A detailed tactical analysis points out that strikers in modern MMA continue to neglect using the threat of wrestling to set up striking attacks, even when facing superior counter-punchers. The piece references Al Iaquinta's fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, where even Iaquinta successfully used feints of level changes to land strikes against the greatest grappler in MMA history. The analysis criticizes Jiri Prochazka's approach against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, noting that Prochazka failed to mix in any wrestling threats despite being significantly larger and having shown grappling ability in previous fights against Glover Teixeira and Alex Pereira. With Ulberg suffering a knee injury mid-fight, Prochazka had multiple opportunities to utilize wrestling or clinch work but chose not to, ultimately leading to his knockout loss. The analyst notes that even elite striker Petr Yan has attempted 65 takedowns in the UFC, while Prochazka has only attempted 5 in his entire UFC career.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
