The most important skill in MMA.

[LamaIronFist]

We have seen MMA change quite a bit over the years. BJJ did wonder for a while then some other techniques took over.

In the last 4-5 years, which technique do you see as an absolute must to master to a high degree in order for a fighter to reach the top ten or even the top?

That's among Muy Tai, wrestling, boxing and BJJ. You can throw in some less popular ones like judo or Tae Kwon Do who seem to get the job done for several dudes.

Of those techniques, which one do you think is the "fastest" to learn at a proficient level if you are a "late starter" and which fighter did you see add a new technique they were not associated with and that is getting great results within a relatively short amount of time (a few years)?

One of my choices would be TJ Grant. He had a great grappling background but his trips to Thailand are paying off in the sense that his Muy Thai is clearly catching some guys by surprise these days.

Another one would be Vitor. I am not sure under which category his kicks would fall as so many disciplines use kicks but his "new" kicking game is now something the other guys have to watch for big time.

What's your "must have" tech and which fighter impressed you the most with a technique they really started to master in the last few years?

 

[dragonclaw]

In the last 4-5 years, which technique do you see as an absolute must to master to a high degree in order for a fighter to reach the top ten or even the top?

When and if a high level Krav Maga practitioner decides to compete in the UFC, he will become champion of his weight class.

Krav Maga is a no holds barred form of martial arts, but if it can be tweaked to conform with the rules of the UFC, there's no doubt in my mind it is the ultimate skill-set to defend against all others.

I've seen high level Krav Maga experts in action, and there's no stopping them (literally).

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

My vote goes to wrestling

 

[Freddy Mercury]

The skill of self-promotion. See how well Chael has done with that. Most other fighters are white belts in this skill.

 

[Dan155]

When and if a high level Krav Maga practitioner decides to compete in the UFC, he will become champion of his weight class.

Krav Maga is a no holds barred form of martial arts, but if it can be tweaked to conform with the rules of the UFC, there's no doubt in my mind it is the ultimate skill-set to defend against all others.

I've seen high level Krav Maga experts in action, and there's no stopping them (literally).

Kinda makes you wonder why they're not out dominating the world of MMA and instead are content to subsist on overpriced one-time seminars in which they mention kill techniques that they just can't show you.

 

[ShagginTurtles]

Rasslin' easily.

JJ doesn't mean much if you can't take them down

Striking doesn't mean much if you're on your back

Also look at GSP. Started out Karate but picked up rasslin' and now he looks nearly unbeatable.

 

[ferrisjso]

Originally it was BJJ. Now I'd say Muay Thai. Jon Jones has proved to me there's just so much you can do with Muay Thai. Offensively Muay Thai allows you so many options and if you have a long reach good Muay Thai can make you unbeatable as both Jon Jones and Anderson Silva have demonstrated.

 

[hoevan]

State of mind.

 

[jmd69]

Not getting knocked out or submitted

 

[dragonclaw]

Kinda makes you wonder why they're not out dominating the world of MMA and instead are content to subsist on overpriced one-time seminars in which they mention kill techniques that they just can't show you.

They aren't dominating because competition isn't part of Krav Maga, like how it is with all other forms of martial arts.

It's the purest and most lethal form of martial arts training there is.

You put a MMA fighter up against a Krav Maga specialist on the street and I guarantee you, the MMA fighter will walk away with broken bones or seriously injuries if they're lucky, and if not, they'll end up dead.

 

[Chuck Rock]

The Keith Hackney nut shot combo.

 

[mmaElite53]

BJJ still.
Great wrestler with no BJJ gets subbed. (See Lesnar-Mir 1,Sonnen-Maia)
Striker with no BJJ gets subbed.

 

[mmaElite53]

The Keith Hackney nut shot combo.

This too.

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

When and if a high level Krav Maga practitioner decides to compete in the UFC, he will become champion of his weight class.

Krav Maga is a no holds barred form of martial arts, but if it can be tweaked to conform with the rules of the UFC, there's no doubt in my mind it is the ultimate skill-set to defend against all others.

I've seen high level Krav Maga experts in action, and there's no stopping them (literally).

 

[Drake]

Spoiler

But ruhlly. It's wrestling.

 

[Aegon Spengler]

Originally it was BJJ. Now I'd say Muay Thai. Jon Jones has proved to me there's just so much you can do with Muay Thai. Offensively Muay Thai allows you so many options and if you have a long reach good Muay Thai can make you unbeatable as both Jon Jones and Anderson Silva have demonstrated.

?

 

[Ceez]

My vote goes to wrestling

Agreed

 

[Terry Toughnut]

I can't tell which is which.

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

?

I didn't know they taught you to stand with your hands down and move you head around in Muay Thai

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

I can't tell which is which.

That's the only one I could find. Apparently the Krav Maga gets subbed