An analyst critiques modern strikers for failing to use wrestling feints and threats to create striking openings, even against superior grapplers. Reviewing Khabib vs. Iaquinta, the analyst notes that Iaquinta successfully used fake takedown attempts to land strikes despite having no realistic chance of taking Khabib down. The body reacts faster than the mind, creating 0.2-0.5 second windows when opponents respond to feints. Jiri Prochazka is cited as a clear example: a large fighter with some wrestling ability who repeatedly gets hit while closing distance, yet attempted only five takedowns in his entire UFC career. The analyst argues that even elite striker Petr Yan attempted 65 takedowns in UFC, so fighters like Prochazka should at least threaten wrestling to confuse opponents and create safer entries.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
