Sherdog’s Top 10: Current Corners

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2. Greg Jackson/Mike Winklejohn | Jackson-Wink MMA

Albuquerque, N.M., staples Jackson and Winklejohn made their names training fighters such as Diego Sanchez, Rashad Evans and Keith Jardine, but their major claim to fame today lies in their star pupil: UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Although a Jackson-Winklejohn corner no longer seems like the massive, almost unfair edge it did a few years ago, the duo remains one of the premier teams in the sport.

Jackson and Winklejohn are, at heart, outstanding game planners with fantastic ability to take apart the games of both opposing fighters and their own students and then apply those strengths and weaknesses in a coherent approach to a given fight. Their work in the corner is consistently outstanding, and few coaches better understand in-cage psychology better than Jackson while still maintaining the ability to provide clear technical advice.

The dynamic duo loses points in this ranking scheme, however, due to the camp’s limited track record of developing prospects from the ground up. Especially in the striking game, there are substantial questions about the camp’s ability to teach fundamentals and basic technique. Moreover, it is unclear whether Jackson and Winklejohn will be able to adapt to ongoing shifts in the overall game of MMA.

The smart money, however, says they will adjust and remain top coaches. They have done pretty well thus far.

Number 1 » He is the best game planner in all of MMA, with a long track record of success in huge fights and a true gift for unraveling the complex puzzles that top-level competition presents. More than any other coach, he understands how to not only exploit the opponent’s weaknesses but also take away his strengths.