An analysis piece examined how modern MMA strikers continue to neglect using wrestling threats to set up strikes, even in high-level UFC competition. The author referenced the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Al Iaquinta fight, where even Iaquinta successfully used feinted takedown attempts twice against Khabib to land strikes. The piece specifically criticized Jiri Prochazka's approach against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, noting that Prochazka has wrestling capabilities demonstrated against Glover Teixeira and Alex Pereira, yet attempted only five takedowns in his entire UFC career compared to Petr Yan's 65 attempts. The analysis argued that Prochazka could have used wrestling threats or clinch work to safely close distance against the counter-striker Ulberg, especially after Ulberg's knee injury. The author emphasized that muscle memory reactions to takedown feints create brief windows (0.2-0.5 seconds) that strikers can exploit, questioning why more fighters don't employ this tactic.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
