Sherdog’s Top 10: MMA Wrestlers

Frankie Edgar has excelled in two weight classes. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

10. Frankie Edgar

A four-time NCAA Division I national qualifier at Clarion University, Edgar carried over his high-energy style from the wrestling mats to the cage. In fact, Edgar is a sterling example of how an approach that was limited at the highest levels in wrestling can become much more successful in an MMA context. While not the most physically overpowering fighter, Edgar’s speed, timing and transitional brilliance allow him to hit takedowns he could never grab in a pure wrestling environment.

Phase-shifting is the key to understanding Edgar’s success in MMA wrestling. More than almost anyone else, Edgar understands how to use a five-round fight to his advantage. He shows his opponents angles and entries early with strikes and level changes, and once he has conditioned them and gauged their responses, he surprises them with his signature knee tap or single-leg. The entry and angle look exactly the same as the striking combination he showed earlier; by the time they realize the takedown is in play, however, it is too late to stuff it. His re-shots and chains are likewise exceptional, and once he is in on your hips, it is almost impossible to get away.

It is notable how much better Edgar’s wrestling has looked at 145 pounds than it did earlier in his career, when he routinely gave up 15 or 20 pounds to his opponents at lightweight. He has yet to be taken down, and his surprising strength has translated to increased success with his own offensive wrestling.

Continue Reading: Number 9 » As an MMA wrestler, he has outstanding instincts for shooting reactive takedowns as his opponents come forward to throw strikes. He packs a bewildering variety of finishes, including snatch single-legs, blast doubles and step-outside throws.