A detailed tactical analysis criticizes modern strikers for failing to use wrestling feints and threats to create striking opportunities. The piece references Al Iaquinta's successful use of fake takedown attempts against Khabib Nurmagomedov, landing strikes when Khabib's body automatically reacted to wrestling threats. The analysis specifically critiques Jiri Prochazka's approach against Carlos Ulberg, noting Prochazka has decent wrestling credentials from his fights with Nemkov, Glover Teixeira, and Alex Pereira, but only attempted five takedowns in his entire UFC career. The author argues that even Petr Yan, UFC's best striker, attempted 65 takedowns, so other strikers should incorporate wrestling threats. The post emphasizes that muscle memory reactions to wrestling feints create 0.2-0.5 second windows for strikes, even when the actual takedown threat isn't credible.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
