A detailed tactical analysis criticizes modern strikers for failing to use the threat of wrestling to set up strikes. The analyst uses the example of Al Iaquinta successfully using wrestling feints against Khabib Nurmagomedov twice, forcing defensive reactions that created openings for strikes. The piece specifically highlights Jiri Prochazka's missed opportunity against Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, noting that Prochazka has decent wrestling credentials from his fights with Nemkov, Glover Teixeira, and Alex Pereira. The analyst argues that given Prochazka's struggles with safe distance closing and Ulberg's vulnerability to wrestling, using wrestling threats or actual wrestling attempts would have been strategically sound. The analysis 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
