A detailed tactical analysis examined why modern strikers fail to incorporate even the threat of wrestling into their game plans, using the Procházka-Ulberg fight as a case study. The analyst rewatched Nurmagomedov vs. Iaquinta to illustrate how even basic wrestlers can successfully use feints and level changes to create striking opportunities, noting Iaquinta landed significant strikes twice by threatening takedowns against Khabib. The piece emphasized that Procházka, despite being a "huge bull" with demonstrated wrestling ability against Nemkov, Teixeira, and Pereira, attempted only 5 takedowns in his entire UFC career. The analysis argued that threatening wrestling could have provided safer distance-closing opportunities against the fast counterpuncher Ulberg, especially after Ulberg's knee injury became apparent. The comparison highlighted that even elite striker Petr Yan attempted 65 takedowns in UFC, questioning why other strikers don't similarly mix in grappling threats.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
