11. Understanding Grappling
Matt Strasen/AP/Press Association ImagesOne of the big criticisms preventing outsiders from getting into the UFC are the fights which are contested against the cage, with two fighters appearing to be hugging one another and not actually doing an awful lot. These kinds of exchanges can be boring to uneducated fans as neither fighter seems to be mounting much offence. While it is certainly true that this isn't always the most entertaining aspect of the sport, grinding battles of this kind become immensely more watchable when you know what the fighters are actually attempting to do. Typically in these exchanges both fighters are trying to get underhooks (basically putting your arm under your opponents) so that they are able to control their opponents. Once underhooks have been acquired a fighter is in a far better position to man-handle their opponent and potentially throw them to the floor to mount some effective offence. These types of clinch-battles can look dull but a hard fought battle for underhooks is often cited as being the most exhausting aspect of the entire sport. Some fighters have built their careers around using this grinding style. It's all well and good being a flashy striker but if a UFC fighter is unable to defend against this style of attack then they won't last long in the sport's best promotion.