Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in MMA

It is no secret that Mixed Martial Arts promoters prefer the fights to stay on the feet. The rules are set up in ways that strongly favor the stand up disciplines (Boxing, Muay Thai, etc). For one there are multiple short rounds. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not always a fast art. It can takes time to set submissions. Also the ref will stand it up if it looks like they are not working. Many people will try hard to stall so that the ref will stand them back up. Often you will see wrestlers score the takedown and then stall so they can be stood back up to score another takedown (not a bad strategy if you have good takedowns but how is that any more exciting then if they were to stay on the ground). Another thing is that they are required to wear gloves. The gloves not only allow you to hit harder but the gloves are thick so it makes it hard to grip and to slide your hand under your opponents chin for the choke.

With all that said Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is still a common place in MMA. When most people think of Jiu-Jitsu they think of submissions but Jiu-Jitsu is much more then that. The “guard” is often used defensively. It helps to control your opponent so that you don’t take a lot of damage or to get back on top (Sweeps). Also being good at Jiu-Jitsu allows you too be able to pass your opponent guard, mount or take their back. Often you may see someone with good Jiu-Jitsu skills pass the guard and mount but finish the opponent with strikes.

Surprisingly enough at the highest level of MMA competitions you see many fighters that are purple belt level in Jiu-Jitsu or even lower. It is obvious when you see a true world-class black belt. When guys like Demian Maia or BJJ Pen fight it’s clear they have a large advantage on the ground (Both on Top and Bottom).

Jiu-Jitsu can also be used as a “Hail Mary” play. Recently some very high profile fights have been ended with a submission from the fighter that was loosing. Fedor Emelianenko lost to Fabricio Werdum via Triangle after Fedor knocked him down and jumped on him. Brock Lesnar defeated Shane Carwin with an Arm Triangle after being pummeled in the first round. And even more recently, Anderson Silver defeated Chael Sonnen with a last minute Triangle after loosing almost every round of a five round fight.

All of the current champions in the UFC have trained extensively in Jiu-Jitsu and have proved that you need to be well rounded to be champion. No matter how good you are on the feet you never know when you might end up on the ground. This is one of the reasons that at the MMA School in Columbia Maryland were I train we put a very strong emphasis on being well rounded.

It is clear that there will always be a place for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in MMA. After all if you take out the Jiu-Jitsu its just a kick-boxing match.