Let's talk about the evolution of point-fighting in MMA

don't ask

don't ask

Special Secretary of Shitposting
@Gold
Joined
Feb 4, 2022
Messages
17,480
Reaction score
35,773
In the beginning, point fighting was hard to do because the rules were so crazy and the sport so new. Fighters just got stuck in positions or couldn't match an opponent's movement.

Then Miletich came along and fighters started specifically training to win on points. MFS fighters were notorious for this, but I think Tim Sylvia benefited the most from this training. It's what allowed him to be one of the UFC's HW greats (by title defenses) for a decade.

Various strategies had their time in the limelight: lay and pray, wall and stall, the Machida era, and probably others.

i'll be honest: this isn't a part of MMA I ever really paid attention to and I know damn little about it.

What dominant point-fighting strategies emerged? Which fighters pioneered them or took them to new heights? Who looks like they're going to be the next great point fighter?
 
don't ask said:
In the beginning, point fighting was hard to do because the rules were so crazy and the sport so new. Fighters just got stuck in positions or couldn't match an opponent's movement.

Then Miletich came along and fighters started specifically training to win on points. MFS fighters were notorious for this, but I think Tim Sylvia benefited the most from this training. It's what allowed him to be one of the UFC's HW greats (by title defenses) for a decade.

Various strategies had their time in the limelight: lay and pray, wall and stall, the Machida era, and probably others.

i'll be honest: this isn't a part of MMA I ever really paid attention to and I know damn little about it.

What dominant point-fighting strategies emerged? Which fighters pioneered them or took them to new heights? Who looks like they're going to be the next great point fighter?
Click to expand...

GSP-high volume counter striking mixed with counter wrestling. The game evolved after him. People hate on him and call it lay and pray but its not. He changed lay and pray. GSP was like Khabib then fought more conservative but the way he beat Bisping was like the Rush we saw 1st in UFC.
 
5thDimensionMMA said:
GSP-high volume counter striking mixed with counter wrestling. The game evolved after him. People hate on him and call it lay and pray but its not. He changed lay and pray. GSP was like Khabib then fought more conservative but the way he beat Bisping was like the Rush we saw 1st in UFC.
Click to expand...

I'll never forget him messing up Koschek with his jab. I think GSP was the best at dominating people for five rounds because he didn't want to over-extend himself for the finish. Most point fighters aren't dominating, they're eking out a victory. Good call on GSP transforming lay and pray.
 
I thought Anderson Silva was going to become a point fighter back when he was the least popular fighter in the sport because he wouldn't engage hesitant fighters and would fuck around in the cage to pass the time. Dana and co did some heavy lifting to reinvent him as a fan favourite considering that at one point Dana was apologizing for Anderson's shitty fights and promising to make it up to the fans (which he never did, of course -- thanks Dana).
 
TankAbbott4Eva said:
Adesanya wasn't, I think since becoming champ he's fighting a little more risk averse.

That said, it is hard to finish the elite guys (ie the guys you're fighting when champ). And Volk did finish his last one as well.
Click to expand...

Volk finished his last one, but before that it was back against Mendes who was on his way out.
Adesanya hasnt fought like he did against Gas since then.

Adesanya has turned into the point fighter, and Alex ...well he's also turned that way.

Lotta leg kicks and feints.
 
StonedLemur said:
Volk finished his last one, but before that it was back against Mendes who was on his way out.
Adesanya hasnt fought like he did against Gas since then.

Adesanya has turned into the point fighter, and Alex ...well he's also turned that way.

Lotta leg kicks and feints.
Click to expand...

Yeah I don't disagree with you. But also the onus should be on the guy they're fighting, I mean it's up to the other guy to try and do something about the point fighting. I don't really blame Izzy or Volk for fighting the way they do, there's a lot at stake.
 
TankAbbott4Eva said:
Adesanya wasn't, I think since becoming champ he's fighting a little more risk averse.

That said, it is hard to finish the elite guys (ie the guys you're fighting when champ). And Volk did finish his last one as well.
Click to expand...

Max and Ortega have fought 46 times combined and only been finished once each. It isn't easy to do. The better the fighter, the harder they are to finish.
 
TankAbbott4Eva said:
Yeah I don't disagree with you. But also the onus should be on the guy they're fighting, I mean it's up to the other guy to try and do something about the point fighting. I don't really blame Izzy or Volk for fighting the way they do, there's a lot at stake.
Click to expand...

I agree with you to a degree sir.
 
Timmy wasn't a big point fighter. Not a good take
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
1,280,499
Messages
58,289,943
Members
175,996
Latest member
blainepsychiatry

Share this page

Back
Top