Ditch Your Gym/Coach?<ul><li>Don’t trade better sparring partners for superior coaches. </li><li>If your coach is world-class, stick with them—even if it’s a small gym. </li><li>Consider cross-training for variety, but keep coming back to great technique teachers.</li></ul><h3>Training Frequency: How Often Should You Go Hard?</h3>Let’s talk reality: You need to be training constantly. How Many Days Per Week Should You Train?<ul><li>Five to six days a week. No exceptions. </li><li>Some days are lighter, some days you push harder. </li><li>But you need to be consistently putting in hours on the mats, in the ring, and in drilling.</li></ul><blockquote>“If you really want to get to the UFC, you need to be training at least five days a week, probably six days a week. And it doesn't mean you need to go hard all the time.”</blockquote><h3>Drilling vs. Sparring</h3><ul><li>Most people go too hard, too often—or not enough on the right stuff. </li><li>You HAVE to drill. More on that next.</li></ul><h3>Drilling: The Most Underused Weapon</h3>Drilling changes everything. It’s the secret sauce for catching up to fighters who started earlier than you.<ul><li>Most people don't drill enough, especially in grappling. Big mistake! </li><li>Coming from someone who started grappling late (at 22), I didn’t realize how crucial drilling was until I landed in world-class environments, like The Ultimate Fighter.</li></ul>What Counts as Drilling?<ul><li>Hitting the heavy bag is drilling. It’s just fast-paced. </li><li>Grappling technique drills—slow, precise reps—matter more than just rolling.</li></ul>You MUST Drill:<ul><li>Wrestling takedowns and defense </li><li>Jiu jitsu positions and escapes </li><li>Cage offense/defense</li></ul><blockquote> “If you want to get to the UFC, you need to learn how to fall in love with drilling. Unless you’ve been training your whole life. If you start later, you have to drill WAY more to catch up.”</blockquote>Outworking the Competition<ul><li>Do more reps in 5 years than another guy did in 10? You might catch him, maybe even beat him. </li><li>Most won’t put in the reps, even if they’ve been in the sport longer.</li></ul><h3>Managing Your Career: Fights, Managers, and Matchups</h3>Yes, training hard and fighting tough opponents matter. But you also need to manage your career smartly.Good Manager = Good Matchups<ul><li>Managers and coaches should help you get the right fights for your development. </li><li>Making good matchmaking decisions builds your record and prepares you for tougher opponents.</li></ul><blockquote>“Getting a good manager that can match you up to opponents that are going to give you the best chance to win … is just as important as being skilled at fighting.”</blockquote>The Role of Your Trainer<ul><li>Your coach should guide your matchup choices. </li><li>Don’t jump to fighting anyone, anywhere. Build up tactically.</li></ul><h3>Loyalty vs. Results: Who Should You Listen To?</h3>This one’s tough. Loyalty feels good, especially in martial arts. But sticking with a coach who isn’t pushing your limits with technique can ruin your whole career. Common Pitfalls:<ul><li>Just because a gym has 30 fighters doesn’t mean it’s better. </li><li>Don’t trade world-class technique for a bigger group. </li><li>Watch out for gyms that spar all the time with journeymen fighters—these are NOT high-level guys.</li></ul><blockquote> “Never give up world-class coaching for a few different sparring partners that don’t have that technique level. Stop being loyal to coaches that don’t correct defense.”</blockquote>Coaches and Defense<ul><li>Most coaches who’ve never fought don’t teach real defense. </li><li>I learned this the hard way: I stayed loyal for too long, got burned, had to relearn defense later.</li></ul><blockquote> “The best coaches I’ve had from a defensive standpoint are the ones that actually fought a lot. I was taught horrible defense originally, and loyalty to that coach bit me in my butt.”</blockquote><h3>Social Media: Growing Your Visibility</h3>Welcome to modern MMA—you CAN’T ignore social media.<ul><li>UFC and other big organizations want fighters with a following. It helps sell fights, get you noticed, and build your own career. </li><li>Work on building your brand. Post training, fight clips, challenges, call-outs. </li><li>It’s a must, not just a nice-to-have now.</li></ul>How to Use Social Media<ul><li>Document your journey </li><li>Engage with fans honestly </li><li>Let matchmakers and promoters see your progress</li></ul>This is another “must” for fighters these days. Don’t stay old-school and avoid the cameras.<h3>Balancing Life, Sacrifice, and Training</h3>Let’s get real: chasing the UFC means sacrificing a LOT.<ul><li>You’ll miss parties, birthdays, sometimes holidays—if you’re serious about getting to the top. </li><li>Most successful fighters hold down jobs while training. I worked in oil fields, did security, bounced at clubs—but ALWAYS trained.</li></ul><blockquote> “If you have a full-time job, this is totally possible. You’re just not going to have a life. You’re going to sacrifice a lot. Miss birthday parties, maybe even Christmas if you’re fighting or at training camp.”</blockquote>What Does Your Daily Schedule Look Like?<ul><li>Work 8–10 hours/day </li><li>Train 3+ hours/day </li><li>Repeat. Every. Single. Week.</li></ul>If you’re not ready to commit, there’s no shame—but know what it takes.<h3>The 80/20 Rule for Fighters</h3>Here’s a secret that most gyms never talk about: The 80/20 Rule.<blockquote>“80% of the shit you learn, you’re not going to use in a real fight. Focus on drilling that 20% constantly—those are the ones that will get you wins.”</blockquote>What’s Your 20%?<ul><li>My own: neck attacks (guillotines, Darces) and the right hand in boxing </li><li>For Conor McGregor: everything is about setting up the left hand</li></ul>Figure out what naturally works for YOU, then obsess over it. Drill those moves a thousand times until you can hit them in any situation. How to Use the 80/20 Rule<ol><li>Find your best weapons—strikes, submissions, positions. </li><li>Build setups for those. If your right hand is a killer, master every way to land it. </li><li>Everything else? Drill for defense and support, but don’t waste endless hours on low-percentage moves.</li></ol><h3>Final Advice: Drill Like It’s a Religion</h3>If you walk away from this post with one actionable step, let it be this: DRILL like your career depends on it—because it does.<ul><li>Drill every day. Become obsessed. </li><li>You can’t spar hard daily, but you CAN drill every day. </li><li>World-class technique only comes from thousands of reps, not a handful.</li></ul><blockquote> “You need to drill like it’s a religion. You need to have world-class technique. You need to stay loyal to people that teach world-class technique—not those who don’t.”</blockquote>Never Sacrifice Technique for Anything<ul><li>Don’t leave high-level coaches for popularity, bigger gyms, or easier training partners. </li><li>The only thing that gets you to the UFC and keeps you there is technique.</li></ul><h3>Resources &amp; Next Steps</h3>Ready to take the plunge? Here are a few concrete steps to get you started:<ol><li>Find World-Class Coaching: Don’t just train at the closest gym or the one with the biggest following. Research coaches in your area with a proven track record in technique. </li><li>Box, Box, Box: Make hands your priority for 1.5–2 years. Then expand to kicks and other strikes. </li><li>Drill Daily: Make drilling a non-negotiable. Grappling, striking, cage work—all of it. </li><li>Balance Your Life: If you work a day job, plan your training time. Know what you’re sacrificing for your dream. </li><li>Get Connected: Grow your social media presence. Let people know you’re on the journey. </li><li>Read More: If you’re new to martial arts and looking for a gym, check out my book, <a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/cjBaSjE" href="https://a.co/d/cjBaSjE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor.</a></li></ol><h3>Conclusion: The Real Path to the UFC</h3>Let’s bring it home:<ul><li>You need world-class technique, not just trophies or a stacked Instagram. </li><li>Be ready to sacrifice years, friendships, holidays—and embrace drilling. </li><li>Stay loyal to coaches who make you better, not just those you’ve known longest. </li><li>Don’t get blinded by big gyms or lots of sparring partners. </li><li>Work on social media. In today’s fight game, visibility matters.</li></ul>Remember, there are no guarantees—but if you put in the work, make the tough choices, and train like your future depends on it, you’ll have the best shot anyone can possibly have to get to the UFC.<figure id="figure-rop38xffgimfn3emqt" class="selected"><iframe id="rop38xffgimfn3emqt" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VJvkHwas1H4" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/VJvkHwas1H4?si=VEszmdDzDE6Cge5B" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VJvkHwas1H4" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

HOW TO GET TO THE UFC!

<h3>Why Wrestlers Have a Big Advantage in MMA: Insights From My Own Journey</h3>What's up guys? If you're thinking about getting into MMA or wondering why wrestlers seem to dominate the sport, you're in the right place. Today, I'm laying out the real reason wrestlers have such a big advantage in mixed martial arts, and it's probably not what you think. This post dives deep into my personal experiences, the demands of grappling, why starting young matters, and what this means for anyone chasing a career in MMA. Whether you're a total beginner or just thinking ahead, keep reading. This is everything I wish someone had spelled out for me when I started.<h3>Introduction: My Start in Martial Arts</h3>I want to start by sharing a bit about myself. I didn't begin grappling until I was 22 years old. Before that, I started training at 20. That means I started way later than most of the guys making waves in MMA today. Growing up, I lived in a country town where wrestling wasn't even an option. We had the usual: baseball, basketball, football, and track. No wrestling team. If I could turn back time, I would have joined wrestling in a heartbeat. But here's the thing—starting late makes it way harder to catch up, especially when your body has already taken its fair share of hits.<blockquote>"Trying to compete against guys that have been training their whole life... wrestling is more important to start at a younger age than any other martial art."</blockquote><h3>The Real Reason Wrestlers Dominate MMA&nbsp;</h3>So why do wrestlers have such a big advantage in MMA? It’s not just about strength or technique. The reality is they've been doing this since they were kids. Most top wrestlers start grappling in elementary school—some as early as fourth or fifth grade. By the time they're competing at a high level, their bodies have already adjusted to the grind, the impact, and the injuries that come with wrestling. This means by the time they're adults, they're more durable. They've got the muscle memory, the grit, and the scars to prove it. When you compare that to someone who picks up grappling in their 20s, the gap is massive. You can work as hard as you want, but catching up physically and mentally is almost impossible.<h3>Damage and Durability: Why Age Matters&nbsp;</h3>Wrestling, especially at a high level, is absolutely brutal on your body. The kind of stress wrestlers go through—collar ties, headlocks, being slammed to the mat, constant pulling and pushing—wrecks your neck, knees, back, shoulders... literally everything. And here’s what’s wild: kids are built differently. If you’re in seventh grade, you can get thrown around, land weird, and most of the time, walk away fine. But try that when you’re 25 or 30? Good luck. Your body just doesn’t bounce back the same. This is huge. The Long-Term EffectsMost adult beginners don’t realize how much punishment wrestling dishes out. The grind, day in and day out, takes a toll:<ul><li>Neck injuries: From headlocks, collar ties, sprawls </li><li>Shoulder pain: Constant shots and defense </li><li>Knee wear and tear: Shooting, sprawling, defending takedowns </li><li>Back and hip issues: Twisting, scrambling, scrapping for position</li></ul>If you start young, your body adapts. Start late? The recovery time doubles, injuries linger, and you may never compete at 100%.<h3>Wrestling vs. Other Sports&nbsp;</h3>Let's get real for a second. Grappling—especially wrestling—is way tougher on your body than most other martial arts. While boxing, kickboxing, and even jiu-jitsu definitely have their risks, the kind of grind wrestling puts on your body is in a league of its own. Take this example: If a fifth grader starts wrestling, their body can take falls, slams, and twists. Their bones and muscles are pliable and healing is fast. Compare that to someone starting at 28; a single hard practice can put you out for weeks. Why Is This The Case?Wrestling practices are usually intense:<ul><li>Full-speed takedowns </li><li>Live sparring </li><li>Endless rounds of scramble </li><li>Never-ending drills</li></ul>There’s no “easing in.” That “wrestling grind” is legendary because it’s real.<h3>Why You Need To Start Young&nbsp;</h3>So if you’re dreaming about MMA greatness—or even just want to get as good as possible—start wrestling young. I can’t say this enough. The earlier you start, the bigger the advantage. Your body can handle the grind, you get the reps, and you go through the growing pains when you’re built for it. How Early Is “Young”?<ul><li>Elementary School (4th/5th grade): Perfect time to begin </li><li>Middle School (7th grade): Still a great window </li><li>High School: Good, but you’ll be playing catch-up </li><li>College: Possible, but the odds get slimmer</li></ul>The hardest part about starting late isn’t just learning the moves—it’s the wear and tear. You simply can’t put your body through a four-year college grind at age 28 and expect to come out the same as if you were 18.<blockquote>"Your body can't handle that from, from 28 to 30 the same way as it did 10 years earlier."</blockquote><h3>Grappling Injuries: My Personal Story&nbsp;</h3>No one ever talks about the toll grappling takes until you’re in the thick of it. I learned this the hard way. Here’s My Injury List:<ul><li>Two shoulder surgeries </li><li>Hip surgery </li><li>Hand surgery </li><li>Neck problems </li><li>Back issues</li></ul>Most of these didn’t come from fights—they came from practice. Let that sink in a second. The grind isn’t just rough; it’s relentless. The two shoulder surgeries and hip surgery were all from training, not from “big fights” or unlucky accidents. My neck and back? All products of years of grappling. If you’re older and aiming for UFC stardom, it’s a brutal climb. Starting at 25 or even 22 like I did, you’re fighting uphill every day—not just against your opponent but against your own body.<h3>The Grind: What Sets Wrestlers Apart&nbsp;</h3>When people talk about “the wrestling grind,” they mean it. What is the Wrestling Grind?<ul><li>Live drilling: Constant, full-speed grappling rounds </li><li>Daily practice: Sometimes multiple sessions in one day </li><li>Almost no breaks: It’s nonstop until you compete</li></ul>For kids, this is just another school sport. For adults, it’s daily pain. That early start conditions you to push past limits and keeps your body ready. Wrestling builds toughness, injury resistance, and massive mental confidence. The difference between someone who’s done it since they were 10 and someone starting at 25? Night and day.<blockquote>"When you do start at a young age, even if you start like say 20 years old, you need to be grappling as much as possible because as you get older, your body does not handle it the same way."</blockquote><h3>Exceptions To The Rule&nbsp;</h3>So are there exceptions? Sure—every sport has its outliers.Look at fighters like Georges St-Pierre (GSP). He started wrestling in his 20s, yet managed to take down world-class wrestlers. Why? Because he’s a freak athlete. But let’s be honest—there aren’t many like GSP. Most people will struggle hard if they try to learn wrestling late. Your body won’t react the same, recovery takes longer, and your ceiling is lower. Don’t look at those rare examples and think you can copy the formula. Almost everyone else needs that early grind to succeed.<h3>Advice For Young Athletes&nbsp;</h3>If you’re a parent reading this, or a young athlete just getting into martial arts:<ul><li>Get Into Wrestling As Soon As You Can </li><li>Practice as much “live” as possible </li><li>Learn to love the grind while your body can take it </li><li>Don’t wait until you’re older—start now!</li></ul>The benefits go beyond MMA. Wrestling teaches grit, toughness, and body control. You’ll be ahead of the curve in any combat sport. For Those Without AccessIf you’re like myself—growing up somewhere with no wrestling—do what you can. Find grappling wherever it’s available. Every advantage counts, and every practice matters.<h3>Finding A Gym &amp; Starting Out&nbsp;</h3>Ready to start? Here’s what you should do:<ol><li>Find a local MMA or wrestling gym: Use search engines, check out reviews, ask around. </li><li>Look for gyms with wrestling programs: Not every MMA gym offers real wrestling. Try to find a place that emphasizes live grappling. </li><li>Ask about the focus: Are they live drilling, sparring, or just technique? </li><li>Train as much as possible: You need live reps, not just theory.</li></ol>Got questions or want some help? I wrote a book about finding the right martial arts school and instructor: <a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/gGfEVmV" href="https://a.co/d/gGfEVmV" title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>.<h3>Conclusion&nbsp;</h3>Wrestlers have a huge advantage in MMA because they start young. The body can handle the grind, amass skills, take the injuries, and stay tough through those formative years. If you start late, you’re working against not only your competition, but the very limits of your body. Here’s my advice: If you want to grapple, start young. Get those reps in. Embrace the grind while your body can shift, recover, and adapt. You’ll not only have a bigger toolbox of moves—you’ll be less likely to get injured along the way. If you’re on the fence, stop thinking and start training. Every day counts, and you’ll be glad you started early. If you’re new to martial arts and looking to find a gym, check out my book here for help. And if you’ve got any questions or want new topics covered, leave a comment below.<blockquote> "Start wrestling as young as possible, guys. They really do have an advantage because they go through a grind at a young age that you really can't handle at older age in the same way. Just my thoughts, guys."</blockquote><figure id="figure-jfo17atr7qmfbmppze" class=""><iframe id="jfo17atr7qmfbmppze" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F3-rFV8WSR4" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/F3-rFV8WSR4?si=R-8RL-JoNtCenjbW" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F3-rFV8WSR4" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

WHY WRESTLERS DOMINATE IN MMA?

<h3>Why It Takes Way Longer to Get Good at Grappling Than Striking</h3>What’s up, guys? Today, we’re getting into one of the most common frustrations in martial arts: why does grappling take so much longer to master than striking? Whether you're just starting out or you’ve got some years under your belt, this is something every athlete wonders at some point. It’s not just your imagination—it’s actually true, and there’s one main reason behind it. Let’s dive in, break down the comparison between grappling and striking, explore how reps work, talk about the body’s limits, and figure out what you need to do to improve faster (especially if you’re still young and hungry). We’re going through everything the video covered, in more detail, with plenty of visuals and practical advice.<h3>Introduction: The Main Question</h3>Ever notice that guys who train in striking seem to get good much faster? Or maybe you’ve put in months or years on the mats, and you’re still not feeling as confident with your grappling as you do with your hands? You’re not alone. Let’s nail down why.<blockquote>“It’s really one, one answer honestly and the answer is simple: you get more reps in striking than you ever do grappling.”</blockquote>Just like in the video, we’re keeping this simple and real. Reps are the key. The more you do something, the faster you get better at it. With striking, you get a lot. With grappling? Not so much. Let’s break it down.<h3>The Real Reason Strikers Improve Faster</h3>You may think talent, athleticism, or even coaching makes the difference—but in reality, it’s all about how many opportunities you get to practice. Let’s use a super basic example: the jab. If I come in as your coach and say, “Guys, let’s do one three-minute round of jabs. Throw as many jabs as you can!” In that three minutes, most people can easily throw hundreds of jabs. Now let’s flip it for grappling. What if I said, “Same deal, three minutes. Hit as many double leg takedowns as you can.” Sounds great, right? But unless you’re drilling with a compliant partner, you might only get ten, maybe fifteen—max—before fatigue, safety, and complexity kick in.<h3>Striking vs. Grappling: How Many Reps Can You Get?</h3>Let’s get even more specific. Take a typical round: | Technique | 3-Minute Round | 5-Minute Round ||Jab (Striking) | 200+ | 350+ || Double Leg (Grappling) | 10-15 | 20-25 || Armbar Drill (Grappling) | 20-30 | 30-50 | You never get as many reps with grappling as you do with striking. The complexity, the need for a partner, even safety issues all limit how fast and how often you can repeat grappling movements. Why the Difference?<ul><li>Striking is fast and repeatable. You can combo a jab-cross-hook over and over without needing a reset. </li><li>Grappling is more taxing per rep. Double leg, armbar, triangle—each requires setup, resistance, and often full-body effort. </li><li>Safety: Can’t just slam a training partner 100 times in a round. People get hurt.</li></ul><h3>A Typical Training Session Breakdown</h3>Let’s imagine your daily training plan looks like this: Striking Session<ul><li>Warmup (10 min) </li><li>Jab Drills (3 min, 200 reps) </li><li>Combo Drills (5 min, 350 reps) </li><li>Heavy Bag (10 min, 700+ strikes) </li><li>Pad Rounds (15 min, 1,000+ strikes)</li></ul>Grappling Session<ul><li>Warmup (10 min) </li><li>Double Leg Drills (10 min, 50 reps) </li><li>Armbar Drills (10 min, 60 reps) </li><li>Live Rolling (20 min, maybe 10-15 successful techniques)</li></ul>Simple math shows why, in a month, strikers rack up thousands more reps than grapplers.<h3>The Time Factor: Years vs. Months</h3><blockquote>“You can get more reps in striking in probably a two year time period of just training striking… than you can sometimes in that 8 or 10 year time period of grappling.” </blockquote>Let that sink in. What feels like fair progress for boxing over a summer might take you a decade in grappling. It’s frustrating, but understanding the mechanics helps. How Many Reps Does Mastery Take? While there’s no magic number, coaches estimate:<ul><li>Striking: ~10,000 reps per technique to get “good” </li><li>Grappling: ~10,000 reps, but much slower to accumulate (and technique is more complex)</li></ul>In two years, the average striker easily passes the threshold for fundamental techniques. But grapplers? It’s a grind.<h3>Why Drilling Matters But Doesn’t Close the Gap</h3>Drilling is key. The more you’re willing to drill, the closer you get to narrowing the gap between striking and grappling—but you’ll never completely close it. You might get more double legs if you’re the hardest worker in the room, but you still won’t out-rep the guy throwing jabs.<blockquote>“No matter how much you’re willing to drill, you’re still not doing more double legs in one round or one practice than someone is throwing jabs.”</blockquote>Drilling Tips:<ul><li>Drill daily, if possible—especially while young. </li><li>Don’t just drill easy techniques. Mix in transitions, escapes, and positional sparring. </li><li>Try solo grappling drills for movement and mat awareness.</li></ul><h3>The Age Factor: Why Grappling Is for the Young</h3>One of the standout messages from the video is about age. The seasoned grapplers almost all strike more as they age, not because they want to—but because their bodies force them. Bodies break down. The grind of shooting, scrambling, and smashing takes its toll.<blockquote>“This is also why I suggest, I always say you need to grapple as much as possible when you’re younger as well, because you can do more live when you are younger, your body handles it better.” </blockquote>When you’re young, everything recovers faster. Joints bounce back, your cardio is endless, and limits feel far away. Use that window!<h3>Live Rounds vs. Drilling: The Role of Your Body</h3>Older wrestlers like Dan Henderson, Daniel Cormier, and plenty of others have Olympic-level backgrounds, but often choose to strike as they get into their 30s or 40s—even if grappling was their bread and butter. Their bodies just can’t handle the same grind of “live go” sessions as before. So they preserve their longevity by picking up their hands.<blockquote>“Most people’s bodies just don’t hold up the same when they get older. So it’s very important to grapple as much as possible…” </blockquote>The Science of RecoveryYounger bodies:<ul><li>Quicker to heal </li><li>Can handle more intense, frequent sessions</li></ul> Older bodies:<ul><li>Need more recovery time </li><li>Risk of overuse injuries, long-lasting joint pain</li></ul><h3>Why Older Fighters Become Strikers</h3>Ever watch MMA legends evolve over time? Many who started as grapplers end up known for their striking later in their career.<ul><li>Dan Henderson: Olympic wrestler; became famous for his knockout right hand. </li><li>Daniel Cormier: World-class wrestling base; but a lot of his finishes and highlights are from his hands as he aged. </li><li>Randy Couture: Classic grinder, but used boxing and clinch work strategically as he got older.</li></ul>Why? Because after decades on the mats, the body says: “Enough.” Punches and kicks—while taxing—don’t wear you out the same way endless wrestling/grappling sessions do.<h3>How to Counter the Grappling Gap</h3>There’s no magic shortcut, but there are ways to make your grappling progress a little less painful.<blockquote>“So obviously one way to counter that is you need to drill grappling and make that a priority. But even if you do make it a priority, you’re still… the striker still able to get more reps.” </blockquote>Key Course Corrections1. Drill, Drill, Drill<ul><li>Don’t just spar—set aside regular time for repetitive grappling movements. </li><li>Train with a willing partner to avoid injury and maximize reps.</li></ul>2. Prioritize Grappling Early<ul><li>Younger athletes should grapple as much as their bodies allow. Later, you’ll be glad you did.</li></ul>3. Condition Your Body<ul><li>Invest in joint health, proper warm-ups, and recovery routines. </li><li>Listen to your body—rest when needed, so you can keep the volume high.</li></ul>4. Mix Technique With Live Work<ul><li>Drill the move, then immediately use it during situational sparring. </li><li>Build muscle memory, then pressure test it.</li></ul><h3>Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Training</h3>Here are real-world strategies for maximizing your grappling growth, even if you’ll never quite catch up with your striking “reps.” Daily Habits for Grapplers<ul><li>Set a minimum drill goal for each session (ex: 50 double legs, 50 guard passes). </li><li>Use positional drilling—start in common “problem” spots and escape/submit as much as possible. </li><li>Increase session frequency as your body allows, especially during youth.</li></ul>Protect Your Longevity<ul><li>Take care of your joints: knees, shoulders, wrists. </li><li>Don’t be afraid of rest days and active recovery. </li><li>Use foam rolling, stretching, and proper nutrition.</li></ul>Train Smart<ul><li>Focus on efficiency—don’t waste reps with sloppy technique. </li><li>Keep motivation high by watching progress videos, competing, or tracking stats.</li></ul>For Coaches<ul><li>Structure practices so grapplers get more opportunities to repeat movements. </li><li>Mix in fun, competitive drills (who can hit the most clean takedowns in 5 minutes?).</li></ul>(Visualization: Young grapplers in a busy gym, each hammering at technique with focused effort.)--- <h3>Final Thoughts: Grapple While You Can</h3><blockquote>“You get more reps in striking than you do grappling and that’s why it takes longer. So take your grappling serious when you’re younger guys.” </blockquote>Bottom line? Grappling is a long grind, and the only way to speed up improvement is to do it more, especially while your body still works in your favor. No shortcuts, no hacks—just work. If You’re Just Starting Martial ArtsFind a gym with great grappling coaches. Ask questions, drill non-stop, and don’t be discouraged if progress is slow. Want to choose the right school? Check out <a title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor Paperback " href="https://a.co/d/163eXrz" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/163eXrz">The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>.If You’re Older<ul><li>Take care of your body. You may need to shift to more drilling, less live sparring. </li><li>Enjoy what you can do, and adapt. Many veterans become technical savants even if live rounds get rarer.</li></ul><figure id="figure-6xn7wmu1znmf2xsoix" class=""><iframe id="6xn7wmu1znmf2xsoix" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lxhhEfUb4X8" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/lxhhEfUb4X8?si=H-qE8dcfQ_6B7kRx" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lxhhEfUb4X8" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

Why Grappling Takes Longer to Master Than Striking

<h3>UFC 319: DU PLESSIS VS CHIMAEV – My Detailed Fight Night Breakdown</h3>What’s up, fight fans! UFC 319 went down last night and, honestly, it was one of those wild cards that’s going to have people talking for a while. There were insane finishes, some big surprises, and a main event that’s a textbook lesson for anyone who trains MMA, at any level. I’m breaking down everything fight-by-fight with my own thoughts, highlights, and some lessons you can actually use—whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting out in martial arts. So let’s dig in!<h3>Intro</h3>UFC 319 was one of those events that reminds you why you love MMA. Every fight brought something different, and we even got back-to-back spinning elbows (seriously!). Whether you’re a fan, a coach, or someone thinking about starting martial arts, there’s a ton you can learn from these scraps.<h3>Tim Elliott’s Gritty Win</h3>Fight: Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura How It Went Down First fight of the night and it was a classic Tim Elliott performance. Dude came in smart, patient—weathered a serious storm early. At moments, it looked like he was going to get overwhelmed. But Tim’s a veteran, right? He’s not just there to take a beating; he’s got tricks up his sleeve. He locked up a slick guillotine and that ended it. You gotta respect a fighter who stays cool under fire and finds that window — even if everyone counted him out. Why It Stands Out:<ul><li>Elliott’s Durability: Been beating up “up-and-coming” guys for years. </li><li>Survival Skills: Brought in to lose, but flipped the script. </li><li>Jiu Jitsu IQ: That guillotine wasn’t just luck; that’s years of mat time.</li></ul>TakeawayIf you’re coming up and you’re not getting the respect or hype, use that as fuel. Tim showed—being overlooked doesn’t mean you’re done. Props to him!<h3>MVP vs. Jared Cannonier: Karate Masterclass</h3>Fight: Michael “Venom” Page vs. Jared Cannonier&nbsp;The BreakdownThis fight was all about styles. Michael Venom Page (MVP) came in and looked sharp — especially on the feet. His whole style is straight out of Olympic point karate: hands down, bladed stance, constant stance switches, blinding speed. It looks risky, but he makes it work.Canonnier managed to get Page down in the third round and win the round. But Page had already bagged the first two rounds with his movement and striking.<ul><li>Moves Used: Lots of up jabs, reverse punches (from the hip), blitzes, hands down, switching stances constantly. </li><li>Surprise: He only really attacks with the same 3–4 moves (jab, reverse punch, kick), but just mixes up the angles and timing. </li><li>Southpaw Analysis: When he turns southpaw, there’s barely any offense — just the occasional kick.</li></ul><blockquote>“He makes the fight look so exciting, and moving around, doing all this what people think is risky stuff, but really all he’s doing is like three or four moves.”</blockquote>Karate for MMA: Why It WorksMVP’s fighting style is built for spectators (exciting!) but also effective if you’re disciplined with timing and distance. In full-contact MMA, classical karate can handle wrestling — as long as you can minimize risk and keep the fight on the feet. Props to MVP for keeping it simple, effective, and fun to watch!<h3>Carlos Prates Pulls Off a Buzzer-Beater KO</h3>Fight: Carlos Prates vs. Jeff NealWhat HappenedThis fight was competitive early, but then—out of nowhere—Carlos throws a spinning elbow and lands it clean with just one second left in the first round. Absolute buzzer-beater. You don’t see that too often, especially at this level.<ul><li>Knockout Style: Spinning elbows are high risk/high reward. If you land it—it’s fight over, instantly. </li><li>Jeff Neal’s Toughness: Props to him for taking on a guy with serious finishing power. Hope he’s okay after that one.</li></ul>Why It’s UniqueThis kind of finish is rare. Getting a clean spinning elbow KO right as the bell rings shows both timing and killer instinct. Carlos Prates — remember the name.<h3>Lee Ron Murray vs. Aaron Pico: Back-to-Back Spinning Elbows?</h3>Fight: Lee Ron Murray vs. Aaron PicoDetailsAaron Pico has a reputation. He was the “prospect” from Bellator and PFL—serious wrestling background, transitioned to MMA. He’s had some wins, but also some rough losses. He came out super aggressive, chasing the finish—but got caught with a spinning elbow, just like Neal did earlier. Two spinning elbow finishes back-to-back! As far as a lot of people know (and the commentators said it, too), that's never happened before at a UFC event.<blockquote>“There hasn’t been two fights on the same card—or two fights even, or two fights in a row—that have both ended in spinning elbow the way they did last night. Back to back.”</blockquote>The LessonMartial arts isn’t just about who’s the strongest or works hardest. Sometimes, technique wins out—even if your opponent is a wild, up-and-coming prospect. Props to Lee Ron Murray for the killer timing and precision.<h3>Main Event: Chimaev vs. Du Plessis — A Ground Control Clinic</h3>Fight: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du PlessisWhat Made This Fight CrazyThis main event was the real lesson for fighters AND fans. You had Chimaev—massive hype, undefeated in the UFC, insane ground control, top-tier wrestling—versus Dricus Du Plessis, who nobody’s ever really controlled for five rounds before. What did we see?<ul><li>Elite Ground Control: Chimaev locked it down for five straight rounds. When he gets people down, they don’t just get up. </li><li>Constant Movement: Wrestling shots, stance switches, killer cardio. </li><li>Technical Level: Chimaev and guys like Khabib—their control is just next-level.</li></ul>What Fighters Can LearnIf you’re a striker, you probably work on “just enough” jiu jitsu and wrestling to survive — keep it standing, sprawl and brawl, use the cage to get up. But this fight teaches us that there’s NO substitute for dedicated grappling reps.<blockquote>“It doesn’t matter how hard you fight, that you have a better gas tank, or you’re willing to fight until you’re unconscious. If you don’t know the technique and haven’t drilled escape thousands of times, you’re not getting up.”</blockquote>Striking skill is great. But when someone like Chimaev gets on top, you need tech, not just toughness.<h3>Technique &gt; Toughness: Real Lessons from UFC 319</h3>Let’s get into why technique matters more than anything. You see it on every level—not just the main event. <h3>The Chimaev Principle</h3><ul><li>Wrestling Is Everything (Sometimes): You get taken down and you don’t know the escapes? You’re not getting up. </li><li>Thousands of Reps: Chimayev’s control isn’t something he picked up overnight. It’s years and years of drilling, position, and ground transitions. </li><li>Doesn’t Matter If You’re Tough: If you’re not technical, you can’t just muscle your way out.</li></ul>ExampleAaron Pico got a takedown in the fight before, but couldn’t control his opponent on the ground. Why? The difference is in mat IQ and grappling reps, not just athleticism.<blockquote>“If you hate drilling Jiu Jitsu or wrestling, understand this: [missing technique] doesn’t matter how much fight you have in you, or how tough you are—if you don’t know the position, you’re not getting up.”</blockquote><h3>From Blue Belt to Black Belt — It Applies to Everyone</h3>It’s true whether you fight at the highest level or you’re just getting started at your local gym. The gaps between blue belt, brown belt, black belt — and between good wrestlers and GREAT ones — come down to hours on the mat and technical know-how.<ul><li>Right Position = Escape </li><li>Wrong Position = No Escape, No Matter What</li></ul>So—drill technique!<h3>Russian Wrestlers vs. Americans: Why the Ground Game Matters </h3>Why Russian (Dagestani/Chechen) Grapplers DOMINATEChimaev, Khabib, Dagestani fighters — they not only have insane takedown ability, but also black belt-level control once they’re on top. You don’t just fall and get up. Comparison with American Wrestlers<ul><li>Americans: Great double-leg takedowns, salsa-style scrambles, but often lack that absolute top control jiu jitsu-type skill.</li><li>Examples: Michael Chandler, Johnny Hendricks, Usman — great wrestlers but not always dominant in control.</li><li>Russians: Grew up training Sambo, wrestling, and ground control. When they score, they keep you down.</li></ul><blockquote> “Russian guys, the Dagestanians, and now Chimaev (from Chechnya), they have high-level wrestling AND black belt-level control. You don’t see this a lot in American wrestlers, unfortunately.”</blockquote>How They Train<ul><li>Sambo + Wrestling: Builds takedown and submission skills. </li><li>Ground Control: Lots of drills, position, pressure—like jiu jitsu but with a wrestling base.</li></ul>Practical Takeaway for FightersIf you’re an up-and-comer, don’t just learn takedowns. Grind those techniques for top control and escapes. It’s the gap between “good” and “champion.”<h3>Wrapping Up, Resources, and Next Steps</h3>Last night’s card was wild. You had underestimated veterans getting it done, highlight reel knockouts, karate tactics, and real lessons in ground control and technique. Key Lessons<ul><li>Don’t Count Out Veterans: Mat time and fight IQ win fights. </li><li>Learn Your Escapes: Drill everything — not just takedowns. </li><li>Karate Still Works: If you apply it with discipline and timing. </li><li>Russian Grapplers Are Elite: Look at Chimaev, look at Khabib — wrestling PLUS control is a championship formula.</li></ul>Want to Start Martial Arts? Here’s How!If you’re new to martial arts and wondering where to train, check out my book:“<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/5huvN9s" href="https://a.co/d/5huvN9s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor</a>”Find the right gym for you, learn the basics, and get started the smart way. Join the ConversationGot questions? Want me to break down a certain fight, technique, or style? Drop a comment below! I’m here to help you learn, get better, and enjoy this wild sport.<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>UFC 319 was packed with jaw-dropping moments, sharp technique, and some real lessons for fighters at every skill level. Whether you’re in it for the big knockouts, the chess matches on the ground, or just the raw heart, there’s never been a better time to be into MMA. Stay tuned for more breakdowns, analysis, and resources to level up your training and understanding of the fight game. Thanks for reading — see you in the gym (or in the comments)!<figure id="figure-tt65v957cumegfqdhh" class=""><iframe id="tt65v957cumegfqdhh" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnfI8JbIZdM" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/HnfI8JbIZdM?si=rX9gU2ECR-kyE0Nx" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnfI8JbIZdM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

UFC 319 DU PLESSIS VS CHIMAEV

<h3>Tap Early, Train Longer: Real Talk on Neck Safety for Fighters</h3>Hey everybody! Today, I want to talk to all you young fighters out there and everyone putting time in on the mats, whether that's jiu-jitsu, MMA, or wrestling. If you want to keep doing what you love for years and not wake up every morning with a wrecked neck (trust me, I've been there), listen up. I’m sharing some hard-learned advice that could save your training—and maybe your spine—down the line. Before we jump in, let me just say: I’ve been at this a long time. Years of jiu-jitsu, plenty of wrestling, the whole deal. And almost every serious grappler or MMA fighter I know has neck issues. Most of us could have avoided a lot of this pain if we’d just tapped a bit sooner, especially during practice. So let’s get into why tapping is so important, the risks around neck attacks, and how you can train hard and smart.<h3>Who Is This Advice For?</h3>If you’re new to martial arts, just started training jiu-jitsu, MMA, or wrestling, or even if you’re several years deep and still feel bulletproof, this post is for you. I wish someone had sat me down and really drilled this into my head early on. This is also for coaches, team leaders, or anyone who cares about their teammates’ well-being. Share this advice—could be a game changer for someone. And to the old heads: You’ll probably just nod along, remembering your own neck injuries. But hey, it’s never too late to pass the wisdom down.<h3>Why Do Fighters Have Neck Problems?</h3>Let’s keep it real. Grappling is tough on the body. You’re constantly fighting off chokes, cranks, and all sorts of wild positions. It doesn’t matter if you’re rolling gi or no-gi, or just wrestling—your neck is going to get worked.<blockquote>“Every person I know that's been doing jiu-jitsu or grappling for a long time, for the most part, has neck issues.”</blockquote>Why? Because most of us are stubborn as all get out. Maybe it’s pride. Maybe it's ego. Maybe you just don’t want to tap to your buddy. But every second you spend fighting out of a tight neck crank or ignoring that sharp pain is one more notch taken off the life of your spine.<h3>The Importance of Tapping in Practice</h3>Let’s clear something up: I’m not telling you to become a tap machine. Don’t tap every time someone so much as breathes on you. You want to be gritty; you want to fight. But there’s a world of difference between fighting out of a position in practice and risking long-term injury. Tapping early in practice saves you for competition.You know the drill in training—you end up stuck in a guillotine, or someone slaps on an anaconda, or you find yourself in a deep D’arce. You can fight it out, strain your neck, maybe escape—maybe not. But in a fight, maybe you’ll risk it. In practice, think long-term. There’s no gold medal for being stubborn on Tuesday night at the gym. Why is tapping smarter?<ul><li>You avoid chronic injuries that haunt you for years </li><li>You keep your training consistent (no time off due to avoidable injury) </li><li>You build up muscle memory for escapes when it matters </li><li>Your teammates will take better care of you and themselves </li><li>You earn respect for being smart, not just tough</li></ul><blockquote>“A lot of this can be avoided if you just tap faster during practice.”</blockquote><h3>Common Neck Attacks in Grappling and MMA</h3>Let’s name the culprits. If you’re rolling, these submissions are out to get your neck:<ul><li>Guillotine Choke A classic. High risk, high reward. Easy to jump on in both gi and no-gi. </li><li>Anaconda Choke Catch you with your arm-in, roll you up, squeeze. </li><li>Rear Naked Choke Bread-and-butter of BJJ and MMA—works every time. </li><li>D’Arce (Darce) Choke Arm triangle variant. Sneaky, fast, and dangerous to neck and shoulder.</li></ul>And beyond these are the neck cranks—moves that don’t choke you out but put a lot of pressure on your neck and spine. In MMA? People go for neck attacks a lot because finishing with a choke or crank is a high-percentage move. If you’re fighting MMA, you’re going to get caught in these.<blockquote>“Choking someone out is a very high percentage move for mixed martial arts or jiu-jitsu…. These are common attacks that people try in competition or practice all the time.”</blockquote><h3>Tap vs. Toughness: Finding the Balance</h3>Okay, let’s talk about pride. No matter how many times your coach says “leave your ego at the door”, it still sneaks in. You want to be the tough one. Maybe the coach’s eye is on you, or you’re rolling with your rival. You get cranky, stubborn, refuse to tap. I’ve been there. Most of us end up there at some point.But here’s the thing: Your coach already knows who the tough ones are. You don’t need to prove it every roll. And resisting the tap doesn’t mean you’re tough—it just means you’re risking being sidelined for months, or worse, for good.<blockquote>“You know, deep down in your heart, when you get in a fight, that you’re going to fight out of this. Your coach knows who the tough guys in the gym are. Everyone knows this.”</blockquote>Toughness is smart when you pick your battles. Save it for the fight.<h3>What Happens When You Ignore the Pain?</h3>This is where it gets real. You let that neck crank ride too long, thinking you can muscle out of it. Maybe you escape, but next morning you can’t look left without pain shooting down your back. Or worse, it becomes a constant ache, or burning arms, or tingling fingers—nerve issues. You’ve now got what we call The Jiu-Jitsu Neck. I’ve been through it. So have tons of older fighters.<blockquote>“You’re gonna do this for several years and you’re going to wake up one day and have the Jiu-Jitsu neck and it’s going to be really bad…. A lot of us have went through this.”</blockquote>And it adds up. Injuries might force you to take long breaks, miss competitions, or quit altogether. I’ve had to travel out of the country to try getting stem cells injected into my neck and back! <h3>Smarter Training: Saving Yourself for the Fight</h3>Let your competition be the place you dig deep and gamble with your body, not your regular training sessions.<ul><li>Your job in practice is to get better. </li><li>Your job in competition is to win.</li></ul>You do the hard gritty fights in the ring or on the mat—the real ones. In practice, your priority should always be to train tomorrow.<blockquote>“Practice is for getting better. Save your body for the real fights.”</blockquote>If you’re caught in a neck crank, here’s what to do:<ol><li>Try a controlled escape. Give it an honest effort. But if it’s not coming, don’t force it. </li><li>Feel pain? Tap! If there’s any sharp or shooting pain, or you feel that “bad twist,” tap and reset. </li><li>Talk to your partner. If their grip is way past the point of safe, ask them to lighten up.</li></ol><h3>Long-Term Health: Why It Should Matter to You</h3>No matter how fired up you are right now about tournaments or getting your blue belt, trust me—you don’t want to be hobbling around in your 30s or 40s (or younger!) with a ruined neck because you couldn’t let go of your pride for one roll. Long-term neck injuries can mean:<ul><li>Chronic pain (every single day) </li><li>Loss of grip or strength in your arms/hands </li><li>Nerve damage leading to tingling or numbness </li><li>Surgery or risky procedures </li><li>Being forced to quit training</li></ul>Most of this suffering is avoidable. Ask around. I guarantee every black belt or seasoned fighter in your gym will have at least one horror story and will agree—tapping is smarter.<blockquote>“A neck crank is going to do nothing but hurt you long term. It's not like a blood choke where you just go to sleep; this is long-term damage… almost like a car wreck where the damage is done.”</blockquote><h3>Getting Help: My Own Story</h3>This isn’t just theory—here’s my story. After years of stubborn rolling, I messed my neck and back up badly. It affected my training, messed with my sleep, made daily life annoying. I had to go all the way to Colombia for stem cell therapy, which is expensive and not guaranteed.<blockquote>“I was a real bad example of this. That's why my neck is messed up as bad as it is. I'm about to go to Columbia…getting stem cells in my neck and back... I’m optimistic that's going to work.”</blockquote>What I’d give to go back in time and just tap a little earlier on those cranks. If you want to avoid traveling for expensive procedures, or worse, being told the damage is permanent—tap early, train longer.<h3>Tips for Safer Training</h3>Here’s a quick checklist to help you keep your neck safe and healthy for years of rolling:1. Learn the Difference Between a Choke and a Crank<ul><li>Choke: Blood is cut off, you might go out, but usually no lasting damage if you tap. </li><li>Crank: Pressure on the neck/spine/jaw, can mess up discs, ligaments, or nerves.</li></ul>2. Communicate with Your Training Partners<ul><li>Let them know if a submission is bothering your neck more than usual. </li><li>Give feedback if their control needs work.</li></ul>3. Strengthen Your Neck (but don’t overdo it)<ul><li>Plenty of grapplers do neck bridges, resistance training, stability work. </li><li>Don’t overload—form is everything.</li></ul>4. Always Warm Up Properly<ul><li>Take time to loosen up your neck and upper back before hard rolls.</li></ul>5. Use Good Technique<ul><li>Learn the proper way to defend and escape—don’t rely just on muscling out or “toughing it out.”</li></ul>6. Listen to Your Body<ul><li>Sharp pain, numbness, or “weird” sensations are signs to stop.</li></ul>7. Rest When Needed<ul><li>If your neck is tweaked, take time off. Don’t rush back and make it worse.</li></ul>8. See a Professional if You Get Hurt<ul><li>Chiropractors, physical therapists, and qualified doctors can help prevent something minor from turning chronic.</li></ul><h3>Answering Common Questions</h3>Q: If I tap in practice, will people think I’m weak? A: Not at all. Most gyms respect people who can train smart and take care of themselves and others. And anyone clowning you isn’t someone worth impressing.Q: Does tapping in training mean I’ll tap easier in competition? A: No. True “gamers” know the difference between practice and the real deal. Training is where you prepare. The fight is where you test your heart. Q: I’m tough and want to fight pro—shouldn’t I resist cranks to get used to pressure? A: Getting “used to it” won’t make your neck invincible. Technical escapes and controlled resistance are better than just suffering through pain. Q: My coach tells everyone to work hard—should I ignore pain? A: Work hard, but not stupid. Talk to your coach if you’re getting caught in bad positions often and focus on technique.<blockquote>“Fight a little bit. If there’s any pain at all, start tapping, guys, so you can avoid it because a neck crank is going to do nothing but hurt you long term.”</blockquote><h3>Conclusion &amp; Next Steps</h3>Look, at the end of the day, martial arts is about bettering yourself, not wrecking your body. You want a lifetime on the mats, not a few years of being a practice hero before you’re forced out by preventable injury. Key takeaways:<ul><li>Tap early during practice, especially with neck attacks and cranks. </li><li>Know the difference between smart resistance and dumb ego. </li><li>Your coach already knows who the tough ones are—no need to prove it every roll. </li><li>Save your body for the real fights. </li><li>Respect your health—the mats will still be there tomorrow.</li></ul>If you like this advice or have any other topics you want me to cover, drop a comment below. Training smart is just as important as training hard. And if you’re new to martial arts and looking for the right gym, check out my book—<a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts School and </a><a data-mce-href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" href="https://a.co/d/1RHmbuy" title="The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instructor.</a><figure id="figure-nn5xyrif27mdqlmxex"><iframe id="nn5xyrif27mdqlmxex" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdHHIFP4NyM" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/YdHHIFP4NyM?si=0Pgn2WSSS7ubDVmZ" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YdHHIFP4NyM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

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UFC 319 DU PLESSIS VS CHIMAEV

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