UFC Combat Techniques and Classes: Impact on UFC Gambling Wagers
*UFC Fighting Styles Breakdown: Grapplers, Strikers, and the All-Rounders*
Date: February 18, 2025 By: Daniel Craymer & Paul Ricci
The UFC gathers martial arts warriors of various styles, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, capoeira, kickboxing, and more. To succeed in the octagon, a fighter can't only master their chosen discipline. Adaptability is key, as they may face diverse opponents requiring neutralization through unique strategies.
Such diversity brings intriguing betting opportunities, especially when moving beyond simple moneylines. This guide will demonstrate how to identify and wager on UFC's different fighting styles: Strikers, Grapplers, and the All-Rounders.
Embracing the Styles
The UFC's laid-back rules encourage a diverse range of moves, with only a few prohibited, like head butting, eye-gouging, fish-hooking, and groin attacks. Other moves are allowed, leaving fighters to devise strategies to overcome opponents.
Weight classes also play a role, with lighter ones featuring more strikers and heavier ones hosting more grapplers and wrestlers.
Strikers
Strikers rely on constant striking to the body, legs, and head, employing various techniques like hand strikes, knee strikes, and kicks. Their primary focus is standing combat, though takedowns occur—albeit less frequently. These warriors often score victories via knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO), although some fights may go the distance and be determined by decision.
Subcategories include counter-strikers, who wait for opponents to initiate attacks before responding from a distance, and classic brawlers, who frequently initiate close fights with powerful, up-close hits.
Associated Striking Disciplines: Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Karate, Boxing, Taekwondo
Notable Strikers: Israel Adesanya (Muay Thai, kickboxing), Conor McGregor (Boxing, kickboxing), Anderson Silva (Muay Thai/Taekwondo), and Alex Pereira (Kickboxing, Muay Thai).
Grapplers
Grapplers attempt to take down their adversaries and finish them via submission, primarily using wrestling or judo techniques. The key to their success lies in impeccable timing, quick takedowns, and strong holds. Submissions can be forced through chokeholds, clinch holds, arm or leglocks. The rear-naked choke is the most common UFC submission, but other often-used options include the guillotine choke, armbar, triangle choke, and anaconda choke.
Due to their quick submission skills, grapplers often claim victory before the third round. Fighting styles can vary dramatically between weight classes, with lighter classes displaying more agility and a broader range of submission holds.
Associated Grappling Disciplines: Wrestling, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo
Notable Grapplers: Khabib Nurmagedov (wrestling, sambo), Belal Muhammad (Wrestling), Curtis Blaydes (Wrestling), Charles Oliveira (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Gilbert Burns (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), and Bryce Mitchell (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).
All-Rounders
The top fighters possess adaptable skill sets, allowing them to excel in a variety of fighting styles. They can win through KO/TKO, submission, or decision. Their unexpected attack methods and endurance make them challenging opponents in three (3) or five (5) round bouts.
Notable All-Rounders: Jon Jones and George St-Pierre
Fighting Terms and Strategy
Ground and Pound
Grapplers who overpower their opponents with ground attacks, aiming to immobilize them and deliver substantial blows. Fighters should exercise caution to avoid illegal moves and disqualifications.
Lay and Pray
Though no longer prevalent, this strategy involves taking an opponent to the ground and lying on top of them to stall the fight, often aiming for a favorable judges' decision.
UFC Betting Considerations
Though we could delve deeper into the nuances of UFC styles, the principal categories are grapplers and strikers. A quick glance at an opponent's fighting history offers insight into their preferred style.
Focus on the following markets when betting:
- Fight to Go the Distance
- Method of Victory
- Total Rounds
For instance, if two evenly matched grapplers are facing off and you are unsure about betting on the moneyline, an attractive alternative could be MOV: Submission or wagering against the Fight to Go the Distance. Moreover, you could also explore the odds for a fight ending before the third round if betting on a striker.
Remember to bet on reliable UFC sportsbooks for optimal returns. Our dedicated guide provides recommendations on the best apps for UFC betting. Some offer better odds, expanded coverage, and additional features you'll want to consider. Stay informed on upcoming UFC events by signing up to our newsletter.
Author: Daniel Craymer
Daniel is a dedicated bettor and sports editor for our site. He constantly evaluates new and established betting platforms using his predictions and seeks out good deals. His cautious approach to sports betting and prudent use of betting tools benefits novice and experienced sports bettors looking to refine their strategy.
- Daniel Craymer and Paul Ricci, in their UFC guide, advocate for understanding the diverse fighting styles to excel in sports betting, as these styles can significantly influence the betting outcomes.
- The UFC's mixed-martial-arts landscape comprises strikers, grapplers, and all-rounders, each with unique strengths and strategies that try to overwhelm opponents.
- In exploring the UFC's betting trends, focusing on factors like the fight going the distance, method of victory, and total rounds can help bettors make informed wagers, as strikers and grapplers tend to favor different markets.
- When considering which fighters to bet on, analyzing their fight history can help determine their preferred style, such as Israel Adesanya, a noted striker with expertise in Muay Thai and kickboxing.
- By keeping abreast of gambling trends and staying informed on upcoming UFC events, smart sports bettors can invest in reliable UFC sportsbooks to understand the casino-and-gambling factors that influence their success.
