To understand the evolution of grappling in modern MMA, one must look beyond the simple binary of ‘striker versus grappler.’ In the early 1990s, the Octagon was a laboratory where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) reigned supreme, primarily because it was a ‘secret’ language that few outside of Brazil understood. Today, grappling has transformed into a high-velocity, multi-disciplinary system where the cage itself is a primary weapon, and the transition between disciplines is more important than the disciplines themselves. This deep dive explores how the ground game has shifted from the patient guard-playing of the past to the relentless, suffocating pressure of the modern era.
The Early Era: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the Ultimate Equalizer
In the infancy of the UFC, grappling was synonymous with the Gracie family. The strategy was simple: close the distance, survive the initial strikes, and drag the opponent into a realm where their size and power were neutralized. The ‘guard’ was the revolutionary tool of this era. Fighters who were comfortable on their backs could systematically dismantle larger opponents using triangles, armbars, and sweeps. During this period, the evolution of grappling in modern MMA was defined by the shock of the unknown. Striking-based athletes had no answer for the leverage-based mechanics of BJJ, leading to a decade where a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu was often more dangerous than a world-class boxing pedigree.
However, as the sport matured, the ‘secret’ was out. Fighters began cross-training, and the era of the pure specialist began to fade. The introduction of the 10-point must system and shorter rounds forced grapplers to become more aggressive. No longer could a fighter sit in the guard for ten minutes waiting for a mistake; they had to create openings through damage and positional dominance.
The Anti-Grappling Revolution: Sprawl and Brawl
As BJJ became a known quantity, a new breed of athlete emerged: the elite wrestler with heavy hands. This era, often referred to as ‘Sprawl and Brawl,’ shifted the power dynamic. Wrestlers like Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes used their base not to take the fight down, but to keep it standing. By mastering the ‘sprawl’—the act of throwing the hips back to stop a takedown—these fighters forced grapplers to engage in striking battles they weren’t prepared for.
This phase was a critical turning point in the evolution of grappling in modern MMA. It proved that defensive wrestling was just as important as offensive submission skills. The grappling game moved from the center of the mat to the feet, where the battle for ‘underhooks’ and ‘head position’ determined where the fight took place. If you couldn’t get the fight to the floor, your black belt in BJJ was effectively useless. This forced grapplers to develop ‘wrestling for MMA,’ a hybrid style that used strikes to set up takedowns, rather than relying on the ‘naked’ shots of the early days.
The Evolution of Grappling in Modern MMA: The Cage as a Grappler’s Tool
Perhaps the most significant technical shift in the last decade is the tactical use of the fence. In traditional wrestling or BJJ, the match takes place on an open mat. In the Octagon, the fence is a ‘third man’ that can either help a fighter stand up or help a grappler trap their opponent. Modern grappling has moved away from the center-mat double-leg takedown and toward ‘cage wrestling.’
Elite grapplers now use the fence to ‘clinch and grind.’ By pinning an opponent against the cage, a grappler can kill their hips, take away their leverage, and systematically break their posture. This is where the ‘wall walk’—the technique of using the fence to climb back to one’s feet—became a mandatory skill for every fighter. Conversely, offensive grapplers developed ‘mat returns,’ where they lift and slam an opponent every time they try to stand up, a process that is as mentally draining as it is physically exhausting. This cycle of rising and falling is a hallmark of the modern grappling meta.
The Rise of the Dagestani Chain Wrestling System
While American collegiate wrestling focused on the takedown and BJJ focused on the submission, the Sambo-influenced style from the Caucasus region introduced ‘chain wrestling’ to the global stage. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev revolutionized the sport by never accepting a ‘failed’ takedown. If the first shot is defended, they immediately transition to a single-leg, then to a body lock, then to a trip, until the opponent’s defensive reserves are depleted.
A key component of this system is the ‘Dagestani Handcuff’—trapping an opponent’s wrist behind their back while they are on all fours. This eliminates the opponent’s ability to post or defend strikes, leading to a ‘smashed’ position where the grappler can land ground-and-pound with impunity. This isn’t just grappling; it’s a systematic denial of the opponent’s ability to compete. It represents the current pinnacle of the evolution of grappling in modern MMA, where control is prioritized over the immediate hunt for a submission.
The Future: Leg Locks and the Scramble Culture
As the ‘smash’ style becomes the standard, the counter-evolution has begun. We are seeing a resurgence in leg lock entries (the ‘Ashigarami’ system) popularized by teams like the Danaher Death Squad. Fighters are now willing to ‘give up’ top position to attack the lower extremities, a high-risk, high-reward strategy that keeps wrestlers hesitant to dive into the guard. Furthermore, the modern era is defined by ‘scrambling’—the ability to move fluidly between positions without ever being truly pinned. Athletes are now trained to be ‘anti-fragile’ on the ground, using inversions and rolls to turn a defensive nightmare into an offensive opportunity.
Grappling in 2025 and beyond is no longer about holding a position; it is about constant motion and the ‘threat of the transition.’ Whether it is the integration of high-level folkstyle wrestling or the precision of modern submission grappling, the floor of the Octagon remains the most complex puzzle in professional sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective grappling base for MMA today?
While BJJ was the original king, most experts agree that a strong wrestling base is currently the most effective foundation. Wrestling allows a fighter to dictate where the fight takes place, providing the ‘gas pedal’ for the pace of the match. However, it must be supplemented with submission defense and cage-work skills.
How has the ‘Wall Walk’ changed the sport?
The wall walk has made it much harder for traditional grapplers to keep opponents down. It has forced offensive grapplers to develop better ‘top-half’ control and mat-return techniques. It has also increased the importance of cardiovascular endurance, as the process of standing up against a heavy grappler is incredibly taxing.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu still relevant in modern MMA?
Absolutely. While ‘pure’ BJJ specialists are rarer, the principles of BJJ—leverage, joint locks, and chokes—are integrated into every fighter’s arsenal. You cannot survive in the top tiers of the UFC without a high-level understanding of submission grappling, even if your primary goal is to stay on your feet.
What is ‘Chain Wrestling’?
Chain wrestling is the practice of linking multiple takedown attempts together in a continuous flow. Instead of resetting after a defended shot, the fighter immediately moves to the next technique, keeping the defender in a constant state of reaction until they eventually break.
