Wrestling vs MMA
There is a lot of debate about which sport is better: wrestling or MMA as both are incredibly physical and demand a lot from the athletes who compete in them.
Both sports are incredibly demanding, but there are a few key differences that might help you decide which one you think is better.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the key differences between wrestling and MMA so that you can make an informed decision about which one is better for you.
Table of Contents
What is Wrestling?
Wrestling is a combat sport that involves two athletes competing against each other in a physical match. The objective is to take down or throw your opponent to the ground, and then pin them down to the mat for a three-second count. Wrestlers use various holds and takedowns to gain an advantage over their opponent.
What is MMA?
MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a combat sport that combines techniques from a variety of fighting styles, including wrestling, Boxing, and Jujitsu.
The objective is to knock out or submit your opponent by applying a choke or joint lock. MMA fighters use a wide range of strikes and takedowns to gain an advantage.
Is MMA Wrestling?
MMA is not wrestling, but it does borrow a lot of techniques from wrestling. Wrestlers are typically strong and have good takedowns, so they are often successful in MMA. However, there are a lot of other techniques that fighters use in MMA, so it is not just a wrestling match.
What Are the Key Differences Between Wrestling and MMA?
1. Weaponry
One of the key differences between wrestling and MMA is that wrestlers use their bodies as weapons, while MMA fighters use a range of “weapons”, including punches, kicks, and submissions.
This means that wrestlers have to be incredibly fit and strong, while MMA fighters also have to be incredibly fit and strong and need to have a good understanding of grappling, striking, and ground fighting.
2. Rules
Wrestling is a sport that has very strict rules about what you can and can’t do. This means that wrestlers have to be very disciplined in their techniques and can’t rely on strikes or submissions to win the match. MMA, on the other hand, has a lot more lenient rules which allow fighters to use a wider range of techniques to win the match.
3. Training
All types of wrestling require a lot of discipline and technique, which is why wrestlers typically train for many years before they can compete at a high level.
MMA, on the other hand, requires a lot of strength and conditioning in addition to grappling and striking skills. This means that MMA fighters can typically start training for the sport at a younger age than wrestlers.
Which Is Better?
Wrestling and MMA are both incredibly demanding and physical sports, and it can be tough to decide which one is better.
From our point of view, wrestling is better for athletes who are looking for a sport that requires discipline and technique, or those who have ambitions to compete in the Olympics (in freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling) while MMA is better for athletes who are looking for a sport that requires strength and conditioning and can be useful in street fighting and self-defense. However, it really comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in a sport.
What Type of Wrestling Is Used in MMA?
MMA borrows techniques from a variety of wrestling styles, including folkstyle wrestling, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and even catch and submission wrestling.
However, it should be noted that the wrestling used in MMA is not pure wrestling, and instead incorporates techniques from a variety of martial arts disciplines.
Is Wrestling Harder Than MMA?
It depends. Both require extremely hard training, diets, discipline, and a very strict way of life in order to succeed. At the same time, at some points wrestling can be harder when it requires compliance with rules that severely limit the techniques that can be performed during a fight, but on the other hand, MMA requires a thorough understanding of a wide variety of fighting styles, which significantly increases the amount of knowledge and skills the fighter must master.
Pro Wrestling vs MMA Differences
First, pro wrestling is fake and is about entertainment, as MMA is “real” and considered one of the most lethal martial arts in the world.
Second, pro wrestling is more about showmanship and predetermined moves, while MMA is more about ground fighting, Jiu-Jitsu, and Boxing.
Lastly, pro wrestling is normally a standing match, while MMA has three different types of matches which are stand up, clinch, and ground.
Senegalese Wrestling vs MMA Differences
First, Senegalese wrestling is more about the exhibition and pure sport, while MMA is a full-contact combat sport that can be used in self-defense. Second, Senegalese wrestling is more about throws and takedowns, while MMA is a mix of Boxing, Wrestling, and Jujitsu.
Lastly, Senegalese wrestling is a traditional sport that has been passed down for generations, while MMA is a relatively new sport that is growing in popularity.
Catch Wrestling vs MMA Differences
Catch wrestling is more about leverage and technique, while MMA is a mix of Boxing, Wrestling, and Jujitsu.
Second, catch wrestling is normally a submission-only sport, while MMA has three different types of matches which are stand-up, clinch, and ground.
Lastly, catch wrestling is more of an old-school sport that is slowly dying out, while MMA is a new and growing sport.
Is Catch Wrestling Effective in MMA?
It really depends on the individual fighter’s skills and preferences. Some fighters who have a background in catch wrestling may prefer to use submissions and takedowns to win a fight, while others who come from an MMA background may prefer to use strikes and Jiu-Jitsu techniques. In the end, for MMA purposes, catch wrestling could be very useful, but as an addition to other martial art that will be the main one.
Do MMA Fighters Do Wrestling?
Yes, many MMA fighters have a background in wrestling and use it to their advantage in the octagon. Wrestlers are known for their takedowns and ground-and-pound techniques, which can be very effective against an opponent who is not familiar with wrestling.
Additionally, wrestlers typically have a high level of conditioning, which can give them an edge against other fighters who may not be as physically fit.
In the end, it really depends on the individual fighter and what they are comfortable with. Some MMA fighters prefer to stick to their own discipline and not use any wrestling techniques, while others may prefer to incorporate some wrestling into their game plan. Ultimately, it is up to the fighter to decide what works best for them.
Which Is Better for Self-defense, MMA, or Wrestling?
MMA is a more complete martial art and can be used for self-defense, while wrestling is more focused on takedowns and ground-and-pound techniques.
Additionally, MMA is a full-contact sport that can be used in real-life self-defense situations, while wrestling is a sport that is competed in a controlled environment.
In the end, MMA would be the better choice for self-defense, as it encompasses a variety of different martial arts disciplines. Wrestling is a great sport, but it does not have the same level of self-defense applications that MMA has.
Which Is Better for Cardio?
MMA is a great way to develop strength, speed, agility, and endurance, while wrestling is a more focused way to develop power, balance, and coordination. If you’re looking for an effective cardio workout, MMA would be the better choice as it involves more full-body movements.
If you’re focused on improving your power and technique, then wrestling may be the way to go. Wrestling cardio workouts can involve sprints, drills and higher-intensity exercises such as HIIT workouts as MMA cardio workouts tend to be more focused on calisthenics and endurance-based activities.
Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which is best for them, both can be effective for improving your overall fitness, so it ultimately depends on the individual’s goals.
Which Is More Dangerous?
MMA is a more dangerous sport than wrestling, as it involves strikes and submission holds. These techniques can cause serious injury to an opponent, and as such, MMA is not for everyone.
Wrestling is a less dangerous sport than MMA, as it does not involve strikes and submission holds. This makes it a safer sport for people to participate in, and as such, more people may be interested in wrestling than in MMA.
Important to mention that MMA has a higher injury rate than wrestling, as it involves more contact and can be more dangerous. This means that there is a greater chance of someone getting injured while participating in MMA than in wrestling.
Gear Comparison
MMA gear includes a number of protective gear to protect the fighters, like headgear, mouth guard, MMA gloves, groin guards, shin guards, and MMA shorts, which are mandatory in MMA. While wrestling requires less gear, like headgear, mouth guard, singlet, wrestling shoes, etc.
Which Is Harder to Learn?
MMA is a more complex martial art than wrestling and may be more difficult to learn. This is because MMA incorporates techniques from a variety of different martial arts disciplines, like BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, and more, while wrestling is more focused on takedowns and ground-and-pound techniques.
Thus, there are more techniques and different types of training that an MMA fighter has to learn, such as standing combat training (boxing, Thai boxing), ground fighting training (BJJ), wrestling and sambo training, and the like.
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